What is Models of Pride?

StudentsModels of Pride (MOP) is a free one-day conference that focuses on the concerns and interests of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) youth up to age 24, and their allies. Words like camaraderie, safety and a strong sense of belonging have been used by hundreds of youth to describe this annual conference.

The Models of Pride conference is filled with workshops, a resource fair, exciting entertainment, food, a dance, and lots of new friends. By breaking the conference into tracks, we’ve provided something for everyone! This year we have a YOUTH TRACK and a COLLEGE TRACK for students. We also have a PARENT TRACK where parents and guardians can access information and resources, and ask questions in a safe and supportive environment. And for a nominal fee, Models of Pride also offers a PROFESSIONAL TRACK for service providers and educators looking to enrich their skills to support our community.

Workshop Topics Include: Relationships • History • Sexuality • Family issues • Political Activism• Gender Identity • Mental Health • Culture • Safer Sex • Self-Esteem • Recreation/Sports • Foster Care • Substance Use & Abuse • Literature • Spirituality • HIV/AIDS/STIs • Education • Religion • Disabilities Careers • Gay-Straight Alliances • Immigration • Arts • Hate Crimes/Harassment • Ethnic/Cultural Identity • Media/Communications • Legal Issues & Rights.

Last year, in addition to the regular conference, we were treated to performances by Kathy Griffin, cast members from the hit show Glee, dancers from League of Extraordinary Dancers, and an address from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Milk, Mr. Dustin Lance Black.

See what people are saying about Models of Pride!

 

The History of Models of Pride

Students 2The only one of its kind, Models of Pride, was created in 1993 by the Gay and Lesbian Education Commission of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as a means of providing a safe and positive environment where LGBTQ youth could network with each other and expose themselves to new ideas and information. Friends of Project 10, Inc. took over the sponsorship and major funding for this conference in 1998 when the LAUSD abolished all education commissions. For 18 years, conference programs have included a wide variety of workshops covering such topics as dating, coming out, stereotyping, student activism, cultural and religious issues, healthcare issues, and much more. In 2010, Friends of Project 10 Inc. invited LifeWorks, a youth development program of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, to be a major co-sponsor of the conference.

After a successful transition in 2010, LifeWorks intends to carry on the strong tradition and values Friends of Project 10 has instilled in the Models of Pride conference. We thank them their hard work and dedication over the past 13 years, and for their continued support.

MOP is funded entirely by private donations and grants. A special thanks to the Ernest Lieblich Foundation!

The Models of Pride conference continues to be free to all youth participants!