YouTube Originals Virtual Pride 2021 Global Event Details
YouTube Originals Announces Virtual Pride Event Starring Olly Alexander, Mawaan Rizwan, and More
Although many lockdown restrictions have eased and hopefully will be lifted completely come 21 June, it's likely that Pride 2021 celebrations will still look a little different this year. That doesn't mean you can't have the best time celebrating Pride Month, though. Here to help is YouTube Originals alongside JA Films, who have teamed up for a multihour virtual celebration featuring plenty of special performances and hosts. The star-studded line-up includes Tyler Oakley, Trixie Mattel, Kim Chi, Monét X Change, Miss Peppermint, Denali Foxx, and many more.
"We'll be chatting to some gorgey people from the community, there will be live music surprises and yes I will be performing an exclusive song!" Olly Alexander said.
As part of the UK line-up, Years & Years and It's a Sin star Olly Alexander and actor, writer, and comedian Mawaan Rizwan will be performing from an East London pub, which will be transformed into a Loud & Proud party venue. As the restrictions are eased in the UK, the two will be joined by some of their friends in the LGBTQ+ community, including Munroe Bergdorf. Lots of other performances (including a "big surprise performance") and celebrity guests (of whom haven't yet been announced) will also be attending.
"I'm very excited to be co-hosting my own variety show with some super talented LGBTQ+ cuties and I get to co-host with the cute and funny Mawaan! We'll be chatting to some gorgey people from the community, there will be live music surprises and yes I will be performing an exclusive song!" Alexander said.
"I'm so excited to be doing the show for YouTube Originals alongside my mate Olly. Pride is a great celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community and I'm really looking forward to a party this year after everything that's happened," Rizwan said. "Pride month is such an important time for so many of us in the community, and to be co-hosting this global event, and showcasing some of the most talented Queer people in the world, is SO exciting! I can't wait for you all to join us for a Pride Party like you've never seen before — we're pulling out all the stops and we've got SO many surprises in store."
The finale of the epic show will be hosted by Demi Lovato from a venue in Los Angeles. They will be meeting with "special guests and fans while speaking about topics such as queer identity, mental health, and body positivity. Expect surprise performances and a spectacular finale send off!" YouTube Originals said in a press release.
For the event, YouTube Originals is partnering with Akt and The Trevor Project in the US. Akt is a UK-based national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity that provides a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community aged 16-25. In 30 years, Akt has helped provide over 250,000 nights off the street and supported over 50,000 LGBTQ+ young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Funding from YouTube Originals has enabled Akt to grow its digital service for young LGBTQ+ people across the UK.
YouTube Pride 2021 will kick off on Years & Years' channel at 8 p.m. on 25 June. Visit YouTube Originals for the rest of the night's entertainment.
