Public Education Services dba SpeakOUT Boston

SpeakOUT is the nation's oldest LGBTQ speakers bureau and has been opening minds and changing attitudes since 1972. SpeakOUT works to create a world free of homo-bi-trans-phobia and other forms of prejudice by telling the truths of people’s lives.

We do so by:

• conducting educational programs about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer lives and issues; 

 

• training individuals and organizations to use public speaking as a means of creating positive cultural change;

 

• sharing our lives and experiences publicly in order to support those struggling with sexuality and gender identity; and

 

• educating within the communities we represent about issues that divide us.

 

SpeakOUT engages audiences in honest dialogue, and in keeping with our motto "Ask Us Anything," invites any questions that may challenge harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.

Here are just a few testimonials of how our work is changing attitudes: 

"Your presentation to our students was wonderful! You were so eloquent and gentle in your presentations and you were so affirming of our students & helped them to feel comfortable asking anything...I ended up crying on the way home after your presentation because it went so well and it was so groundbreaking for our school."
~teacher, Catholic high school, Milton

"The speakers gave me a wake-up call that everyone is an individual and should not be judged based on stereotypes."
      ~college student, Boston

"It made me think there are a lot more children out there in schools who have gay parents than I realized. I think the attitudes within school systems need to change."
      ~college administrator, Cambridge

"Now I won’t let discriminatory language go on in class."
   ~high school student, Rockport

"One of the students admitted before the presentation that he always wanted to physically hurt someone who was gay. After listening to the speakers he said he better understood the gay/lesbian lifestyle and no longer wanted to be violent to gays. He was very thankful to the speakers."
   ~high school teacher, Brighton

“I’m a huge fan of SpeakOUT and a regular donor. We have had a number of SpeakOUT speakers come to my school (Newton South HS) over the years, and every single one has been engaging and enlightening. SpeakOUT has helped transform Newton South into a safer, more inclusive school community.”
~openly gay HS teacher