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Friday, February 16, 2007
We always look for-ward to the Human Rights Campaign’s annual gala fundraising dinner in New York. It was held last weekend at the Waldorf-Astoria Grand Ballroom (what a fabulous space, both opulent and roomy).
With entertainment by Cyndi Lauper and a surprise appearance by former NBA player John Amaechi, this year’s event did not disappoint. But one aspect of the evening did cause slight consternation (though to no fault of the HRC crew).
As usual, the evening’s program included several awards that HRC bestows. The HRC Corporate Equality Award was presented to Merrill Lynch, the Community Equality Award to Creative Alternatives of New York (CANY), the Individual Equality Award to actor Nathan Lane and the Visibility Award to fashion design duo Heatherette.
It was this last award that somehow caused a stir. Downtown transgendered celebrity Amanda Lepore—an exaggerated version of Jayne Mansfield—walked to the podium. Apparently her prompter didn’t work, so she improvised an introduction for Traver Rains and Richie Rich, the designers behind the Heatherette name. The three onstage together made for a glittery, flamboyant contrast to the suit-and-tie crowd.
Some enjoyed this refreshing change. Others, not so much. In conversations after the dinner and on blogs the following week (queerty.com), people expressed viewpoints that fell into two basic arguments. First, whether outrageous characters like this should represent the LGBT community. Second, whether these underground icons represent a talented, fresh artistic movement.
The latter question is more provocative, and it’s always healthy to question artistic vitality and relevance. Let’s hold our own up to high standards. Being young and fabulous is not of itself the mark of leadership. We think the troika of Traver, Amanda and Richie succeed on all levels. We wouldn’t say that of most downtown hipsters, but we’re open to opposing views on the subject.
However, regarding the question about who should represent the community: Everybody should! This is 2007; must we still stumble over this question?—especially when it is in the context of an HRC dinner, an event for and attended by the community.
If we can’t be comfortable with a little diversity at our own events, where does that leave us? Sure, it’s a formal dinner and a certain protocol is expected. But there are always those wild cards, the outrageous characters who push the boundaries. And we love them for that.
Must we always be critical? For instance, not supporting John Amaechi because he came out after retiring from the NBA and not at the height of his career. Let’s help him reach new heights and therefor help the next player come out while at the top of his or her game.
Don’t be intimidated by diversity. Don’t be uptight. Instead, make like the HRC slogan and ‘Be Inspired.’
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