But just having one very out, proud gay person on this show has made people able to come out to their parents, feel less homophobic, come to terms with their own sexuality. And I’m not like the big character on the show. “I see messages from queer people around the world my character. He also stressed the importance of media representation. Now is the time to thrive as LGBTQ people and speak out louder than ever.”
“Now is not the time for us to shy away from our queerness,” he said, “Those are the beautiful parts of us that make us all unique. He recently launched a fundraising T-shirt to raise awareness about gay conversion therapy practices in Brazil. Beyond the issues at home, he also stressed the importance of recognizing global LGBTQ issues. (“I always sneak back into Blake’s when I’m home,” he told us before the ceremony.)ĭorfman emphasized the importance of recognizing and not being complacent about issues facing LGBTQ Southerners, including a higher HIV infection and death rate. “I love this city,” he laughed, “I grew up in Midtown someone told me it’s no surprise I’m gay.” He gave shout-outs to local Midtown bars Joe’s on Juniper and Blake’s. Photograph by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for GLAAD Tommy Dorfman accepts his award at the GLAAD Gala Atlanta. Hollywood veteran Dennis O’Hare, Dorfman’s favorite actor, presented his award, and Dorman praised his hometown during his acceptance speech. Other guests included Real Housewives Cynthia Bailey, Shereé Whitfield, and Porsha Williams Survivor castmember Zeke Smith Star actress Amiyah Scott GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis and Morehouse College student Kylan Kester, who previously received a Rising Star Grant from GLAAD.
CMT host Cody Alan, who hosted the event, happily announced his engagement to boyfriend Trea Smith, noting that the two actually met in Atlanta at a Carrie Underwood concert and asked the audience for advice on which finger he should wear his ring. It was the first time GLAAD included a sit-down dinner as part of the gala, which also featured both silent and live auctions and performances from Billy Gilman of The Voice and local teen poet Royce Mann. While GLAAD has thrown galas in Atlanta previously, Wednesday night’s was the largest yet. Thirty-five percent of queer people live in the South, so for GLAAD to take the time and effort to throw a gala here is a great sign, especially given the political climate.” “I think the South gets ignored a lot, and the LGBTQ community is so present and strong. “It’s really meaningful-I’m kind of overwhelmed right now,” Dorfman, 25, said of being honored by GLAAD in his home state. Athens native Tituss Burgess, who plays Titus Andromedon on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, received the Hometown Hero award and Paideia School grad Tommy Dorfman, who plays Ryan Shaver on 13 Reasons Why, received the Rising Star award.
The gala also honored two Georgia-born actors who both star in hit Netflix shows. Wednesday night at the Atlanta History Center, GLAAD held its annual Atlanta gala fundraiser to raise money for LGBTQ services in the South. Tommy Dorfman and Tituss Burgess pose for photos after the ceremony.