Many LGBTQ and allied stars took to the screen last night (April 26) for GLAAD’s Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone charity livestream event.
Hosted by Billy Eichner and Lilly Singh, the event saw the likes of Kesha, Billy Porter, Pete Buttigieg, Melissa Etheridge, the iconic Barbra Streisand and more lending their talents and voices to a good cause; the event raised more than $225,000 for CenterLink, a coalition of more than 250 LGBTQ centers providing critical services like medical care, mental health counseling, virtual support groups, hot meals, and HIV testing.
“At a time when some LGBTQ people could be isolating in homes that are not affirming, GLAAD is bringing together the biggest LGBTQ stars and allies to send messages of love, support, and acceptance,” said GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “…LGBTQ centers are the heart of the community, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic these centers have continued to provide vital connectivity and services, pivoting to virtual programming, modifying in-person services when possible, and ensuring that their communities have resources and support when they need it the most.”
Streisand kicked off the star-studded event with a pre-recorded voiceover message urging viewers to give what they can to others.
“Hi everyone, it’s Barbra Streisand, and I am so thrilled that GLAAD’s Together in Pride: You Are Not Alone event is happening tonight to raise much-needed funds to support local LGBTQ community centers all over the country who are being seriously affected by COVID-19,” she said. “If these community centers had to close their doors, that means that LGBTQ kids may not have a meal, it means they may not have a place to go, and it also means they won’t have the support that so many of these facilities need to help them find a job and be successful.”
“I know that times are tough,” Streisand continued, “but I really hope you’ll help save these organizations.”
Lambert and White Collar actor Matt Bomer shared their coming out experiences, transgender YouTuber Gigi Gorgeous made an appearance with her wife designer-model Nats Getty, Jonathan Van Ness shared tips to staying groomed in isolation, and former Democratic presidential candidate Buttigieg and his husband Chasten encouraged viewers to vote.
“It couldn’t be more important,” Buttigieg said. “If you care about climate… if you care about rights for our community, if you care what happens in the courts, if you care about each other, this is more than ever the time to vote.”
Kesha closed out the show with an uplifting rendition of “Rainbow.” Other guests included Rosie O’Donnell, MJ Rodriguez, Javier Munoz, Sean Hayes, Dan Levy, Tatiana Maslany, Ross Mathews, Tyler Oakley, Bebe Rexha, Shangela, Brian Michael Smith, Patrick Starr, Sharon Stone, Michelle Visage, Wilson Cruz, and August Getty.
Donations are still open to support CenterLink. You can donate here.