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.
Advice from Adults to Queer Youth at PS Pride
Mark & 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."
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!"
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. "
Arwyn tabling for Christy Holstege, Outgoing Mayor of Palm Springs:
"Believe in yourself!"
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