Wanda Sykes, Jill Soloway Accept High Honors at Point Foundation Gala
Wanda Sykes provided the room with much laughter as she accepted the point legend award, presented by Anthony Anderson, at the annual Point Honors Los Angeles Gala Saturday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The award, granted by the Point Foundation, is given to an individual who has achieved prominence in their career and who has faithfully backed the LGBTQ community. The Foundation — the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit — aims to both support and empower LGBTQ students through leadership training and mentoring. Sykes, who came out as gay in her 40s, joked that at that point in her life, her parents couldn’t kick her out of the house for being gay. “I can afford to be gay,” she quipped. Joking aside, Sykes acknowledged that many individuals in the LGBTQ community do not have the same privilege as she has. “They get kicked out of their homes, and that’s why I support organizations doing the work that [the Point Foundation] is doing, so I appreciate that.”
Also honored at the ceremony was writer and director Jill Soloway, recognized with the point impact award for her contributions and improvements to the lives of the LGBTQ community. Soloway created the Amazon series “Transparent” after one of her parents came out as transgender.
“Slowly but surely I realized by writing this TV show, and distributing this TV show to the world, it would actually make the world safer for somebody that I love,” Soloway shared. “After this show came out, we experienced a giant cascade of love and support from the LGBTQ community and especially the trans community.”
Other attendees included Naya Rivera, who served as a mentor to one of the LGBT scholars, as well as “Transparent” actress Judith Light, a Point Foundation honorary board member.The night included a live auction that featured a “Will and Grace” experience package, which includes entry to a taping of the show as one of the available items. The foundation also announced a $1 million donation from Wells Fargo, the presenting sponsor of this years ceremony.The gala ended with a musical performance by Grammy nominated singer Adam Lambert.
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