Christopher Street West, the non-profit organization that has produced the annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration since its inception in 1970, calls a press conference where youth speakers will call attention to the numerous issues that affect young LGBT people today. Set at the intersection of Santa Monica and Crescent Heights Boulevards in West Hollywood, the press conference will commence at 10:30 am on Sunday, June 10 just prior to the parade.

Katy Butler took on the Motion Picture Association of America when they gave the groundbreaking film Bully an R rating, making it nearly impossible for young people under 17 to see the film which graphically calls attention to the bullying crisis in America.   After public pressure from Katy's change.org petition, armed with over 500,000 signatures, the rating was eventually lowered to PG-13.

Chris Angel Murphy is a transgender activist who was just accepted to the USC Graduate School of Social Work after years of struggle in high school, community college and with family acceptance. Chris lives the challenges that transgender people face every day, all throughout the world, and Chris has paved a path to show all young people that with determination, and conviction, dreams can come true.

Young people from all over the United States call The Trevor Project crisis and suicide prevention hotline every single day. Whether they are kicked out of their homes, termed out of foster care, bullied at school, or at home, or see political figures publicly call them immoral, young people have utilized Trevor's vital services, which include online and social media components to help them through their crisis and let them know that they are not alone.

"Today, throughout our country, many parents, teachers, counselors, legislators, advocates and even the White House know that Trevor is the default when it comes to supporting kids struggling with their sexual orientation, gender identity, family acceptance and bullying," said Owen Ward, Christopher Street West Board of Directors. "LA PRIDE has always served as a beacon of hope and inspiration and that is why we needed to call extra attention to the many challenges that young people face today."

In addition to the press conference, CSW, along with community partners The Trevor Project, Boo2Bullying, Straight But Not Narrow, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles Youth Network and Kid Save, have created the LA PRIDE Youth Space. This idea came directly from young people after CSW hosted a Youth Pride Summit with representatives from LifeWorks, Barangay, GSA Network, LAUSD and Project 10.

Over 400,000 participate in the LA PRIDE Parade with millions more viewing online. For 2012, LA PRIDE is better than ever with a fresh mix of performers including Lil' Kim, Alec Mapa, Karmin, Dev and Belinda Carlisle. New for 2012 is SummerTramp, the official water park of LA PRIDE. Latino Carnival is also new for 2012 and is welcoming Ivy Queen and Maria Jose to its scorching stage. Tickets for LA PRIDE are on sale now at www.LAPRIDE.org

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER STREET WEST

Christopher Street West produces the annual Los Angeles LGBT PRIDE celebration in West Hollywood. A 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, CSW is a leading partner in the advancement of human rights, education, outreach and equality for the LGBT community. Lead by a professional, all-volunteer board of directors, CSW produces one of the largest PRIDE celebrations in the United States and hosted the world's first PRIDE Parade in 1970.