Features
Community
Profile:
Jeffrey Trumbower
Youth Pride 411
Youth Pride
411
by Lauren Parker
This
year's Youth Pride will be bigger and better than ever. If you've never
come out to celebrate it, this is the year to journey to Burlington. You'll
be part of a loud, proud movement of queer youth and their allies. If
you've come before, expect something different, new, and exciting. New
or old, May is the month to celebrate our pride—and take it to the
streets.
Youth Pride will kick off around noon
on Saturday, May 14, with a speak-out on the steps of Burlington's City
Hall. This is a time to rally the forces and listen to the stories of
queer youth. You can even step up to the mic and tell your story, sing
a song, read a poem, whatever your heart desires.
After the fabulous speak-out, we'll
prepare for the Pride march. Bring posters (or carry some created by Outright
youth), warm up your chanting voice, and get ready to march in the street.
This year, we hope to move the march off the sidewalk and into the street
to further reinforce our strength. We'll be waving rainbow flags, chanting
at the top of our lungs, and having an all-around good time.
When the march is over and your
yelling voice is shot, you have lots of options for spending the rest
of the day. You can finally see the short Theatre for Social Justice play
that Outright youth created. We'll also have workshops for you to enjoy
(their topics are TBA to keep you in suspense...), some outdoor games
(pull out that deflated kickball and put it to good use!), and a nice
place to chill and watch some movies at our very own Outright. If none
of these are your thing, just hang out downtown with your newfound friends
and maybe do a little shopping for the drag ball! "There's a drag
ball?" you ask? Read on...
When the hour grows late and the sun
lowers in the sky, it's time to start primping for the prom! And at this
prom, you don't have to worry about the sex of your date. All you need
to worry about is gettin' down to boogie! ... Anyway, prom primping: dress
up, put on some make-up, adjust your wig: do whatever you need to do to
become the fabulous, fashionable you (or your alternate personality).
Then, when you're ready, step onto
the dance floor. We'll have great music, food, and some good, old-fashioned
dance contests. Don't skimp on your yoga routines; you'll need that flexible
back to hold your own in the limbo contest. You may also want to get out
that dance video for a not-so-old-fashioned contest: the Drag Show. Either
sign up ahead of time to perform or be an adoring fan of our wonderful
young queens, kings, and everything in-between. The rest of the night
is yours. Dance, dance, dance.
Youth Pride is about being yourself,
being accepted, being loved, and being welcomed into Vermont's vibrant
queer and allied community. So don't let anyone stand in your way. Get
out your coolest rainbow gear, grab a ride to Burlington, and show your
PRIDE.
Lauren Parker is a senior at Champlain Valley Union High School in
Hinesburg and founded the school's Gay-Straight Alliance.