The theme behind the 29th Annual Halifax Pride Festival—“this is why”—is about highlighting the stories, triumphs and goals of the LGBTQ community.

The Youth Project group wants to make its message clear as members prepare to march in Saturday’s Pride parade.

On Friday, more than two dozen youth showed up to create signs and help decorate the Pride float.

“Our theme is ‘because youth matter,’” said Kate Shewan, executive director of The Youth Project. “It speaks to some of the challenges that LGBTQ youth have. They often suffer from bullying and harassment, can have a tough time in school sometimes, and often face some sort of rejection. So, the theme ‘because youth matter’ really focuses on the work we do every day.”

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The Youth Project is an organization dedicated to providing support and services related to issues of sexual orientation and gender identity to youth 25 years and under. Members have been taking part in a number of Pride Week activities, with the goal of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for some of the festival’s younger participants.

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“Youth-oriented stuff during pride is less common than adult stuff,” said Max Jones, a summer student for The Youth Project. “They can’t go to clubs, they can’t go party. You know, they want a space where they can feel proud and get into the pride spirit. And The Youth Project’s a really good place for that to happen.”

More than two dozen young people showed up to The Youth Project headquarters on Friday to make signs in preparation for the Halifax Pride parade. Jennifer Grudic / Global News

“Youth-oriented stuff during pride is less common than adult stuff,” said Max Jones, a summer student for The Youth Project. “They can’t go to clubs, they can’t go party. You know, they want a space where they can feel proud and get into the pride spirit. And The Youth Project’s a really good place for that to happen.”

Jones says The Youth Project provides a safe place where young people can be themselves and get the support they need.

“In the past it’s been very common for people to come out later, way later in their life. But now since there’s more education, more awareness, more people talking and more resources like The Youth Project, people are coming out earlier and they’re not suffering for as long,” Jones said. Tweet This

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The organization offers a variety of programs and services including support groups, referrals, supportive counselling, a resource library, educational workshops and social activities. They also offer summer camps for youth.