Live Out Loud’s 25th Anniversary Gala successfully brought together leaders across entertainment, media, corporate America, philanthropy, and advocacy for a powerful evening celebrating the organization’s decades-long impact uplifting LGBTQ+ youth through mentorship, scholarships, and community support.
Held in New York City, the milestone event honored an inspiring group of changemakers whose work continues to drive visibility, inclusion, and empowerment across industries. Honorees included broadcaster and attorney Eboni K. Williams, who received the Champion Award, legendary Tony Award-winning actor André De Shields receiving the Legend Award, Beth Brinkman receiving the Luminary Award, and Day Pitney LLP being recognized with the Corporate Excellence Award. Alaire Thomas and Jordan Rand were also honored with the Soaring Spirit Award for their continued advocacy and impact within the LGBTQ+ community.
The evening additionally celebrated scholarship recipients Rae Molina, Bailey Richards, and Najah Flemming, highlighting the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders and reinforcing Live Out Loud’s mission of empowering youth through education, mentorship, and opportunity.
The event was hosted by Shequida Hall and guests enjoyed moving remarks from Live Out Loud Founder and Executive Director Leo Preziosi Jr., live performances from Charles Browning featuring Nicholas Ryan Gant & Vocal Energy Choir, and musical entertainment from L-Stringz Entertainment. The room was filled with notable personalities and supporters from across entertainment, business, media, and advocacy, creating an inspiring atmosphere centered around community, visibility, and progress.
Now celebrating 25 years, Live Out Loud continues to make a meaningful cultural and social impact by connecting LGBTQ+ youth with successful LGBTQ+ professionals through mentorship, educational programming, and leadership initiatives designed to inspire confidence and possibility for future generations.
This year’s gala was made possible with support from sponsors including Pfizer, BET Media, Colgate-Palmolive Company, NBCUniversal, and Day Pitney LLP, helping make the evening not only a celebration of Live Out Loud’s legacy, but a reflection of the organization’s continued commitment to creating safer and more empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ youth nationwide.
