Louie

Louie Garay (Aka Louie Legacy International)

Born: Salisbury, MD

Current residence: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn

Volunteer: Since 2006 at Institute of Gay Men’s Health (House of Latex Project, Capital Campaign)

What has been the impact of this volunteer experience to your life?  
It has helped me to grow and to realize that the prevention messages that we share with the community is very important…it has kept me inspired to continue spreading the word about prevention and the need to stay informed. 

What were you doing prior to volunteering at GMHC?
Since the age of 13, I have always volunteered with other LGBTQ and allied organizations doing youth outreach, prevention and creating youth programs.  I also work with families to promote respect and acceptance; also with students to create safer environments in their schools.

When did you first attend the House of Latex Ball?  
2006; it was overwhelming because it was my first ball and did not know the magnitude of this event, being the largest ball in the world; open to all including professionals of other fields such as fashion designers, media professionals, and music producers etc.  Since that first ball, I wanted to experience more. I went from spectator, to sponsoring various categories such as runway, vogueing, and fashion. I also have had the chance to DJ the mini balls that IGMH hosts monthly, which lets me showcase a different, upcoming talent of mine.

What was it like for you to volunteer this year at the ball? 
Out of all the years I attended, this year’s ball was spectacular and truly rewarding because I forged relationships between two communities:  The Imperial Court of New York and the House of Latex, which both serve LGBTQ youth. I also was the talent coordinator for the performers at the event, which was very exciting, as I got to meet all the amazing talented performers that we had this year.

How were you able to forge this relationship between The Latex Project and the ICNY?  
As a member of The Imperial Court of New York while being a GMHC volunteer, it was easy for me to accomplish this new coalition, to enhance the visibility of both organizations and to continue the work that both organizations are doing for the LGBTQ youth communities. I saw the need for a new generation of leaders within the Court and at GMHC and I wanted to be on the forefront of change.

Can you tell me a specific situation within this community that significantly moved and inspired you?  
My activism has afforded me many amazing things. On June 29, 2009, my mother and I were chosen to represent PFLAG For Families of Color and Allies at the White House’s 1st LGBT Pride reception. I met President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as an out, young, gay man with my supportive, activist mother—an accomplishment I never thought possible. Participating in this historic event is a formative experience that has solidified my journey as an activist.

What do you do in your spare time?
I currently work at Escuelita Night Club (www.enyclub.com) in Midtown, Manhattan. I do my best to use the space, when we’re not partying the night away, for a good cause. I help coordinate non-profits to host fundraising events at our venue and open doors for new talents to showcase themselves in new ways. When I am not working, I do my best to relax, travel and escape the city, and focus on friendships and a relationship. It may seem like someone doing so much does not sleep, but I sure do love to when I get the chance.

Favorite Quote:  “Be the change that you want to see.”