Queens Gazette: Local Youth Participant Selected As Queens Pride Parade Grand Marshal

Eli Betts, age 20, has been selected as a Grand Marshal of this year’s Queens Pride Parade in recognition of his leadership in Generation Q, a Forest Hills-based LGBTQ youth program operated by Queens Community House. Betts will don the Grand Marshal sash alongside Borough President Melinda Katz and the non-profit Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Queens Pride Chair Tina Arniotis is thrilled to have a young adult lead the parade. “Today’s LGBTQ youth are the ones who will carry the torch as we continue our journey for equality and justice for the community,” she said.

Generation Q offers a variety of health, wellness and support services for LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 21, including support groups, counseling, social events, workshops, and advocacy/social justice training. Betts has attended the program since he was 13 years old, and now spends much of his free time doing outreach for new members. “When I meet a young person I feel could benefit from Gen Q, I invite them to attend with me,” says Betts. “I’ve brought many participants to Gen Q over the years.”

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