GRAPHIC: Young, Proud, and Free event flyer with a blurred background. Courtesy of Say Her Name Texas. — During the event, people between the ages of 13 to 24 will experience a makeover and receive resources to better their self-esteem and self-worth. Flyer courtesy of Say Her Name Texas.

Young, Proud and Free event to offer safe space for Queer Youth of Color

By Stephanie Perez On Jun 18, 2021 129 0

For Juneteenth, Say Her Name Texas and Pride Houston are hosting the Young, Proud, and Free event to celebrate alongside Queer Youth of Color. During the event, people between the ages of 13 to 24 will experience a makeover and receive resources to better their self-esteem and self-worth.

Shelly Baker, founder of Say Her Name Texas, said that the organization chose Juneteenth because it is a celebration of freedom from slavery and oppression for people of color – 42 percent of adults in the LGBT community identified as people of color.

“Addressing the internalized oppression we cause as Black Americans against the LGBTQ community and not allowing our own people to truly be free,” Baker said. ”Two-fold when it comes to our Youth, we are passing on generational oppression. We want to unpack that and address the issue plaguing our most vulnerable population – LGBTQ Youth of Color. We should be celebrating and including our future in Juneteenth Celebrations yet; we have not yet seen this realized in our society and community today.”

Young, Proud, and Free takes place June 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Montrose Grace Place. Those interested in registering for the makeover can register with Montrose Grace Place.