Ben Cohen, the former English rugby star and always gay icon who has taken his fame and rugged good looks to raise money for anti-bullying efforts through his StandUp Foundation, announced today his organization donated nearly $60,000 in since it was founded in Atlanta 2011.
“Our mission is simple but will take time to fulfill. We are off to a strong start,” said Cohen in a prepared statement. “We exist to raise awareness of the long-term damaging effects of bullying, and to fund those doing real-world work to stop it.”
Cohen has also said he wants to specifically work to stop LGBT bullying as well as end homophobia in sports. He has become a popular attendee of many Atlanta LGBT events, enjoys working out with the Atlanta Bucks gay rugby squad, and was an honorary grand marshal for last year's Atlanta Pride.
Magazine launch, awards dinner to feature Scissor Sister Babydaddy
Retired rugby star and now full-time anti-bullying advocate Ben Cohen launches his new magazine and hosts a sports awards dinner in Atlanta on Wednesday — and informed sources say Babydaddy from the famed Scissor Sisters will be on hand to join in the celebrations.
The Compete Sports Diversity Awards and StandUp Magazine launch will be held together on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at TWELVE Atlantic Station, located at 361 17th St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30363. Tickets are still on sale for both events and can be purchased here. Nov. 14 also marks the Second Annual StandUp Day marking the anniversary of Cohen's father's death after he was killed trying to stand up for an employee who was being attacked.
From Cohen about the Second Annual StandUp Day:
Schools around the country will participate in “Mix It Up At Lunch Day” on Oct. 30. Students are encouraged to talk to other students they would not normally connect with during the day to make new friends outside of their comfort zone.
Originally organized by the Southern Poverty Law Center to combat bullying in school, the day is now the target of a planned protest by the American Family Association, which calls the day a “program designed specifically by SPCL to establish the acceptance of homosexuality into public schools, including elementary and junior high schools.”
The AMA is urging parents to keep their children home on “Mix It Up” day and is also calling on parents to contact their child's school if it is listed as one of the official participants.