Joseph Amodeo, 19 years old is a student at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY. Throughout his life, he has focused on ensuring equal rights for all without exception. In 2005, Amodeo established a Gay-Straight Alliance at his high school in southern New York State and went on in that same year to run for elected office in the 9th District of Ulster County, NY. "Instinct Magazine" selected Joseph as one of the “25 Leading Men of 2005" and "The Advocate" named Joseph one of seven “Future Gay Leaders of 2006." Joseph has also been profiled in "InsideOUT Magazine," and has written a multitude of articles regarding equality, which have been published in magazines including "The Advocate" and "InsideOUT" as well as online periodicals including Campus Pride.

Joseph is currently enrolled in a bachelor degree program at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, where he is studying religious studies, history, and political science. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, American Society of Church History, National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Political Science Association.