Joy and inclusivity shone bright as LGBTQ+ youth from across the Twin Cities came together to celebrate their identities at The GAYla Masquerade, presented by The Bridge for Youth. Attendees experienced drag performances, engaged in gender affirming activities, and embraced their truth in a safe space.

“For too many LGBTQ+ youth, it’s hard to find spaces that affirm and accept our identities,” shared Murwat (pictured above on the right), a youth representative from The Bridge. “That’s why an event like this is so important.”

“Tonight is a night to be whoever you want to be, where your identity is more than a mask,” added Sia (pictured above on the left), another youth representative from The Bridge. “Tonight, we can freely express ourselves, experiment with how we present, and celebrate who we are.”

The evening featured a style station with glitter face paint and nail polish, DIY mask making, a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and performances from drag artists Aidy HD and Patti Kaching.

Highlights of the night included a costume contest where youth got to show off their creativity, a raffle with exciting prizes, and dancing. Additionally, youth in attendance learned more about LGBTQ+ History Month and the importance of community.

“The Bridge hosted the GAYla to go alongside LGBTQ+ History Month,” Murwat explained. “While many acknowledge Pride Month in June, we know how important it is to empower the LGBTQ+ community every day. And now more than ever, we need to raise our voices and stand together. We’re writing queer history every day.”

“Events like this help us grow stronger in our individual identities,” Sia expressed. “Without community, things would be a lot harder.”

The Bridge’s commUNITY of support helped make this event possible. We’d like to give a special thanks to Queermunity who welcomed us to their event space, volunteers from Shakopee High School’s Bridge for Youth Club (pictured above), our friends at Medica for coming to table at the event, Sequeerity for providing onsite support, and our annual sponsors who make events like this possible.

It was a heartwarming evening as LGBTQ+ youth felt confident in embracing their truth. Together they uplifted each other, while reminding us how important commUNITY is.

Are you an LGBTQ+ youth in search of safe space to be accepted and supported? Consider joining The Bridge’s long-running support group, ‘So What If I Am’, every Tuesday at 4:30. Email Lou Farris at [email protected] to learn more .