FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: HOMELSS YOUTH PRIDE
WALK TREKS THROUGH SALT LAKE CITY

Utah Pride Center hosts Operation Shine event on July 25

CONTACT: Jude McNeil 801-539-8800; jude@utahpridecenter.org

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Pride Center will host a 3-hour Operation Shine gathering on July 25 as part of the Homeless Youth Pride Walk 2009. During the 3-hour event which begins at 4 p.m., participants will enjoy speakers, food and entertainment in an effort to raise awareness of the struggles facing the homeless youth epidemic in America, especially those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

The walk, started by Chloe Michelle Noble and Jill Hardman, began in Seattle on May 22 and is expected to cover more than 6,000 miles. Noble and Hardman claim that nearly 35% of homeless youth in America identify as LGBTQ. "This diverse group of Queer youth has a profound and powerful voice," says Noble. "We want to support them in their progress and give them a platform to stand on."

Operation Shine 2009 was created so that inspired citizens could participate in the Homeless Youth Pride Walk without having to leave their city. Creating city-wide "Shines" in communities along the route, incorporates the passion of activists within  their home towns. Operation Shine is "also an opportunity for the LGBTQ community of America to stand with the homeless youth who are suffering a very intense and morally appalling form of nationwide discrimination," Noble said.

The schedule for Saturday's event is as follows:

4  - 5 p.m.        Speeches:

                        Jackie Biskupski                       House Representative District 30 (D)

                        Nicholina Womack                   Community Affairs Coordinator, Inclusion Center

                        Zach Bale                    Director of Outreach Services, Volunteers of

                                                                        America

                        Anthony Carpenter                   Community Member

                        Jill Hardman                Activist/Pride Walk 2009 Walker

                        Youth Speakers

                        Jude McNeil                             Youth Program Director, Utah Pride

                                                                        Center

                        Candice Metzer           Activist

                        Chloe Noble                             Activist/Pride Walk 2009 Walker

5-6:30 p.m.      BBQ

Community Shine Capsule (people write on a poster what they

think the world will look like in five years. The poster is placed in a capsule)

                        Dancing

                        Water Balloon Toss

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.           Live Music by 3 Reasonz 

The Utah Pride Center serves more than 400 LGTBQ youth each month through a youth activity center, which offers a safe space, basic need items, and food for hungry and homeless youth, according to Jude McNeil, Director of Youth Program. According to Utah's Volunteers of America, 43% of Utah's homeless youth identify as LGBT. "Often youth come to the Utah Pride Center because they are kicked out of their homes when they disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity," said McNeil.

The Salt Lake City Shine will be held at the Utah Pride Center on July 25 at 4 p.m. at the Utah Pride Center, 355 North 300 West. For more information on Operation Shine or the Homeless Youth Pride Walk 2009, visit www.pridewalk2009.org.

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