01/10/2008
Elke Kennedy, Mother of Hate Crime Victim to Speak at NYC Benefit for 'Gay American Heroes' Foundation
I've written a few posts about the national traveling memorial and exhibition, Gay American Heroes, that is in the process of coming together. I'm pleased to present a video featuring the project's founder Scott Hall, which is going to be shown at a benefit for the foundation happening this Saturday at Therapy in NYC from 5:30 to 8. Proceeds of the event will be used to build the traveling, educational memorial exhibition.
This is the first time the above video has been shown.
Hall and the project's founders explain the philosophy behind the project's name: "The Gay American Heroes Foundation believes that all people who live honestly about their sexual orientation or gender identity are heroic, as it takes great strength and courage to face the daily struggles for personal freedom in the face of enormous opposition; to ultimately lose their life for said freedom makes them heroes."
Elke Kennedy, mother of Sean William Kennedy (picture, lower right — I've posted quite a few times about his death and her dignified and brave response to it) is the main speaker at the New York event. Also speaking will be Alan Cumming, Romaine Patterson (friend of Matthew Shepard), Chip Arndt, and Scott Hall.
Also attending this weekend in New York will be Survivor winners Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca.
Since its formation, many big names have stepped up to lend their help to the project, including Cyndi Lauper. Says the singer: "Gay American Heroes is an important and moving tribute to the lives lost to hate and violence."
Serving on the Honorary Board: actor Chad Allen (from Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman), Sgt. Eric Alva, former professional baseball player Billy Bean, Unity Coalition of Miami Dade Executive Directors Ron Brenesky and Herb Sosa, actor Alan Cumming, Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Matt Foreman, US Rep. Barney Frank, Queer as Folk’s Robert Gant, Ana Gasteyer, Iman, Reichen Lehmkuhl, columnist Billy Masters, activist/politician David Mixner, Christopher Rice, Daniella Sea, media director at GLAAD Monica Taher, and myself.
Full details on event AFTER THE JUMP...
Gay American Heroes [official site] (warning: AUDIO)
The event this Saturday is open to the public for a $40 donation to benefit the project and foundation, which also includes participation in GAHF’s Adopt-A-Hero Program. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Therapy, a 2-4-1 draft beer and well drinks and $2 discount on call and top shelf.
CLICK TO ENLARGE...
The Los Angeles benefit will be held on January 26 at East/West Lounge at 8851 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood from 3-7 pm. Confirmed to attend that event are former pro basket ball player John Amaechi and The L Word's Daniela Sea.
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Exclusive: National Memorial for LGBT Hate Crime Victims Launches [tr]
Posted 1:08 PM EST by Andy Towle in Chip Arndt, Crime, News | Permalink
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Powerful, and, thanks for posting this.
Posted by: Sebastian | Jan 10, 2008 2:04:57 PM
i dunno about this heroes thing. i'm torn between conflicting desires. i prefer to think of myself as a sexual revolutionary who has experimented with everything from leather to drag but not a hero. does this make me self-loathing? i think not. but then again it's perhaps its a new way of looking at the same thing and me being such an old bag has just got to adjust to it. and hell, if these celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon maybe it's what we need right now. more power to them and r.i.p. to those who have fallen in this sexual/culture war.
Posted by: the queen | Jan 10, 2008 2:08:40 PM
I agree with "The Queen". We should remember and support victims of hate crimes. But being a victim doesn't make you a hero.
People that fight hate crimes are heros.
Posted by: rdm | Jan 10, 2008 3:14:56 PM
Maybe the aftermath resulting from a publicized murder of a gay person is what makes them a hero. The public--those who have hearts and minds--might understand what acts of inhumanity the hatred of gay people can lead to. These folks, without knowing it, made the ultimate sacrifice. Someone who makes the ultimate sacrifice is a hero--atleast to those she/he made the sacrifice for.
In my old neighborhood of North Philly there was this young guy named Hansel. I didn't know him that well, and later I found out that he died from AIDS probably complicated by a heavy drinking problem. As I learned more about his life, I found out that he endured far worse gay-bashing and public humiliation than I did. Everytime I saw him, he managed to smile and say, "hello". Now, to some folks he was just an homo who had a rough life, turned to alcohol, and died of AIDS at a young age. To me, he was a very brave openly gay person who always managed to give me a smile. He is a hero to me.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | Jan 10, 2008 3:50:19 PM
To The Queen and RDM,
I see where you're coming from but both of you are missing the point. These victims are considered heroes because they were not afraid to be themselves. Even when doing so put them at great risk. They are heroes because they stood proud and tall, like we all should have the right to.
Posted by: Jake | Jan 13, 2008 1:58:10 AM
Cyndi Lauper is AMAZING!!! We owe her so much for all her hard work to protect our Community!
Posted by: Karen | Jan 16, 2008 12:42:14 AM
Cyndi Lauper is AMAZING!!! We owe her so much for all her hard work to protect our Community!
Posted by: Karen | Jan 16, 2008 12:42:36 AM