The GLO Center is inviting local LGBTQIA+ youth to bust a move on the dance floor or take a splash to combat the summer heat during two upcoming events.

When: Saturday, Aug. 13 from 6-9 p.m.

Where: First Unitarian Universalist Church at 2434 E. Battlefield Road

Cost: $10 cash or five canned goods

GLO's Neon Wasteland Prom is the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization's Youth Group, which meets weekly to engage in discussions, participate in activities and often share a dinner together.

GLO Youth Group President Annie Cantrell said the inspiration for the prom's theme comes from teen dystopian fantasy stories like "The Hunger Games."

"The concept behind it is to make beauty from the aftermath of a big disaster or coming from the ruins, finding the beauty and revolution from a world that is dark and decrypted and no longer cares about you," Cantrell said. "It's about being able to express yourself when no one seems to care."

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Rather than a traditional prom king and queen, prom attendees will elect two "revolution leaders" to overthrow a "tyrannical overlord," which in this case is Cantrell.

"At the end of the night, when the revolution leaders are announced, they get to take me outside — I'm going to be wearing an all white outfit," Cantrell said. "They get to throw neon paint at me to symbolize the overthrow of power and having the true colors of the younger people, or the underrepresented group in general, taking over this overpowering force."

Cantrell said those who have never attended a GLO Youth Group meeting are encouraged to come out, dress up and have a fun time.

Collected canned goods will be donated to Ozarks Food Harvest.

The event is for folks ages 12-20. To RVSP, visit the GLO Youth's Neon Wasteland Prom Facebook Event page at fb.me/e/2kgsCvuBR.

GLO's Youth Group meets each Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. at the The GLO Center located at 518 E. Commercial St.

When: Sunday, Aug. 21 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Nixa Aquatic Center at 701 N. Taylor Way in Nixa

For its third Rainbow Kids Youth Meetup, GLO is hosting a back-to-school pool party at the Nixa Aquatic Center. Rainbow Kids Youth Meetups are open to LGBTQIA+ children ages 5-11.

GLO has rented the entire aquatic center for the party. Siblings and friends in the same age range are invited to join the fun.

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GLO Youth Coordinator Amy Hoogstraet said she wants to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ youth don't feel in the minority.

"Something like a pool party, I feel like when you're talking about transgender kids especially, this could be an opportunity for them to wear swimwear maybe they wouldn't feel comfortable in the general (public)," Hoogstraet said. "I just want this to be a pool party where the kids coming know that everyone there is either LGBTQ themselves or are friends and are affirming and all the parents are affirming."

Food and drink are allowed, as the concession stand will be closed. Hoogstraet asked that folks avoid glass bottles.

All children must be accompanied by a guardian throughout the duration of the event. Lifeguards will be present.

To RVSP, visit the Rainbow Kids Back-to-School Pool Party Facebook Event page at fb.me/e/4YTxMlHih.

For more information about either event, contact Hoogstraet at youthcoordinator@glocenter.org or call 573-337-1599.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com