For the first time in more than two years, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Models of Pride for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth (LGBTQ+) and their allies 24 years and under will be held in person on Saturday, April 2, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Los Angeles City College (LACC).
For more information or to register for Models of Pride, visit modelsofpride.org.
LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and parents and professionals will have the opportunity to be surrounded by positive role models from the LGBTQ+ community, connect with peers, and attend life-enriching workshops—all designed to help them build confidence and self-esteem and develop valuable life skills.
Presented by Toyota, the 29th annual event also includes carnival games, a DJ, food trucks, and an incredible entertainment lineup of inspiring LGBTQ+ celebrities and influencers: singers Jim and Sasha Allen from The Voice Season 21; musician and content creator Sam Tsui; actor, singer, and dancer Keiynan Lonsdale; recording artist and songwriter B.K. Habermehl; aerialist Amanda Ritchie from Grounded in Flight; drag performer Dew Mi Moore; and more. The event entertainment will be hosted by Mayhem Miller from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“We are thrilled to offer Models of Pride for the first time in real life after more than two years, and there’s no better way to welcome back the youth than with a Pride Festival!” said the Center’s Director of Community-Based Programs Kevin McCloskey. “COVID-19 forced us to move Models of Pride to a virtual conference in 2020 and to cancel the 2021 event entirely, which made it extremely challenging for LGBTQ+ youth and allies and their parents to find support from each other during a dangerous time—not only because of the pandemic but also because of the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric being amplified nationwide by the former Trump administration. Now, with a new presidential administration that welcomes the LGBTQ+ community and with Los Angeles easing restrictions on large gatherings, this year’s Models of Pride undoubtedly will help LGBTQ+ youth and their allies to thrive as their best selves and to create new memories.”
Some of the workshop topics offered this year include: taking charge of your Coming Out story (Living All Out); exploring the LGBTQ+ community’s subcultures to find your chosen community (Where Do You Fit In?); and learning the history of drag and taking the first steps of becoming a fabulous drag performer (Drag Isn’t a Race!).
Carnival games include: Dunk Tank, Skee Ball, Axe Throwing, Ring Toss, Pong Ball, Sports Zone, Hi-Striker Hammer, and more.
In addition to the youth-only portions of the single-day festival, parents, caregivers, educators, social service providers, and other youth-serving professionals are offered free workshops tailored to their roles and interests to better serve LGBTQ+ youth. Known as the Parent & Professional Institute (PPI), this programming for adults also will give them the opportunity to learn about community services at the festival’s Resource Fair and educational options at the College Fair.
To attend Models of Pride, all youth under the age of 18 will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (at least two doses). In the event they are not vaccinated, they will be allowed to present a COVID-19 negative test result from any of the following: a Rapid Test if taken with 24 hours of the conference or a PCR test if taken within 72 hours of the conference. Negative test results from at-home tests will not be accepted. Youth between the ages of 18–24 attending workshops are required to be fully vaccinated. All staff, volunteers, vendors, performers, and anyone who is not considered a guest will be required to be fully vaccinated. All adults accompanying a youth, or who will be participating in the Parents & Professionals Institute (PPI), also will be required to be fully vaccinated.
For more information or to register for Models of Pride, visit modelsofpride.org.
