Los Angeles LGBT Center Hosts Hundreds of LGBTQ+ Youth, Families at 32nd Anniversary Models of Pride Festival
Social media sensation Bretman Rock was on hand to accept the Model of Pride Award
Presented by BMO
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Models of Pride Event Photography
Talent + Program Images Here
Courtesy of Los Angeles LGBT Center
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LOS ANGELES, October 21, 2024 — On Sunday, the Los Angeles LGBT Center hosted the 32nd annual Models of Pride festival, presented by BMO, welcoming more than 600 LGBTQ+ youth and their allies for a day of community, education, and celebration at the Center’s Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood.
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning creator Ruba Wilson, a.k.a. RubasWorld, the event welcomed social media sensation and beauty mogul Bretman Rock to accept the Model of Pride Award, an honor given each year to a positive role model uplifting LGBTQ+ youth. Rock sat down for the day’s keynote conversation with the award-winning entertainment journalist Suzy Exposito.
Later in the day, actor, writer, and activist Brandon Kyle Goodman presented the Artist of Pride Award to the singer-songwriter VINCINT, and Heather Martinez of the Center’s Community Action Network (CAN) presented the Models of Pride Youth Leadership Award to youth advocate and podcaster, Jasper Chen of the Center’s Youth Leadership Team.
Key Quotes from Models of Pride 2024:
Bretman Rock on their advice for LGBTQ+ youth of today:
“The world is gonna bully you; you cannot be your biggest bully. You have to make your world and surround yourself with people who nourish you and love you for you, for who you are. Your world is really who you see around you. So build your world, girl. Live your fantasy.”
Bretman Rock on their wish for the next generation of TGI youth:
“In Filipino culture, people would literally bring their kids to trans people and ask them to name them because they thought that trans people could see into the future and name them based on what they look like, and it’s the same with Hawaiian culture. I know we can’t go back to that, but I think what we can take from our past, queer, nonbinary, trans people from the past, is that these are people who stepped into their power. And because they stepped into their power, the community was able to see their light. My one wish is for all of you to find your light. For all of you to find your power, because you will find a community that sees that. I’m not saying that they’ll worship you the way they did back in the day, but they will respect you and they will welcome you.”
VINCINT on advice they received from their late parents:
“I carry with me a phrase that they told me nearly every day: Show up and make them see you, because you never know who’s watching and who might see themselves in you. So I hope you all here today know that someone is noticing the light in you, and by showing up, you’re helping ignite the light in them. Keep showing up. Let us remember that our stories matter, and they have the power to change hearts and minds. I urge everyone to embrace their true selves and to stand together in unity. Love is love, and we must continue to fight for a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear.”
A unique intergenerational experience curated specifically for LA’s students, parents, and education professionals, Models of Pride returned for its 32nd year with an all new venue, workshops, and activities. The event was completely free to attend for all youth ages 24 and younger, along with their allies, friends, and families.
“At BMO, we are committed to driving progress for an inclusive society where all are welcome. BMO respects everyone’s sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression,” said Cheryl Kisob, Vice President of Community Giving, BMO. “By supporting events like this one, we’re empowering the next generation and helping our customers make real financial progress.”
Guests attended 14 workshops for youth, including sessions covering drag artistry, navigating the coming out process, an intro to line dancing, and more. Workshops for parents and professionals included “Teaching Intersectional LGBTQ+ Histories,” “Yoga & Mindfulness,” “LGBTQ+ Affirming Parenting.”
More than 30 resource vendors from community groups, employers, educational institutions, and Los Angeles LGBT Center programs were on hand to connect guests to services and programs.
Models of Pride is also made possible by Senior Sponsors Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo, Glamazon L.A.—Amazon’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group, NYX Professional Makeup, and U.S. Bank. Junior sponsors are Edison International, Waymo and Yitty. Freshman sponsor is First Citizens Bank.
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About Youth Services
The Center offers more wide-ranging services for underserved queer youth than any other organization, by helping thousands of LGBTQ+ youth (ages 18-24) every single year through housing, community events, outreach, and other supportive social services. Buttressed by the Center’s holistic model of care with programs like Health Services, Legal Services, and more, our program helps keep youth safe, healthy, and celebrated. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org/services/youth-services.
About the Los Angeles LGBT Center
Since 1969, the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed, and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 800 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. We are an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people thrive as healthy, equal, and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.