This weekend was one for the books. I got to be a part of
the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards! For those of you who aren’t
familiar, GLAAD is a non-profit organization that works to amplify stories from
the LGBT community and issues that build support for acceptance. Every year
they put together the GLAAD Media Awards, which recognize and honor media for
their fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of the community and the
issues that affect their lives.
I
came on board as part of the planning committee for the awards thanks to my
friend Cody Lassen, who is a member of the board of directors. These past few
weeks consisted of seeking local talent for the ceremony’s reception, obtaining
donations for a silent auction, selling seats to the event, and some other
things. I am thankful to my friends Rob Schneider, Darren Bousman, Keith Blau,
Phil Pallen, and Roland Emmerich for their valuable donations to the silent
auction. At the actual awards show, which took place at the Beverly Hilton, I worked as a talent escort to Roland
Emmerich, who was presented with a Stephen F. Kolzak Award for his
contributions to various non-profits that support prisoners’ rights, shelter
for homeless LGBT youth, marriage equality, and children in Cambodia. His
upcoming independently financed film, “Stonewall,” covers the 1969 riots in New
York that sparked a civil rights movement.
As
someone who’s all for diversity in film, television, and entertainment in
general, I’m proud to have been able to share my time, talents, and connections
to this respectful non-profit that is saving lives, opening minds, and changing
hearts. I want to thank Craig Bowie and Ricky Carter for leading the planning
committee, Cody Lassen for encouraging me to do it, the five individuals who
donated to the silent auction, all the hard-working team at GLAAD, and my friends who made this such an exciting night. This was
an invaluable experience that I would love to be a part of again next year.
Ellen DeGeneres presenting Kerry Washington with the Vanguard Award
Got to meet Bruno Tonioli from "Dancing with the Stars"
Fun with my friend Chanel from the alternative LA-based group Pony Boy Curtis, previously known as Badlands
Roland Emmerich with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award and Cody Lassen
Craig Bowie, leader of the planning committee
Dan Franzese took over GLAAD's instagram account during the show
Having fun with friends at the "Transparent" photo booth
