We are proud to share that our chief executive officer, Avery Belyeu, has been named to Out Magazine’s prestigious OUT100 list for 2024! This recognition celebrates Belyeu’s groundbreaking leadership as the first openly transgender CEO of a large LGBTQ+ center in the United States and her noteworthy contributions to LGBTQ+ civil rights, suicide prevention and crisis intervention throughout her distinguished career.

The OUT100, Out Magazine’s annual list of the most influential LGBTQ+ individuals, recognizes leaders who have made substantial contributions across various fields and advanced LGBTQ+ visibility and equality. Belyeu’s inclusion acknowledges her significant cause-related work and leadership for the LGBTQ+ community for more than a decade and a half. Belyeu joins other prominent LGBTQ+ leaders on this year’s list including Olympian Tom Daley, Nina West of Rupaul’s Drag Race fame, Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster, super stylist Law Roach, and many others.

“I am honored to be included in this year’s OUT100 list along with so many other incredible pillars of our community,” said Belyeu. “I am humbled by this recognition and excited that this will spotlight the remarkable work we are doing at the Montrose Center.”

In the eight months since her appointment as CEO of the Montrose Center, Belyeu has already achieved many milestones, including overseeing the organization’s most successful annual gala to date, raising an unprecedented $400,000 for vital services. Under her leadership, the Center has reinforced its position as one of the Houston’s most influential LGBTQ+ nonprofits, with initiatives including the launch of a Community Advisory Board and renewed partnerships with grassroots organizations throughout Houston. These achievements build upon her extensive accomplishments at Lambda Legal and The Trevor Project, where she established the organization’s education department and developed upstream prevention programs.

“Avery is a rock star and deserves this honor,” said Gary Wood, president of the board of directors. “We knew she was special when we asked her to lead the Center and she is already exceeding our expectations in elevating the Center’s regional impact and national profile. We are so proud of her success.”

In addition to her vast experience, Belyeu’s recognition in the OUT100 represents an important milestone in advancing transgender visibility in nonprofit leadership. As the first openly transgender woman to lead one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ centers, her appointment challenges traditional barriers and showcases trans individuals in executive roles. Her success at the Montrose Center demonstrates that transgender leaders can effectively serve and represent the entire LGBTQ+ community while bringing unique insights and experiences to their leadership roles.

“As an openly Trans-identifying CEO myself, I’ve often faced skepticism about my ability to lead organizations effectively,” said Atlantis Narcisse, founder and CEO of Save Our Sisters United, Inc. “Avery’s inclusion in the OUT100 and her accomplishments as CEO of the Montrose Center are powerful rebuttals to those doubts. She is helping to open more doors and change old narratives, showing that as Trans women, our unique experiences are assets, not obstacles, in serving the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community.”

Belyeu’s inclusion in the OUT100 celebrates her trailblazing leadership and reinforces the Montrose Center’s position as a vital force in advancing LGBTQ+ health, wellness, and equality in Houston and beyond.

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