HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The Capitol Modern Museum in Honolulu was filled with energy and excitement on a recent evening as hundreds of Honolulu teens gathered for the Rainbow Prom, organized by the Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center (HHHRC). Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The event, designed as a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth, comes at a time when many young people in Hawaii still face bullying and discrimination. Tech Savvy Teens keep kupuna up to date in growing digital world "The Department of Health has done several surveys of Hawaii high school students. We've seen time and time again that LGBTQ+ students are much more susceptible to bullying and feeling unsafe in public spaces," said Andrew Ogata, the Development and Marketing Director for HHHRC. "The Rainbow Prom really came out of the need to provide a supportive environment for these young people." For many, the prom offered a chance to express themselves freely without fear of judgment. "It's liberating," said Crow Villanueva, a senior at Punahou School. "There are so many stresses in our day-to-day lives, especially as a senior applying to colleges and keeping up with AP classes. It's just so nice to have a little time where I can be fully myself." The event also served as an opportunity for students to experience what it feels like to be truly seen and accepted. "There's a lot of people in the past that had to hide what gender they liked, or how they identify," said Rihanna Sanchez, a student from Leilehua High School. "This prom allows them to express themselves." Jay Kanaprach, a student at Punahou, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of having a safe space. How ‘Lucy’ became the beloved mascot of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team "If you don't have a safe and welcoming environment, then you aren't able to open up and be yourself. And if you can't do that, you might feel distanced or isolated. That's what leads to so many youth feeling alone or isolated, and that's the last thing we want for our youth," Kanaprach said. While the Rainbow Prom highlighted the progress made in creating more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, it also served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges they still face. "I think it's because of fear," Villanueva reflected. "A lot of people are afraid of change, and fear leads to hatred. Ignorance is at the root of much of that fear." The prom delivered a powerful message of acceptance that resonated with both LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. "It is a new generation, and things change a lot. Everyone should be accepted as who they are," said Faith Perez, a student from Leilehua High School. For some, the event was an opportunity to reflect on their identities and the pressure to conform. "Right now, I just identify as queer, and I have no other specific label," said Kanaprach. "Your identity is not something set in stone. You're always learning things about yourself." Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here For others, like Villanueva, the prom was a chance to remind queer students that they are not alone. "With all the hate and vitriol floating around, it's very important for queer students to have a place to feel seen, heard, and, most importantly, loved," Villanueva said. "They need to understand that the hate passing now is just temporary, and there's a life worth living for themselves and for everyone around them."