NEW YORK, May 26, 2021 – NYC Pride is excited to bring back Youth Pride, a celebration of and for LGBTQIA+ and ally teens, as a virtual gathering in 2021. For this year’s experience, NYC Pride has partnered with youth-focused LGBT centers, organizations, and programs nationwide to present the iconic annual Youth Pride virtual event.

This program follows 2019’s unforgettable event at which 10,000+ LGBTQIA+ teens came together for a day of performances, appearances, activations and dancing at Central Park’s Summerstage. When 2020 made large gatherings impossible, NYC Pride took time to reimagine how to safely provide queer youth a crucially important sense of community and togetherness.

“NYC Pride couldn’t be more excited to continue raising awareness – and creating a safe, inviting and celebratory environment – for LGBTQIA+ teens and allies, in New York City, and beyond,” said Samantha Johnson, Youth Pride Event Manager. “After a year of isolation and uncertainty, it’s more critical than ever to facilitate a place for belonging and bring light to those who will carry our torch and lead our LGBTQIA+ community into the future.”

This year, Youth Pride will be hosted by both Amber Whittington and Jorge “Gitoo” Wright – two powerful influencers and activists who are changing our country (and the world), coast to coast. Whittington, creator of AmbersCloset, is best known for creating content that not only represents her community, but empowers others to show up as their best, most authentic selves. Gitoo, a NYC-native, has carved a space for himself as a creative, host and professional personality who’s known for the electricity he brings to any space he’s in.

Some of the performances, appearances, and sets lined up for this year’s Youth Pride include Brita Filter, Deetranada, Mia Lailani, Tarriona 'Tank' Ball, Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Kate Gil, Citizen Queen, RAYE, Gotham Cheer, Serpentwithfeet, Aaron Rose Philip, Papi Juice, DJ Karaba, and Devan Ibiza – with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to bringing top-tier talent to this year’s Youth Pride, NYC Pride is proud to partner with more than 100 organizations in New York City and throughout the United States whose work centers around LGBTQIA+ youth. Among these critical organizations is Centerlink, the international nonprofit organization and member-based association of LGBTQ centers and other LGBTQ organizations serving their local and regional communities. Centerlink, along with several other LGBTQIA+ organizations across the country, will be hosting virtual, live, or hybrid watch parties for the day's festivities, providing a safe space for celebration for teens everywhere. 

Target is a founding partner of Youth Pride. For more information about NYC Pride’s 2021 roster of events including Youth Pride, visit: www.nycpride.org.

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Media Contacts:

Dan Dimant | Media Director
dan@nycpride.org

Chaz Taylor | Communications Manager
chaz@nycpride.org

Cathy Renna | Media Consultant
cathy@targetcue.com

ABOUT HERITAGE OF PRIDE Heritage of Pride, Inc. is the volunteer-directed organization behind the official NYC Pride roster of events. Heritage of Pride’s mission is to work toward a future without discrimination where all people have equal rights under the law. We do this by producing LGBTQIA+ Pride events that inspire, educate, commemorate, and celebrate our diverse community.