Red Carpet Arrivals & Complete list of The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the JW Marriott LA Hotel

Los Angeles, Saturday, April 20, 2013 - GLAAD Media Award recipients were announced in 10 of this year’s 33 media categories at the 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, presented nationally by Ketel One Vodka and Wells Fargo, and locally by Delta Air Lines, at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles 900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90015 on Saturday night.

The celebrities and guests gathered for the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles were Jennifer Lawrence and Harvey Weinstein presented the Advocate for Change Award to former President Bill Clinton. Charlize Theron and Leonardo DiCaprio presented entertainment attorney Steve Warren with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award.

The event was hosted by Drew Barrymore and featured an exclusive performance by Kelly Rowland. Additional special guests included Betty White, Chris Evans, Scott Evans, Tobey Maguire, Alex Pettyfer, Elle Fanning, Brad Goreski, Darren Criss, Logan Lerman, Mae Whitman, Eric Dane, Stephen Chbosky, Kirsten Dunst, Naya Rivera, Ali Larter, Alex Newell, Matt Bomer, Sara Ramirez, Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha, Cloris Leachman, Shannon Woodward, Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, Linda Perry; Kat Graham, Trevor Donovan, Chaz Bono, Maria Menounos, Kyle Richards, and Wilson Cruz, among many others!

Following is a complete list of GLAAD Media Awards presented on stage, and the individuals that accepted the awards (accepters tentative):

• Advocate for Change Award:  Bill Clinton  (presented by Harvey Weinstein and Jennifer Lawrence)
• Stephen F. Kolzak Award:  Steve Warren  (presented by Leonardo DiCaprio and Charlize Theron)
• Outstanding Film – Wide Release:  The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Summit Entertainment)  [accepted by: writer and director Stephen Chbosky with Logan Lerman, Johnny Simmons and Mae Whitman]
• Outstanding Comedy Series:  The New Normal (NBC)  [accepted by: co-creators Ryan Murphy and Allison Adler with Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha, Georgia King, Jayson Blair, NeNe Leakes]
• Outstanding Individual Episode:  “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Me What to Do” Raising Hope (Fox)  [accepted by: show creator Greg Garcia with Cloris Leachman, Shannon Woodward]
• Outstanding TV Movie or Mini-Series:  American Horror Story: Asylum (FX)  [accepted by:  show creator Ryan Murphy]
• Outstanding Daily Drama:  Days of Our Lives (NBC)  [accepted by: Freddie Smith]

The following is a list of other award recipients announced at the 24^th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles.

• Outstanding Talk Show Episode:  “At Home with Neil Patrick Harris, His Fiancé David Burtka, & Their Twins” Oprah’s Next Chapter (OWN)
• Outstanding Los Angeles Theater:  The Children by Michael Elyanow

SPANISH-LANGUAGE

• Outstanding Daytime Talk Show Episode:  “Confirma su identidad como mujer” Showbiz (CNN en Español)

• Outstanding TV Journalism Newsmagazine:  TIE: “Los transexuales buscan su identidad en medio de ignorancia y prejuicios” Encuentro (CNN en Español) and “La vida en rosa” Aquí y Ahora (Univision)

• Outstanding Newspaper Article:  “Gays y padres excelentes” by Pilar Marrero (La Opinión)

Additional awards were presented in New York on March 16.  The final awards will be presented in San Francisco on May 11 at the Hilton San Francisco – Union Square where Adam Lambert will receive the Davidson/Valentini Award and the San Francisco Giants will receive the Corporate Leader Award.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. GLAAD Media Award nominees were published, released or broadcast between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.

More information about the upcoming GLAAD Media Awards event in San Francisco may be found athttp://www.glaad.org/mediaawards.  To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

About GLAAD:  GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, visit www.glaad.org.

Source: GLAAD
Photos by Rodrigo Vaz/RodrigoVaz.com/LoveShots for Diversity News Magazine.

President Bill Clinton to be honored at 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 20, 2013

Steve Warren to receive Stephen F. Kolzak Award; Leonardo DiCarprio, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Lawrence to present.

Los Angeles, April 3, 2013 - GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organization, today announced it will honor former President Bill Clinton at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. Entertainment attorney Steve Warren will also receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award during the event at the JW Marriott on April 20, 2013.

For tickets, table purchases and additional information about the GLAAD Media Awards visit http://glaad.org/mediaawards.

Bill Clinton will receive GLAAD’s first Advocate for Change Award during the event. In 2011, Clinton advocated for marriage equality in New York, stating that “for more than a century, our Statue of Liberty has welcomed all kinds of people from all over the world yearning to be free. In the 21st century, I believe New York’s welcome must include marriage equality.” In 2012, he joined the Coalition to Protect North Carolina Families in working against North Carolina’s proposed Amendment One to ban marriage and civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. Most recently, he called for the Supreme Court to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act in an op-ed for The Washington Post.

During his administration, Clinton became the first U.S. President to appoint out gay and lesbian people to all levels of government. He appointed more than 150 including James Hormel as America’s first openly gay ambassador. During the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, his administration convened the first White House Conference on the epidemic, created the national AIDS Policy Coordinator post, and expanded funding for research.  In 2002, his Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) began as the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in the developing world.

“President Clinton’s support of the LGBT community and recognition that DOMA, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, is unconstitutional and should be struck down shows that the political landscape continues to change in favor of LGBT equality,” said GLAAD’s Wilson Cruz. “Leaders and allies like President Clinton are critical to moving our march for equality forward.”

GLAAD will present the Stephen F. Kolzak Award to Steve Warren. Warren, a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School, has been a practicing entertainment lawyer for twenty-seven years. He is a name partner at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller, LLP, specializing in the representation of actors, directors and writers. He served as the first out gay man on the Board of Trustees for his daughter’s school, the Center for Early Education, and currently serves as the first out gay man on the Board of Trustees at the Archer School for Girls. Warren joined GLAAD’s Board of Directors in 2010, and currently serves on the Executive Committee.

“Steve Warren’s work and career have opened doors for out professionals across the entertainment industry,” said Wilson Cruz. “In addition to advocating for LGBT people, he has continuously mobilized a large base of high-profile allies to help bring about social change,” said Cruz.

The Stephen F. Kolzak Award is named after a successful casting director who devoted the last part of his life to raising awareness in the entertainment industry about the discrimination faced by gay and HIV-positive people.  The award is presented to an openly LGBT media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality for our community. Previous recipients include Ellen DeGeneres, Sir Ian McKellen, Bill Condon, Wanda Sykes, Alan Ball and Robert Greenblatt.


Additional special guests for the Los Angeles event include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Charlize Theron, and Jennifer Lawrence. Additional presenters and LGBT advocates will be announced.

The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles are presented nationally by Ketel One Vodka and Wells Fargo and locally by Delta Air Lines.

The final GLAAD Media Awards event will take place in San Francisco on May 11 at the Hilton San Francisco – Union Square where Adam Lambert will receive the Davidson/Valentini Award.

Nominees for the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced in January and are available here: http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/nominees.  The New York GLAAD Media Awards were held on March 16 at the New York Marriott Marquis.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives.   They also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality.  Each year, the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco bring together more than 5,000 advocates and allies to raise critical funds for the organization’s work.

The 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards are executive produced by Marc Honaker, Director of Creative Development at GLAAD, and by Josh Wood, founder and president of Josh Wood Productions. Emmy Award-winning production designer James Connelly will design this year’s set. Producer and editor Brett Henrichsen will also contribute to this year’s GLAAD Media Awards.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

About GLAAD: GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

EDITORIAL: Gay Marriage = A Right, A Privilege, A Great Revenue or a Bad Thing in Our Society?

Stonewall Young Democrats 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012 Honorees Announcement

West Hollywood, CA — Saturday, June 2, 2012, The Stonewall Young Democrats & the Honorable Betty Yee announced The SYD 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012 Honorees: Year of the Women.

List of The SYD 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012 Honorees:

• Honorable Dianne Feinstein, California United States Senator
• Honorable Debra Bowen, California Secretary of State
• Honorable Cynthia Loo, Referee, LA Superior Court
• Susan Dunlap, CEO, Planned Parenthood-Los Angeles

Lifetime Achievement Award:

Honorable Dianne Feinstein

Dianne Feinstein has built a reputation as an independent voice, working with members on both sides of the aisle to find common-sense solutions to the problems facing California and the Nation. Dianne was first elected to the Senate in 1992. Since then, she has built a legacy of accomplishment – helping to strengthen the nation’s security both here and abroad, combat violence and crime, combat cancer, protect California’s environmental jewels, and secure funding for critical projects.

Dianne’s career has been one of firsts – she was the first woman President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, the first woman Mayor of San Francisco, the first woman elected Senator of California, and the first woman member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Dianne entered public service in 1969, when she was elected to the San Francisco County Board of Supervisors and served 2 ½ terms as President of the Board. She became Mayor of San Francisco in November 1978 following the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk.

When it comes to politicians who have stepped up in the fight for LGBT equality, Senator Dianne Feinstein is at the top of the list. Her long work for the LGBT community dates back to her work alongside city supervisor Harvey Milk and more recently sponsoring a dozen private bills blocking the deportation of bi-national couples in the state, as well as her support for the proposed Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act.

We are proud to honor Senator Feinstein. When the LGBT Community most needed her, she was there!

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Trailblazer Award: Susan Dunlap

Sue Dunlap has been a leader in women’s health advocacy for over a decade. Sue currently serves as the CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles (PPLA) and the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County. She previously served as Vice President of External Affairs at PPLA, overseeing Public Affairs, Communications Marketing, 501(c)(4), and PAC operations. Her leadership has helped defeat three anti-choice ballot initiatives in California and increase reimbursement rates for family planning providers.

Prior to joining PPLA, Sue was the Deputy Political Director of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in Washington D.C. While in Washington, she developed and implemented a national strategy to increase the visibility of women’s health in the 2004 elections and coordinated Planned Parenthood’s first presidential debate. Sue has also served as the Vice President of Public Policy for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. During her tenure, she led strategic efforts to pass and defeat hundreds of bills, and oversaw the signing of seven groundbreaking measures, including California’s Reproductive Privacy Act, which guarantees the Constitutional protections of Roe v. Wade in state law.

In addition to her work at Planned Parenthood, Sue has worked as a producer ofdaily news and political programs for National Public Radio. Sue’s award-winning article, “Queer Citizenship/Queer Representation: Politics Out Of Bounds,” appears in The Politics of Gender(United Nations University Press, 2008). She received her B.A. in Political Science and Psychology and completed all coursework for a Masters degree in Latin American Studies at San Diego State University.

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Mentorship Award: Honorable Debra Bowen

This year event to be hosted (Master of Ceremonies) by Activist, Philanthropist, TV Personality, Actress Raquel Castaneda, Cast Member, Showtimes The Real “L” Word.

The SYD 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012 will be held at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites located 404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071-1710 on Saturday, August 25, 2012 from 4:00pm ~ 6:00pm

The event host Committee are Assemblymember Steve Bradford, Ed Buck, Ari Ruiz, Michael Colorge, Malibu Mayor Laura Rosenthal, West Hollywood Councilman John Duran.

For event Information visit: http://www.stonewallyoungdems.org/heroes and for general tickets and sponsorship opportunities visit http://stonewallyoungdems.org/heroes/sponsor-us

About SYD HERO Awards:
The SYD Annual HERO Awards, now in its sixth year, recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the rights of the LGBT Community. Past recipients include: Congresswoman Judy Chu, Maria Elena Durazo, Karina Samala, Fmr. Congresswoman/US Ambassador Diane E. Watson, West Hollywood City Council Member Jeffrey Prang and Jorge Valencia. For more information visit http://stonewallyoungdems.org/heroes

About SYD: Founded in 2004, Stonewall Young Democrats is a community of dedicated youth passionate about political and societal issues. They strive to give voice to LGBTQ youth and take action in a grassroots manner on matters of both local and national significance. For more information visit www.stonewallyoungdems.org

For last year before and after coverage visit:
http://diversitynewsmagazine.com/2011/08/the-5th-annual-hero-awards-hosted-by-debra-wilson-august-20-2011/#.UA4ZZGFfFU0

http://www.examiner.com/article/the-5th-annual-hero-awards-hosted-by-madtv-s-debra-wilson-makes-history

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-5th-annual-hero-awards-hosted-madtvs-debra-8975083.html?cat=48

Sources: http://stonewallyoungdems.org, Diversity News Magazine, Examiner.com, Yahoo Voices, Diversity News Publications.
Photos and Graphic credit to: Stonewall Young Democrats

Editor’s Note: For a second year in a row Diversity News Magazine from Diversity News Publications is again an official and proud media partner/sponsor of the Stonewall Young Democrats 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012.

Raquel Castaneda Named Host of The Stonewall Young Democrats 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012

West Hollywood, CA — On Tuesday, July 10, 2012, The Stonewall Young Democrats & the Honorable Betty Yee announced that Activist, Philanthropist and TV Personality featured on Showtimes The Real L Word Raquel Castaneda will be host of The Stonewall Young Democrats 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012 Year of the Women.

“I am Honored to be hosting the 6th Annual HERO Awards! Please join us as we celebrate our Victories in 2012-The Year of the Woman!” said Raquel Castaneda.

On prior announcement The SYD 6th Annual HERO Awards 2012 Honorees were announced as:

• Honorable Dianne Feinstein, California United States Senator
• Honorable Debra Bowen, California Secretary of State
• Honorable Cynthia Loo, Referee, LA Superior Court
• Susan Dunlap, CEO, Planned Parenthood-Los Angeles

Facebook becomes first social media company to receive GLAAD Media Award in San Francisco on June 2

On Thursday, May 31, 2012 GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today announced that Facebook will receive a Special Recognition Award at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

In March, GLAAD announced that Facebook would be receiving a Special Recognition Award for the company’s strong stand and leadership around bullying prevention as well as its inclusive options for LGBT users.  After violent anti-gay images and comments were posted on a memorial page for LGBT youth, Facebook worked with GLAAD to monitor the highly visible page and launched, in conjunction with several LGBT organizations, the Network of Support.

Facebook’s Andrew Noyes and Sara Sperling, who will accept the award on behalf of Facebook, were instrumental in the creation of the Network of Support, which serves in a consultative capacity to help the company effectively address issues faced by the LGBT community.  Through the Network of Support, Facebook partners with GLAAD; MTV; the Human Rights Campaign (HRC); the Trevor Project; the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN); and Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

High school student Brittany McMillan will present the award. McMillan launched the idea for Spirit Day in 2010 and began working with GLAAD on the annual event which inspires millions of participants to wear purple or change their Facebook photo to purple in support of LGBT youth and to stand up against bullying. Facebook was among the companies that participated last year.


Facebook’s leadership on anti-bullying initiatives was also recognized with an invitation to participate in the White House Conference on Bullying Prevention.  There, the company announced it was seeking feedback from teenagers on bullying prevention, aired a special “Facebook Live” broadcast, and unveiled new tools that allow abuse reports to be handled more efficiently.

Other industry-leading steps Facebook has taken include:

• In September, Facebook launched the Stop Bullying: Speak Up campaign with Time-Warner, which empowers students, educators and parents to help prevent bullying. That campaign launched across Latin America this week.
• GLAAD and the Network of Support worked with Facebook to give users the options to select “In a Civil Union” and “In a Domestic Partnership,” recognizing the relationships of countless loving and committed same-sex couples.
• Additionally, Facebook was among corporate leaders that participated in Spirit Day with GLAAD by encouraging employees to turn Facebook photos purple and wear the color on October 20 as a sign of support for LGBT youth.
• Facebook also added Help Center content that provides specific guidance on how users can help an LGBT person who has posted suicidal material and introduced special reporting procedures for LGBT youth in cooperation with the Trevor Project and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“Facebook has set the bar high for ensuring LGBT people have a safe space to connect with friends and family,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “GLAAD is pleased to present this award to Facebook in recognition of its efforts to make their platform welcoming to everyone.”


GLAAD previously announced that Glee’s Dianna Agron will host the event in San Francisco on June 2 at the Marriott Marquis, and that Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal) will receive the Golden Gate Award, and Wells Fargo will receive the Corporate Leader Award at the ceremony.

Guests will enjoy a performance by Beverly McClellan, a finalist on season one of The Voice, as well as Mystère by Cirque du Soleil.  Other special guests include: Rita Moreno (Happily Divorced); Adam Pally (Happy Endings); Sean Maher (Much Ado About Nothing); Shay Mitchell, Ashley Benson, Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars); Guillermo Diaz, Katie Lowes (Scandal); Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, Jack Antonoff (fun.); Chandler Massey and Freddie Smith (Days of Our Lives); Jordon Todosey, Annie Clark, Linda Schuyler (Degrassi); Mario Lopez (Extra); MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts; People.com editor Janet Mock; author and advocate Zach Wahls; comedians Fortune Feimster and Chris Franjola; and GLAAD President Herndon Graddick.  More names to be announced.

Nominees for the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced in January and are available here:http://glaad.org/mediaawards/nominees.  The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT and the issues that affect their lives.

The New York GLAAD Media Awards event was held on March 24 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square, and the Los Angeles event was held April 21 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites.  A complete list of award recipients announced at the New York and Los Angeles events may be found athttp://glaad.org/mediaawards.

About GLAAD: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org

Source: The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
Photo credit: Facebook & GLAAD

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Facebook management and staff for this special recognition.

Chaz Bono to receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards Presented by Ketel One & Wells Fargo

Ellen DeGeneres, Josh Hutcherson, Betty White, Wendie Malick, Joshua Jackson, Kim Wayans and Kate Beckinsale among special guests, with performance by Jason Mraz.

On Tuesday, April 10, 2012 GLAAD, the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today announced it will honor LGBT equality advocate, author and speaker Chaz Bono at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards presented nationally by Ketel One and Wells Fargo.  Bono will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the Los Angeles Ceremony on April 21, 2012 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, presented locally by Delta Air Lines.

Ellen DeGeneres will open the show and guests will enjoy a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer and LGBT equality advocate, Jason Mraz. Other special guests include:  Betty White, Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves (Hot in Cleveland); Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games); Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family); Joshua Jackson (Fringe); Kate Beckinsale (Underworld: Awakening); Kim Wayans (Pariah); Molly Shannon (Casa de mi Padre); Trevor Donovan (90210); Fran Drescher (Happily Divorced); Brooke Elliott, Josh Berman (Drop Dead Diva); Gilles Marini (Switched at Birth); Ali Larter (The Asset); Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato (Becoming Chaz); Mike Mills (Beginners); and decorated Air Force veteran Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach.  Additional honorees and guests for the April 21 Los Angeles event to be announced.

Chaz Bono will receive the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equality.
Chaz Bono has consistently advocated for LGBT equality.  In 2009, Bono revealed that he is transgender, and in 2011 he shared his life in the documentary Becoming Chaz, which was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award and three Emmy Awards.  Also in 2011, Bono competed on the thirteenth season of ABC’s hit show, Dancing With The Stars.  Bono has written three books including Transition, which is his groundbreaking account of his transition from female to male.  In 1996, Bono became the Human Rights Campaign’s National Coming Out Day spokesperson, and later served as GLAAD’s Entertainment Media Director where he tackled several high-profile campaigns around LGBT issues in Hollywood.  He has contributed as a writer-at-large to The Advocate and has spoken at dozens of universities and LGBT events.  He continues to promote change by creating awareness and discussions about fairness and equality for the LGBT community.  Previous Stephen F. Kolzak honorees include Wanda Sykes, Rufus Wainwright, Melissa Etheridge, Bill Condon, Todd Haynes, Alan Ball, Ellen DeGeneres, Sir Ian McKellen and NBC Chairman of Entertainment Robert Greenblatt.
“Chaz has opened the door for countless others, reshaping the way Americans think about transgender people today,” said Mike Thompson, Acting President of GLAAD. “His bold leadership in sharing his story as a transgender man, as well as his tireless work to secure equality for every American, embodies the values of GLAAD’s Stephen F. Kolzak Award.”
Nominees for the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards were announced in January and are available here: http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/nominees.  The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community and the issues that affect their lives.

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in Los Angeles on April 21, 2012 at the Westin Bonaventure; and in San Francisco on June 2 at San Francisco Marriott Marquis.  Glee‘s Dianna Agron will host the show in San Francisco, with a special performance by Cirque du Soleil’s Mystère.  Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal) will receive the Golden Gate Award.  Facebook and Wells Fargo will receive special awards at the event.

The GLAAD Media Awards fund GLAAD’s work to bring stories of LGBT people and issues to Americans.  Each year, the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco bring together more than 5,000 advocates and allies to raise nearly $3.5 million for the organization’s work.

To receive the latest updates on the GLAAD Media Awards, follow @glaad on Twitter and use the hashtag #glaadawards.

About GLAAD:
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD at www.glaad.org/connect.

Source: GLAAD
2011 Photos credit to: Rodrigo Vaz and Daniela Hubbard for Diversity News Magazine.

2012 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Los Angeles Gala and Awards

Equality for All was the theme at the 2012 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Los Angeles Gala and Awards, known as one of their prestige and biggest fundraiser event in Los Angeles, CA.

Once again The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee held on Saturday, March 17th, their 2012 Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Dinner Gala and Awards, an unforgettable event that was held at Ritz-Carlton/JW Marriott L.A. Live inside the Diamond Ballroom located at 900 West Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles, California 90015 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event was hosted by Chelsea Handler.

MSNBC’s Chris Matthews and his wife Kathleen, and Academy Award Winning actress Charlize Theron received HRC’s Ally for Equality Award. There was a special appearance by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and actor Joe Manganiello. The Ally for Equity Award, is to recognize the outstanding efforts of those outside of the LGBT community who dedicate time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBT people.

When Joe Solmonese, President of HRC was introduced, he received an outstanding ovation from every one in the room. Also incoming HRC President Chad Griffin, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Joe Manganiello, Ross Mathews, Michael Fassbender, Academy Award Winner Actress Charlize Theron, Chris and Kathleen Matthews spoke at the event.

The event featured a red carpet arrivals, silent auction, dinner, show, in action video presentations of Charlize Theron, Chris and Kathleen Matthews and awards presentation, including at conclusion of event a gift bag from various business sponsors. Ticket prices were from $275 for Cocktail Reception, Gala Dinner up to $400 for Cocktail Reception, Preferred Gala Dinner Seating.

The 2012 Awards Committee Event Co-Chairs were Sepi Ghafouri and Joel Dessaules and some of the HRC LA Gala and Awards Committee members that worked to make this event possible were Andy Arnold, David Steiman, Pearson Brown, Andy Gelb and Ted Holmquist, Jessica Bair. Afer the event, the afterparty was held at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, gLAnce Wine Bar.
About The HRC Los Angeles Gala: The HRC Los Angeles Gala is one of the largest LGBT fundraising events in Southern California, drawing more than 1,000 guests in past years, including national LGBT leaders in entertainment, community service, business and politics. For more information visit http://www.hrcladinner.com/

About The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee: The Los Angeles Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign is a diverse volunteer group of individuals working each and every day to bring the mission of HRC to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender and straight-supportive people in this area.

About The Human Rights Campaign: The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. For more information visit http://www.hrc.org/ 

Sources: Diversity News Magazine, Examiner.com, Diversity News Publications, Diversity News TV, Examiner.com.

Photos credit to: HRC Los Angeles Facebook
 Editor’s Note: Article first published on Examiner.com on March 22, 2012.

Stonewall Young Democrats LGBT Equality Brunch Reception honoring Hon. Herb Wesson

The Board of Directors of Stonewall Young Democrats and Host Committee invites you to join them as they recognize Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson’s unwavering support & dedication for the LGBT Community.

They will also celebrate his election as the newest President of the LA City Council.

The event will be hosted by: Debra Wilson, Fmr MadTV cast member, Actress & Comedian.

The event will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 – 11:45am – 1:30pm at the Home of Eric Bauman & Michael Andraychak in North Hollywood, CA.

You can RSVP in advance to: stonewallydems@gmail.com. Ticket are available for $25 Young Dems | General Tickets $35 | “City of Angels” Committee: $1000. Remember to Avoid the hassle of RSVP’ing and buying tickets at the door by purchasing tickets via ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/page/wessonsyd 

Appetizers will be served and including champagne/mimosas will be flowing.

The confirmed special guests are: BOE Member Betty Yee, Rep. Judy Chu, Rep. Janice Hahn, Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Sen. Kevin De Leon, Sen. Alex Padilla, Controller Wendy Greuel, Assemblymembers Steve Bradford, Ricardo Lara, Mike Eng, Bob Blumenfield, Bonnie Lowenthal, Betsy Butler, Tony Mendoza, LA City Councilmembers Paul Krekorian, Eric Garcetti, Bill Rosendahl and LAUSD Board Member Nury Martinez.

About SYD: Founded in 2004, Stonewall Young Democrats is a community of dedicated youth passionate about political and societal issues. They strive to give voice to LGBTQ youth and take action in a grassroots manner on matters of both local and national significance. For more information visit www.stonewallyoungdems.org

Sources: Stonewall Young Democrats and Diversity News Magazine
Flyer credit to: Stonewall Young Democrats 

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The 5th Annual HERO Awards Hosted by Debra Wilson August 20, 2011

On May 17, 2011 The Stonewall Young Democrats (SYD), announced that the Honorable Betty Yee as the Honorary Awards Chairwoman and MadTV’s Debra Wilson as the Mistress of Ceremonies of  the 5^th Annual HERO Awards to be held on August 20, 2011 at the Sheraton Gateway LAX located at 6101 West Century Boulevard in
Los Angeles, CA 90045 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The Honorable Betty Yee has served as a Member and Chairwoman of the Board of Equalization, the only elected tax commission in the nation. She is the former Chief Deputy Director for Budget with the California Department of Finance where she led the development of the Governor’s Budget, negotiations with the Legislature and key budget stakeholders, and fiscal analyses of legislation on behalf of the Administration. Betty Yee is a native of San Francisco.


Comedienne and actress Debra Wilson was the third longest-serving original cast member on the sketch comedy series MADtv, having appeared for the show’s first eight seasons. She has also done voice work for the animated series American Dad!, Family Guy, The Proud Family, and many others. Debra Wilson has also made many independent films, including Jane White is Sick and Twisted, Sink Deep and Soul Mates. Debra Wilson is a strong ally of the LGBT Community and supports Marriage Equality.

The following individuals will be honored at the event: American Actress Candis Cayne (ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money), Hon. Mark Leno, California State Senator, Hon. Donna Groman, LA Superior Court Judge and Hon. Anthony Portantino, California State Assembly-member.

Some of the celebrity guests expected to attend are: Carolyn Hennesy (Actress), Sara Rue (Actress), Syesha Mercado (Singer, American Idol), Yvette Yates (Actress), Phoebe Price (Actress), Louis Van Amstel (ABC’s Dancing w/the Stars), Jesse Garcia (Actor) and Gloria Bigelow (Comedian & LOGO TV).

To attend the event, you can purchase your tickets for under 36 yrs: $25.00 and 36 yrs and over: $40.00 at http://stonewallyoungdems.org/heroes/sponsor-us

About The HERO Awards:
The Annual HERO Awards, now in its fifth year, recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the rights of the LGBT Community. Past recipients include: Congresswoman Judy Chu, Maria Elena Durazo, Karina Samala, Fmr. Congresswoman/US Ambassador Diane E. Watson, West Hollywood City Council Member Jeffrey Prang and Jorge Valencia. For more information visit http://stonewallyoungdems.org/heroes

About SYD: Founded in 2004, Stonewall Young Democrats is a community of dedicated youth passionate about political and societal issues. They strive to give voice to LGBTQ youth and take action in a grassroots manner on matters of both local and national significance. For more information visit www.stonewallyoungdems.org

Photos credit to:  The Stonewall Young Democrats
Source:  The Stonewall Young Democrats 

Editor’s Note: Our publication Diversity News Magazine, published by Diversity News Publications is a proud sponsor of the 2011 5th Annual HERO Awards. We want to congratulate all the Honorees.

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