LIVE OUT LOUD'S 2017 Young Trailblazers Gala June 5 at TIMESCENTER

What does it take to be sweet sixteen and bring to the fore a nonprofit organization that empowers LGBTQ youth to live authentic lives? Just ask Leo Preziosi, Jr., Founder and Executive Director of Live Out Loud. He has has been spearheading this organization from the beginning and announces this year's honorees including the Soaring Spirit Award being presented by Mary-Louis Parker to BRUCE COHEN, an Academy Award-winning director of film, television and theater (pictured left). He is executive producer of "When We Rise," an eight-hour miniseries on the LGBTQ rights movement from 1971 to today.  The film is an epic event and as it chronicles the real-life personal and political struggles, setbacks and triumphs of a diverse family of LGBTQ people who helped pioneer one of the last legs of the U.S. equality movement from it turbulent infancy in the 20th Century to today.
      WHO ATTENDS? The Young Trailblazers benefit gala draws more than 400 influencers and community leaders from the worlds of business, arts, politics, fashion, and recognizes individuals and companies who have made a positive impact among the LGBTQ youth community.
      If you're like me and you want to support this organization you, too, can become part of this sweet sixteen anniversary. Live Out Loud celebrates at the YOUNG TRAILBLAZERS GALA, Monday, June 5th, at the TIMESCENTER, 242 West 41st Street, New York, N.Y.  For tickets call 212.378.4095 / email leo@liveoutloud.info. Tickets start at $250 and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Proceeds from the gala event will benefit Live Out Loud's educational school programming for LGBTQ youth.
      Red carpet arrivals start at 5:30 pm, Award presentation from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, Reception and Silent Auction from 7:39 - 9:30 pm.  The Gold Sponsor for this year's event is GILEAD.
      Raphael Miranda, Meteorologist for NBC 4 New York will Emcee and Mary-Louis Parker who presents the Soaring Spirit ward to Bruce Cohen is appropriately designated as she plays lesbian feminist activist Roma Guy, a co-founder of The San Francisco Women's building, a women-led arts and education community center and non-profit organization. The Educator of the Year will be presented to Annabell Louis, Linden High School.
   Why Does LIVE OUT LOUD MATTER? This nonprofit organization guides and empowers LGBTQ youth not only to live authentic lives but connects them to positive role models, and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ community. Every week, the Live Out Loud High School Program is out in high schools and communities bringing  together students and role models. 
      Then too,  Live Out Loud's Homecoming Project, invites the LGBTQ community nationwide to return to their hometown high schools to share their personal stories with the next generation  Live Out Loud's Behind the Scenes program partners with corporate LGBTQ affinity groups to connect with professionals who can provide career advice and personal guidance. 
      The Young Trailblazers Scholarship Fund---Every year, three LGBTQ high school seniors are recognized and awarded scholarships for $10,000 at the Annual Young Trailblazers Gala for their outstanding leadership and community activism. For more information, go to http://www.liveoutloud.info.
Ta Ta Darlings!!! As the audience at the Young Trailblazers Gala at the TimesCenter reaches a high pitch of unbridled enthusiasm PollyTalk will be there cheering on the LGBTQ youth. Be there, it's an enriching experience.  Fan mail to pollytalknyc@gmail.com. Visit Polly's other Blogs at www.pollytalk.com.