Young LGBTQ+ people and allies can look forward to a lively, free day of workshops, awards, music and practical support at Models of Pride 2026 in Hollywood. The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s youth conference brings together major creative voices, community organisations and families, making it a useful as well as celebratory event.

Essential Takeaways

  • Free youth event: Models of Pride takes place on 10 October, from 11am to 4pm, at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus.
  • Major honouree: Grammy-nominated artist and producer MNEK will receive the Artist of Pride Award.
  • Youth representation: Zaya Wade will accept the Model of Pride Award for advocacy involving trans and gender-expansive young people.
  • Practical support: Visitors can explore resource, college and job fairs alongside interactive workshops.
  • Wider welcome: The Parents and Professionals Institute offers tailored sessions for families, educators and other adult allies.

Models of Pride brings celebration and practical help together

A youth conference can be inspiring, but it's even more useful when it helps people work out what comes next. Models of Pride 2026 aims to do both, pairing music, creators and awards with college, employment and community resources at the Los Angeles LGBT Center's Hollywood campus.

The free gathering is designed for LGBTQ+ young people and allies aged 24 and under. That combination of celebration and practical guidance gives the event a warmer, more grounded feel than a standard awards ceremony. The Los Angeles LGBT Center's location information places the Anita May Rosenstein Campus at 1118 North McCadden Place. (According to the Los Angeles LGBT Center's campus information.) [4], [5]

MNEK leads a strong line-up of Pride honourees

MNEK will receive the Artist of Pride Award, adding a high-profile music moment to the day's programme. The UK singer, songwriter and producer has built a reputation for polished pop production and a candid presence, so the honour feels particularly fitting for an event centred on visibility and self-expression. (The Los Angeles LGBT Center announced the award in its official release.) [2]

He joins Zaya Wade, who will receive the Model of Pride Award. Wade's work and public advocacy have made her a prominent voice for trans and gender-expansive youth, while digital creator Curly Velasquez will receive the inaugural Storyteller of Pride Award. (The Center's announcement identifies Wade as this year's honouree.) [3]

Creators, music and workshops keep the day moving

The programme is built to feel active rather than formal. Emmy Award-winning digital creator Ruba Wilson returns as host, while DJ SUCCUBUS will provide the soundtrack, giving the afternoon a distinctly festival-like pulse.

There are also hands-on sessions, including a beauty workshop led by creator Freddie Chen. For visitors who prefer practical activities to speeches, that sort of programming can make a large event feel easier to enter, especially when you're arriving alone or meeting new people. The Center's wider Pride-season activity also points to a broader emphasis on accessible community events and cultural programming. [6], [7]

What young visitors and families can expect

Alongside the entertainment, attendees can browse resource, college and job fairs. Those opportunities matter because a supportive conversation with an organisation, adviser or employer can be more valuable than a glossy leaflet, particularly for young people thinking about study, work or finding local services.

Adult supporters aren't being left on the sidelines. The Parents and Professionals Institute runs at the same time, with discussions and resources for educators, guardians and other allies. It's a thoughtful addition, because young people often need support from the whole network around them, not just during one afternoon. The Los Angeles LGBT Center's network of locations reflects the organisation's wider community-service infrastructure. [4], [5]

Planning your visit to Models of Pride 2026

The event runs from 11am to 4pm on 10 October at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood. Registration and full programme details are available through modelsofpride.org, and checking ahead is sensible if you want to prioritise specific workshops or fairs.

The campus is part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center's larger network of community spaces, so visitors may also want to explore accessibility, transport and venue information before travelling. A little planning should leave more time for the enjoyable bits, including the music, meeting people and discovering a session that wasn't on your original list. [4], [5]

It's a bright, practical reminder that Pride events can offer both belonging and a useful next step.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

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