Youth Pride Day Features Local and National Youth Activists

WASHINGTON, DC (April 18, 2001) – Thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth to gather in P St. Park for the 5th Annual Youth Pride Day Celebration. Plus, the Youth Pride Alliance is pleased to announce the keynote speakers for Youth Pride Day 2001.

Anthony Colin, 16, is from Los Angeles, CA. In 1999, he proposed starting a Gay-Straight Alliance in his high school. The school board opposed his proposal. In November 1999, he filed suit along with the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and People For the American Way. Three months later a court ruled in favor of the student group, making history as it applied the Equal Access Act of 1984 for the first time to protect a Gay-Straight Alliance. In August 2000, the school board finally gave permission for the group to meet. Anthony has been featured in Time Magazine, The Advocate, and Out Magazine. 

Morgan Harpster, 17, is from Albemarle County, VA. Two years ago, Morgan got involved with OutYouth of the Blue Ridge, a local non-profit serving gay and lesbian youth under 21. Her activities to raise awareness of the organization resulted in a 400% increase in attendance. Morgan is now one of the youth leaders of OutYouth of the Blue Ridge, serving as Vice President of their Board of Directors, and chairperson of their Youth Leadership Council. 

“We’re very excited to have such accomplished youth as Anthony and Morgan share their experiences at Youth Pride Day this year,” said Sean Gallavan, Director of Youth Pride Day 2001. “These two youth embody the spirit that is Youth Pride Day.” 

The fifth annual Youth Pride Day will be held on Saturday, April 21st, 2001 from noon until 5pm in P Street Park (also known as Rock Creek Park) at P and 23rd Sts., NW in Washington, DC. The event will feature dozens of speakers and entertainment, along with booths including many of Youth Pride Alliance’s 25 member organizations. This is the first year the event will be held in P Street Park. The event has been previously held in Dupont Circle. 

“Between our new location and amazing keynote speakers, I really think this is going to be the biggest and most rewarding Youth Pride Day ever,” said Gallavan. “We’re expecting over 3,000 young people to come out and celebrate with us in the park.”

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