Family Equality Council 9th Annual Los Angeles Awards Dinner 2013

Alec Mapa, Jennifer Chrisler-Dr. Virginia Uribe, Casey Bloys, Dan Bucatinsky

Photo by Alireza Kia/Alireza Kia Photography for Diversity News Magazine

Bob Greenblatt, Chris Kluwe, Dr. Virginia Uribe honored at Family Equality Council 9th Annual Los Angeles Awards Dinner 2013.

On Saturday, February 9th, 2013 The Family Equality Council held it’s 9th Annual Awards Dinner at Globe Theater, Universal Studios Hollywood located 100 Universal City Plaza, in Universal City, CA 91608 from 7:00 p.m.

Family Equality Council’s premier West Coast event was aimed at connecting the growing Los Angeles community of LGBT-headed families and supporters as well as advancing efforts to create equality for all families.

(Note: Click on the photos to view them regular size)

The honorees who attended include NBC Chairman Bob Greenblatt, Chris Kluwe, Dr. Virginia Uribe. The celebrities among the honorees were Darren Criss (Glee), Sean Hayes (Up All Night), Molly Shannon (Comedian), Andrew Rannells (The New Normal), Chris Kluwe (Minnesota Vikings) and many more!

The event featured Auction, Cocktails Reception, Dinner & Program and Awards presentation.

About Family Equality Council:
Family Equality Council connects, supports, and represents the one million parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender in this country and their two million children. We are changing attitudes and policies to ensure that all families are respected, loved, and celebrated—including families with parents who are LGBT. We are a community of parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren that reaches across this country. For 30 years we have raised our children and raised our voices toward fairness for all families. For more information visit http://www.familyequality.org

Photos credit to: Alireza Kia/Alireza Kia Photography for Diversity News Magazine.

Editor’s Note: Alireza Kia and Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar contribute to this article.


Miss Universe Organization Statement on Miss Pennsylvania USA 2012, Sheena Monnin Resignation


On Sunday, June 3, 2012 The Miss USA pageant was held at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and Miss Rhode Island USA, Olivia Culpo was Crowned Miss USA 2012.

On the next day, Miss Pennsylvania USA 2012 Sheena Monnin resigns allegedly claiming over fixed pageant and for allowing transgenders to be part of the competition.

MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION STATEMENT
The Miss Universe Organization can confirm the resignation of the Pennsylvania titleholder after she did not place in the Top 16 at the Miss USA pageant.
In an email to state pageant organizers (below), she cited the Miss Universe Organizations’ policy regarding transgendered contestants, implemented two months ago, as the reason for her resignation.
Today she has changed her story by publicly making false accusations claiming that the pageant was fixed, however the contestant she privately sourced as her
reference has vehemently refuted her most recent claim.
We are disappointed that she would attempt to steal the spotlight form Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island on her well-­‐deserved Miss USA win.

 

Copy of Miss Pennsylvania USA 2012 Resignation email:

From: XXXXX
Date: June 4, 2012 7:25:59 AM PDT
To: XXXX
Subject: Resignation

Randy,

I am officially and irrevocably resigning the title of Miss Pennsylvania USA 2012. I refuse to be part of a pageant system that has so far and so completely removed itself from its foundational principles as to allow and support natural born males to compete in it. This goes against ever moral fiber of my being. I believe in integrity, high moral character, and fair play, none of which are part of this system any longer.

I hereby return the title of Miss Pennsylvania USA 2012.

ABOUT THE MISS USA®PAGEANT:
The Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today. As part of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss USA is dedicated to partnering with charities around the world, and to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. For more information, visit: www.missusa.com.

Source: Miss Universe Organization L.P., LLLP, Miss Universe Organization, Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal
Photo credit to: Patrick Prather


About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

Miss Rhode Island USA, Olivia Culpo Crowned Miss USA 2012 During Live NBC Telecast on June 3, 2012

From Las Vegas, NV, on Sunday, June 3, 2012 – This evening, during one of the year’s most watched live television events, a star-studded panel of judges chose Miss Rhode Island USA, Olivia Culpo, as Miss USA 2012. Bravo’s “Watch What Happens: Live” host and executive producer Andy Cohen and “E! News” co-anchor Giuliana Rancic returned as hosts of the 61st Annual MISS USA® Competition from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in one of the world’s most electrifying cities, Las Vegas. Kelly Osbourne of E!’s “Fashion Police” and Jeannie Mai of Style Network’s “How Do I Look?,” were also on hand providing color commentary throughout the LIVE telecast.

Olivia Culpo is a 19 year-old from Cranson, Rhode Island and is a sophomore at Boston University where she has made the Dean’s List every semester. She grew up in a musical environment. Culpo has played cello for 13 years, sings, and plays the piano. As a cellist, Olivia won seats in Boston Symphony Hall and New York’s famed Carnegie Hall.

The judging panel for the 2012 MISS USA® Competition included: Cat Cora, Chef, Philanthropist, Author and Co-Host of Bravo’s Around the World in 80 Plates; Ali Fedotowsky, Host of NBC TV’s “First Look” and Former Bachelorette; Arsenio Hall, Late Night Legend and Celebrity Apprentice Winner; Marilu Henner, New York Time Best-Selling Author, Actress, and Producer; Joe Jonas, Actor and Grammy Nominated Musician; Rob Kardashian, TV Personality and Entrepreneur; George Kotsiopoulos, Co-Host of E! “Fashion Police;” and Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008.

During the telecast, Akon performed “America’s Most Wanted” from his upcoming album, “Stadium,” during the “Final Look” portion of the pageant featuring the Top Five Finalists, and Cobra Starship performed a special medley that included both “#1Nite” and “You Make Me Feel” during the swimsuit competition.

Throughout the two-hour event, the contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Alyssa Campanella, Miss USA 2011, crowned her successor at the conclusion of the telecast, before an estimated worldwide viewing audience of more than 250 million.

For the second year in a row, fans voted online for their favorite contestant up until the evening before the telecast. The contestant with the most votes automatically reached the semifinals (Top 16).

Final Results:

  • First Runner Up: Miss Maryland USA, Nana Meriwether, will assume the duties of Miss USA 2012 if the titleholder is named Miss Universe 2012 or if for some reason Miss USA cannot fulfill her duties.
  • Second Runner Up: Miss Ohio USA, Audrey Bolte
  • Rest of Top Five:
  • Miss Georgia USA, Jasmyn “Jazz” Wilkins
  • Miss Nevada USA, Jade Kelsall
  • Rest of Top Ten:
  • Miss Alabama USA, Katherine Webb
  • Miss Oklahoma USA, Lauren Lundeen
  • Miss Texas USA, Brittany Booker
  • Miss Colorado USA, Marybel Gonzalez
  • Miss New Jersey USA, Michelle Leonardo
  • Rest of Top Sixteen:
  • Miss Tennessee USA, Jessica Hibler
  • Miss Michigan USA, Kristin Danyal
  • Miss Louisiana USA, Erin Edmiston
  • Miss Maine USA, Rani Williamson
  • Miss South Carolina USA, Erika Powell
  • Miss Arkansas USA, Kelsey Dow [Winner of the Fan Vote]

MISS PHOTOGENIC USA™ Award: Miss Oregon USA, Alaina Bergsma. A blue ribbon panel selected the delegate who exemplifies beauty through the lens of a camera. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

MISS CONGENIALITY USA™ Award: Miss Iowa USA, Rebecca Hodge. The award reflects the respect and admiration of the contestant’s peers, who voted for her as the most congenial, charismatic and inspirational participant. She was awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

The MISS USA® 2012 prize package includes: a custom diamond tiara and jewelry designed by Diamond Nexus Labs; a one year scholarship (including housing) from the New York Film Academy; a year’s worth of hair care products and tools from Farouk Systems; an assortment of high fashion bracelets made in Rwanda by women of the Same Sky Trade Initiative; an eveningwear wardrobe by Sherri Hill; a swimwear wardrobe by Kooey Australia; a shoe wardrobe from Chinese Laundry; a year’s supply of make-up from Rain Cosmetics; a year’s worth of sun care products from Australian Gold; luxury accommodations in a New York City apartment for the duration of her reign, including living expenses; a year-long salary as Miss USA; personal services including membership to Gravity Fitness and hair services from John Barrett Salon; modeling portfolio by leading fashion photographer Fadil Berisha; dermatology and skincare services provided by Dr. Cheryl Thellman-Karcher; professional health and nutrition consultation by Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD and dental services by Dr. Jan Linhart, D.D.S.; casting opportunities and professional representation by the Miss Universe Organization; extensive travel opportunities representing sponsors and charitable partners; access to various New York City events including movie premiers and screenings, Broadway shows and launch parties; year long consultation with Miss Universe Organization’s Official Fashion Consultant, Alisha Crutchfield and access to a personal appearance wardrobe; professional media/public relations training and representation by Rubenstein Public Relations in New York City and the opportunity to represent the USA at the 2012 Miss Universe pageant.

ABOUT THE MISS USA®PAGEANT:
The Miss Universe Organization, a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture, is a global community empowering role models of beauty, health and leadership for young women of today. As part of the Miss Universe Organization, Miss USA is dedicated to partnering with charities around the world, and to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers. For more information, visit: www.missusa.com.

Sources: Miss Universe Organization, Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal 
Photos credit to: Richard Harbaugh,

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to Olivia Culpo for winning this competition.

About News Desk

About Diversity News Magazine: Diversity News Magazine is an independent multi-media outlet own by Minority-Owned Business who works with everyone and it is published by Diversity News Publications. Diversity News Magazine executive editor-in-chief is Esteban Escobar aka Steven Escobar an award winning honored and respected Journalist. Diversity News Magazine is a consumer news magazine covering news, entertainment, features, awards, sports, events and much more. DiversityNewsMagazine.com, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by more than two million visitors a month, it is another venue for advertisers to showcase their products, brands or services on the classified and display pages. The purpose of the magazine is to educate and inform the diverse community worldwide. It focuses on local, national and international news, entertainment, features, sports and more importantly, newsworthy items that would be of interest to our diverse cultures. For more information visit Diversity News Magazine at http://www.diversitynewsmagazine.com/

Glee Wins Award at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards 2011 in Los Angeles

April 12, 2011 by  
Filed under Events, Featured, FEATURES

Glee at the 2011 GLAAD AwardsOn Sunday, April 10, 2011 The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) held their 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards which it was presented by Rokk Vodka & Wells Fargo.
Andrew Christian
The event honored Kristin Chenoweth, NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt, and the best in television and journalism. The 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards was hosted by Amy Poehler and Rashida Jones at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles, CA.

The purpose of the GLAAD Media Awards are to recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives.  The GLAAD Media Awards also fund GLAAD’s work to amplify stories of LGBT people and issues that build support for equality. The event featured a blue red carpet, silent auction and provided cocktails, then later the dinner, awards ceremony and after-party.

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“I’m very grateful to everyone at GLAAD for thinking of me for this honor.” said Robert Greenblatt, NBC Entertainment Chairman.
“I salute all the producers, writers, network executives, and actors who took on the issue and broke ground way before I did — and who continue to do it today.  Many of you are in the room tonight.  I share this award with you.  While we still have a long way to go, we have made great strides both politically and in our media.  May that not only continue, but increase in velocity… because we can help change the way the world thinks about LGBT people, not to mention how LGBT people think about themselves.” Concluded Mr. Greenblatt.
“I want to encourage many people of all faiths to come forward and stand with me.” said Kristin Chenoweth.
“Even if you don’t believe in Jesus the way I do, he did teach love — not just tolerance, but acceptance.  I’m lucky I had parents who adopted me at birth, conservative Southern Baptists who said, ‘You will love everyone the same’…Mostly I would like to thank GLAAD for this amazing, amazing honor.  This is the biggest honor I have ever received.” Concluded Ms. Chenoweth.


Kirsten Dunst presented a Special Recognition award to Bianca “Nikki” Peet, a 17-year-old student from Corpus Christi, Texas, for her efforts to organize a Gay-Straight Alliance at her high school after her principal originally prohibited the group.

 

The following GLAAD Media Award recipients were presented on Sunday at 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles:
  • Vanguard Award to:  Kristin Chenoweth (presented by Sean Hayes)
  • Stephen F. Kolzak Award to:  NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt (presented by Singer Dolly Parton)
  • Outstanding Film – Limited Release to:  I Love You Phillip Morris
  • Outstanding Comedy Series to :  TIE: Glee (Fox) [accepted by: Chris Colfer and Mike O'Malley] and Modern Family (ABC)  [accepted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Julie Bowen and Ariel Winter]
  • Outstanding Reality Program to:  Project Runway(Lifetime)  [accepted by: Mondo Guerra, Michael Costello, and producer Jonathan Murray]
  • Outstanding TV Journalism Segment to: “Fort Worth Speech” The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell (MSNBC) [accepted by: Lawrence O'Donnell, Fort Worth City Councilmember Joel Burns and his husband J.D. Angle]
  • Special Recognition to: Bianca “Nikki” Peet (presented by Kirsten Dunst)



The following celebrity guests and presenters attended the event in Los Angeles: Jensen Atwood (Noah’s Arc), Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato (World of Wonder), Josh Berman (Drop Dead Diva), Chaz Bono(Becoming Chaz), Liz Brixius, Linda Wallem, Stephen Wallem (Nurse Jackie), Chef Jesse Brune (Private Chefs of Beverly Hills),Joel Burns, J.D. Angle (City Councilmember, Fort Worth, TX), Jamie ClaytonNina Poon (TRANSform Me), Chris ColferMike O’Malley (Glee), Michael CostelloMondo GuerraJonathan Murray (Project Runway), Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Kirsten Dunst (Melancholia), Omar Epps (House), Melissa Etheridge (singer), Colin Farrell (Fright Night), Jesse Tyler FergusonJulie BowenAriel Winter (Modern Family), Javier Fuentes-León (Undertow), Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies), Robert Gant (Queer as Folk), Sean Hayes (Promises, Promises), Amber Heard (Drive Angry), Megan Hilty (9 to 5: The Musical), Maurice Jamal (Glo TV Network), Paul James (GREEK), Allison Janney (Mr. Sunshine), Anne Jeffreys (Falcon Crest), Dan Jinks (Milk), Josh Kilmer-PurcellBrent Ridge (The Fabulous Beekman Boys), Dave Koz (saxophonist), Janice Langbehn (activist), Peggy Lipton (Twin Peaks), Meat Loaf (Celebrity Apprentice), Marlee Matlin (Celebrity Apprentice), Joel McHale (Community), Stephanie Miller (The Stephanie Miller Show), Shareen Mitchell (Dresscue Me), Shay MitchellLucy HaleAshley Benson(Pretty Little Liars), Cameron Monaghan (Shameless), Lawrence O’Donnell (The Last Word on MSNBC), Lu Parker (KTLA), Dolly Parton (singer), Bianca “Nikki” Peet (activist), Craig Robinson (The Office), Jai Rodriguez (Groomer Has It), Ann Rutherford (Gone with the Wind), Adam Scott,Aubrey PlazaRettaJim O’Heir (Parks and Recreation), ShangelaJessica WildSantino RiceMike Ruiz (RuPaul’s Drag Race),Tori SpellingDean McDermottBill HornScout Masterson, (Tori & Dean: sTORIbook Weddings), Lisa Vanderpump (Real Housewives of Bev. Hills), Mayor AntonioVillaraigosa, Diane Warren (songwriter), and GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios.

Per event organizers the final GLAAD Media Awards event will take place in San Francisco on May 14 at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis.  The New York GLAAD Media Awards were held on March 19 at the Marriott Marquis Times Square.
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.

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Sources: GLAAD.org
Cover photo credit to: Rodrigo Vaz from Rodrigo Vaz Photos
Slide photos credit to: Daniela Hubbard from Daniela Hubbard Photography & for Diversity News & Rodrigo Vaz from Rodrigo Vaz Photos & for Examiner.com
Videos credit to: Youtube.com/diversitynews & Youtube.com/

About Esteban "Steven" Escobar

Executive Editor In Chief, Director of Public/Media Relations & Community Affairs, Sales, Reporter, Webmaster & Graphic Designer Specialist. About Esteban “Steven” Escobar: Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an Award Winning American (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist, humanitarian and philanthropist). Esteban is known as Steven Escobar. He is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of Diversity News Magazine, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by close to two million visitors a month while growing each day. Esteban “Steven” Escobar is also Producer, Director of Diversity News TV, the host of Diversity News Radio, on Air with Steven Escobar and the President of Diversity News Publications, a news/entertainment multimedia firm in Hollywood, CA. Steven Escobar owns E.E.Enterprises and an affiliate of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies. Steven Escobar is also the official Hollywood and Los Angeles County Events Examiner for Examiner.com and contributor for Yahoo.com distributed via Yahoo Voices. Steven Escobar also gives back to the community by helping charities, and since 2003 to the present, he has been raising money and awareness for AIDS Walk LA benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles. Also in 2011 Steven Escobar raised money and awareness for The Life Group LA and volunteered for Exotifit For Humanity and The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee. Steven was nominated for The Shorty Awards 2011 and the People’s Choice Fan Award 2012. In 2012 Steven Escobar receives the Humanitarian Award at the 2012 International Noble Awards. Also on June 2, 2012 Steven Escobar Received the Community and Humanitarian Services Award at Kayamanan ng Bayan for all his contributions to the Filipino American community in Southern California. On 12-12-12 Steven Escobar received Award for Most Fascinating Person of the Year 2012. On 2-22-2013 Steven Escobar is nominated for a 2013 EOTM Award (Entrepreneurs on the Move) for Outstanding Journalist and on April 25, 2013 receives nomination for 2013 EOTM Award for Outstanding Internet Radio. On April 4, 2013 Steven Escobar receives award for Diversity News TV “Best B-Roll." Yahoo.com names Steven Escobar the Hot 500 contributors during the month of March 2012 of Yahoo! Contributor Network. Steven Escobar currently resides in Los Angeles County in the City of Hollywood, CA. For more information visithttp://www.stevenescobar.diversitynewspublications.com, http://www.stevenescobar.blogspot.com or his IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/

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