About the Maine Speakout Project

Our History

Jonathon Lee founded Maine Speakout Project (MSOP) in 1995. MSOP began with a mission of increasing tolerance and respect for people of differing sexual orientations in Maine. MSOP operated as an independent non-profit organization until 2003. In July of 2003 MSOP joined Community Counseling Center (CCC) and became part of their Education for Living programming. CCC has significantly strengthened the breadth and depth of services and programming that MSOP can accomplish. Both CCC and MSOP are committed to actively reaching into the community to help build environments that are safe, respectful and supportive for all Mainers.

In 2004, the original mission statement of MSOP was amended by the advisory committee to include people of differing gender orientations. The mission now reads:

The mission of the Maine Speakout Project is to create a society that is inclusive and respectful of people of differing sexual and gender orientations by providing opportunities for non-divisive dialogue

This simple and important change reflected the reality and history of Maine Speakout Project. MSOP has worked closely with transgender speakers for many years, and we continue to do so with our Transgender Day of Remembrance program that takes place each November.

MSOP’s trained volunteer Speaker’s Bureau, Everyone Counts in the Workplace program, Walk With the Ones You Love events and the Charlie Howard Library are all unique programs that provide a valuable service to all of Maine’s citizens.

For more information on the history and philosophy of the Maine Speakout Project read Jane Mastriciano’s essay, Speakout: A Spiritual History.

Our Mission

The mission of the Maine Speakout Project is to create a society that is inclusive and respectful of people of differing sexual and gender orientations by providing opportunities for non-divisive dialogue.

Who Do We Speak For?

Maine Speakout Project volunteers speak out for everyone. Increased tolerance, safety and respect for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community will improve the quality of life for all Mainers. Volunteer speakers’ use storytelling as a device to speak out for tolerance, respect and inclusion for Maine’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. By giving Maine people an opportunity to hear about daily experiences with prejudice and discrimination, Speakout volunteers are providing a very effective way for communities to hear and begin to understand how prejudice and discrimination hurt all of us. Open dialogue creates shifts in perception that lead to lasting change.

Where Do We Speak?

Speakout volunteers have presented in middle and high schools, colleges and universities, churches, social service organizations and businesses throughout Maine. Some notable venues have included the Maine Coalition for Peace and Justice, Preble Street Resource Center, the Common Ground Festival and Thomas College. From Ogunquit to Presque Isle, MSOP has trained volunteers willing to tell their stories.

Speakout Profile

The average Speakout takes about an hour. Speakout volunteers are sent out in pairs. Each shares a 3 – 5 minute personal story that provides a glimpse into their experiences. Stories are deeply personal and individual. Some volunteers share coming out stories, while others share stories of discrimination or bias. Many stories are humorous and joyful. There is no uniform or typical Speakout presentation because each volunteer shares a unique story with the audience. After sharing their stories, volunteers invite questions and dialogue from the audience. As long as it is respectfully asked, Speakers will answer almost any questions. However, speakers do reserve the right to pass on answering a question. The program takes about an hour, sometimes more if there are a lot of questions.

Here is a sample of what audiences say about Speakout:

"They were very willing to answer our questions, and share their experiences without feeling ashamed."
     - University of Maine, Presque Isle, student

"Showed real emotions – you don’t see that everywhere."
     - Unity College Student

"The honesty and candor of their stories were incredibly engaging and to the point."
     - Tri-County Mental Health Clinician