This year’s Palm Springs Pride celebration was themed “Say Gay,” as a response to rising anti-queer and anti-trans extremism in the USA today, especially legislation that jeopardizes the livelihoods of queer and trans youth.
We asked some of the vendors and organizations present at the festival: if they could give one piece of advice to queer youth, what would it be? Below are there responses.
A huge congratulations to our Executive Director, Rev. Benita Ramsey, for marshaling the parade this year. Benita, you are an inspiration to us all, thank you
Advice from Adults to Queer Youth at PS Pride
Paulina from the Transgender Health & Wellness Center:
Find an ally; find an adult ally who can help support your gender journey. I would say take the time to find out who you are and know that you’re never stuck … also, you don’t have to grab a label. Do what feels right along the course of your journey … take time, be patient with yourself, be willing to learn, and follow your heart!
Mark and Max from MISTR
Mark (left):
"Stay true to yourself - don’t hold back!"
Max (right):
"Don’t be afraid of the power that you have and the power that you know you can give to the world."
Fernando, creator of Kraven Comics:
"Never give up on your dreams. Some people may not see what you see … and may advise you to do something else. My experience with creating Kraven Comics has been a challenging journey, but I never gave up. I don’t get discouraged by the numbers or by likes on social media; I just focus on what I believe, which is to create representation.
Follow your heart. Be focused and dedicated. Follow your dreams, because without dreams, we’re not alive. "
Follow your heart. Be focused and dedicated. Follow your dreams, because without dreams, we’re not alive. "