Michael Venturiello
Raised in an Italian-Catholic family in Upstate New York, Michael reflects on the years it took to overcome religious shame and fully embrace his identity. After being unexpectedly outed in college, he chose to live openly, eventually moving to New York City, where his involvement with ACT UP and fascination with queer history helped shape his life’s work. He went on to found 'Christopher Street Tours', turning his passion for preserving and sharing LGBTQ+ history into a career. Michael also shares the life he has built with his husband, Rollie, and their hopes of starting a family together. Looking toward the future, he views love, family, and the privilege of growing older together as part of the legacy they hope to create.