With maybe the exception of the principal (Keegan Michael-Key), the adults in The Prom are pretty flawed, using rude, cynical humour as an exterior shell. In fact, they're downright opportunistic at the beginning, using Emma's story to get good press. But nobody's too stubborn to grow — Dee Dee (Meryl Streep), for example, learns to put others' interests above her own. In addition to meaningful character growth, the movie's story is all about love and acceptance.
While the film celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, it allows Emma to be her own character. Emma stands up for what's right, but, as she sings, she doesn't want to be a symbol or trailblazer — she just wants to dance with her girlfriend. Speaking of her girlfriend, the moment that Alyssa (Ariana DeBose) comes out to her mother (Kerry Washington) is truly triumphant.