The Homecoming King

Was thrilled to meet Academy Award-winning “Milk” screenwriter Dustin Lance Black yesterday afternoon at the GLBT & Allies Network event at The New York Times. Lance was there for a screening of the short film he did as part of Live Out Loud's "Homecoming Project" that chronicled his return to his high school in conservative North Salinas, Calif., where he said he mainly tried to stay in the shadows to avoid abuse when his less-than-approving peers picked up on his sexuality.

Live Out Loud is a nonprofit organization designed to encourage out role models to return to their high schools to inspire today’s LGBT students. When the organization's founder/executive director, Leo Preziosi, Jr., first explained the group's purpose so succinctly it sort of left me saying, "Is that it? ..." But after watching the impact Lance's visit made on the entire school -- three different kids actually came out in front their peers in the middle of the gymnasium, one bringing Lance to tears -- I realized that just being present -- and out -- is more than enough to make a huge difference in the lives of LGBT youths. Interestingly, the two other examples Preziosi cited throughout his presentation were both people that have affected my life -- my good friend Frank Anthony Polito, the author and playwright who guest-blogs for me from time to time, and Neil Giuliano, the former president of GLAAD who was the four-term openly gay mayor of Tempe, Ariz., where I went to college.

Couldn't find the link to Lance's film (will update this if I do do). But to learn more about Live Out Loud, which also awards scholarships and has an LGBT speakers program, please click HERE.

With Dustin Lance Black, who told me he has my tie and likes my belt (maybe Tony the Stylist is on to something with those overpriced sneaks ...)