Rhode Island's LGBT Youth "Step Up and Out"

Nearly 200 people turned out for Youth Pride, Inc.'s annual fundraising gala at the Providence Biltmore on Thursday, Nov. 10.

The event-Stepping Up, Stepping Out-paid tribute to individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

For the past 20 years, YPI has been Rhode Island's largest statewide organization devoted to meeting the needs of LGBT youth. Programs include OUTspoken-a leadership training program, one-on-one counseling, case management, The Way Out-a peer led support group, Gay/Straight Alliance network organizing and a task force for LGBT and questioning youth.

Honorary chairs for the event were Gov. Lincoln Chafee and Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts; who lauded YPI for providing a safe, supportive place for LGBT and questioning youth. Roberts acknowledged there is still progress to be made to achieve equal rights for the LGBT community.

"YPI will lead in making a better future for all Rhode Islanders," she said.

State Reps. Frank Ferri (D-Warwick) and Deb Ruggiero (D-Jamestown) were also on hand to lend their support.

"You had the courage to come out and be who you are," said Ferri.

Another politician who praised YPI was Congressman David Cicilline, who said the organization "serves such an important role in our community."

"YPI gave me a home when I didn't have one," said YPI participant Justin, who told the audience about his introduction to the organization. He explained how it changed his life for the better.

"(When I came to YPI), I was shy and quiet," said Justin. "Now I'm loud, fun, and full of life."

YPI presented The Founders Award to Ken Fish, who has been an outspoken LGBT activist for the last 30 years. Fish was one of the founders of AIDS Project Rhode Island and chaired its board for six years. In addition, Fish has been a part of the YPI board since 2003.

Accepting his award from last year's honoree, Anne Sylvia, Fish reflected on growing up during the 1950s when the lives of gays and lesbians were kept in the closet.

"The system conspired to keep us invisible," he said.

Fish praised the LGBT youth of today for being "visible in their communities."

"It takes a lot of guts to step up and step out," he noted.

Options was the recipient of the Lipsky/Whittaker Award, named for John Lipsky and George Whittaker who were life partners for more than 50 years. Their estate established a scholarship to benefit LGBT youth.

The Luis Pagan Award, named in honor of a former YPI participant, was presented to former YPI intern Rory Mann, who is now a freshman at Marlboro College in Vermont. Mann served on the YPI Board of Directors and spoke out about bullying and the need to create safer schools at a Rhode Island Department of Education forum in 2010.

Mann said the staff and youth of YPI "have given me so much," noting she felt "humbled" by the honor.

"It's amazing," she said

Log onto www.youthprideri.org to learn more about Youth Pride, Inc.