Johnny, ever expressive--even with a cold--
responds to questions during an interview
with Japanese media earlier today.
Photo twitpic'd by JWArtProject.
responds to questions during an interview
with Japanese media earlier today.
Photo twitpic'd by JWArtProject.
We interrupt our increasingly heavy dependence (hey, I can quit anytime I want to. Really ...) on happy and mindlessly entertaining picspam from Asia to bring you exciting news for both Johnny and fans in the Pacific Northwest:
The Human Rights Campaign is honoring Johnny Weir with its Visibility Award at the 11th Annual Seattle HRC "AsOne" Gala Dinner on Saturday, September 25, 2010,
in the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Seattle, 1900 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, Washington!
From the HRC Seattle website:
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. ...
As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of over 750,000 members and supporters nationwide--all committed to making HRC’s vision a reality. ... HRC’s research and educational programs engage LGBT and straight-supportive Americans in an ongoing dialogue about equality.
Among previous Visibility Award recipients are Olympian Greg Louganis, actress Portia de Rossi, WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes, Iron Chef Cat Cora, and Andy Cohen, Bravo-TV's senior vice president of original programming and development.
Johnny will be giving a speech at the event, where past guest speakers have included President Bill Clinton, comediennes Sandra Bernhardt and Lily Tomlin, film maker John Waters, Governors Chris Gregiore and Howard Dean, and Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray.
So wow! Johnny joins some amazing company as one of this year's Seattle HRC honorees. I am thrilled to see Johnny recognized within the figure-skating world for his achievements, such as twice winning the Readers' Choice trophy, and out on the larger world stage for the example he sets in living his life honestly and unapologetically, blazing a trail for those who come after him.
Even though, as he said in his sensitive and revealing interview with Itoi-san, "I had never thought in my life that I would affect people who weren't strong enough to completely be themselves, especially children ... I never imagined I would be influencing young skaters, children, or even the parents of children who are a little bit different, or 'unique.' "
But you are, BB. A beautiful and powerful influence. And we couldn't be prouder of you for having the balls to--just be you.
And: The HRC gala dinner is open to the public, so fans can come and be a part of this wonderful evening with Johnny! According to the website, dress for the five-hour event is "festive to black tie," and doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Aaaaaand: Yes, tickets are pricey, at $200 apiece, though that does include a one-year HRC membership. HRC Seattle recognizes that that's a lot of money for most people in these difficult economic times, so they offer this gentle explanation for the cost:
Your dollars have incredible impact thanks to HRC’s powerful relationships and connections. This dinner is one of the primary annual fundraising activities of HRC, and they rely on the Pacific Northwest’s support to help them achieve success in:
• passing pro-LGBT legislation
• ensuring our families and jobs are protected from discrimination
• electing fair-minded politicians, and
• a myriad of other issues including aging, coming out, health, and the military ban.
HRC fights for LGBT rights on a national level. HRC is working to mount efforts in other states for marriage recognition and workplace equality. They’re mobilizing people in key states like California, Arkansas, Arizona, and Florida to enact pro-LGBT legislation. Our financial support really does have an impact of national proportions. ... [Please] explore the HRC website (www.hrc.org) to learn more about all the things that HRC does.
So congratulations again, Johnny! This is a fabulous honor and an event not to be missed. And for the first time since I left there 20 years ago, I'm kinda wishing I still lived in Seattle ...
For more info or to purchase tickets, please visit the HRC Seattle Gala Dinner website here. You also can join the Human Rights Campaign on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!
Twitter voting roundup!
(although I have to say that I'm not impressed
with the way Faxo is monitoring--or rather, not monitoring--
this voting stuff, so I'm kinda only half-heartedly following
these contests now but I still want my people to win ...)
(although I have to say that I'm not impressed
with the way Faxo is monitoring--or rather, not monitoring--
this voting stuff, so I'm kinda only half-heartedly following
these contests now but I still want my people to win ...)
Vote here for Johnny to win "Follow Me."
Current rank: #1
3 voting days remaining.
Vote here for Johnny to win "Mr. Twitter"!
He ended August's contest at #3,
and has been renominated for September!
Current rank: #7
and has been renominated for September!
Current rank: #7
24 voting days remaining.
Vote here for Gail Turley's blog
"WheresMyKoppy" to win "Best Blog"
Current rank: #5
10 voting days remaining.
"WheresMyKoppy" to win "Best Blog"
Current rank: #5
10 voting days remaining.
New! Vote here for Johnny
(current rank: #7)
and here for JW Art Project
(current rank: #52)
to win "Best of Twitter"
24 voting days remaining.
(current rank: #7)
and here for JW Art Project
(current rank: #52)
to win "Best of Twitter"
24 voting days remaining.
Hey! Check out this clip of Johnny
from the Rachel Zoe Project!
The episode in which he appears is TONIGHT
at 10 pm EDT / 9 pm CDT on Bravo!
at 10 pm EDT / 9 pm CDT on Bravo!
Yes! Johnny Is skating in Yu-Na Kim's fabulous show,
All That Skate, in Los Angeles in October!
Everything you need to know about tickets
and special gatherings of The Cabal
is right here!
Everything you need to know about tickets
and special gatherings of The Cabal
is right here!
Weirlandians for Life organizer Gary Podschun
notes that we're a little more than one month away
from the Chicago AIDS Walk,
and WE STILL NEED AT LEAST TWO MORE PEOPLE
TO OFFICIALLY FORM A TEAM!
Please visit the group page here for more info.
We hope to see Johnny well-represented by his fans
at the walk on October 2!
Coming soon: More in the series
of translated interviews from the Mook Book
courtesy of the fabulous Akiko Nakata!
copyright 2010 / Binky and the Misfit Mimes / Lynn V. Ingogly / all rights reserved
notes that we're a little more than one month away
from the Chicago AIDS Walk,
and WE STILL NEED AT LEAST TWO MORE PEOPLE
TO OFFICIALLY FORM A TEAM!
Please visit the group page here for more info.
We hope to see Johnny well-represented by his fans
at the walk on October 2!
Coming soon: More in the series
of translated interviews from the Mook Book
courtesy of the fabulous Akiko Nakata!
copyright 2010 / Binky and the Misfit Mimes / Lynn V. Ingogly / all rights reserved
10 comments:
Another great Blog!
Wow MM! I had no idea about this honor JOhnny has received! Amazing! I am so proud of him for getting involved in these issues, and so happy that he is being recognized for as you say, having the balls to just be him.
Great quote:
"I am thrilled to see Johnny recognized within the figure-skating world for his achievements, such as twice winning the Readers' Choice trophy, and out on the larger world stage for the example he sets in living his life honestly and unapologetically, blazing a trail for those who come after him."
So true, so true! I am proud of him also!
Oh wow...that really is great news. Sometime I feel like telling all the haters, one hater in particular: "Here, see..." and stuff news like that down their throats.
I´m so very happy for Johnny to get recognized for things he doesn´t do extra efforts in. He´s just being himself and yes,even after his obligatory fifteen minutes must be already over, he is still visible. And that in a very good way.
I´m proud of Johnny and I really see him as role model.
Three hundred cheers for our Prince!!!
Johnny, I can't be prouder of you.
Hope this good news will drive a cold out of you.
Thanks very much Binky, for the wonderful news and the wonderful blog!
Thank you so much again, Binky, for a great post. This flew in under the radar!
How wonderful that such a respected and active organization as the Human Rights Campaign has honored Johnny with this recognition!
He has become the very public face of defiance and courage for those in society who are targeted by ignorance and bigotry every day.
As a dedicated and accomplished athlete, and artist, Johnny Weir is an outstanding example of what belief in one's self can achieve; but his determination to live his life on his own terms under constant public scrutiny is perhaps his greatest contribution. His free and unencumbered personality has garnered love and respect from around the world, and helps advance the cause of equality and fairness not just in the United States, but globally.
I too, am so proud of him!
What a wonderful honor - I am so happy for & so proud of Johnny!
Johnny has inspired so many people. He seems to have a way to connect to everyone, men, women, younger, older, gay, straight, and so on. I am glad to see he is getting another well deserved award! ♥
Oh La La! I am so happy for Johnny. Terrific honor.
I just called my daughter and told her I have to go to Seattle for that weekend and will not be able to watch my grandkids on the 25th! I don't think she is too happy with me, but.... "Nana" does actually have a life separate from being "Nana". Seattle is about a 3 hour drive from where I live, so to not go would be unreasonable.
I have no clue if there will be anyone I know also attending, besides Tara and Johnny. I never really was involved with the LGBT community in Seattle. Portland, yes and maybe there will be folks I know traveling up from Portland. Truthfully, I don't care:-) Opportunity to meet new people and most importantly, to see Johnny be honored.
I am thrilled for him every time he is recognized and honored. I am especially glad that my community, the LGBT community, is recognizing how wonderfully gifted and giving he is, then standing up to stand next to him. Its about time, especially given all of the crap he's had to put up with from the "old guard" in the world of elite figure skating and sports press.
Of course, those of us who are "Johnny fans" have always known that there is so much more to this young man than his skating. We've known that the "much more" is a unique quality made up of integrity, courage, beauty and creative genius that is often transcendent in nature.
Thank you, Binks for posting the info about the dinner in your blog:-) You get extra hugs, today! Sending them your way over the glitter energy highway straight to you:-)
Wonderful honor! He joins quite an honor roll of speakers and winners. Johnny earned it by being unabashed and brave in his behavior and dictating his own, original terms. He has taken on City Hall in the form of ice skating institutions and judges and has cut an unforgettable profile in the process.
Thank you, Binky.
YAY!
Well, I could not be more THRILLED for Johnny! For that matter I am THRILLED for HRC for making such an incredible statement about Johnny by recognizing him with this award.
I consider HRC my political voice. I've been a member for years and I've attended the New York City Gala the last two years. HRC is tireless in it's fight for LGBT equality. I believe my spouse, Kathy, and I were able to be married because of their efforts (although not federally recognized yet), as well as have medical benefit coverage for each other in our work plans (at higher cost than our fellow employees with more taxes charged, but benefits none-the less). This is not to mention DADT, Hate Crimes Legislation and on and on.
The Galas are key fundraising events for HRC, are AMAZING and filled with the most beautiful people dressed beautifully (myself excluded... last year I even went with the chemo-effect bald head covered by pitiful cotton cap... ugh).
But imagine all those gorgeous people, so many of them men, in formal/unique attire. I'd never seen so many fabulous pointy shoes... in patent leather! Supportive local political powerhouses appear or send video statements. And there are the wonderful, supportive celebrities honored for their courage to stand with the LGBT community. Modern Family (Johnny's new addiction: http://twitter.com/JohnnyGWeir/status/23906800236) is being acknowledged at the National Gala in DC in October.
I am so EXCITED and PROUD that they (we) are honoring Johnny!
And they have a REALLY cool logo. It's the navy blue square with the yellow equal sign inside it. We have the logo flag on our deck. We have the logo on our car bumper. And I gave Kathy HRC logo cufflinks as a wedding gift.
Binky, if you would like, I would be honored to send you a little HRC logo gift as a thank you for all you do. Do you have a PO Box or some place I could send it?
Again, soooooooo EXCITED and PROUD of this honor for Johnny.
THANK YOU for writing about it!! So many big hugs to you!! ♥ ♥
Congratulations on the recognition, Johnny!
I love that he is being honored for essentially being himself and living honestly. I think he just wants everyone to have the opportunity to live that way. What better inspiration is there than that?
xo
Post a Comment