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The Homecoming Project Public Service Announcement with Alan Cumming
The Homecoming Project
When you reflect on your high school experience, chances are there are aspects you would choose to do differently. Did you struggle with your identity? Did you have a hard time fitting in? Were you unsure of who to turn to for support?
Through The Homecoming Project, LIVE OUT LOUD is encouraging out LGBT professionals to make the journey back to their high schools to speak with a new generation of students about the unique experiences which have shaped the individuals they are today. By participating in this important initiative, you will:
- Serve as a positive example for LGBT youth
- Empower young adults to reconsider the challenges and unspoken fears of growing up gay
- Replace your old and uncomfortable memories of high school with new and positive experiences
This page is dedicated to helping you take the steps necessary in developing a connection with your high school, including:
Making the decision to participate
The thought of going back to high school, a place which easily conjures up old fears and insecurities, may be a scary proposition. It's our hope that by taking an active role in The Homecoming Project, your experiences will offer enlightenment to those students who may not understand what it is like to grow up feeling different, as well as those who experience those feelings every day.
Remember, you don't have to go it alone. You can certainly consider teaming up with a couple of high school classmates. Additionally, you can involve the participation of members of your company's affinity group and share your reflections of your high school visit with one another.
By putting aside your fears in order to change the perceptions of just one student, you also will change history for yourself and how you feel about your own past.
Click here to sign-up for the Homecoming Project or download the sign-up form
Developing a connection with your high school
Making contact
Call your high school for the contact information of the school's guidance counselor, Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) advisor, favorite former teacher, or school principal. Often high schools or school districts have dedicated websites and online directories where you can find this information. You'll want to know the following:
Name
Title
Phone Number
E-mail Address
School Address
What if your school is unresponsive or is not interested?
There may be a possibility that your school (especially private or religious schools) will not allow you to speak to their students. In such a situation, we urge you to contact Leo Preziosi at LIVE OUT LOUD to discuss other options for participating in The Homecoming Project.
Setting up your presentation
Send an e-mail or letter
Once you have the necessary contact information, draft a letter or e-mail (using the letter template below) stating that you would like to support LIVE OUT LOUD's Homecoming Project and that you are very interested in speaking to the GSA; Student Assembly; or a diversity, humanities, or gay studies class about your journey after high school as an out LGBT person. In your correspondence, provide the LIVE OUT LOUD web address so that your contact can learn more about the organization and the initiative. Click here to download a sample letter
Make sure to follow up!
A week after you send your letter, call the high school to speak with your contact directly. This may take several attempts, but be persistent!
When you reach this individual, introduce yourself as an alumnus and re-state the objectives you outlined in your letter. Then, work with your contact to identify the appropriate group of students to speak with and arrange a date and time for your presentation.
Confirm your meeting
Three or four days before your scheduled presentation, make sure to confirm the logistics with your contact. During your conversation, you'll want to confirm the following items:
- Presentation date and time
- Classroom or auditorium location
- Necessary audio/visual equipment
- Size of student group
- Length of presentation
- Physical set-up of the presentation space
Let your contact know about the items you plan to bring with you (laptop, handouts, etc.) so that he or she can plan accordingly.
Don't forget to request time off from work!
Developing your presentation
Pulling all-nighters to finish a report is a thing of the past! Make sure to give yourself ample time to write and prepare your speech. Most importantly, give yourself time to practice. Click here to view Jennifer Brown's presentation
You may decide to include a historical perspective in your presentation. To help you, the following link is an on-line resource which provides a timeline of important moments in gay history. Click here for the Gay timeline
Speaking tips
Sure, the oral reports of your school days may have left a bit to be desired, but your speaking skills have improved since then, right? Prove it! Here's how to get started: Click here for Speaking Tips
The day of your presentation
Get there early!
On the day of your big speech, be sure to arrive early. Nothing throws off the flow and pacing of a presentation more than tardiness.
Plan in advance how you will get to the school, including directions, mode of transportation, and travel time.
Make sure to arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. That will give you plenty of time to meet with your contact, take a stroll through the school, use the restroom, and find your meeting space.
Bring a bottle of water
It's hard to speak when your throat is dry and your lips are sticking to your teeth. Make sure to hydrate.
Go for it!
You are responsible for making this moment happen. You have thoughtfully prepared the words you will share, so speak loud, clearly, and confidently. And, don't forget to smile. Be sure to save the last 10 to 15 minutes for questions and answers. We encourage you to ask students to take some type of action that will continue after you leave.
Document the moment!
Bring a still camera or a video camera to document the moment. Be sure to share your pictures and videos with us so that we can include them as success stories on our website. These will serve as inspiration in encouraging others to participate. Don't be afraid to ask your school contact to videotape or photograph your presentation, or invite a friend to come with you who can also serve as your support unit. This may also be a topic of interest to the school's A/V club and/or school newspaper.
Following-up after your presentation
Send thank you notes
Make sure to formally thank your school contact, the GSA, and any other school personnel or student who has helped you with your presentation. We encourage you to continue fostering your relationship with your school contact. Let that person know you would be happy to come back again, arrange for other speakers, or help with a special project.
Offer students several ways that they can remain engaged with this topic
- For those who are researching colleges, provide information about gay-friendly schools
- Conduct career fairs and provide information about LGBT-friendly companies/careers
- Arrange for a counselor or college representative to speak with students about scholarships, program choices, and tips for applying.
- Organize a summit meeting for GSAs from different area high schools to gather and discuss gay-related issues
- Plan school social events, such as networking events, movie nights, and dances
- Organize open mike nights featuring singers, performance art, or poetry readings
- Develop a guide book to help students become more active in school
Share your story
Please e-mail us ( info@liveoutloud.info) with a brief written description of your experience and any words of wisdom that would assist others in their presentations. We would love to post your story on our website to share with others.
We understand that thoughts of high school may bring back unsettling feelings and difficult memories for some. However, it is our hope that the possibility of making a difference for just one student will make the experience a positive and therapeutic one for you. Ultimately, your words, stories, and actions can truly make a difference.
Please take a few minutes to review the detailed information outlined above and register by clicking here to inform LIVE OUT LOUD of your interest in participating.
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