The Trevor Project’s mission is to raise awareness about the LGBTQ-youth at risk.
The Trevor Project hosted its 2016 TrevorLIVE NY gala last night The Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The semi-annual fundraising ceremony recognizes The Trevor Project’s impact in suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ young people and raises awareness about their lifesaving resources through an irreverent evening of music and celebration.
Attendees included Dan Bucatinsky (actor/producer), Deborah Cox (singer), Rain Dove (LGBTQ activist), Harvey Fierstein(actor/producer), Bryant Gumbel (journalist), Richie Jackson and Jordan Roth, Andrew Keenan-Bolger (actor, Tuck Everlasting), Judith Light (actress, Transparent), Alyssa Milano (actress, Mistresses), David Hyde Pierce (actor, When We Rise), Billy Porter (actor, singer), Andrew Rannells (actor, Girls), Nico Tortorella (actor, Younger), Edie Windsor (LGBTQ activist), B.D. Wong (actor, Gotham), and more.
The Trevor Project Executive Director & CEO Abbe Land began the evening by addressing the crowd with a reflection on the tragic events that transpired in Orlando. She said: “I don’t have the words yet to talk about what happened yesterday morning – they were killed just for being LGBTQ; they were just having a night out – I don’t really have the words.” A choked up Land continued, “I knew it was important that we would be here tonight – it is so important that we are all here – our youth need to know we are here for them. It is so important for them to see us celebrate with our heads held high and be strong. You know what else happened yesterday – so many people stood up to let us know that they stand with us – our leaders, our media.”
Cole Ray Davis, a young trans activist and the main subject of Susan Sarandon’s Deep Run documentary film, was recognized as a Trevor Youth Innovator – he was presented the award by Noah Galvin from ABC’s The Real O’Neals. – “Just a few years ago I was moments away from taking my own life, but thanks to a text I took a moment… I wouldn’t be here today living my life authentically, genuinely and boldly… I refuse to apologize for who I am… I deserve to take up space… We deserve to live where we grow up – our connections are valuable and we deserve to keep them,” he said.
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Deborah Cox performs onstage at The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE New York on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for The Trevor Project)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: (L-R) Chris Sumpter, Ruby Rakos, Grace Capeless, and Neil McCaffrey perform onstage at The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE New York on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Trevor Project)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Theater actress Grace Capeless speaks onstage at The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE New York on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for The Trevor Project)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Theater actors Jarrod Spector and Kelli Barrett perform onstage at The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE New York on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Trevor Project)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Honoree Richie Jackson speaks onstage at The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE New York on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Trevor Project)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 13: Actor Andrew Rannells (L) and Jordan Roth (R) attend The Trevor Project’s TrevorLIVE New York on June 13, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for The Trevor Project)
