Well, my oh my, corporate peeps aren’t all bad… Just look at the Google folks doing an “It Gets Better” ad. I’m so proud of them for supporting this amazing cause that helps to prevent LGBT suicide. The new ad (of course promoting Google Chrome as well) features a slew of big names in their own “It Gets Better” videos like Lady Gaga, Kathy Griffin, Adam Lambert, Chaz Bono and the creator of the series Dan Savage. Take a look at this wonderful new clip below and for more on the It Gets Better Project, head here.
This past weekend, the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles performed their annual holiday concerts and this year, they invited a special guest, Grammy Award winner LeAnn Rimes. After taking on a number of holiday tunes, the chorus and LeAnn joined forces for a gorgeous rendition of Bette Midler’s “The Rose” that was dedicated to those LGBT teens lost to suicide this year and their friends and family. LeAnn gave a heartfelt message before the song in the tradition of the “It Gets Better” video series. Take a look at their gorgeous performance below and for more information on It Gets Better, click here or head to the Trevor Project here.
Los Angeles is getting an early Christmas gift in the debut of the Tony and Pulitzer prize-winning musical Next to Normal at the Ahmanson Theatre where it will run 11/23 to 1/2/11. The show which I saw on Broadway last year is simply brilliant. It’s an emotional rock musical that looks at the cracks in one family and the bonds that keep them together as they struggle with the mother’s mental difficulties. Reprising her Tony Award winning run on the national tour is Alice Ripley who’s a fantastic force of nature. I highly recommend this show (and then getting the original cast recording- it’s so good!). See it in LA or head to Broadway where it will be finishing its long run early next year. The original cast also included Tony nominees J. Robert Spencer and Jennifer Damiano (who will be in the big Spiderman musical opening late next year) along with Aaron Tveit who’s recently been seen in the film Howl, on Gossip Girl and at the Hollywood Bowl in Rent opposite Nicole Scherzinger. To get you in the mood check out a host of videos from the show and go see Next to Normal at the Ahmanson (or on Broadway). You won’t be disappointed.
Next to Normal at the Ahmanson
Next to Normal performance on the Tonys Awards “You Don’t Know”
Next to Normal pre-Tony Award Performance “Superboy and the Invisible Girl”
Next to Normal Broadway Cast “I’m Alive”
And on a side note, the handsome and incredibly talented Kyle Dean Massey is currently starring in the Broadway production of Next to Normal. Here he is singing “I’m Alive” at Broadway in Bryant Park
He’s also made an “It Gets Better” video to relate his experiences as an out gay actor who had suffered bullying growing up and has a message of empowerment and strength. Check it out below.
The Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles gathered this week to film a video for the ongoing “It Gets Better” campaign to stop bullying and raise awareness for LGBT youth suicide prevention. I’ve shown you videos from Adam Lambert, Ellen Degeneres and the stars of Modern Family to name a few and this one is just as wonderful and important. And seriously their gorgeous singing and sentiment just might make you shed a tear. Taking on Cyndi Lauper’s iconic smash “True Colors”, here’ the Gay Mens Chorus of Los Angeles… And for more information and how to help the cause, head to The Trevor Project here.
Today, October 20, 2010, is National Spirit Daywhich honors the teenagers who had taken their own lives in recent weeks. But just as importantly, it’s also a way to show the hundreds of thousands of LGBT youth who face the same pressures and bullying, that there is a vast community of people who support them. And we who support them have been sharing our messages of support with theIt Gets Better Project with videos on youtube and messages across the web. We’re also wearing purple today in solidarity. For more on Spirit Day, click here.
And here’s a wonderful message of hope and support in a new song recorded by a group of Broadway veterans singing about how “It Gets Better”. The proceeds from the song which is available on iTunes go to the Trevor Project which is a leader in the fight against lgbt teen suicide.
Today is National Coming Out Day and it’s a day to celebrate “difference” and be true to who you are. It’s also important to remember that life can be hard for LGBT youths, but things do get better. Don’t let bullying get you down. Celebrate and embrace yourself today and everyday! And here’s a special message on the topic from Emmy nominated out actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his Emmy winning costar Eric Stonestreet of Modern Family.
Due to the unsettling rise in LGBT teen suicides as a result of bullying, a new campaign has arisen to bring awareness to this cause, It Gets Better. The project features celebrities and everyday people uploading their own personal stories of bullying and how they stayed strong and got through the difficult times. It also features links to The Trevor Projectwhich is an amazing organization that helps struggling LGBT youth and works to prevent teen suicide. For more information on their great work and to contribute or help out, click here…. And check out two messages from Emmy winner Kathy Griffin and Emmy nominated Glee star Chris Colfer below… Remember IT DOES GET BETTER!
