Queer Northshore Announces New Executive Director and Launch of Community-Led Committee Structure
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Madisonville, LA | December 22, 2025
Queer Northshore (QNS) is entering a new chapter rooted in sustainability, shared leadership, and long-term community care.
Since its founding, Queer Northshore has been led by its co-founders and Executive Directors, Mel Inari Manuel and Jeremy JF Thompson (Remy). What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a thriving, multi-parish organization serving LGBTQ+ people across the Northshore. As that growth has continued, the organization has reached a pivotal moment that calls for a new leadership structure built to last.
Today, Queer Northshore is proud to announce that Leyla Hekmatdoost will step into the role of Executive Director.
Mel Manuel and Jeremy JF Thompson will be stepping down from their Executive Director roles and will continue serving on the Board of Directors through 2026 to support a smooth and thoughtful transition. Jeremy will also remain involved as Consulting Director through 2026, helping ensure continuity, institutional memory, and organizational stability during this next phase.
“Queer Northshore grew faster than any of us imagined, and this evolution is a sign of its success, not its ending. Letting go of day-to-day leadership isn’t stepping away from Queer Northshore. It’s making sure it thrives long after us.”
Leyla currently serves as a Queer Northshore board member, the organization’s official photographer, co-creator of the Queer Louisiana Podcast, and the creator and facilitator of both the QNS Peer Support Group and Rainbow Society LGBTQ+ Youth Meetup. She is also the Executive Director of Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center in Ponchatoula. Leyla brings a deep commitment to community care, a strong background in nonprofit leadership, and a vision that aligns closely with Queer Northshore’s mission and values. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the QNS Board of Directors.
This leadership transition has been intentionally planned well in advance. With Mel and Jeremy expecting to begin a new international project after 2029, the organization has prioritized putting a durable, community-rooted structure in place now to ensure Queer Northshore remains strong and independent for years to come.
“This organization changes lives because it centers care, visibility, and belonging. My goal is to protect that heart while helping us grow stronger and more sustainable. Queer Northshore’s future doesn’t belong to one person. It belongs to all of us who show up, contribute, and care about each other. ”
Introducing a New Committee-Based Structure
Alongside this leadership transition, Queer Northshore is launching a new committee structure designed to distribute leadership, invite broader participation, and strengthen the organization’s capacity as it continues to grow.
These committees will play a vital role in shaping Pride, year-round programming, communications, fundraising, and community engagement. By moving away from a founder-led operational model and toward shared governance, QNS is investing in a future where many voices help guide the work.
The new committees include:
Communications Committee
Oversees social media, website updates, email marketing, press releases, advertising, and overall messaging.Pride Fundraising & Sponsorship Committee
Leads fundraising efforts, sponsorship outreach, donor relationships, and grant writing to support Pride and QNS programming.Pride Design Committee
Creates visual branding, merchandise, and design assets for Pride and events.Pride Operations Committee
Manages logistics including permits, equipment, vendors, safety planning, performers, and run-of-show coordination.Pride Volunteer Engagement Committee
Recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteers and community partners, ensuring Pride and events are welcoming and well-supported.
Each committee has specific timelines and skill needs, and all are essential to the success of Pride and Queer Northshore’s year-round work.
Help Shape Our Future: Join a Committee
Queer Northshore is now inviting community members to get involved by joining committees. Whether you bring professional experience, creative skills, organizational talent, or simply a passion for building queer community on the Northshore, there is a place for you.
Those interested can learn more and submit a Committee Interest Form at:
https://www.queernorthshore.org/committees
Meet the New Executive Director
The community will have an opportunity to meet Leyla and celebrate this transition at the January QNS Social Meetup:
January 20 | 6:30–8:30 PM
Covington Beer Garden
This gathering will serve as a meet-and-greet and a chance to share in the excitement of what’s ahead.
With new leadership, shared governance, and continued board support, Queer Northshore is entering its next chapter with clarity, intention, and deep confidence in the power of community. Under Leyla’s leadership, Queer Northshore will continue to grow, thrive, and serve LGBTQ+ people across the Northshore for generations to come.
Media Contacts:
Mel Inari Manuel & Jeremy JF Thompson | Executive Directors, Queer Northshore
ABOUT QUEER NORTHSHORE: Queer Northshore is a volunteer-directed 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in January 2022 with a mission to promote LGBTQ+ visibility, community and acceptance through programing and events in the Northshore region of Southeast Louisiana. Learn more about Queer Northshore.