“We’re here tonight because LGBTQ+ youth deserve a home to come back to,” Will reflected, speaking to a packed room at The Bridge for Youth’s Homecoming GAYla. “Too many of us are without safe shelter and a community to be our authentic selves.”
“Amazing things can happen when we empower each other’s voices,” Xavii added. “So let’s use ours to make some noise!”
As the young attendees cheered and took to the dance floor, feelings of joy, safety, and community became ever present. At The Bridge for Youth’s second annual youth LGBTQ+ Pride event, The Homecoming GAYla, attendees could express themselves freely.
Too often, queer youth struggle to show up as their authentic selves. At this alternative homecoming dance, we cultivated a safe space for youth to build community, find affirming resources, and celebrate their unique identities.
Throughout the night, youth danced and watched drag performances hosted by Luna Muse, participated in LGBTQ+ History-themed trivia, enjoyed free bites from Nicollet Diner, and took part in activities including live screen printing, a photo booth, and a style station with glitter tattoos and press-on nails.
For many of the attendees, this was their first drag show. Luna Muse set the bar high as she took the floor to “Hot to Go” and played the hits curated by her and youth from The Bridge. Noticing audience reactions, Luna saw that attendees particularly enjoyed hearing Broadway songs from Hamilton and The Beetlejuice Musical. Watching youth belt out the words to their favorite songs with friends, both old and new, was heartwarming and empowering.
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Dressed to the nines, many took classic homecoming photos in the photo booth. When youth weren’t dancing, they engaged with the many activities in the space, such as printing their own souvenir poster designed by Will, a participant in The Bridge’s long-running LGBTQ+ support group, So What If I Am.
Throughout the night, we shared resources to help young people connect with The Bridge’s many programs, including invites to attend So What If I Am. By hosting this event, we’re able to expand our outreach and let youth know we are here to ensure they are safe, accepted, and supported.
As the last songs played, it became clear how impactful having a safe space is. The importance of community was on display as youth made new friends and special memories in a space that welcomed and affirmed who they are.
Events like this are made possible by our commUNITY of support. Thank you deeply to our annual sponsors and event supporters. Additionally, our deepest gratitude to Luna Muse, Queermunity MN for welcoming us back into their venue space; our vendors at Tee Squared Print Making; PhancyFace for the photo booth; Sequeerity for providing on-site support; Nicollet Diner; and our amazing volunteers from Medica, Xcel Energy, and the BFY community.
If you are a young person looking for community, The Bridge for Youth is here 24/7. Attend ‘So What If I Am’, held every Tuesday at 4:30 at The Bridge. Email [email protected]. Click here to learn more about other on-site resources.
