Photo Coverage: Alan Cumming Hosts Live Out Loud Gala

Eric Multer, a senior at Penn Yan Academy in upstate New York, has held diverse leadership roles and received academic recognition in many areas including winning a successful year-long battle with the principal and Board of Education to form the Gay Straight Alliance. Under Eric's determined leadership, the organization has hosted community-wide festivals and events to clothe and feed people in need, and started a school wide community service day. In addition, he is a member of the student council, National Honor Society, and a Food for Needy volunteer. He plans to attend the University at Buffalo this Fall to pursue a degree in architecture and hopes to continue his involvement with LGBT related organizations and local food pantries.

Brandyn Brunelle is currently a senior at The Bancroft School in Connecticut where he's held multiple leadership roles. Specifically, Brandyn is the co-founder and director of Colorful Courage, an organization tackling social concerns for the local LGBT community, the co-president of the anti-defamation league, and co-president of Social Concerns. Through his committed work with these student organizations, Brandyn has raised funds and provided services to local shelters and safe-homes and tackled social concerns. Upon graduation, he plans to attend LIM college in New York City and work with the World of Difference Organization to be a part of a shelter for gay teens and bring his Colorful Courage organization to his new college community.

Chelsea Schade, a senior at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, created the school's first Gay Straight Alliance which has tackled issues ranging from acceptance to bringing awareness to the HIV and AIDS community, and even conducting climate surveys for the school community. She also works with the school's health department to update protocol for suicide prevention and is a long time member of the Girl Scouts which has instilled a strong commitment to community service. Chelsea will be attending Rider University where she will be admitted into the Bonner Scholars Program. She plans to pursue a career in teaching where she also hopes to help LGBT youth.

John Dargan is a senior at the Brooklyn Community Arts and Media High School where he has produced films like "Day of Silence" and "Habla Sexual" which give further education to teens on social justice issues in the gay community. In addition, John launched The Diversity Project which organized a group of faculty and students to implement LGBT awareness activities in advisory classes and faculty meetings. He is currently working on two more films, one in regards to LGBT history and a documentary on the impact of gay rights activists. He plans to attend Connecticut College and make a stronger impact in the world of broadcast and film.

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi

Gala Host Alan Cumming

Scholarship Recipient Chelsea Schade

Scholarship Recipient Brandyn Brunelle

Scholarship Recipient John Dargan

Scholarship Recipient Eric Multer

Chelsea Schade, Brandyn Brunelle, John Dargan and Eric Multer

Chelsea Shade, Brandyn Brunelle, Alan Cumming, John Dargan and Eric Multer

Chelsea Schade and Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming and Brandyn Brunelle

John Dargan and Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming and Eric Multer

Chad Carns and Executive Director and Founder Leo Preziosi Jr.

Jed Resnick and Alan Cumming