The Voice of Our Community

outspoken

OUTSPOKEN is The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center’s vibrant and empowering magazine, created by and for the LGBTQ+ community of Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. As a bold expression of queer visibility, OUTSPOKEN amplifies the voices, stories, and experiences that define and uplift our diverse community.

Distributed at major events—including Westchester Pride—OUTSPOKEN delivers a dynamic blend of feature articles, personal essays, resource guides, event highlights, and creative work by local LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s where art, activism, and identity meet.

What You’ll Find in OUTSPOKEN

  • Spotlights on Local LGBTQ+ Leaders & Changemakers

  • Community Resources & Affirming Services

  • Creative Submissions from Writers & Artists

  • Features on Programs & Events at The LOFT

  • Education & Advocacy Tools

  • The Annual Pride Guide — your essential LGBTQ+ resource directory

Why It Matters

OUTSPOKEN is more than a magazine—it's a platform for visibility, connection, and celebration. Whether you're looking for community support, healthcare referrals, or stories that reflect your lived experience, you’ll find it here. Every issue is a testament to the resilience, brilliance, and beauty of our LGBTQ+ family.
Magazine cover titled "OUTSPOKEN" with issue number 02, published in June 2025 by The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center. The cover features a woman with dark skin, dramatic makeup, and styled hair, wearing leather gloves, jewelry, and a metallic silver outfit. Text on the cover mentions topics like "The Cristál Era," the rise of Sapphira, and themes of pride, movement, and progress, with additional smaller images of a man with glasses and a beard in dark clothing.

Calling All Writers & Storytellers!

Are you passionate about LGBTQ+ topics? Do you have a short story, poem, or article idea you'd love to share with our community? Here's your chance to be featured in OUTSPOKEN Magazine: Pride Issue!

What We’re Looking For:

  • Short stories, poems, or similar pieces (Max: 1,000 words)

  • A variety of topics that inspire, educate, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community

Need Inspiration? Consider These Categories:

  • Personal Stories & Experiences

  • Arts & Culture

  • Health & Wellness

  • Advocacy & Activism

  • Relationships & Families

  • Historical & Educational

  • Community Spotlights

  • Fashion & Style

  • Travel & Adventure

  • Poetry & Creative Writing

  • Career & Professional Life

Submission Details:

Deadline: February 1 (you will be informed by March 15th of your status)

Send your piece and OUTSPOKEN Release Form to OUTSPOKEN@theloftcenter.org

Include:

  • Name

  • Pronouns

  • Email & Phone

  • Location

  • Any other info to credit your work

Note: While we aim to feature as many pieces as possible, not all submissions may make it into the print magazine. However, we’ll explore opportunities for digital publication! This is a volunteer opportunity and submissions are not paid. However, being featured in OUTSPOKEN Magazine provides a unique platform to share your voice and reach thousands in the LGBTQ+ community through our print and/or digital editions.

advertise in outspoken magazine

Reach loyal LGBTQ+ audiences across Westchester County and the Hudson Valley—or share a message of Pride—by placing an ad in The LOFT’s OUTSPOKEN Magazine: Pride Guide Issue. Mass-produced and distributed at Westchester Pride (hosted by The LOFT) and other major events throughout the year, it’s also available digitally on our website. Alongside the annual Pride Guide—a go-to directory of LGBTQ+-affirming businesses, organizations, advocacy groups, and healthcare resources—this special issue features stories from our community that uplift and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives.

Ad Sizes & Pricing

  • Full page (color): 8.25" × 10.75" — $1,000

  • Half page (color): 8.25" × 5.312" — $500

File Specs
Please supply camera-ready art as a 300 dpi JPG or high-quality PNG, sized exactly to the dimensions above.

Your advertising directly supports the nonprofit programs and services of The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, proudly serving Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.

Submission deadline: April 1.

For more information, please contact us at OUTSPOKEN@theloftcenter.org.

Thank you for your support!