April dubbed 'Queer Youth Month'

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The Utah Pride Center will host a flurry of youth-focused activities this month, leading the center to announce that April is "Queer Youth Month."

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth often face harassment at school and rejection at home, leading to higher rates of homelessness, depression and suicide attempts, studies have shown.

"Queer Youth Month aims to bring visibility and voice to youth who are too often silenced," Jude McNeil, the center's youth program director, said in a statement.

Here's a rundown of four events for LGBT youths this month. Unless otherwise noted, these events are at the Utah Pride Center, 355 N. 300 West, Salt Lake City.

Day of Silence, Night of Noise • April 15, 4-7 p.m. For this national day of action on April 15, students take a vow of silence, in some form, to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools. The silence is broken with a "Night of Noise" at the Utah Pride Center, where youths will share personal experiences with discrimination.

The Big, Big Event • April 15, 5:30 p.m. A talent show where youths will choose monarchs for the "Queer Prom," in conjunction with "Night of Noise."

Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) • April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For the first time, the Utah Pride Center will hold a statewide summit for students in gay-straight alliances or similar diversity clubs. Students will learn how to organize and advocate for their own communities and schools and statewide. Tickets are $10 but include a ticket to Queer Prom and a resource packet. Westminster College Gore School of Business 1840 S. 1300 East, Salt Lake City.

Queer Prom • April 16, 8 p.m. to midnight. This is the 8th annual formal dance for LGBT youths and allies, ages 14 to 20. Seven hundred attended last year. Tickets are $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South.