LogoTV’s Trailblazers airs Thursday, June 26, at 9/8c, but AfterEllen was on the red carpet for the taping of the event earlier this week. We got to chat with a few attendees and honorees on their way into the event which took place at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, in all its gorgeous, stained glass glory. Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan, the incredible women behind the defeat of DOMA were being honored with Trailblazer awards at the event. They were nearly rushed past us but Roberta Kaplan made sure she and Edie took a moment to speak with AfterEllen.
Roberta Kaplan: (To her handler) We’re lesbians, so… AfterEllen: (small fist pump) Thank you! Both of you are tremendous inspirations… Edie Windsor: Talk a little bit slower dear. AE: So sorry Edie (She’s so right, I talk really fast) Now that you are done saving the world, are you taking a break, or are you moving on to the next battleground? EW: I am taking a break. My feeling is the parade is the end for a little bit of time. I really need a break. RK: My answer is both. My favorite book I used to read to my son when he was little, was called A Dog with a Bone and I don’t think that’s coincidence. I think I’m the kind of person that is a dog looking for a bone. So I’m always on to the next fight, that’s what I do for a living, but at the same time I’m going to spend some quality time fly fishing with my family in Montana this summer. It was a great surprise to see comedian Judy Gold on the red carpet, and I quickly waved her over to talk about trailblazing and the importance of allies. AfterEllen: Judy, you are a trailblazer. Judy Gold: I guess you can say that. I haven’t the money or the fame that the other trailblazers have, but yes, I have been an out lesbian-mother-comic for a long time. AE: What do you think are the qualities of a trailblazer? Who has inspired you along the way? JG: Oh my god, there’s so many. I would say, Gloria Steinem, for sure. Harvey Milk, beyond beyond. Judith Light! I remember in 1994, I went to the March on Washington…wait, was it the AIDS walk? It was something, and she was like a straight ally before there were straight allies. She said, “No one should ever tell you, who you can love.” I was like, oh my god, because straight people never came out to support gays and she was one. I love her, she’s amazing. AE: And as we’ve seen, it’s essential. That’s one of the reasons things have progressed so quickly in a short amount of time. JG: Right. I mean, even Dick Fucking Cheney. As people come out, people realize, you know a gay person, you love a gay person. Are you going to vote or be silent or do something that directly effects their human civil rights? I think the answer is turning out to be no for most people. AE: Tell us, what are you doing now? Where can we see you next? JG: On July 1st, we are going to be the first same sex couple on Celebrity Wife Swap. I’ll be in Provincetown in the next two weeks. I’m going to Mill Valley to a theatre, and then I’m at the Montreal Comedy festival. Activist and actress Laverne Cox stopped to say a quick hello to all her lesbian fans.
Laverne Cox: Hi AfterEllen! I love AfterEllen. AfterEllen: And we love you! Actually that’s what I wanted to say. I know we only have time for one question with you, but did you know how much lesbians love you? LC: I have an indication through social media. I’ve gotten many marriage proposals from women, I don’t know if they identify as lesbian or not, but I’ve gotten many marriage proposals and propositions from women. Unfortunately, I’m not into women but Samira Wiley actually makes me want to rethink that. Have you watched Season 2 of Orange is the New Black? AE: Of course! I recap it. LC: Watching Samira make out with girls, like her lips, I was like, “Oh my god, she’s so sexy.” So Samira makes me want to rethink some stuff, but anyway… Young Trailblazer honoree Jordan Scruggs popped by and was a total delight to talk to. She has some great advice for LGBT youth looking to get involved.
AfterEllen: You’re being awarded tonight! Jordan Scruggs: Ah yeah, well mostly just being honored. AE: Well congratulations! JS: Thank you. AE: What would you tell other young people, how they can get involved in the way you’ve gotten involved, to actively start changing this world? JS: Honestly, just start looking. Start at the Trevor Project, especially if they are youth and they are trying to figure things out and trying to understand themselves or make a difference. Look at trevorproject.org. And after that, start looking at ways to help out in your local community. Think about, what would you like in your community? What was interesting to you at this age, or even younger, and just start there. Big Boo herself, Lea DeLaria was at the event along with Orange is the New Black castmates Laverne Cox, Samira Wiley, Taryn Manning and Matt McCrory. I couldn’t help asking the out performer about her career as a vocalist. AfterEllen: Hi Lea! I was on HuffPo Live with you a couple of weeks ago to talk about Orange of course and we argued about scissoring… Lea DeLaria: (shouts) There is no such thing as scissoring! AE: …it was one of the best moment of my life. LD: It’s ridiculous! Don’t even waste your time on it. AE: You are a magnificent vocalist… LD: Why yes I am. (laughs) AE: You were a big inspiration to me. I’m a vocalist as well, and growing up, seeing you, I knew I could be a performer and be out and proud. What role does singing play in your life right now, and where will you be performing next? LD: I will be performing Wednesay [June 25th] at World Pride on the stage with k.d. lang. So it’s me and Katherine doing our thing for opening Gala of World Pride. It’s sold out. AE: You sold out the WORLD! (laughing) LD: No no no, (laughs) me and k.d. lang sold out a big house. I’m sure if you’ve got me and Katherine on a bill together, every lesbian within a thousand mile radius is coming. It sold out like that. As far as the role that music plays in my life, music is what centers me, it’s my heart. It’s the first thing I ever did professionally. It’s what’s been handed to me by my father who was a great musician. I love it more than anything I do. Our sibling site, NewNowNext also chatted with Lea:
And with her OITNB co-star Taryn Manning:
And with Demi Lovato:
Be sure to watch Trailblazers this Thursday, June 26 at 9/8c pm. Livetweet the show along with us using #LogoTrailblazers.
