Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Models of Pride returns for its 30th annual conference
The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Models of Pride returns for its 30th annual conference on Saturday, October 22, giving LGBTQ+ youth and allies the opportunity to surround themselves with 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 while developing valuable life skills.
Presented by Glamazon L.A.—Amazon’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group, the 30th anniversary conference will also include carnival games and a DJ; a resource, college, and job fair; and a catered backyard BBQ lunch. RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Mayhem Miller will host a Music Festival Celebration featuring a lineup of inspiring LGBTQ+ celebrities and influencers including DJ Brynn Taylor, a recent headliner at the 2022 Seattle Pridefest; drag performer Dew Mi Moore; The Realm Company, an up-and-coming LGBTQ+ dance group from West Hollywood; West Hollywood drag queen Jada Slayy; ally and supporter Mike Xavier; and more.
The conference also includes the Parents and Professionals Institute which offers family members, educators, professionals, and all other adult supporters of LGBTQ+ youth an unparalleled opportunity with others on a similar journey.
“Models of Pride was started 30 years ago by a group of Los Angeles teachers who knew LGBTQ+ youth needed a place to build community, hear from role models, and develop their sense of self,” said the Center’s Director of Youth Community-Based Programs Kevin McCloskey. “We’ve made great progress in 30 years, but as long as youth still experience rejection from families, bullying at school, and the effects of homophobia and transphobia, the Center will continue producing this incredible and life-affirming conference.”
“Amazon is incredibly proud of its ongoing support of the Center and the thousands of Angelenos it serves,” said Glamazon Los Angeles Chapter President Michael Dawson. “There is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to the community and LGBTQ+ youth then to bring Amazon employees together for Models of Pride with the Center. This work is at the core of what Glamazon stands for.”
Some of the workshops offered this year include: Coming Out in a Family of Color (how to navigate specific cultural considerations while sharing your identity with your family); Where Do You Fit In? (a guide to exploring the LGBTQ+ community’s subcultures to find your chosen community); The Power of Leadership (an introduction to the power of youth-led activism; and Dream Yourself Awake (how to effectively work with your dreams and messages from your subconscious to yield amazing results). Social Media influencer Brendan Jordan will also host a workshop discussing his journey and sharing tips on the art of authentic content creation.
Carnival games include a mechanical unicorn ride, an 85-foot boot camp obstacle course, a money-blowing vault, skee ball, giant darts, ring toss, 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 provides them with their own set of tailored workshops, discussions, and resources.
To attend Models of Pride, all youth ages 24 and younger 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. All staff, volunteers, vendors, performers, and attendees will be required to be fully vaccinated. All adults accompanying a youth, or who will be participating in the Parents & Professionals Institute (PPI), will also be required to be fully vaccinated.
The Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Models of Pride is Glamazon L.A.—Amazon’s LGBTQ+ Affinity Group. Senior Sponsors are Comcast NBCUniversal, U.S. Bank, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Sophomore sponsor is Edison International and Omnicom Group. Freshman sponsors are The Aerospace Corporation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Pacific Western Bank. Official Airline Partner is American Airlines.
WHAT:
Models of Pride Festival
The world’s largest free conference for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies returns in person for the 30th anniversary, filled with life-enriching workshops, entertainment, resources, and more to help attendees to build confidence and self-esteem while developing valuable life skills. This conference will also offer family members, educators, professionals and all other LGBTQ+ supporters the opportunity to attend the Parents and Professionals Institute at Models of Pride, which offers tailored workshops, a resource fair and celebratory reception.
WHEN:
Saturday, October 22
9 a.m.–6 p.m.
WHERE:
Los Angeles City College
855 North Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029
COST:
FREE
For more information or to register for Models of Pride, visit modelsofpride.org.
