VISION
A world where Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth LIVE PROUD, LIVE OUT, LIVE FREE!

MISSION
LIVE OUT LOUD’s mission is to empower, energize and enable Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth to live the life of their dreams through the celebration of the richness and diversity of our shared experience, the visibility of role models and the dissemination of information. The LIVE OUT LOUD presentation series provides LGBT youth the opportunity to speak with accomplished LGBT people who are passionate about their life's work, who are making a difference in the community, and who are interested in sharing their inspirational stories with LGBT youth.

WHAT WE DO
Live Out Loud organizes panel discussions series about men and women in the gay community who are passionate and powerful in their life’s work, who are making a difference in the community and who are interested in sharing their story with LGBT youth. Our programs are held after school and recently at high school general assemblies in front of 200 or more students.

In addition, Live Out Loud grants scholarships to those students who are taking charge of their own lives and who have demonstrated a strong capacity to 'Live Out Loud' themselves, making strides in the LGBT community.

HISTORY
Essentially, Live Out Loud is the brainchild of one man: Leo Preziosi, Jr. About two years ago he spotted an article in MetroSource called “The Gun in the Closet,” about two students who committed suicide because of hostile school environments, isolation, ostracism and fear. Preziosi felt he had to do something, so he began assembling professionals to speak at high schools and colleges about their careers and about being gay, lesbian or transgender --essentially becoming positive role models for young people.

LIVE OUT LOUD YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
Live Out Loud presents a scholarship to youth who have made significant contributions to society by Living Out Loud at its annual Gala and Scholarship Award Presentation for LGBT Youth. The LIVE OUT LOUD Educational Scholarship was created to help provide LGBT youth with the opportunity to pursue higher education. Through this scholarship, LGBT youth can apply for monies to pay for expenses related to the pursuit of a degree in a formal higher educational learning institution or a career / vocational training program. Youth who have been accepted into such programs are encouraged to apply for funds to help cover the cost of their education.

Learn more about The 2010 LIVE OUT LOUD Educational Scholarship

FUTURE PLANS
Live Out Loud is in the process of creating a web site, which will promote upcoming programs, offer support resources and house a library of LGBT community membe’s biographies, interviews, photographs and web links.

Live Out Loud is collaborating with the Youth Channel to create PSA’s (Public Service Announcements) to be aired on MNN, Public Access TV, locally and nationally.

Live Out Loud also has plans on developing a Master Class program - a series of classes offered to LGBT youth taught by top professionals in their field.

WHO WE’RE REACHING
LIVE OUT LOUD establishes partnerships with different LGBT youth organizations, colleges, universities, high school Gay/Straight alliances and all young people who are interested in hearing from inspirational role models.

Blog

Empowering LGBTQ+ youth: the role of Live Out Loud & the influence of Live Cam Boys

Speaking of representation, live cam platforms provide spaces where young LGBTQ+ people can see themselves represented, heard, seen, and validated. Let’s take one of these platforms, like for example Stripchat, one of the most popular cam sites; they feature a lot of live cam boys that live and express themselves freely. For youngsters, this is a great representation of gay men living openly and proudly. They can even see how they make some bank in the process, which allows them to be independent and wealthy.

On the other hand, seeing different expressions of sexuality on these platforms is also something positive for LGBTQ+ youth, as they can feel less isolated and more accepted. It just comes to show that you might not have support in your offline life, but you can 100% have it online.