The Pride Fest planning committee is pictured above. Clockwise from left to right starting in the back row are Olivia Erkins, Caroline Dobyns, Keith Coyle, Kawon Whiteside, Anne Backus (president of Oak Ridge PFLAG), Joe Sears, Particia Edou, Alex Todd, Misty Neergaard. (Submitted photo)
Oak Ridge’s first Youth Pride Fest will be Saturday, May 31.
It’s for all East Tennessee LGBTQ youth and allies under the age of 21, and parents.
The Youth Pride Fest will be held at First Presbyterian Church from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. May 31. Youth should register by May 24 to attend the full day.
In the morning, there will be discussions on activism and being involved, spirituality, and coming out, as well as a presentation, “Love is not black and white” by members of the ORHS chapter of GSA. During the day, there will also be a scavenger hunt with prizes.
There will be games, a photo booth, as well as awareness booths, which include parent/family resources, anti-bullying, and others. There will be a coffee house show in the afternoon, which will include coming out stories, karaoke, a talent show, and a poetry slam.
Chris Sanders, executive director of Tennessee Equality Project, will also speak.
To donate or volunteer, contact Anne Backus at backusanne@comcast.net. For more information, go to the Youth Pride Fest website.
First Presbyterian Church is located at 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike at the corner of Lafayette and Oak Ridge Turnpike.
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