When it comes to crafting experiences that leave a lasting imprint, few do it with as much heart, hustle, and spirit as Jeff Consoletti. As the founder of JJLA and the creative force behind OUTLOUD Music Festival, Jeff has spent the last sixteen years building more than shows; he’s built spaces where identity, artistry, and community collide—where queer joy isn’t just celebrated, it’s amplified. What began with grit and ambition in a West Hollywood apartment has grown into some of the biggest, boldest Pride celebrations in the country, rooted in the belief that visibility is power and joy is resistance. This year, OUTLOUD expands even further, launching its first-ever Boston edition to bring the festival’s vibrant spirit to the East Coast. Fresh off the announcement of the OUTLOUD @ WeHo Pride Summertramp lineup, Jeff opens up about the evolution of OUTLOUD and JJLA, the magic of West Hollywood, and why this year’s Pride feels more urgent, more electrifying, and more essential than ever.

‍OUTLOUD and JJLA does just about everything–marketing, PR, production, festivals, shows, etc– how did this journey begin, and how has its ethos evolved?Honestly, this whole thing started from a place of passion and hustle. Sixteen years ago, I was working on events out of my West Hollywood apartment—just scrappy enough to get things done and just bold enough to dream big. JJLA was born out of a desire to create unforgettable experiences that weren’t just flashy, but meaningful. As we grew, the mission naturally evolved. We became more intentional, more ambitious, and deeply rooted in the idea that events can do more than entertain—they can empower. In a similar fashion, OUTLOUD began at the foundation of the rainbow after years of putting in the work for my community at PRIDE events from coast to coast. It felt inherent that it was time to move this pipe dream into something tangible: spaces where queer artists and audiences feel seen, safe, and celebrated. The ethos? It’s always been about community, culture, and turning up the volume on voices that deserve the spotlight.

OUTLOUD takes place in the queer capital of Los Angeles, West Hollywood. What does Los Angeles, specifically WeHo, mean to you?

WeHo is where it all began for me. It’s the first place I truly felt like I could show up fully as myself—in business, in life, and in the creative world. There’s a unique magic to West Hollywood: it’s loud, proud, and unapologetically queer. But it’s also a place of resilience and reinvention. The history, the legacy, the energy—there’s nowhere else quite like it. Getting to throw one of the biggest Pride festivals right in the heart of this city is both an honor and a homecoming every year.

Throughout your career, you’ve made a clear commitment to uplifting queer voices and supporting the community. With the threat facing the LGBTQ+ community, especially Trans identities, what can we expect from this year's pride celebrations?

We’re not backing down—if anything, we’re doubling down. This year’s Pride is about visibility, resistance, and joy. There’s a lot of noise out there trying to silence or erase our community, particularly our Trans siblings. So at OUTLOUD and WeHo Pride, we’re making it clear: You belong here. You are celebrated here. We’re bringing more Trans talent to the stage, prioritizing queer BIPOC voices, and ensuring that every piece of programming reflects the diversity and strength of our community. Pride isn’t just a party—it’s a protest and a promise.

What are you most excited about for Pride this year?

Oh wow, where do I start? There’s always that moment right as the first performer hits the stage—when the crowd lights up, the sun’s shining, and you can feel the love radiating off everyone. That’s the spark I live for. But this year, I’m especially excited about some new partnerships we’ve formed that are helping us expand access and amplify even more underrepresented voices. Plus, we’ve got a few surprise moments in the works that I think are going to blow people away.

Do you have a favorite memory from one of the past festivals or events you created?

One that always sticks with me is from the very first OUTLOUD festival. I remember standing backstage, totally exhausted but buzzing with adrenaline, and watching this queer teen in the front row scream every lyric back to one of our headliners with tears in their eyes. In that moment, it hit me: this is why we do it. For the kid who finally feels seen. For the artist who gets to step into their power. For the community that gets to come together and just be. That’s the memory I carry with me every time I start planning the next one.

What would you say to a young queer person aspiring to follow in your footsteps and create these engaging community experiences?

First of all, do it. The world needs your vision, your voice, and your ideas. And don’t wait for permission—start wherever you are, with whatever you have. When I began, I didn’t have a blueprint or a massive team. I just had a belief that our stories mattered. You’re going to hit roadblocks, and there will be people who underestimate you—but don’t underestimate yourself. Surround yourself with community, stay curious, and keep pushing forward. You belong at the table—and if there’s no table, build one.

Out of all the standout pop culture moments you have helped produce, which experiences are you most proud of curating and why?

It’s tough to choose just one, but I’m incredibly proud of bringing OUTLOUD to life and watching it grow into this massive platform for queer music and culture. There was a time when queer artists didn’t get headline slots—let alone their own stage. Creating a space where LGBTQ+ talent is center stage, not a side act, has been incredibly rewarding. That, and getting to collaborate with artists and brands that are aligned in pushing culture forward—that’s the sweet spot for me. 

What does queer joy look like to you?

Queer joy is dancing in the street without fear. It’s chosen family screaming your name from the front row. It’s laughter through tears, glitter in the air, and finding yourself surrounded by people who get it. It’s a drag queen in full glam "belting out" a lip-synced power ballad while a crowd of strangers sings along in harmony. It’s freedom. It’s resistance. It’s love, loud and unapologetic.

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