Empowering Queer Youth Through Art: A New Era of Leadership
David Artavia: A Visionary Leader for LGBTQ Youth Arts
David Artavia, a prominent figure with extensive experience in queer media, has been named the new Executive Director of The Future Perfect Project (FPP), a national initiative focused on arts for LGBTQ youth. This appointment underscores a significant step forward for the organization, which is dedicated to supporting and celebrating young people within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Genesis and Mission of The Future Perfect Project
Established in 2017 by the collaborative efforts of Ryan Amador and Celeste Lecesne, co-founder of The Trevor Project and writer of the Oscar-winning short film “Trevor,” The Future Perfect Project operates with a core mission. It strives to cultivate an environment where every LGBTQIA+ young person experiences security, recognition, and celebration within their community. This is achieved through diverse creative programming, encompassing podcasting, music, writing, and performance arts, complemented by professional artistic membership opportunities.
Artavia's Perspective on the Power of Creative Expression
In a recent statement, Artavia emphasized the profound impact of creative expression, noting it as a vital avenue for young individuals to comprehend themselves and the world around them. He highlighted the current landscape, where LGBTQ+ youth often face increased adversity and isolation, making FPP's role even more crucial. Artavia expressed his honor in assuming this leadership position during what he described as a critical phase of expansion for the project, recognizing FPP's commitment to providing nurturing artistic spaces and valuable mentorship that enhance resilience and a sense of potential among youth.
Artavia's Distinguished Career in Queer Media
Artavia's professional journey includes significant roles, having served as editor-in-chief for esteemed LGBTQ publications such as The Advocate and Out magazines. His most recent position was as a senior reporter for Yahoo News, further solidifying his reputation as an influential voice in media, particularly within the queer community.
Leadership Transition and Continued Growth
In his new capacity at FPP, Artavia takes over from co-founder Ryan Amador. Amador will transition into a new strategic role as Director of Production, where he will continue to lend his expertise and support to the organization's array of youth-centric artistic initiatives. This transition is designed to facilitate continued growth and enhance the impact of FPP's programs.
Remarkable Growth and Impact of FPP's Programs
The Future Perfect Project has witnessed substantial growth in its core programs in recent years. A notable success is its youth-produced podcast, “I’m Feeling Queer Today.” In 2025, the podcast's audience surged by an impressive 193%, with followers increasing by 237%. Spotify data indicates that the show surpassed 88% of podcasts on its platform and garnered more listener engagement than 97% of comparable programs, reaching diverse audiences across over 30 countries globally.
Lecene's Endorsement of Artavia's Leadership
Celeste Lecesne, FPP's Artistic Director, shared her immediate conviction about Artavia's suitability for the role. She noted his ability to invigorate her thinking and clearly define a path forward for the organization. Lecesne acknowledged the challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth and the organizations that serve them, but stressed Artavia's exemplary record as an advocate for LGBTQ+ causes, his lifelong dedication to the arts, his positive approach even to difficulties, and his extensive background in queer media as making him the unequivocal choice for this pivotal leadership positio