Models of Pride 2023—Celebrating Queer & Trans Youth

One of my favorite events in Los Angeles for LGBTQ+ youth.  BY CASEY WEITZMAN

Each year, our very own LA LGBT Center puts on a free event, Models of Pride, the world’s largest free conference for LGBTQ youth 24 and younger. Parents, allies, & professionals are also invited to attend. Models of Pride celebrated its 31st year, with workshops, resources, and entertainment – all free! The new and improved Models of Pride Festival was hosted at a new venue, The California Science Center in Los Angeles. This year’s festival included performances from Hayley Kiyoko, Ruba Wilson, DJ Brynn Taylor, and (America’s sweetheart) Dylan Mulvaney as the keynote speaker. There were LGBTQ+ resource tables, a job fair, carnival games, food trucks, and more.

Sebastian (he/him) and Grace, LMFT (she/her) pose for a photo at Models of Pride.

Many folks appreciate the struggles older queer folks went through, that make days like today easier and freer to our youth. However, I would imagine many still struggled to show up because it can be scary. Younger LGBTQ+ folks often have a difficult time being social or pushing themselves, but I’ve never seen such an amazing turnout of kids, parents, siblings, gender-affirming doctors, colleges, grandparents, pastors and celebrities. And yes—queer and trans joy—plain and simple. It was uplifting, with fun and delicious food and games, arts and crafts, dancing and Planned Parenthood. (We learned that Planned Parenthood has one location that caters to transgender healthcare.) We also spent time with the lovely Gina Bingham from the LGBTQ Center and Trans* Lounge.

Hosting the event at the CA Science Center was perfect, as it was spacious and well-attended. Grace and I loved attending this year’s Models of Pride, making new friends and seeing old friends and colleagues. You can find more photos of the event on our Instagram, @genderwellnessla.

Next year we will be a part of the resource tables. Hope to see you there in 2024!

~Casey

Casey Weitzman is the President of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles and has been a licensed marriage and family therapist for 30+ years, counseling children and adults who are exploring gender identity and/or sexual orientation issues. She is an active member of WPATH (World Professional Association of Transgender Health), CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), and AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists).

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