As anti-LGBTQ culture wars and policies escalate across the country and around the globe, the power of gathering, celebrating, and amplifying queer voices is paramount. That’s the energy behind OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride — a high-octane, joy-fueled explosion of sound, spirit, and solidarity created by event producer Jeff Consoletti.
Now in its fourth year, OUTLOUD has cemented itself as a cultural force — one that not only spotlights LGBTQ artists, but turns stages into sanctuaries and dance floors into declarations.
In fact, it’s much of the reason why GLAAD honored OUTLOUD with a Special Recognition Award at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards this year, acknowledging its transformative role in elevating LGBTQ talent and creating space for community connection at scale.
For Consoletti, the festival isn’t just a party — it’s a mission.
In an interview with GLAAD, he described this year’s lineup as “stacked, diverse, loud, and proud,” featuring a blend of icons, newcomers, genre-benders, and “main-character energy across the board.” The goal, he said, is to reflect the full spectrum of queer joy and leave audiences walking away with a new favorite artist — and maybe sore feet from all the dancing.
“If you don’t leave with a new favorite artist (and if you can still feel your feet after all that dancing), you did it wrong,” he told GLAAD.
But joy alone wasn’t enough.
With queer and trans communities increasingly targeted by legislation and cultural attacks, Consoletti approached this year’s bookings with a clear sense of purpose: to affirm, uplift, and empower.
“We’re living in a time when queer people, especially trans folks and drag artists, are under attack. So, guess what? We’re putting them on stages. We’re giving them mics, giving them spotlights, and letting them be loud,” he said. “OUTLOUD is more than a name — it’s really a mission statement.”
That mission also honors the roots of Pride itself — born from protest and defined by resistance. Consoletti sees celebration and activism not as opposites, but as intertwined forces. “Pride has always been both a party and a protest. That’s the magic,” he explained.
“Celebration in itself is a form of resistance. When we take over the streets, dance, sing, kiss each other, and live out loud, we’re pushing back against every person and policy that tells us not to.”
That tension — between joy and justice — is what gives OUTLOUD its emotional charge and cultural relevance. It’s not just about putting on a great show, but about creating a space where LGBTQ people feel fully seen, heard, and celebrated. And in an entertainment world where many events overpromise and underdeliver, OUTLOUD sets a new standard by doing exactly what it says it will do — and more.
“We plan this thing like we’re throwing it for our best friends — because we are,” Consoletti says. “That means it’s a no fluff, no false promises, and no-nonsense affair. We know what makes a great show: seamless production, killer sound, stacked talent, and exquisitely curated vibes all around. If we say we’re gonna blow your mind, we mean it and we back it up.”
Representation is another non-negotiable for the OUTLOUD team. The lineup is intentionally inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the LGBTQ community itself. Consoletti is adamant that the stage must mirror the audience.
“If our lineup isn’t as diverse as our community, we’re doing it wrong,” he told GLAAD.
“Queer joy doesn’t look one way, and our lineup shouldn’t either. Representation isn’t a checkbox — it’s the whole damn vibe.”
As thousands descend on West Hollywood for this year’s festivities, Consoletti offers a warm and unapologetically fabulous welcome.
“Welcome to the Gay Super Bowl!” he said.
“Pack your cutest looks, hydrate like it’s your job, and get ready for three days of nonstop music, love, and beautiful, glittery chaos. But also, come with an open heart. Pride is about showing up for yourself and your community. Make a new friend. Tip a drag queen. Scream your face off for your favorite artist. Kiss! This is your moment. It’s up to you to seize it.”
And to those who continue working to roll back LGBTQ rights, his message is clear and defiant: “We see you and we’re not going anywhere. You can’t legislate us out of existence. You can’t silence joy. You can’t ban love. We’ve been through worse, and all you have to do is open your eyes and look around to see that we’re still here thriving, organizing, marching, and throwing the best parties they’ve ever not been invited to.”
As OUTLOUD continues to grow, it stands as a shining example of how LGBTQ communities can turn up the volume — on our stories, on our pride, and on our power. Because in Consoletti’s words, “We’re louder together.”
Get your tickets now at OUTLOUDMusicFestival.com
