Pride Youth - San Diego Pride

Our annual Queer Youth Art Show is BACK for 2025 – and we’re bringing something NEW this year! For the first time ever, we’ll be hosting this year’s epic reception at @kavacollective.

CALLING ALL QUEER YOUTH ARTISTS!

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already creating magic ALL mediums and skill levels are WELCOME. Photographers, painters, digital artists, sculptors – we want to see YOUR art!

Ready to showcase your creativity? Submit your piece NOW!

Don’t miss this chance to shine!

#QueerArt #YouthArtists #SanDiegoArt #ArtOfPride #CreativeExpression

Please read these guidelines before submitting:

Eligibility Age: 10 -21 years old

Submission Fee: $0

Scroll down to learn more about our year-round programming and connection opportunities for youth.

Apply Here!

San Diego Pride works year-round to advocate for and empower our LGBTQIA+ youth. From GSA meet-ups to youth-led events, there are a number of ways you can get involved as an LGBTQ youth, faculty, or guardian.

Quick Links

Donate: Help sustain our youth programs by making a donation here >>
Volunteer: Learn more about volunteering as a youth or adult in our youth programs by emailing [email protected] or contacting us at 619-297-7683.
GSA Support: Our Youth Team is available provide tailored support to your GSA. We can visit your GSA, offer trainings or workshops, and provide connections to other LGBTQ+ resources around the region. Email us at [email protected] or fill out the GSA visit request form here >>
Coalition: Join the San Diego County Community Leadership Council: Youth Services & Advocacy Committee and meet other LGBTQIA+ youth serving organizations here >>

Scroll down to learn more about our year-round programming and connection opportunities for youth.

Pride Youth Collective

PYC is dedicated to leadership, professional development, and building community for LGBTQIA+ junior and high-school aged youth. From interactive workshops to volunteering, we focus on providing opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to engage in causes they are passionate about while building their socio-emotional skills in a safe and affirming environment.

Every second Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm. Locations vary monthly.

Click below to sign-up for PYC. We will email or text you the details for PYC every month, so make sure you select the appropriate option on the signup sheet.

Follow us on Instagram @sdprideyouth + spread the word!

For questions, contact us at [email protected]!

Sign up for Pride Youth Collective

Youth Leadership Academy

The Pride Youth Leadership Academy was created to bring LGBTQ+ youth together from across the region to engage, educate, and inspire our next generation of leaders. Youth who attend YLA come away with the practical skill and committed passion to become agents of change within their own schools and communities. YLA is a fun, inclusive, and intense day that includes historic context, LGBTQ resource education, team-building activities, and panel discussions that inform and motivate participants to be successful in all they do.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

8:45 AM – 4:00 PM

Register for YLA

Advocating For LGBTQIA+ Youth

San Diego Pride’s Education and Advocacy team works year-round to ensure that LGBTQIA+ youth are safe, affirmed, and thriving. We utilize advocacy tools such as policy, legislation, and training young people as organizers. As with San Diego Pride’s other advocacy work, we highlight and center those at multiples axes of oppression, locally, nationally, and globally.

A notable advocacy achievement came in May 2021, when we worked with coalition partners in the region to release the LGBTQ+ Youth Standards of Care document. Click below to learn more.

LEARN MORE LGBTQIA+ Youth Standards of Care

Youth Art Show

Every year our Youth Team, along with Art of Pride, create a platform to showcase local LGBTQIA+ Youth artists. For many young people, art is a meaningful outlet and means of expression. We welcome the opportunity to help our youth share their stories with family, friends, faculty, and the community.

2023’s theme: Thrive, is a celebration of the resilience and joy of our youth in the midst of an often hostile social environment. Click below to learn more, submit your at work, and/or RSVP for our opening reception.

Read about 2018’s art show here and watch 2020’s Virtual Youth Art show here.

Learn More

Youth at Pride

Every year during Pride, LGBTQ youth get to imagine and create a space for LGBTQIA+ middle and high-school aged youth within the Pride festival. This youth-only space is filled with activities, entertainment, and affirming community for our LGBTQIA+ youth. If you’re interested in joining our Youth Zone Planning Team, please email [email protected].

Festival Admission:

Youth 13 and younger get into the festival for free when accompanied by an adult. They do not require their own ticket.
Youth high school aged or younger get into the festival for free and must get a ticket at the box office located near the front gate. Recent high school graduates receive a free ticket as well with proper identification.

Youth Marching Band

Creating a safe environment for our LGBTQ youth to thrive is part of the ever-critical work of our movement. The Youth Pride Marching Band is a volunteer program designed to foster character development and leadership in LGBTQ-identified youth who wish to participate in the parade by sharing their musical talents in a culturally supportive community.

Learn More

LGBTQIA+ Youth Resources & Organizations

Hotlines / Warm Lines:

Community Organizations:

Libraries:

School District Resources: