GLAAD may have cancelled its annual Media Awards for 2020 in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean they’re sidelining themselves for the duration.
This week, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization announced that it will host “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone,” a live stream event on April 26 at 8 p.m. on GLAAD’s YouTube channel and Facebook Live.
Highlighting the LGBTQ response to COVID-19 and amplifying messages of acceptance and affirmation to the LGBTQ community and people living with HIV during this unprecedented time, the live stream will raise funds for LGBTQ community centers that are members of CenterLink.
CenterLink is a coalition of more than 250 LGBTQ community centers from 45 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, as well as Canada, China, Mexico and Australia. By strengthening, supporting, and connecting its participating organizations, it serves over 2 million people each year.
According to CenterLinks website, member centers in Central Florida and Tampa Bay include The LGBT+ Centers in Orlando and Kissimmee, Orlando Youth Alliance, Orlando’s Zebra Coalition, St Pete Pride, Sarasota’s ALSO Youth and Tampa’s Institute for LGBT Health & Wellbeing.
Slated to perform during the live stream will be Kesha and Melissa Etheridge, with special guests including Billy Eichner, Matt Bomer, Lilly Singh, Adam Lambert, Bebe Rexha, Dan Levy, MJ Rodriguez, Wilson Cruz, Kathy Griffin, Gigi Gorgeous, Nats Getty, Michelle Visage, Javier Muñoz, Sean Hayes, Sharon Stone and Tatiana Maslany. The event – which is being created by GLAAD and actor-producer Erich Bergen – will feature performances, interviews and video messages, with more guests to be announced soon.
In a statement, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said, “At a time when some LGBTQ people could be isolating in homes that are not affirming, GLAAD is bringing together the biggest LGBTQ stars and allies to send messages of love, support and acceptance. So many LGBTQ people, especially our youth, depend on support from local community centers around the country, and during this time of financial distress, we must come together as a community to ensure that all LGBTQ organizations can continue their life-saving work.”
Denise Spivak, Interim CEO of CenterLink, further commented, “LGBTQ centers are the heart of the community, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic these centers have continued to provide vital connectivity and services, pivoting to virtual programming, modifying in-person services when possible, and ensuring that their communities have resources and support when they need it the most.”
Ellis will serve as an Executive Producer of “Together in Pride: You are Not Alone,” along with Erich Bergen and GLAAD Media Award producers and staff members Anthony Ramos, Bill McDermott, Mark Hartnett and Rich Ferraro.
Follow GLAAD on Twitter and Facebook for links to watch the event. Participating community centers will also share the live stream on their social platforms.
