Out Youth

Out Youth serves Central Texas LGBTQIA+ youth & their allies with programs & services to ensure these promising young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults.

#LiveTobaccoFree PSA Campaign

Texas Health Action EOY Promotion

Role: On-camera talent, co-writer, & narrator.

Overview: The campaign empowers the viewer to live their best life by rejecting tobacco as well as highlighting the targeted marketing to the LGBTQ+ community by tobacco companies.

Role: Script Consultant & On-Camera Talent

Overview: This opportunity arose from my appointment as the Board Vice Chair of Texas Health Action's Community Advisory Board (CAB) & supported THA in engaging the LGBTQIA+ youth & young adult (13 - 27) community, advising on HIV prevention & sexual health, & contributing to the development & evaluation of neighborhood-level sexual health engagement strategies, with our recommendations influencing the Executive team & Board of Directors.

Event Synopsis: A successful virtual wellness symposium focused on tobacco use & health empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community in Greater Austin, in collaboration with OutYouth, Transgender Wellness, and Austin Public Health.

Achievements:

  • Comprehensive Sessions: Explored factors contributing to tobacco use, fostering understanding and introspection.

  • Skill-building Workshops: Provided strategies for managing tobacco use and promoting self-care, fostering healthier habits.

  • Resource Networking: Connected attendees with mental health care and substance use resources for needed support.

  • Engaging Dialogues: Featured community leaders in solution-oriented discussions about tobacco use implications and overcoming challenges.

  • Personal Narratives: Encouraged participants to share stories, enhancing inclusivity and richness.

  • Incentives: Offered $75 Visa gift cards to the first 25 attendees who RSVP'd and completed the pre-survey, boosting feedback and participation.

Lexis C. (Attendee)

"Between the gift bags and community partners who tabled, I feel more aware and safer in Central Texas’ LGBTQIA community. The first annual Wellness in Pride Summit was amazing. The speakers and skill shops gave me reasons to improve my relationship with tobacco, myself, and the LGBTQIA+ community."

301166796_2242921562541888_5667209961099572426_n.jpg

Event Synopsis:

I organized the Wellness In Pride Summit, a monumental step for LGBTQ2IA+ allies, community members, and youth in Greater Austin to reshape their relationship with commercial tobacco and promote health and wellness.

Achievements:

  1. Comprehensive Sessions: Explored factors contributing to tobacco use, fostering understanding and introspection.

  2. Skill-building Workshops: Provided strategies for managing tobacco use and promoting self-care, fostering healthier habits.

  3. Resource Networking: Connected attendees with mental health care and substance use resources for needed support.

  4. Engaging Dialogues: Featured community leaders in solution-oriented discussions about tobacco use implications and overcoming challenges.

  5. Personal Narratives: Encouraged participants to share stories, enhancing inclusivity and richness.

Partnerships Initiated:

  1. Backed by Texas Health Action ($750 Lunch Sponsor)

  2. Featured Speakers & Panelists: Natalie Sanders, Cassie Smith, Ash Hall, Vertarias Black, Erica Nix, Jessica Soukup, and emcee Ryan West.

  3. Community & Media Partners: Google (volunteers assembled 200+ gift bags), Kind Clinic, Las Ofrendas / Frida Friday, The Little Gay Shop, People’s Community Clinic, allgo, Integral Care, and more.

301402205_10158806864425658_7062943384695032110_n.jpg
302438519_10158375204641504_3134549082929164593_n.jpg
299837166_10158375226231504_6759035767299316297_n.jpg
301456912_10160864451432269_1169712390989947672_n.jpg
IMG_9668.JPG
IMG_8535.JPG
307276142_1318300422332030_3297635424259076571_n.jpg
WIP 2.jpg
IMG_8534.JPG
WIP 3.jpg

(Attendee)

"Loveless did an outstanding job organizing the 'Creatures on the Loose!' event! The combination of Halloween fun with educational workshops kept my son engaged. The event was well-coordinated, with the costume contest, pumpkin patch painting, and community resources. Their dedication and enthusiam during the day made the event a success for my family."

Event Synopsis:

I organized the successful Halloween-themed "Creatures on the Loose!" event for youths aged 13-18, merging festivity with purpose through health and wellness skillshops, engaging contests, treats, and a community resource fair.

Achievements:

  1. Skillshops: Provided health and wellness sessions for attendees.

  2. Engaging Contests: Organized contests, including the 'Best Costume' competition.

  3. Community Resource Fair: Offered beneficial resources for youth through a community fair.

  4. Support and Participation: Backed by five community and media partners, the event resonated on-site and online with enthusiastic participation.

  5. Social Media Impact: Attendees showcased their experiences using @outyouth and #OYFrightNight, reinforcing Out Youth's commitment to blending entertainment and education.

"G.E. Loveless brings so much creativity, thoughtfulness, joy, & connection to event organizing & management!

They found excellent speakers for both in-person & virtual events, provided mentorship to the youth ambassadors, & remained receptive to feedback throughout the process."

- Shimarah Mehrotra, MPH, CPH (Out Youth)