December 2, 2014
Big Stars Share Their Talent at Ally Coalition Gay Youth Fundraiser
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Bleachers, Lena Dunham, Janeane Garofalo, Andrew McMahon and Ingrid Michaelson are among the music and comedy stars confirmed to perform in support of LGBTQ youth at The Ally Coalition's Talent Show on December 2 at New World Stages in New York City.
"We're excited to bring together the talents of so many people we respect for an amazing night," says Jack Antonoff. "There are so many local organizations across the country helping LGBTQ youth in their community and we are grateful to bring attention to their important work."
Although only about 5 percent of youth identify as LGBTQ, gay youth make up nearly 40 percent of youth experiencing homelessness. The Ally Coalition was founded by Jack Antonoff of Bleachers and FUN., plus Andrew Dost and Nate Ruess of FUN. and designer Rachel Antonoff, to support and amplify the voices of the local organizations that help these youth and to inspire the music, fashion and entertainment communities to take action for LGBTQ rights.
The proceeds from the Talent Show will go to The Ally Coalition's local partner organizations across the country, including New Alternatives for Youth in New York City, an organization of which helps LGBTQ youths experiencing homelessness transition into stable adult lives through case management, education services, life skills training, community-building recreational activities, opportunities for self�-expression and support services.
Current Ally Coalition projects include collecting winter hats for partners in Chicago, Portland, Seattle, New York and Boston; raising support to provide weekly hot meals at New York City's New Alternatives for LGBTQ youth, and raising funds for Detroit's Ruth Ellis Center to develop a community health center to provide comprehensive medical and mental health services.
Further media and promotional support of the event will be provided by Above Average, the leading premium online comedy video network behind hit web series like "Sound Advice" with SNL's Vanessa Bayer, "7 Minutes in Heaven," "Sugarboy" and others.
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.
