The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, has announced it will honor critically-acclaimed, multi-award-winning actress Meryl Streep with the organization’s Ally for Equality Award at the 2017 HRC Greater New York Gala on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
“Throughout her phenomenal career, Meryl Streep has used her voice to stand up for the LGBTQ community,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Whether through her iconic roles that raised the visibility of LGBTQ people, or by boldly speaking out for equality, Meryl Streep embodies the very nature of what it means to be an ally to our community. We are thrilled to welcome Meryl Streep to the 2017 HRC Greater New York Gala and look forward to honoring her with the HRC Ally for Equality Award.”
The HRC Ally for Equality Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of those who use their voice to publicly stand-up for the LGBTQ community. These individuals dedicate their time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBTQ people. The award is given to allies outside of the LGBTQ community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans.
For almost 40 years, Meryl Streep has portrayed an astonishing array of characters in a career that has cut its own unique path from the theater through film and television. An outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality, Streep credits childhood music teachers for helping to open her eyes to LGBTQ acceptance, including her gay piano teacher and his partner, and another transgender music teacher. “I just can’t remember when LGBT people were not in my life,” Streep said in an interview.
An icon to many in the LGBTQ community, Streep has starred in numerous roles helping to raise awareness of the unique challenges LGBTQ people face. Streep told Between the Line News that her role in Angels in America — HBO’s 2003 groundbreaking miniseries about the HIV and AIDS crisis — was one of the most important in her career. Streep won one of her eight Golden Globe Awards for that role, and during her acceptance speech in 2004, she also famously spoke out for marriage equality.
Streep has won three Academy Awards, and in 2015, in a record that is unsurpassed, she earned a 19th Academy Award nomination. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and has been accorded a Commandeur de L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government and an honorary César. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute, a 2008 honor from the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and the 2010 National Medal of Arts from President Obama. In 2011, Streep received a Kennedy Center Honor, and in 2014 the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Most recently, Streep has been nominated for her 30th Golden Globe Award, and in January of 2017, she will be honored with the Cecil B. deMille Award of the 74th Golden Globes.
As previously announced, HRC will also honor PepsiCo with the HRC Corporate Equality Award. The award recognizes PepsiCo’s exceptional commitment to advancing workplace equality for the LGBTQ community.
The Greater New York Gala is one of HRC’s most prestigious events of the year, attracting more than 1,000 of the organization’s most active leaders, supporters, and members. The event regularly draws political officials from federal, state, and local governments, as well as celebrity entertainers and leaders in the business community. To purchase tickets for the #HRCGreaterNY gala, learn more about the event, ways to volunteer, and more, please visit www.HRCGreaterNY.org.
It takes a lot to make it onto Sharon Osbourne’s “naughty” list – but Harvey Nichols takes the top spot this Christmas.
Sharon sent a sack of coal to the department store’s CEO Stacey Cartwright, along with a letter explaining that while the pile of sooty rocks has made its way to the store, she will not be seen there – until the retailer stops selling fur.
“I was shocked to learn from my friends at PETA that Harvey Nichols has abandoned its decade-long no-fur policy”, she writes. “This officially puts you at the top of my naughty list (which is truly saying something!), so I thought it apt to send you a sack of coal.”
Sharon goes on to explain that “I used to wear fur before I became aware of the cruelty involved in its production. I hope you, too, will make the compassionate decision not to support this violent industry”.
Harvey Nichols hides behind a marketing ploy called “Origin Assured”, which was created by the fur industry itself following years of plummeting sales. Fur coming from farms in 29 countries can potentially be labelled “Origin Assured” simply because these countries have environmental standards, animal-welfare laws, or best-practice guidelines – but whether or not these regulations are enforced isn’t taken into consideration. A PETA exposé narrated by Paloma Faith reveals the tremendous suffering of animals whose fur bears this label. It shows that on fur farms in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and other so-called “Origin Assured” countries, animals such as foxes, rabbits, and minks are kept in filthy wire cages – sometimes alongside the rotting corpses of other animals – and are left to suffer from untreated injuries, including missing limbs. Frightened and distressed, they often mutilate themselves and others in the cage. These animals are then slaughtered – just so that their skin can be made into clothing.
Dec 21, 2016 08:30 am
The Duchess of Cambridge attended a special Cub Scout Pack meeting last week with Cubs from the Kings Lynn District to celebrate 100 years of Cubs.
The Duchess Of Cambridge Helps Celebrate 100 Years Of Cub Scouts
Credit/Copyright: Royal.uk
Her Royal Highness joined the Pack as they took part in games and activities themed around looking after yourself and others physically and emotionally.
They then joined together to renew their Cub Scout promise and celebrate the Cub’s 100th anniversary with the lighting of 100 candles and a rendition of happy birthday.
Cub Scouting was co-founded by Robert Baden-Powell and Vera Barclay on the 16th December 1916.
Dec 21, 2016 07:00 am
Ladylike Foundation hosted its Fifth Annual Ladylike Day at UCLA on Saturday, December 17th.
Magic Johnson Attends 5th Annual Ladylike Day
Ladylike Day at UCLA is a program of classes that promotes and educates young ladies between the ages of 12-17 from L.A.’s inner city in the areas of Finance, fashion, health and fitness, etiquette, job interviewing and preparing for their future. Cookie Johnson opened the day, welcoming the young ladies and encouraging them to be the best that they can be.
Each year, Ladylike Day at UCLA culminates with an open platform celebrity male panel where the young ladies attending are given the opportunity to ask the men on the panel any questions they wish without any restrictions or limitations, from advice about romance and relationships to how to handle bullying. This year, the panel was lead by Magic Johnson, and included Devon Franklin, Film Producer/Author/Motivational Speaker; Chris Spencer, Actor/Comedian and Creator of Real Husbands of Hollywood; Marcellus Wiley, NFL Veteran & ESPN Broadcaster/Analyst; Dondre Whitfield, Emmy-nominated actor and star on OWN Network’s Queen Sugar; and a surprise guest panelist, recent SAG and Golden Globe nominee, Anthony Anderson.
Founded by Leah Pump, the LadyLike Foundation is a faith-based nonprofit organization whose purpose is to educate, empower and inspire young women living in underprivileged communities. Through cutting edge resource programs, workshops, mentorships and life lessons, young ladies are challenged to reach their highest potential and become the successful, well-rounded “Lady” they were created to be. Each year, the organization hosts two main events: LADYLIKEDAY AT UCLA and the Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon, which is the primary fundraiser for LadyLike Foundation. For more information, please visit www.theladylike.com.
Fox received much attention when he went public with the disease, and even received a call from Muhammad Ali. “For some reason, I returned his call from the phone in my bathroom. In the mirror I could see my eyes welling up as he said, in his eloquent whisper, ’I’m sorry you have this, but with both of us in this fight, we’re going to win now.’”
Fox realised that it was no longer a question of if Parkinson’s could be cured, but when. Thus began his involvement in senate hearings and the creation of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Charities & foundations supported
Michael J. Fox has supported the following charities:
Dec 21, 2016 05:00 am
Sentebale (forget-me-not) is a new charity designed to help children and young people in Lesotho. The charity’s joint Founders and Patrons are Prince Seeiso of Lesotho and Prince Harry.
Sentebale will offer long-term support to community organisations working with children and young people, and in particular to those working with orphans and other vulnerable children.
