An Evening of Heart & Honor: GMCLA’s 2016 Voice Awards

By Effie Magazine Staff on April 29, 2016

EffieMagazine.com, Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, GMCLA, VOICE AWARDS, Pauley Perrette & Ross Mathews

“GMCLA is one of the only arts and advocacy organizations who have taken on the
responsibility to educate our youth in music and the performing arts and to transform schools and communities to be supportive of their LGBT youth.” — Chris Verdugo, Executive Director

THE REASON Celebrities and supporters joined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles for the 5th Annual Voice Awards gala, on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood. It was an evening of unforgettable music, food, spirit, honors, and live performances.

THE REVELERS Hosted by NCIS star Pauley Perrette and television personality Ross Mathews, the evening featured special appearances by Paula Abdul, Bob Harper, Wilson Cruz, Daniel Franzese and the hosts of Hollywood Today Live. Guests included Queer As Folk’s Michelle Clunie, Lawrence and Gregory Zarian, Transparent’s Amy Landecker, Jenilee and Aydian Dowling, and Prince Manvendra Singh Ghohil.

THE RECAP The evening included three awards to those who use their voice to create social change; Focus Features, The Trevor Project’s CEO Abbe Land, and LGBT refugee activist Subhi Nahas, who escaped war-torn Syria and made history by addressing the United Nations Security Council during the first-ever hearing on LGBT refugees.

Chairman Peter Kujawski accepted the Visionary Voice Award on behalf of Focus Features for telling diverse stories on the big screen, including Oscar winners Milk, Brokeback Mountain and The Danish Girl. Former American Idol Judge Paula Abdul shared her father’s Syrian heritage as she and Prince Manvendra Singh Ghohil introduced Subhi Nahas, and presented him with the Outspoken Voice Award.

Highlights of the evening included the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles joining GMCLA on stage for “True Colors,” Bob Harper and Daniel Franzese sharing their coming out stories and a special tribute to the late Prince with an a cappella “When Doves Cry.” More information at www.gmcla.org.

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