MISSION & VALUES

 

Mission

To present liberating art by, for, and about queer and trans people of color that transcends artistic boundaries, celebrates cultural abundance, and dismantles oppression.

 

Values

OUTness creates and transforms space for queer and trans people of color, and the world around us.

Design Justice engages those most directly affected to be leaders at the forefront of our movement and telling their stories.

Shared Power guides our programming, pedagogy and organizational structure.

Youth Leadership centers youth perspectives, amplifies youth voices, and supports youth of color as the current leaders of our movement.

Experimentation & Innovation keeps our work adaptive, iterative and relevant.

RECOGNITION

TTO has been on the front lines of the fight for LGBTQ liberation and racial equality since 1989. 

Some highlighted awards for TTO’s impact include:

  • National Arts and Humanities Youth Programs Award (Presented by First Lady Michelle Obama, The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities), 2016

  • Orlin Corey Medallion Award from the Children's Theatre Foundation of America, 2016

  • Otto René Castillo Award for Political Theatre, 2016

  • Massachusetts Nonprofit Network Excellence Award for Board Governance, 2015

  • Belynda Dunn Award: Bayard Rustin Breakfast, 2014

  • Massachusetts Department of Transportation, 2013 LGBT Pride Month Community Recognition Award, 2013

  • Distinguished Leadership Award, Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth (BAGLY), 2010

  • True Colors: Social Innovator for Empowering Youth Through the Arts, Social Innovation Forum, 2008

  • The South End News, South End Favorites Award, Best Theater Performance, 2008

  • Jonathan Larson Musical Theatre Award, 2007

  • AIDS Action Committee, Spirit of Stonewall Award, 2007

  • Independent Reviewers of New England, Best New Play Surviving the Nian, 2007

  • Improper Bostonian Best Fringe Theater, 2004

  • Elliot Norton Boston Theater Award – Special Citation, 1999

  • City of Cambridge Peace & Justice Award, 1997

  • The Massachusetts Department of Education Safe Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students Recognition Award, 1994