While there have been mountains of support toward the equal and fair treatment of the LGBTQ community, there is still much progress to make. Queer and Trans individuals are still seeing vast amounts of discrimination and violence from peers and family.
Amira Pankey and Julia Singley are facilitators for the upcoming LGBTQ Youth summer program series offered at the Manassas Park Community Center. With their help, we hope to offer LGBTQ youth an affirming environment where they can enjoy all the benefits of parks and recreation.
According to the Center for Disease Control, LGBTQ youth are almost five times as likely to attempt or contemplate suicide compared to heterosexual youth. Pankey said, “Queer and Trans youth experience incredible rates of violence ranging from disproportionately high rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety to homelessness, housing instability, bullying, substance abuse, family rejection, and assault.” These numbers are higher for LGBTQ youth of color.
“If communities care about the quality of life and wellbeing of young people, then the needs and experiences of Queer and Trans youth must be made visible and attended to,” added Pankey. We have to show that a community that celebrates the diversity of the human experience is the strongest.
“We’re very excited to continue to expand our program offerings to better serve communities that have been historically underserved,” shared Jason Shriner, Marketing Manager for the Department. “Our City and Department have been seeking ways to more visibly support the community, and with Julia and Amira reaching out to us, it couldn’t have been more perfect timing.”
Shriner emphasized that rushing LGBTQ youth programming for the sake of having it may have a less meaningful impact. Singley’s and Pankey’s years of experience of working with LGBTQ youth (and having staff dedicated to running this specific series) means the program will be more impactful, more meaningful, and, ultimately, more successful.
At the Manassas Park Community Center, one of our goals is to create programming that encourages participation. We take pride in knowing that our programs and events are inclusive and affirming. We are always looking for more ways and ideas to create a positive environment.
“Queer and Trans youth create art, fashion, language, and culture. They are brilliant and push the boundaries of what is possible in all kinds of ways.” Singley hopes to uplift and celebrate Queer and Trans youth while working at their side to strengthen their support networks, survival skills, and resources.
Pankey and Singley are hosting our LGBTQ Youth Speak Out event on May 30 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Manassas Park Community Center to start our summer programming series. We encourage LGBTQ youth ages 12-20 to join us and share what kind of programs they would like to see at the Community Center. For more information about the Speak Out and the program series, please contact Tony Thomas.
The Manassas Park Community Center is located at 99 Adams Street in Manassas Park, VA. Managed by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation, the facility is home to basketball courts, a swimming pool, wellness areas, special events, and recreational classes. For more information visit us at www.ManassasParkCommunityCenter.com or call at 703-335-8872.
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Experience the magic of opera up close at Virginia Opera: A Taste of Opera on Wednesday, February 5, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Enjoy a captivating selection of famous arias, duets, Broadway favorites, and more, performed by the talented members of Virginia Opera. This intimate performance promises a mix of drama, passion, and world-class voices.
Tickets are $40 and include both the concert and a dessert reception. The performance runs 60 minutes with no intermission and is perfect for all ages.
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Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade will present her proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the county school board on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The meeting, open to the public and streamed live on YouTube, will begin at 7 p.m.
A significant component of this year’s budget is a $1.098 billion Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), aiming to address overcrowding, modernize aging facilities, and support long-term student enrollment shifts.
Major Investments in New Schools and Renovations
The CIP includes multiple new school construction projects, such as:
Stafford County Public Schools will host the inaugural Career GPS: Guiding Pathways to Success Expo on April 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stafford Regional Airport.
The event is designed to introduce approximately 2,500 sixth-grade students to various career pathways through hands-on learning opportunities, interactive exhibits, and connections with local professionals and businesses. The expo aims to help students begin planning for high school and their future careers by exposing them to various industries.
Director of Career and Technical Education Stephanie Carter emphasized that Career GPS is more than just a field trip. It calls it an opportunity for students to explore possibilities, make informed decisions, and gain confidence in selecting pathways that align with their interests. The event will feature interactive exhibits showcasing different career fields, high school student ambassadors who will share insights into academic programs, and opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals.
Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS) students and staff were honored at the Virginia General Assembly for their work on the FCPS Youth Mental Health Taskforce. The delegation, invited by State Senator Tara Durant, spent the day in Richmond serving as legislators and meeting with state officials.
The students arrived at the Virginia General Assembly Building at 9:45 a.m. January 29, 2025, where they met with Senator Durant before touring the historic Capitol. They then participated in a Q&A session with legislators, discussing the importance of youth mental health initiatives.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
