Former Out Editor David Artavia to Lead LGBTQ Youth Arts Initiative

Mar 4, 2026 5:00am PT Queer Media Veteran David Artavia Named Executive Director of LGBTQ Youth Arts Initiative The Future Perfect Project (EXCLUSIVE) By Marc Malkin Plus Icon Marc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events marcmalkin Latest Scott Stuber on Hollywood’s ‘Emotional’ Response to Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger, Predicts Entrepreneurial Boom 2 days ago ‘The Pitt’ Actor Tracy Vilar Brings Heart Health to the Actor Awards (EXCLUSIVE) 2 days ago From Fear to Skepticism to Hope, Top Producers React to Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger at the PGA Awards 3 days ago See All Luke Fontanta Queer media veteran David Artavia has been named executive editor of national LGBTQ youth arts initiative The Future Perfect Project. Founded in 2017 by Ryan Amador and Celeste Lecesne, writer of Oscar-winning short film “Trevor” and co-founder of The Trevor Project, The Future Perfect Project works to ensure that every LGBTQIA+ young person feels safe, seen and celebrated in their community by providing creative programming in podcasting, music, writing and performance, alongside professional artistic membership. Related Stories AMC Networks Expands Tool to Help Advertisers Determine Whether Commercials Spur Consumers to Respond 'Game of Thrones' Movie in the Works at Warner Bros. From 'Andor' Writer “Creative expression is one of the most powerful ways young people make sense of themselves and the world around them,” Artavia said in a statement Wednesday. “At a time when LGBTQ+ youth are navigating increasing hostility and isolation, FPP is providing affirming creative spaces and meaningful mentorship that strengthens their resilience and sense of possibility. I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment of growth.” Popular on Variety Artavia’s career has included stints as editor-in-chief of legacy LGBTQ magazines The Advocate and Out. He most recently served as a senior reporter at Yahoo News. At FPP, Artavia succeeds Amador, who will now transition into a new role as Director of Production, helping to support programming across the organization’s portfolio of youth-centered artistic initiatives. FPP has experienced notable growth in recent years across its core programs. In 2025, its youth-developed podcast “I’m Feeling Queer Today” increased its audience by 193% and followers by 237%. According to Spotify, the show outperformed 88% of podcasts on the platform and generated more listener comments than 97% of comparable shows, reaching audiences in over 30 countries. “When David came to us, I knew almost immediately that he was the person to take FPP into the next phase of its artistic life,” said Lescene, who serves as FPP’s Artistic Director. “He somehow managed to light up my entire brain and, at the same time, he illuminated for us a pathway forward. This is without a doubt a challenging moment for LGBTQ+ youth and for the organizations that serve them, but David’s track record as a champion of LGBTQ+ issues, his lifelong dedication to the arts, his joyous approach to even the hard things and his experience in the world of queer media made him the obvious choice for the job.” For more on the organization, go to thefutureperfectproject.org. Jump to Comments ‘The Space Within’ Returns as Audible Doubles Down on Cinematic Storytelling and Original Audio Content Maria O’Brien, ‘Days of Our Lives’ Acting Coach and Actor, Dies at 75 LISTEN: It’s HBO: What Will the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Mean for TV’s Premium Pioneer? David Zaslav Sells $114 Million Worth of Warner Bros. Discovery Stock After WBD Clinches Paramount Skydance Deal ‘Hamnet’ Producer Hera Pictures Taps Martha Hood for New Head of Film Development Role Veronica Beard’s Celeb-Adored Staples Are Given New Life in This Comical Collab With French Artist Thomas Lélu JavaScript is required to load the comments. Loading comments...