PRIDE GUIDde 1997 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

Lesbian-gay youth serve up breakfast for 150

by Thony Peregrin

Cincinnati-The gay youth of Cincinnati are ready to serve you something hot and tasty for Gay Pride this year. Prepare to sit back, relax and feast on a homemade Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the Cincinnati Youth Group. The breakfast is a tradition for Cincinnati Pride participants, as gay teens take this opportunity to expose the merits of

"Many are shocked by the fact that we have come out so early in life. Our youngest member is 13.”

this unique and important group.

"It's a special event for many reasons," says Mary Beth, 19. “But mostly it gives us a chance to interact with older gay people, who come from a different generation than we do. Many are shocked by the fact that we have come out so early in life. Our youngest member is 13."

She pauses for a moment and then breaks into a laugh.

"I think some of them are just shocked that a few of us have blue hair! But you know, despite the age difference, everyone has a good time, because you realize there is, in fact, no age difference."

The youth group has a membership somewhere in the range of 50-70 teens. There isn't an exact number available because facilitators don't keep a head count or any other personal information on the teens, for legal reasons. What they do do is offer a safe environment where young gays can socialize, ask questions, and seek advice on any-

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thing from coming out to parents to safe sex.

"Many of these kids are shunned by school administrators and other kids who lack the motivation or the knowledge to help them. We try to reaffirm to everyone in the group that they are productive and creative individuals with a purpose," says Dave Rauen, a group facilitator.

"We also have fun," he says with a smile.

A few weeks ago the teens planned their own prom. Organized entirely by the teens, the event had a D.J.—a high school student himself-food, and a backdrop where couples could have their prom pictures taken.

As of yet, there has been no parental backlash against the youth group or its facilitators. At least a dozen of the parents volunteer their time and resources to the group, such as offering transportation to the meetings for kids who don't have a car. Ms. Romero is one of those parents. She says she is grateful for the group because it offers her son a safe and friendly environment where he can learn about his sexual identity.

"Being a teenager is hard. Being a gay teenager is twice as hard. Parents of gay kids do not need to ask 'why.' They need to simply offer their love and support. And ... be willing to wake up at the crack of dawn to cook pancakes and bacon for 150 people!"

Local businesses have also been very supportive of the group. For the Pancake Breakfast last year, Frisch's and Perkins quietly donated food and supplies, and several other businesses are expected to make contributions this year.

This year the Pancake Breakfast takes place on Saturday, June 7, not Sunday as in years past. So mark your calendars and make sure you bring a healthy appetite. I promise your plate will filled with more than you can imagine.

The Pancake Breakfast is from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, 103 William Howard Taft Rd. A $5.00 donation is asked.

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