outLoud goes to East Bay Pride

East Bay LGBTQ+ youth came together last Saturday for Radical Love!: 4th Annual East Bay LGBTQ+ Youth Pride and we were there too! Under sunny skies, four interns from outLoud/ Youth Radio set-up our table in the parking lot at Our Space in Hayward.

The event showcased poets from Youth Speaks, live karaoke and performances from local artists including Star Amerasu. 

We asked participants to tell us:

1. What is the most important political issue facing LGBTQ youth right now?
2. Do you think the processes of finding community is different for LGBTQ youth than it is for adults?
3. What’s your favorite thing about Pride?

1. 

   “My favorite thing is that it’s the first time I ever felt completely accepted…ever.”

   

   “It’s always looked like there was a ton of events for ADULTS. But for youth it’s more word of mouth.”

   

   “Lack of intesectional solidarity” “Our love is a revolution”

   

   “I feel like I can be myself. I don’t have to hide who I am.”

   
   

   

   “My favorite thing about Pride is Community” “Favorite thing about Pride is all the enthusiasm”

   

   “How accepting everyone is! The way you are is never wrong. You’re free to just be yourself.”

   

   “LGBTQ + youth face higher rates of discrimination, drug us and suicide. I think that policing of young POC and the school to prison pipeline affect us most.”

   

   “Policing gender presentation affects us all, cis and trans, gay and straight. Gender neutral bathrooms NOW!”

   
   

Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @outloudradio for a full recap of the day and ongoing LGBTQ+ youth voices!