A Note From Our Executive Director…
Happy Pride, friends.
This is my first Pride month as Executive Director of The OUT Foundation, and I’m writing to you with a full heart. Like many of you, I’m holding a lot right now — joy, rage, exhaustion, and hope — all at the same time.
Pride has always been more than a party. It's protest and celebration. It’s resistance rooted in love. And this year, as LGBTQ+ communities continue to face coordinated attacks across the country, it’s never been more important to protect our joy, and our health, as revolutionary acts.
I want to share a quick story with you. I rediscovered fitness through running when I came out as gay in college. At the time, I was searching for a way to feel strong in my own body, something I had never really felt growing up. I laced up my sneakers, hit the pavement, and slowly, mile by mile, found my stride. The running community welcomed me in, and over time, it gave me more than just endurance. It gave me confidence, resilience, and the belief that I belonged, not just in fitness spaces, but in the world.
That’s the power of inclusive wellness. That’s the heartbeat of OUT.
Every single day, The OUT Foundation works to make fitness, health, and community spaces more welcoming to LGBTQ+ people, especially those who have been most excluded. From our OUTAthlete scholarships to our inclusive gym trainings, from mental health partnerships to our Infiltrate with Love campaign happening all across the country this Pride season, we show up. And not just in June but all year round.
We know the stakes are high. We know that legislation, discrimination, and misinformation continue to put our community at risk. But at OUT, we believe in meeting this moment with action, with care, and with unapologetic queer joy.
Thank you for being with us in this work. For celebrating, showing up, and standing firm. We see you, and we’re so grateful you’re part of this community.
With pride and gratitude,
Paul Salvador
Executive Director
The OUT Foundation
*Photo: the first Stonewall anniversary march was held on June 28, 1970, taken by Photographer Fred W. McDarrah - rights from @rightobeorg
