Outright Speakers & Talent Bureau [Gay & Lesbian Youth Issues]

At 25 years old, Wilson Cruz has already accomplished much in his life. Perhaps best known for his portrayal of "Ricki Vasquez", one of the main starring characters on the television series "My So Called Life", Wilson's character was the first gay teenager to be featured in a regular series. As such, Wilson takes his responsibility seriously. He is a gay youth advocate and was a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Gay Community Center's teen program, where he worked regularly with homeless gay and lesbian teenagers. He knows this territory full well as he himself was thrown out of his own house for being a gay teenager. Wilson is a strong voice for compassion and understanding. His presentation breaks down into three parts where he speaks about his professional life as one of the few Latino characters in television not to mention a gay Latino character. He also takes an in depth look at his personal life and the coming out issues he faced in a Latino culture. Finally, Wilson talks about his volunteer life where he devotes his time to working on homelessness and bringing to light the specific problems youth face today in America.

Shane Windmeyer, co-editor of Out on Fraternity Row: Personal Accounts of Being Gay in a College Fraternity speaks candidly about his experience on coming out to his fraternity and how homophobia hurts everyone. Gay or straight, Greek or non-Greek... Shane opens the closet door that traditionally keeps students silent on issues surrounding sexual orientation. He combines humor and his own personal experiences to destroy stereotypes that perpetuate homophobia and sheds light on an often closeted segment of the college Greek community. This interactive, fun, and thought-provoking presentation explores some of the myths about being gay and allows for a greater understanding of sexual orientation among all college students.

At twenty-eight, Troix Bettencourt knows first hand that gay, lesbian, and HIV-positive teenagers fall through the cracks of society. After Troix was violently removed from his home as a teenager both by his parents and police because he was gay, he became an advocate on gay youth and HIV related issues. HIV-positive for the last ten years, Troix was appointed member on the Massachusetts Gay & Lesbian Youth Commission, spoke at the 1993 Gay & Lesbian March on Washington, and is the program director of HIV Support Services at the Justice Resource Institute of Boston. Troix's program stresses the need for young people to avoid sexual risk and communicate with each other before intimacy. Troix has taken what could have been a tragic situation and has turned in into a positive message for people everywhere.

Author of the most popular and celebrated gay love story of all time, Patricia Nell Warren's novel, The Front Runner has sold over ten million copies and has been translated into eight languages. Written in 1974, it is the story of a tough closeted conservative college track coach and a brilliant young runner who is "out". When they fall in love they enter a race against hate and prejudice that takes them all the way to the Olympics. Patricia is one of the creators of the gay literary movement. She has written a sequel to The Front Runner as well as other works and is currently a Commissioner of Education for the Los Angeles School District. Patricia is a well respected activist who focuses on the issues confronting gay youth and the increase of censorship in our society.

As a gay youth, Braden Jahr learned about the painful assaults so often directed toward sexual minorities. The harassment made him feel unsafe in high school and he left to finish his education at home. Because of his experiences, he has taken on the role of an advocate. He his since formed a Diversity Group at his former High School to inform others about respecting individual differences and been chosen by Advocates for Youth to serve as an on-line peer educator to assist and counsel other teens. Braden has taken a negative experience and turned it into a positive one. His care and concern for others is evident by the actions he has taken and his life has become one of advocacy and love.

Chris Beckman was bucking for a promotion at a now defunct dot-com in Boston when his friends at his gym persuaded him to audition for MTV's The Real World. Chris ended up as a cast member for the Chicago episodes. Many of that seasons episodes explored deeper into Chris's recovery from alcoholism and sobriety to a burgeoning relationship. Chris has since been the recipient of the Congressman Gerry E. Studs Visibility Award for being a positive role model in the gay community. He is now on the lecture circuit and studying to be an actor. Chris says "I have a responsibility to talk about where my life was and where it is today."

According to Danny Roberts, the only thing worth watching on television today is The Learning Channel. Danny knows about the impact of TV as a former cast member of MTV's Real World New Orleans. Danny describes his presentation style as an "open forum to talk about issues" which is why The Advocate has dubbed him "The Accidental Activist". Danny candidly speaks to young people about his sexuality and coming out, just as he did on the Real World. Although if you ask him, Danny will not say he is a role model, but his likeablity and down home charm will appeal to both gay and straight communities and bridge the gap for open and honest discussion.

Aneesa Ferreira says "I'm gay, black and Jewish. What else is there? People say an awful lot more for this former cast member of MTV's Real World Chicago. Being a lesbian and the child of an interracial marriage, her father is black and her mother is Jewish, Aneesa presentation stresses finding a place in a world that strives to be different. With brutal honesty and candor she discusses everything from her former roommates to setting goals and aspirations. As evidenced by memorable moments from the Real World, Aneesa has the tough personality to rise above difficult situations and at the same time show a remarkable sensitivity and compassion for people and the world around her.

In Real World Hawaii, Ruthie Alcaide proved to be one of the most interesting characters ever to appear on MTV’s Real World series. Openly bisexual, a native Hawaiian, Ruthie was born one of triplets and raised by a strict Filipino foster family. She joined a group of cast members from the mainland for the show and stirred things up with her carefree, independent and often controversial lifestyle. Her presentation not only embodies these elements but also the more serious side of her and alcoholism having been shipped by the cast to rehab during filming. Ruthie courageously takes head on the issues of sexuality, addiction, and also just plain enjoying life which explains her ongoing popularity and appeal to audiences around the country.