For You Tube: Embed video of out Oscar winner Lance Black returning to his high school at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoOWY8_hWYQLive Out Loud encourages you to add this video to any website, blog or profile.
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NEW YORK (October 14, 2010) – In the midst of a national wave of anti-gay bullying and violence, a powerful short video premiering today reveals how one person can change a school – and the lives of hundreds of gay and straight youth – in just one day.

Academy Award-winning screenwriter Lance Black (“Milk”) is one of the many LGBT leaders participating in The Homecoming Project, Live Out Loud’s grassroots initiative that brings successful gay adults back to their high schools to share their stories, lessons, and hope with today’s students.

Black’s extraordinary visit to North Salinas High School in California’s conservative Central Valley is captured in a new short video premiering online today at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoOWY8_hWYQand http://www.liveoutloud.info/wp/programs/lance-blacks-homecoming-project/.

Speaking in a gym packed with more than 1000 students, Black speaks openly of his conservative upbringing, the despair of being closeted, and his hope for happiness beyond high school.

His moving speech prompts cheering ovations, tears throughout the audience, and one student revealing that he had come out to his parents.

“We can’t hate people that don’t love us. We have to love them back until they love us back,” the student tells the assembly.

Even more important, Black’s visit results in the school starting its first Gay-Straight Alliance.

“This day changed North High,” said Cheryl Darling, Principal’s Secretary.

“When I first heard about this Homecoming Project, I had no idea it would be so revelatory,” said Black. “I had no idea I would see such great change.”

Since its inception, The Homecoming Project has brought a diverse mix of gay adults, including former GLAAD president Neil Giuliano, author Eric Marcus, and media strategist Cathy Renna, back to their high schools.

Live Out Loud’s executive director Leo Preziosi, Jr. said The Homecoming Project provides gay adults and schools with a powerful tool to create positive change in the lives of both gay and straight youth.

“These recent tragedies are a wake-up call for the LGBT community that we each must make the time to play an active role in the lives of today’s youth,” said Preziosi. “We must share our stories, offer support and encouragement and remind them of their extraordinary potential. “

To learn more about how Live Out Loud can help you to return to your high school visit http://www.liveoutloud.info/wp/programs/the-homecoming-project/,

The Homecoming Project builds on the mission of LIVE OUT LOUD, a ten-year old, non-profit organization that connects LGBT youth with role models and leaders in the LGBT community. Last year, Live Out Loud hosted more than 80 panels, workshops, and lectures in schools, colleges, and youth centers throughout the New York tri-state area. For more information, visitwww.liveoutloud.info.

Hailed as “a testament to brave LGBT youth” by Time Out New York magazine, Live Out Loud is a non-profit dedicated to connecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth with role models and leaders in the LGBT community.

More than 500 community leaders are expected to attend Live out Loud’s Ninth Annual Young Trailblazers Gala, which will take place at the Chelsea Art Museum (556 W. 22nd Street at 11th Avenue) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The annual event will culminate with the awarding of $2500 scholarships to four high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills.

A longtime supporter of Live Out Loud, Cumming appeared in a PSA produced by Showtime announcing the launch of Live Out Loud’s Homecoming Project, a program which brings LGBT leaders back to their high schools to talk to today’s students. Cumming is currently starring as Eli Gold in CBS’s “The Good Wife” and will be playing the role of the Green Goblin in Broadway’s “Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark” later this year.

Pierre Durand, President of Adair Capital, Ariel Foxman, Editor of Instyle Magazine and Ralph Rucci of Chado Ralph Rucci are the Chairs for this year’s Gala .The Honorary hosts include Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, Lee Radziwill, Angel Sanchez, Clodagh, Daryl Roth, and Michael Musto.

Sponsors of the Ninth Annual Young Trailblazers Gala include InStyle Magazine, Chado Ralph Rucci, New York Times, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, TJ Maxx Marshalls, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Full Picture, Nate Berkus Associates and Daryl Roth Productions.

To purchase tickets, which start at $85.00, contact Leo Preziosi, Jr. at 212.651.4236/ leo@www.liveoutloud.info or visit www.liveoutloud.info.

About Live Out Loud
Dedicated to empowering, mentoring, and celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gender (LGBT) youth, Live Out Loud is a non-profit organization that produces panel discussions, lectures, and workshops that connect LGBT youth with role models and leaders in the LGBT community. Since its inception in 2000, Live Out Loud has presented over 100 programs at metropolitan area high schools and universities featuring panelists from every walk of life, including actress Cherry Jones, author Eric Marcus, director John Cameron Mitchell, and New York Times columnist Stuart Elliot.

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.

In the coming weeks, Live Out Loud will be making an official announcement on The Homecoming Project.

In the meantime, however, gala guests will get a sneak preview tonight with the unveiling of a public service announcement on The Homecoming Project starring Alan Cumming (See enclosed DVD).

Dedicated to empowering, mentoring, and celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, Live Out Loud is a nonprofit organization that produces panel discussions, lectures, and workshops that connect LGBT youth with role models and leaders in the LGBT community. Since its inception seven years ago, Live Out Loud has had the opportunity to bring over 300 LGBT role models to NY tri-state area high schools and universities, involving renowned panelists from every walk of life. From spiritual leaders to fashion designers to corporate powerhouse and grass-roots activists, Live Out Loud panelists have touched thousands of lives.

Dedicated to empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, Live Out Loud is a non-profit organization that produces panel discussions, lectures, and workshops that connect LGBT youth with role models and leaders in the LGBT community.

Adams, who is currently starring as Liver Lips Louis in the revival of “Guys and Dolls”, is best known for his role as Larry in the recent Broadway revival of “A Chorus Line” opposite Mario Lopez. Later this year, he will also appear in the film, “An Englishman in New York,” starring John Hurt, Cynthia Nixon, and Swoozie Kurtz.

More than 500 community leaders are expected to attend Live Out Loud’S Eighth Annual Young Trailblazers Benefit, which will take place at the Chelsea Art Museum (556 W. 22nd Street at 11th Avenue) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The annual event will culminate with the awarding of $2500 scholarships to four high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills.

In addition to the scholarship presentation, the gala will feature a silent auction and cocktails and food by New York’s best restaurants and caterers.

Sponsors of the Eighth Annual Young Trailblazers Gala include New York Times; TJ Maxx Marshalls; and Daryl Roth Productions.

To purchase tickets, which start at $85.00, contact Leo Preziosi at 212.651.4236
leo@www.liveoutloud.info or visit www.liveoutloud.info.

About Live Out Loud
Dedicated to empowering, mentoring, and celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans-gender (LGBT) youth, Live Out Loud is a non-profit organization that produces panel discussions, lectures, and workshops that connect LGBT youth with role models and leaders in the LGBT community. Since its inception in 2000, Live Out Loud has presented events at dozens of metropolitan area high schools and universities featuring panelists from every walk of life, including actress Cherry Jones, author Eric

Live Out Loud’s scholarship program is open to any LGBT high school seniors in the New York-area who have demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and have made significant contributions to their communities. The program offers three scholarships of $2500 which can be used to pursue a degree from an accredited college, university, or technical/vocational training program.

To apply, eligible students can download an application at www.liveoutloud.info. Deadline for applications is March 31, 2007.

Winners of this year’s scholarships will be honored at The Sixth Annual Live Out Loud Young Trailblazers Gala on April 30th at The Chelsea Art Museum. Last year’s recipients were presented their scholarships in front of more than 400 community leaders by Tony Award-winning actress Cherry Jones, who served at the gala’s emcee.

“Live Out Loud scholars represent the extraordinary courage and creativity of LGBT youth in New York City,” said Live Out Loud founder Leo Preziosi, Jr. “We are proud to play a role in supporting and shaping the next generation of LGBT leaders.

Live Out Loud is dedicated to empowering LGBT youth by providing a forum where they can interact with role models in the community. Live Out Loud produces panel discussions, community events and youth education featuring LGBT leaders who are passionate about their life’s work and who are committed to making a difference in their community. Since its inception in 2000, Live Out Loud has organized events at dozens of metropolitan area high schools and universities featuring panelists from every walk of life.

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