ABOVE: LGBTQ youth play games at Zebra Coalition’s Youth Drop-in Center in Orlando. (Screenshot from Zebra’s YouTube video)
ORLANDO | Zebra Coalition, in partnership with Come Out With Pride (COWP), will virtually host its third annual Drag Race 5K Oct. 10.
“We won’t let COVID-19 stop us from supporting our Zebra Youth,” the organization expressed on its Drag Race event’s page. “Join hundreds of runners from all over Central Florida as we come together to get moving and raise funds for our Zebra Youth!”
The 2020 virtual Drag Race 5K, which is a part of COWP’s reimagined events this year, has set a fundraising goal of $15,000.
Zebra Coalition is also providing a motivational podcast for runners to listen to while participating in the 5K.
“We have created an audio experience for all runners who want to feel connected as they run our virtual 5K. You will be accompanied by amazing Drag Queen[s] and stories from our Zebra Youth as they cheer you on,” Zebra states in its website FAQs page.
All participating runners will receive an event T-shirt and a commemorative medal. You will be able to pick up your items or have them mailed to you if you would like a contactless option. Runners must be registered by Sept. 19 to be guaranteed a T-shirt and medal.
The announcement of the virtual event also provided an opportunity for Zebra Coalition to promote that the LGBTQ youth organization is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
“It all started in 2010 when we came together as a community and realized there was a gap of services for LGBTQ+ youth here in Central Florida,” said Heather Wilkie, Zebra’s executive director, in a video posted to the group’s YouTube channel. “With a lot of hard work and passion we made this dream a reality for future generations to come.”
In the video, Wilkie highlights some of the services provided by Zebra and discusses the nonprofit’s Youth Drop-in Center.
“Here we provide a safe and supportive gathering space, supportive therapeutic services and free mental health counseling for LGBTQ+ youth,” Wilkie advises.
For more information on Zebra Coalition’s services and work in the community, visit ZebraYouth.org. Runners wanting to participate in the Drag Race virtual 5K can register at ZebraYouth.org/DragRace5K.
