New York Stage and Film is a non-profit dedicated to both emerging and established artists in the development and production of theater and film by creating community, supporting process, and uplifting original artistic voices.
Each year, the organization hosts a gala to honor those in the field using their voices to create change and breaking ground within the arts. Past recipients of this honor have included Tina Fey, Stanley Tucci, Kevin Bacon, Steve Martin, and Laura Linney just to name a few.
This year’s gala, which is taking place on November 5th at the famous Plaza Hotel in New York City, is set to honor two leading voices from the LGBTQ community. This year’s honorees are GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis and Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer, actor, writer, and producer Billy Porter.
Interim Artistic Director Liz Carlson stated that “New York Stage and Film is honored to uplift the indelible impact Billy and Sarah Kate have had on countless lives through their accomplishments and advocacy.”
She went on to say that “Both understand the important role art, entertainment and media can play in shaping individuals, policy, and the course of human history. In a moment when the LGBTQIA+ community is experiencing increasing affronts on their collective humanity, we are proud to recognize Billy and Sarah Kate’s important work.”
Both Ellis and Porter have long been outspoken advocates for the LGBTQ community through their work in the media, with GLAAD, and beyond.
Through his art, Billy Porter provides the world with unprecedented and life saving representation as a Black queer person who has spoken openly about being HIV positive. He has earned critical acclaim for his role as Lola on Broadway’s “Kinky Boots,” his work as a producer on “A Strange Loop,” his music career, and his acting on FX’s historic series Pose. Porter has shown the world there is simply nothing he can’t do.
Sarah Kate Ellis is not only GLAAD’s President and CEO, but is also an author, public speaker, wife and mother, and one of TIME’s 100 most influential people in the world. Ellis has dedicated her life to making the world a safer and more inclusive place for LGBTQ people.
Proceeds from the gala go directly back into the non-profit’s programming. For more information about the Annual New York Stage and Film Gala, visit their website www.newyorkstageandfilm.org