In the final days of 2019 Pride Youth Denmark (PRYDE) has been founded. The new organisation will strengthen the pride movement for the youth, and it aims to support, develop and execute pride activities for children and adolescents on a national level
At the premises of Copenhagen 2021 and Copenhagen Pride on H.C. Andersens Boulevard in the middle of Copenhagen, the new organisation was brought into the world on a founding general assembly on Tuesday the 17th of December. On this occasion, the purpose and mission of the new organisation was presented, and the first chairperson and board was elected.
“The more pride activities there are around this country, the better – and to secure a strong pride movement in the future, we have to strengthen the work for, with and by young LGBTQIA+ persons,” says Benjamin Hansen, newly elected chairperson for Pride Youth Denmark.
The Pride experience
Benjamin Hansen is born and raised on the small island of Bornholm, and it wasn’t until 2016 that he experienced Pride for the first time, which in many ways helped accelerate his personal development:
“It was in July 2016 that I first came out to my family, and one month later at Copenhagen Pride was the first time I felt like I was part of something bigger. I experienced being able to see myself reflected in the people around me, and I dared to be myself – this is one of the many strengths of the pride movement,” the newly elected chairperson recounts.
PRYDE strengthens Pride
Longstanding chairperson of Copenhagen Pride, Lars Henriksen, was elected onto the new board and is likewise looking forward to working with and for young people:
”Benjamin’s story so clearly illustrates the purpose of the new organisation. We need to strengthen the pride movement all over the country, so that children and adolescents can feel seen, understood and included,” Lars Henriksen states.
Benjamin Hansen and Lars Henriksen aside, Caroline Larsen, Mona Linaa and Brian Allesøe were elected to the new board. One of their first tasks will be to inspire and support the creation of local associations and expand the endeavors of the organisation nationally.
About Pride Youth Denmark
The organisation aims to develop and support parades and other Pride activities in Denmark. It will work towards creating a strong pride network for youths, based on the sharing of knowledge and expansion of existing and current concepts. Pride Youth Denmark encourages self expression for LGBTQIA+ persons and their allies through support, promotion and courses.
