Look To The Stars News: Gay/Lesbian Support

Neil Patrick Harris To Be Honored By The Trevor Project

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0000

How I Met Your Mother star Neil Patrick Harris is to be honored by The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.

Along with Harris, AT&T Inc. will be honored at Cracked Xmas 12, which takes place on December 6 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. Cracked Xmas is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. It brings top entertainers together to support the organization’s programs.

Harris has become a compelling example for LGBTQ youth. He will be given the Trevor Life Award, which annually honors an individual who is an inspiration to LGBTQ youth through example, support, volunteerism, and/or occupation.

Harris said, “For many years, I have been a passionate and enthusiastic supporter of The Trevor Project’s lifesaving work, and I’m deeply honored to be recognized by an organization which has such a vital mission. Everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be able to live their lives proudly as exactly who they are. I’m hopeful that in accepting this award, and in helping to build further awareness of the Trevor Project’s resources, I can in some small way make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ youth.”

Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO of The Trevor Project, said he applauds Harris for “having the courage and conviction to set positive examples for young people, and for inspiring them to take pride in themselves and each other.”

The Trevor Project works to save lives through its free and confidential helpline, in-school workshops, education materials, online resources and advocacy. To find out more, visit www.TheTrevorProject.org.

Daniel Radcliffe Supports Youth Helpline

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Leading UK charity Get Connected has announced that Daniel Radcliffe, the critically acclaimed star of the “Harry Potter” film series and Broadway’s Equus, has confirmed his support and made a generous donation to the signposting service.

Get Connected is the confidential, free, national helpline for young people under-25 who have a problem but do not know where to find help. Its trained Helpline Volunteers give each young person the emotional support and information they need to choose the best option from the thousands of services available in the UK.

Radcliffe, 20, currently busy on the film set of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows”, confirmed his support of Get Connected as the charity celebrated its tenth anniversary with a reception at the House of Lords.

Daniel Radcliffe said: "I am delighted to pledge my support for Get Connected, and mark their 10th anniversary by becoming their first Best Friend. The free confidential helpline finding young people help for any problem is a vital and unique service. We live in a world that is so full of choice and information; it is often impossible to know where to turn or what to do.

“Get Connected is there for young people in need of help no matter what the issue, from eating disorders to abuse, homelessness to pregnancy. I see Get Connected as much more than just a gateway for information; it is a friend to thousands of young people across the UK. I also support [”The Trevor Project":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/409-the-trevor-project], which is America’s leading national organisation focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. As with Trevor, I hope that my support can raise the visibility of Get Connected so that even more young people become aware that there’s help on hand."

Get Connected fields 70,000 calls each year and over 20,000 young people are connected for free to the help, via phone, email and webchat, with a further addition to the service, WebHelp 24/7 for online self-help, launched this week.

Fiona Clark, Interim Chief Executive of Get Connected, added: “We feel extremely privileged that Daniel Radcliffe has chosen to support Get Connected and help us launch our new Friends scheme in such an exciting way. His generous contribution will assist us immensely as we work towards raising greater awareness among young people and expanding our services to be available for young people whenever they need help. We are hopeful that Daniel’s big-hearted commitment will encourage others to follow his lead and also become a Friend of Get Connected to help us make a difference to thousands more young people.”

Find out more at www.getconnected.org.uk.

Daniel Radcliffe Donates To Crisis And Suicide Prevention Hotline

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0000

The Trevor Project, the non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, has announced that it has received a major donation from Daniel Radcliffe, the critically-acclaimed star of the “Harry Potter” film series and Broadway’s “Equus.”

The 20-year-old actor joined The Trevor Project’s Circle of Hope, a community of major donors which plays an essential role in providing the financial leadership that makes the organization’s lifesaving work possible.

The Trevor Project was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film, “Trevor,” a comedy/drama about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Live Action). Since its founding, The Trevor Helpline has received hundreds of thousands of calls from LGBTQ youth across the country. In the past year alone, call volume to The Trevor Helpline has increased more than 300 percent.

“I am very pleased to begin my support of The Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work,” said Daniel Radcliffe. “It’s extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top three killer of young people, and it’s truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. I deeply hope my support can raise the organization’s visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline’s highly trained counselors and Trevor’s many other resources. It’s vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.”

In addition to The Trevor Helpline, the organization operates a number of other important programs, including “Dear Trevor,” an online question-and-answer forum for young people with questions surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity; The Trevor Survival Kit, an educational kit distributed to schools and youth service providers to help educators facilitate discussions about suicide, gender identity and sexual orientation; and TrevorSpace, an online social networking community for LGBTQ youth, their friends and allies. Radcliffe’s gift will help fund these efforts as well as the organization’s national education and advocacy work.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Daniel for his truly inspiring and historic generosity and support,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer, The Trevor Project. “He is setting a meaningful example for millions of young people around the world by embracing diversity and demonstrating that he cares deeply about the well-being of LGBTQ youth.”

After becoming aware of The Trevor Project and its mission, Radcliffe decided to become involved with the organization. His involvement began with financial support to assist The Trevor Project’s programmatic efforts. Moving forward, Radcliffe anticipates taking additional steps to help further broaden awareness of the organization.

Cyndie Lauper Launches Charity Auction

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Cyndi Lauper has launched the True Colors Fund online auction which aims to raise money to strengthen the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied community by growing the number of volunteers and donors to the non-profit organizations working on their behalf.

Items up for grabs include lunch and Tarot card reading with Lauper, tickets to the Entourage season premiere in LA, a meet-and-greet with Bette Midler in Las Vegas, a set visit to 30 Rock, meet-and-greets with Lady Gaga and Rosie O’Donnell, autographed items from Dolly Parton, one-of-a-kind handwritten lyrics from Jason Mraz, Peter Gabriel, Michael Stipe and many more, and items from Mark Wahlberg, Yoko Ono and others.

“I am excited to launch the True Colors Fund’s Summer Online Auction,” said Cyndi Lauper, who created the True Colors Tour, an annual music tour that tour benefits the Human Rights Campaign and other organizations that provide support to the LGBT community and to the straight friends and family who love them, including PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and the Matthew Shepard Foundation, as well as local organizations in cities where the concerts were held. “There is literally something for everyone. All of the proceeds will go directly to support the True Color Fund’s work to get everyone – especially my fellow straight allies – to do what they can to help make equality a reality for the GLBT community.”

The True Colors Fund is currently developing an in-depth public awareness and education campaign to inspire, engage and challenge every GLBT and allied person to do what they can to personally effect change within and for the GLBT community by volunteering and supporting the organizations working on their behalf each and every day.

Planned to launch in late 2009, the campaign will include public service announcements (PSAs) that tell the personal stories of people who have been benefited from the work of GLBT organizations. The PSAs will also direct viewers to an extensive online volunteer village where they will find all the tools and information they will need to become and stay personally involved.

Also the True Colors Fund continues to work with the True Colors Tour to raise money and awareness for GLBT issues. Over the past 2 years, True Colors is proud to have raised over $200,000 for GLBT organizations like HRC, CenterLink & PFLAG.

The auction runs until June 25 and can be accessed here.

Milk Screenwriter To Be Honored By Charity

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Academy Award-winning screenwriter, director, film and television producer Dustin Lance Black will be honored at a special gala event in Hollywood this weekend.

Best known for being the screenwriter of Milk, starring Sean Penn, Dustin Lance Black will receive the honor at the New Technicolor Building Plaza at Sunset Gower Studios on Saturday, June 13, in an event that promises to feature a festive cocktail party and silent auction. Proceeds from the event will go to LifeWorks, an organization that offers mentoring opportunities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth ages 14-24.

Look To The Stars had the pleasure of talking to the writer earlier this year about the inspiration behind Milk and his charity work: "I thought there is so much of [Milk] that is inspiring to today’s generation, not just the gay and lesbian generation but also to say to all the groups of people who are very different, we can come together and when we can work together accepting each others differences, and if we fight for each others civil rights we can win all of our civil rights. That is a message I think should be out there. That not only inspires gay kids but racial and religious minorities. If a kid out there can go and see ‘Milk’ and be like “Yeah I’m really different and that’s really fabulous”, then I think we’ve done our job’."

To find out more info about Saturday’s gala – which will be attended by TR Knight – click here.

Chelsea To Host Celebrity Charity Soccer

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge will once again host the Celebrity Soccer Six tournament this May to help raise money for the Samaritans.

For the last seven years, the competition has attracted celebrity players such as Oasis, Razorlight, Kasabian, Robbie Williams, Rod Stewart, McFly, Westlife and many more. Members of Babyshambles have already confirmed their place in this year’s competition.

With over 150 stars, Soccer Six is the most prestigious six-a-side celebrity football tournament in the world, with names from music, sport, television, film and entertainment all displaying their skills.

“Everyone involved have always felt that Chelsea is the spiritual home of Soccer Six,” said Soccer Six managing director Mark Abery. “In the seven years we’ve been gone we’ve taken the event to Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Villa, Birmingham and Everton, all great clubs and all great Soccer Sixes but it does feel really exciting to be back at Chelsea. To mark this historic occasion we’ll be inviting back all our previous champions and biggest names to battle it out for this year’s title.”

The event takes place on Sunday 24 May, with tickets available from chelseafc.com, priced at £12 for adults and £10 for children.

Dinner for A Cause: Hollywood Meets Washington At Human Rights Campaign Event

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

The Human Rights Campaign held its 2009 Los Angeles Gala and Hero Awards on Saturday, March 14, at the Hyatt Century Plaza in Century City. The grassroots organization is the largest advocate for equal rights on behalf of the LGBT community nationwide.

The dinner was well represented by supporters from all walks of life, and included prominent figures from politicians to actors, including Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaragosa and Grey’s Anatomy star TR Knight. Comedian Wanda Sykes served as the evening’s host while Senator Dianne Feinstein gave the keynote address.

An outspoken critic of Proposition 8, Senator Feinstein expressed hope that the recent ballot initiative banning gay marriage in California will be reversed or overcome in the future.

“I can’t tell you when or how. It may take another year or five. It may take another ballot initiative. I believe that equal marriage will proudly be the law of this great state,” she said. "I know from experience, that it’s tough to lose. But time doesn’t stop, and it’s on your side. Because like me, like my views, people do change. And they understand…People change. 

“I support you on this quest, and it will happen.”

Julian Bond, chairman of the NAACP, also spoke at the event, making the point that gay rights are civil rights. “Of course they are,” he asserted. "Gay and lesbian rights are not special rights in any way. It isn’t “special” to be free from discrimination. It is an ordinary, universal entitlement of citizenship. "

The evening also featured a silent auction and a performance by the LA Derby Dolls. For the first time, the Campaign chose to honor an online activist video with the E-Hero Award. This year’s Award was given to And She’s the California Constitution, an advertisement run during the campaign season that illustrated the “NO” position of the Proposition 8 ballot initiative.

Learn more about the Human Rights Campaign at their official website.

Anne Hathaway Auctions Date For Charity

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Anne Hathaway surprised guests at a charity gala on Saturday night by auctioning off a date to the highest bidder.

The 26-year-old was hosting the 11th annual Cracked Xmas – A Not So Silent Night event to benefit The Trevor Project when she made the surprise announcement.

“I’m not usually very forward, but I thought if there was ever a crowd for me to do something like this, this is my crowd – so I would like to auction myself off,” she said during the event, which was aimed to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention.

Three fans forked out $12,000 for the chance to go on the date with Hathaway, with the proceeds going to The Trevor Project, a nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

The evening also featured an appearance by Selma Blair, and Sigourney Weaver received the Trevor Life Award for her “courage and conviction to break the barriers of stereotype and intolerance.”

Trevor Project To Honor Sigourney Weaver With Life Award

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Rachel Krause

On December 7, the 11th annual fundraising event, Cracked Xmas: A Not So Silent Night, will take place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, California, to benefit The Trevor Project, a 24-hour suicide hotline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth.

The Trevor Project will be honoring Lifetime Networks and Academy Award Nominated Actress, Sigourney Weaver. Weaver, who has never been afraid to take on roles that brought the LGBTQ and straight communities together by defying stereotypes, will be honored with The Trevor Life Award.

“We are delighted to honor Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime Networks, since they both demonstrate the courage and conviction to break the barriers of stereotype and intolerance,” Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer, The Trevor Project. “Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime provide inspiration to young people and families who will see films ‘Prayers for Bobby’ and understand the importance of celebrating diversity and life.”

For the past ten years The Trevor Project has been working to curb LGBTQ suicides through the usage of its hotline. The basis behind organization is the 18-minute film, Trevor, which is about a gay 13-year-old boy who considers committing suicide after being rejected by friends and peers. The film earned the 1994 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.

Since its inception, The Trevor Help Line has received over 100,000 phone calls from distressed youth. In addition to the help line, The Trevor Project also offers Dear Trevor, an online forum where young people can ask questions in a safe, anonymous atmosphere.

Well-known stars such as Selma Blair, Wanda Sykes, and Leslie Jordan are scheduled to attend the gala. Fantasia Barrino is also scheduled to perform.

Mezzanine and balcony tickets for Cracked Xmas are still available and can be purchased on The Trevor Project website.

Anne Hathaway Gets Ready For A Cracked Xmas

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Trevor Project – the nonprofit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention – is to hold an evening of irreverent comedy, performances, and awards next month.

The 11th annual Cracked Xmas – A Not So Silent Night will be presented by Anne Hathaway and will honor Sigourney Weaver with a Life Award for her support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. Previous recipients include Ellen DeGeneres, Debra Messing, and Rosie O’Donnell.

“I feel grateful and humbled to be honored with the Trevor Life Award, and to be recognized as an ally to the LGBTQ community,” said Weaver. “I hope that films such as ‘Prayers for Bobby’ will send messages of compassion and acceptance to all people, and compel them to create safer, all-encompassing environments for our young people.”

Lifetime Networks, a leader in women’s television that produces and distributes diverse programming for its audiences, will receive The Trevor Hope Award.

“We are delighted to honor Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime Networks, since they both demonstrate the courage and conviction to break the barriers of stereotype and intolerance,” said Charles Robbins, executive director and chief executive officer of The Trevor Project. “Sigourney Weaver and Lifetime provide inspiration to young people and families who will see films such as ‘Prayers for Bobby’ and understand the importance of celebrating diversity and life.”

The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth, and has taken over 100,000 phone calls since its inception.

The event will also feature an appearance by Selma Blair and will take place at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on December 7. Tickets and info are available at the Trevor Project website.

Melissa Etheridge Sings Against Proposition 8

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:33:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Melissa Etheridge has once again spoken out against Proposition 8, a move to ban same-sex marriage in California. Last month Etheridge performed at a Beverly Hills gala that raised nearly $4 million to fight the ban.

She seems confident, though, that the proposition, to be voted on this week, will not go through: “Prop 8 is a blatantly hateful and fearful proposition that I believe the great citizens of California can see through,” World Entertainment News Network reported.

Appealing to reason and responsibility, she said, “I know my preference of life mate freaks some people out. I know that they hold up the bible and say that it’s wrong. Fine. Let me stand before my creator and take any consequences there might be to living my life in truth and balance with my spirit.”

Planning to marry her own (female) partner for the second time – they married five years ago before same-sex marriage became legal – she says, “We have four children and we’re trying to find the right time.”

Proposition 8 will be voted on November 4.

Grey's Anatomy Star Says No To Proposition 8

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Grey’s Anatomy actor TR Knight is the latest star to step up against Proposition 8 in California.

The 35-year-old has donated $50,000 towards the campaign to defeat the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California. His support of the issue follows recent donations to the cause by Brad Pitt ($100,000), Steven Spielberg ($100,000), David Geffen ($50,000), Peter Wentz, and support from Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ellen DeGeneres, and Fall Out Boy.

Knight’s donation comes in response to Ohio entrepreneur Jonathan Lewis’ challenge to the entertainment industry for LA’s actors to raise $500,000 against Prop. 8. Lewis and his family has pledged to match the contributions dollar for dollar. The issue goes to the polls on November 4, and according to a new survey carried out by CBS in San Francisco this week, 47% are going to vote for the ban with 42% likely to vote against.

In other news relating to Proposition 8, Loni Anderson will be joined by Dana Delany, Chad Allen, Charlie David, Doug Spearman, Heather Tom, and Nia Vardalos at the Heroes & Historymakers event being held at the Mondrian in West Hollywood on Sunday, October 12. The event will raise support for the fight against Prop 8, and is being hosted by GLAAD.

Tickets can be bought through lovehonorcherish.org.

More information about the campaign against Proposition 8 can be found at www.votenoonproposition8.com.

Hilary Duff Records PSA To Stop Homophobic Language

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress and singer Hilary Duff has created a new PSA to help teens realize that anti-gay and lesbian language is harmful and inappropriate.

The 21-year-old has joined with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network to encourage teens to stop using the term “That’s so gay” in everyday speech. According to the Think B4 You Speak website, there are over 80,000 pages on the internet that contain the phrase, and it is homophobic remarks like that that create an atmosphere where young homosexuals feel disrespected, unwanted and unsafe at school and in the community.

From the website: “The new campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevalence and consequences of anti-LGBT bias and behavior in America’s schools. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce and prevent the use of homophobic language in an effort to create a more positive environment for LGBT teens. The campaign also aims to reach adults, including school personnel and parents; their support of this message is crucial to the success of efforts to change behavior.”

Hilary Duff’s PSA can be found at www.thinkb4youspeak.com.

Pete Doherty Scores For Samaritans

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:11:46 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

They came, they saw, but they didn’t quite conquer. Poor old Pete Doherty and his Babyshambles team mates were unable to defend their title at the Samaritans Celebrity Soccer Six football tournament at Millwall Football Club last week.

Despite showing some impressive foot work, Babyshambles lost out 3-1 in the final match to the Faithless team, with Doherty only just making the match… he was released from prison a few days beforehand.

But past misdemeanors were put aside for the game, which raised awareness and money for the Samaritans, a 24 hour emotional support charity.

“Soccer Six allows Samaritans to raise awareness of the 24:7 emotional support that we offer, and in light of the recent suicides in Bridgend in Wales, it is vital that we reach out to young people out to young people at an earlier stage before problems seem much more difficult to manage,” said Claire Duncan from Samaritans. “Samaritans is here to listen, not to judge or make assumptions but to give people the time and space to work through how they are feeling. If you need emotional support then get in touch.”

Doherty has been a longtime supporter of the charity, especially the work they do with prisoners: “Samaritans provide a service called the Listeners where they train inmates so if you’re struggling any time during the night you’ve got someone you can spill your heart out to.”

Other celebrities to take part in the tournament included The Wombats, The Twang, Michelle Heaton, Jade Goody, Dave Gorman, and contestants from Big Brother, X Factor, and The Apprentice.

Look To The Stars News: Gay/Lesbian Support

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