Last summer, Mazzoni Center organized the first-annual Philly Youth Pride event, which consisted of live performances, workshops and a fun, inclusive atmosphere. The planning for this year’s event is in full swing, and the goal is to make it even better than last year.
Anthony Leon, Youth Education Manager at Mazzoni Center, who helped with the planning of the first Pride, said there were a lot of successes at last year’s event.
“The fact that it actually happened was a success. It had been planned and proposed for about two years, so it was super that the Mazzoni Center decided to put it on,” Leon said. “We were able to attract a younger audience, and the drag show was also a big success because we were able to get a bunch of young performers.”
Last year, the event took place July 5 on 13th Street, between Locust and Spruce, the same day of the block party celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Annual Reminders. This year, Leon is looking to improve Philly Youth Pride in terms of location, when the event takes place and the entertainment.
“One big difference is that we’re going to have it in a much different space. This summer, the goal is to have it in a park-type environment, but we want to make it so that a young person can get off the train and not walk more than a couple of blocks. Anther difference is that this year there will be no sit-down lectures; it will just be an event for young people to come to with music, activities and to get people out to be themselves and enjoy each other’s company in a safe environment.”
Leon is hoping that the event will take place sometime in mid- to late August before school starts, mainly because there are no major holidays or events during that time, and there’s not a lot going on in terms of Pride events. This will make it easier for young people to attend, which is an important goal for the event.
“Philly Youth Pride is important because a lot of events either have a cost associated or there is alcohol consumption. Philly Youth Pride creates a space for young people to come together. They can be authentic to who they are, celebrate who they are and they can learn more from each other,” Leon said.
Leon said Philly Youth Pride isn’t just an important event for young people, but for the entire city of Philadelphia.
“Philly is a big enough, vibrant city, and we should have a Youth Pride of our own. We have a large LGBT population here that deserves to celebrate who they are at home.”
To learn more about the Philly Youth Pride event, or if you are interested in performing at the event, contact Anthony Leon at [email protected].