Reese C. Kelly

As a queer and trans man, Reese knows firsthand the role that LGBTQ+ youth organizations play in keeping queer youth alive, safe, and thriving. As a teen who experienced homophobic and transphobic bullying, Reese’s search for safety and community led him to the Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center in Michigan, where he grew up. The youth programs at Affirmations changed his life – allowing him to make friends, date, build self-esteem, attend queer prom, and experience profound joy in being queer.

Reese admires Outright’s commitment to fostering hope, equity, power, and joy - not just externally with youth and the community but also internally as an organizational culture. He joined the Board of Directors in 2022 and currently serves on the Executive Committee and the Condo Association Board. He’s known for considering the bigger picture and encouraging the board to align their decisions with the mission, values, and goals of the organization.

Reese is a passionate speaker and is able to draw connections between larger social forces and personal experiences. He brings to the board a variety of knowledge, skills, and experiences that focus on systems, interconnectedness, bodies, and healing. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology, certificates in Restorative Justice, Social-Emotional Facilitation, and Yoga, and is a Board Certified Massage Therapist. He is also a published scholar on queer and trans topics.

Fun facts about Reese: His last name is a tribute to his first dog, Kelly. It’s also his way of shaking off patriarchal naming conventions! Reese has a history as an influencer - his old youtube channel had over 2,000 subscribers.