HRC Gala

So, on Saturday night I was singing at the Waldorf Astoria, as you do.... 

Will, Nick and I were invited to perform "We Belong" at the 10th annual Human Rights Campaign Gala.(Fortunately, not in drag. It was black tie so we looked like three Mormons.) 

At the sound check (above) and in performance (below)

(Photo stolen off someone's Twitter. Thanks, Jodie.)

There was a lot to celebrate at the HRC this year, particularly the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and new federal rules that allow gay and lesbian partners to visit and care for their loved ones in hospital. But there is a great deal more to do in 2011. Below is the room where the dinner was held. Gorgeous! There were tables in all those boxes in the balconies.

(Above) Nick Adams, co-chair Michelle Galindo, Mark Ruffalo, Audra McDonald, Will Swenson, Sheldy, co-chair Eric Blomquist

Audra was there as Will's partner but she earned her (delicious) dinner by keeping the two naughty boys entertained. Nick Adams (or rather, a backstage tour with Nick Adams) was later auctioned off for $6,000 so now we know his asking price. In fact, "Priscilla" related auction items raised $14,500 for the HRC during the course of the evening.

I was well looked after by PRISCILLA producer Paul Boskind and my tablemates Jamie, Alex and Carl who kept me informed as to who all the VIPs were and provided jolly conversation and moral support.

Me with the tragically unattractive Will Swenson

Julianne Moore was presented with the Ally For Equality Award. Like all movie stars she is quite petite in real life. Or maybe I was just feeling particularly fat.

Mark Ruffalo presented the award to Ms. Moore. He is incredibly nice but then so is everybody I meet in this town.

There were many inspiring speakers including skater Johnny Weir, HRC President Joe Solmonese and Speaker of the NYC Council Christine Quinn but perhaps the most heartfelt standing ovation greeted Eric Alva (above), the first American soldier wounded in Iraq. Three hours into battle Alva stood on a landmine and suffered appalling injuries including having to have his right leg amputated. On December 22nd, 2010

 the openly gay Alva stood over President Obama's right shoulder as he signed into law the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".

A very moving event all around and I was thrilled to be a part of it.