Logo today announced that multi-platinum selling pop star Rachel Platten will remember the innocent lives lost in the tragic shooting at the Pulse LGBT nightclub in Orlando during the third annual TRAILBLAZER HONORS airing on Logo and VH1, tonight, June 25 at 8pm ET/PT. From the 1969 Stonewall Riots to the passage of marriage equality nationwide just last year, the "Trailblazers Honors" spotlight THE PIONEERS who bravely fought for equality. This year, the event will be dedicated to Orlando with messages of support from celebrities and dignitaries.
Logo previously announced that
Academy Award-nominated actress
Emma Stone, who will portray
Billie Jean King in the upcoming film "Battle of the Sexes," will honor King for her heroic work for LGBT visibility and equality. King is not only one of the first prominent professional athletes to be openly lesbian, but is renowned in the tennis world for being one of the greatest to ever play the game.
The third annual "Trailblazer Honors" is part of Logo's full themed day of 'We Are Orlando' programming on Saturday, June 25. The 'We Are Orlando' day of remembrance will include LGBT-themed films, documentaries and inspiring spots featuring ways to support Orlando. The "Trailblazer Honors" will then feature performances dedicated to the lives lost as well as messages from celebrities and dignitaries speaking out about LGBT visibility and Pride being more important than ever.
Also during the "Trailblazer Honors," the largest televised LGBT pride event:
· Actor
Wilson Cruz (ABC's "Mistresses") will present one of several special tributes to the innocent lives lost in Orlando including his family member
Brenda Lee Marquez McCool.
· Stage and screen legend
Harvey Fierstein, who changed the game for LGBT storylines and actors in Hollywood and on Broadway with his iconic works including "Torch Song Trilogy" and "La Cage aux Folles" will be honored. Fierstein is also a ubiquitous LGBT advocate whose leadership in calling for an end to HIV and AIDS has spanned decades.
· Gay Syrian refugee Subhi Nahas made history by
BECOMING the first person ever to present eyewitness testimony to the
United Nations regarding ISIS persecution of LGBT people. After being marked for an honor killing, Nahas fled Syria and now helps LGBT people in the Middle East earn refugee status. He will be honored at the "Trailblazer Honors" and also serve as Grand Marshal of this year's NYC Pride March.
During the event,
Laverne Cox,
Judith Light,
Matthew Broderick,
Bernadette Peters,
Troye Sivan,
Billy Porter,
Cheyenne Jackson,
Edie Falco,
Joel Grey,
Matthew Morrison,
Laura Jane Grace and
Jason Collins, among others, will appear in video tributes to this year's honorees. Previous "Trailblazer" honorees include The Obama Administration,
Edie Windsor,
Laverne Cox and the cast of "Orange is the New Black."
Additional honorees, performers and presenters will be announced at a later date.
Logo "Trailblazer Honors" is executive produced by Chris McCarthy, Amy Doyle, Ryan Kroft, and
Chris Williams for Logo. Matt Flanders is co-executive producer. Joe Buoye and
Leah Lane serve as Executives in Charge of Production for Logo. Wendy Plaut, Gina Esposito and Marcia Lansdown are Executives in Charge of Talent and Music for Logo.
About
Logo Logo is a leading entertainment brand inspired by the LGBT community and reflects the creative class across television, digital and social platforms.
Logo features one-of-a-kind personalities, shows, specials, and unique stories.
Logo is part of Viacom's Music & Entertainment Group including VH1, MTV, MTV2,
Comedy Central and Spike.
