Queer Livelihoods Project
The Queer Livelihoods Project is a left-of-center LGBT funding group founded by Adam-Michael Royston, a San Francisco-based fundraiser, in 2020 to direct funding to LGBT-themed art projects. The project was founded alongside the Loom + Ten Gallery, which was opened to exhibit work by LGBT artists. Funding sources and specific activities of the project are unclear, although the group has reported providing $3.5 million to the Global Philanthropy Project’s (GPP) “Fund Our Futures” campaign, a broad left-of-center LGBT funding project. 1 2 3 4
Contents
Background
The Queer Livelihoods Project presents itself as a left-of-center arts funding initiative that has a stated aim to “close the LGBTQ+ wealth gap” by supporting LGBT artists and designers, with an emphasis on creators from developing economies. The project’s materials describe its work as focused on cultural equity, economic empowerment, and elevating “global Queer voices.” The group also has a stated goal of “Decolonizing the Queer Experience,” stating, “We aim to challenge Western-centric views of Queerness and celebrate diverse global perspectives.” 4
The project was founded in 2020 by Adam-Michael Royston, a San Francisco-based fundraiser who previously worked for LYRIC: Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth and Community Partners International. In 2025, Royston launched the Loom + Ten Gallery as a for-profit art gallery exhibiting LGBT artists that reinvest profits into the Queer Livelihoods Project. On his LinkedIn profile, Royston notes, “Through QLP, I’ve established a sustainable model that reinvests profits from our associated art gallery, Loom + Ten, back into the fund, supporting even more early-stage artists and programs. Our mission is to bridge cultural divides and uplift voices that are often marginalized, creating opportunities for artists to reach new audiences and succeed on a global stage.” 2
While the project describes itself as a private fund, the specific structure of the organization is unclear, and the group does not appear to have nonprofit status or be independently registered as a company or nonprofit in California. 2 5 6
Activities
The Queer Livelihood Project’s public channels and affiliated gallery content show engagement with donor networks and LGBTQ philanthropy convenings. Posts and event media reference the Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID), where founder Adam-Michael Royston was co-chair of the membership committee as of 2025, and the Global Philanthropy Project’s (GPP) “Fund Our Futures” campaign, which the project has significantly funded. 7 1 1
Grantmaking
Queer Livelihood Project has committed a total of $3.5 million to the Global Philanthropy Project’s (GPP) “Fund Our Futures” campaign, having in 2025 added an additional $1 million to its previous $2.5 million commitment. The campaign reported a total of $182 million pledged from 64 grant makers as of 2025, including pledges from many large left-of-center grant makers, such as the Democracy Fund, the Ford Foundation, and the Oak Foundation. 3 1
People
Adam-Michael Royston is the founder of the Queer Livelihoods Project and the Loom + Ten Gallery. Royston founded the project in 2020 and opened the gallery in 2025. He worked as the vice president at LYRIC: Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth from 2021 to 2023. He also held fundraising roles for Mission Graduates, the YMCA of San Francisco, Community Partners International, and Church World Service. 2
Niquole Esters is a climate and nature advisor to the project. She is also the vice president of strategic engagement at the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation and previously worked at Conservation International. 8