2023 Youth Pride Writing Competition:
The Importance of Representation
Deadline: June 16, 2023
Background:
Pride is an important month for the LGBTQ+ community to acknowledge our history, struggles and accomplishments. Recently, a number of state and local governments across the United States are trying to restrict the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community, such as banning transgender individuals from competing in sports, banning books that share our stories and banning drag performances.
Every member of the LGBTQ+ community has the right to live their truth without fear. Pride 2023 is an opportunity to have our voices heard and create the change we want for our future.
Prompt:
Write an essay or poem (maximum 250 words) about the importance of LGBTQ representation in your community, government, sports, books, movies or television. Please share an example of how someone from the LGBTQ+ community made you feel represented and why it is important that we stay visible to combat hate.
Criteria:
-250 words or less
-Original work
-One submission
Prizes:
Students may earn 2 SSL hours for a quality submission that meets the above criteria and reflects thoughtful, insightful, and meaningful work. First place winner will receive $100, second place winner will receive $50, and the third place winner will receive a $25. All applicants will be invited to a pizza party with Montgomery County's first LGBTQ+ Councilmember, Evan Glass. Winners will be invited to the Montgomery County Council building to receive their prizes.
Please note: SSL hours will be applied around 3 weeks after winners are selected.
Application Instructions
To enter the competition, please fill out this Google form before Friday, June 16.
Please Note: Do not use your MCPS email address to fill out the Google Form.
Winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 27, and will be notified by email and invited to the Montgomery County Council building to receive their prizes.
Students, please DO NOT respond to this opportunity. All students may participate and earn 2 SSL hours by submitting a quality essay or poem to https://forms.gle/XhaJcpj9wSVRQSyS9.
(Please do not use your MCPS email address to fill out the Google Form.)
Deadline for submission is Friday, June 16, 2023.
Each student may only enter one submission. All Entries will become the sole property of MCG. MCG may publicly use the Entries online, in print, and in other communications. Entries submitted will be evaluated by the Office of Councilmember Evan Glass.
Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. The nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home.
