Freedom to Be Myself
Youth Pride
Youth Pride celebrates LGBTQ+ young people and the families, educators, and community members who support them. The coalition of organizations that have come together to make-up this year’s Youth Pride events are dedicated to connecting LGBTQ+ youth with resources, peers, and community-building activities. These are safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and the people who support them.
Friday, May 30 — Saturday, June 7
Various Locations
Pride Rising
May 30, 2025 · 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Brought to you by Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs
Join us Pride Rising, a vibrant night of activation and celebration designed for Gen-Z LGBTQ+ young adults (18+), featuring inspiring speakers, drag performances, and activations to promote civic engagement and empower the community in resilience and social justice action.
Partners include: Born This Way Foundation, Human Rights Campaign, OutVote, Point Foundation, Voters of Tomorrow, Team ENOUGH, Gen Z for Change.
Youth Pride Day
May 31, 2025 · 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Woolly Mammoth Theater Company
Brought to you by SMYAL
SMYAL’s Youth Pride is a family-friendly event for LGBTQ+ youth ages 6-18 years old and their parents/ caregivers/families. The morning programming will be dedicated to programming for children 6-12 years old, and the afternoon will be focused on youth 13-18 years old. Please note that youth and adults over 18 years of age will only be allowed into the space if they are actively accompanying a youth 18 years old or younger.
Learn more and register via the link below. This is a free, ticketed event. Registration will be available at the door as space allows.
Teen Pride Skate and Create
May 31, 2025 · 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Brought to you by Latin American Youth Center
A teen pride event for LGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 13-19. Teens can engage in a variety of fun activities such as roller skating, art making, music and win door prizes throughout the event.
Book Launch – The Light Looks Like Me: Words on Love from Queer Youth
June 3, 2025 · 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Brought to you by Shout Mouse Press Inc
Shout Mouse Press celebrates the publication of The Light Looks Like Me: Words on Love by Queer Youth, a multi-genre anthology exploring LGBTQ+ love. In partnership with Loyalty Bookstores, this event will feature readings from the book’s young authors, music by a celebrated DJ, and the appearance of a special guest adult author. Attendees will be able to purchase book copies, get their books signed, and explore all the ways queer love brightens their own lives.
Proud to Teach
June 5, 2025 · 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Crush Bar
2007 14th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20009
Brought to you by Teach For America D.C and Virginia PRISM
Join fellow LGBTQ+ educators, past and present, to engage in fun games, build strong connections, and explore valuable resources to support inclusive teaching practices and empowering classrooms.