Leading With Pride

WHAT IS LEADING WITH PRIDE? 

Leading With Pride was developed in 2012 by a small group of folks who wanted to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Each representing different agencies and organizations, the group came together to develop the area’s first annually occurring conference aimed primarily toward leadership development of participants of Genders and Sexualities Alliances (GSAs).

As the event grew, it evolved to welcome all out LGBTQ+ students–regardless of GSA involvement–as well as parents and caregivers. The event remains youth-focused, with strong preference toward youth-led workshops and youth-only spaces.

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WHO CAN ATTEND? 

Leading With Pride is open to LGBTQ+ youth and their peer allies (ages 13 – 24), their parents/caregivers, and school-based staff, such as teachers, GSA advisors, and other education professionals who support LGBTQ+ students. The pre-conference is open to parents/caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth in grades PK – 5, as well as LGBTQ+ identifying families.

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 

Leading With Pride is always 100% free for all participants. Costs associated with the organization and coordination of the event are covered by the Leading With Pride Planning Committee.

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WHO RUNS THE SHOW? 

The LGBTQ and Sexual Health Program, which is a part of the Health, PE, LGBTQ, and Sexual Health Team in DC Public School’s Office of Teaching and Learning, convenes an annual Leading With Pride Planning Committee. This is a subcommittee of the DCPS LGBTQ Steering Committee, but representatives of agencies not represented on the steering committee are welcome to participate.

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Long-standing Leading With Pride planning partners include SMYAL, Whitman-Walker Health, The Trevor Project (Ambassadors Program), the Office of the State Superintendent, and the Gay Mens Chorus of Washington, DC.