Live Out Loud

Live Out Loud is a nonprofit educational and youth development organization dedicated to inspiring, nurturing, and empowering LGBTQ+ youth. Founded in 2001 by Leo Preziosi Jr. in response to isolation and bullying experienced by queer teenagers in New York City schools, the organization provides affirmative role model programming and career exploration across the metropolitan area.

The organization’s cornerstone school initiative is The Homecoming Project, which recruits accomplished LGBTQ+ professional role models to return to their former high schools and share their personal stories of resilience, academic achievement, and career success. Through The Gathering, the organization hosts monthly youth-led community forums where teenagers from across the city discuss identity, mental health, school climate, and social justice in a supportive, affirming environment.

Career development and educational equity are fostered through corporate partnership programs. The organization hosts Corporate Career Days, bringing high school students into leading financial, media, legal, and technology workplaces to meet LGBTQ+ employee resource groups and explore career pathways. In addition, the organization awards competitive college scholarships annually to graduating LGBTQ+ high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their schools and communities. Students and educators can apply for school programs and scholarships online. LGBTQ+ professionals can get involved by volunteering as role models, hosting career days, or donating to youth scholarships.