LGBT Youth Dance the Night Away at CITYx1 Holiday Party

Christmas came early for some LGBT youth in the form of a holiday party held Saturday night.

CITYx1 (Community Intervention Through Youth) sponsored a “Tamale Jam” party in the Community Center of Plummer Park, featuring free food and soft drinks plus a live DJ and dancing.

About 150 youth, ages 14-24, plus another 25 adult volunteers and chaperones were on hand for the party, which was deemed a “lot of fun” by participants.

“This is a great party,” 24-year-old Tony Casey told Weho Patch. “It’s a cool place to hang out and meet people. My friends are here. I can talk to them and hang out.”

Frankie Barcenas, 23, spread the word about the party by putting up fliers and talking it up to his friends. “It’s a nice party. I’m glad we got such a good turnout," Barcenas said. "This is a good place to get involved.”  

CITYx1 executive director Carlos Sosa said the idea behind the party, now in its eighth year, is to give the youth a way to enjoy the holidays with their friends in a safe environment.

“This is a diverse gathering of youth – black, Asian, Hispanic, white and transgender,” Sosa said. “This is truly a community event. We have parents, educators, councilmembers, boardmembers and residents all here helping out.”

Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Prang and Councilwoman Abbe Land both stopped by to wish the youth a Happy Holiday.

“This is a great party for a great group of kids,” Land told Patch. “I always support CITY x1. I think they do a good job. It’s an organization that’s all about heart.”

Volunteer Andrew Holinsky served the tamales, donated by the Magnolia Grille in North Hollywood. He summed up his participation saying, “It’s my way of giving back to the youth. If we’re not taking care of others, then who do we expect to take care of us?”

Disabilities Advisory Board Chair Rick Watts volunteered at the event, as well. He said he was there to support the youth and help out however he could.

“There is a saying that we rise by lifting others,” Watts said. “I think it is very true. If everybody did that, it would be a much happier world.”

Ray Sanchez has been volunteering at the CITYx1 events for five years. “I wouldn’t miss this,” Sanchez said. “My heart is here with the kids.”

A community resources table was set up with information about various LGBT organizations while AIDS Healthcare Foundation had free rapid HIV testing available.

When the soft drinks ran out earlier than expected, volunteers walked across the street to Smart and Final and bought more drinks, paying with their own money.

CITYx1 traces its origins to a study done by Children’s Hospital in 1995. Now in it’s third incarnation, the group offers social events for LGBT youth as a way to create community and promote diversity. Their funding is through private donations and local businesses.