voices for
Julian Bond
GLBT Events GREG LOUGANIS
Always on the cutting edge of social change and leadership, Bond is one of the foremost civil rights activists in America. The former chairman of the NAACP, he continues to deliver a powerful message of equality, freedom, and justice with a renewed sense of relevance. Citing gay rights as the civil rights issue of the day, he was the keynote speaker at the 2009 Gay Rights Rally in Washington, DC.
Michael Emerson Dubbed “one of the greatest villains in television history” by Variety, Emerson is known for his captivating portrayal of “Ben Linus” on the critically acclaimed fantasy-drama Lost. When not in front of the camera, the Emmy Award-winning actor turns his attention toward advocacy, supporting such charities as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Gay Men’s Health Crisis.
A world champion diver and Olympic gold medalist, Louganis is an active member of the GLBT community. He captivates audiences with his courage and commitment as he shares the story of his struggles with substance abuse and meeting the challenges of living with AIDS and clinical depression. His autobiography, Breaking the Surface, was a New York Times bestseller.
Kelly McGillis An actress known for her roles in such classic films as Top Gun and The Accused, McGillis is also a veteran of the stage, recognized for her iconic portrayal of “Mrs. Robinson” in a national production of “The Graduate.” A respected voice in the GLBT community, she draws on her personal experience of coming to terms with her sexual orientation and the overwhelming journey of coming out.
KATHY NAJIMY
Carol Leifer A trailblazing female in the world of standup comedy, Leifer has written for such shows as Saturday Night Live, Seinfeld, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She is currently developing a series for CBS, tentatively titled You and Me and He, based on her life with her partner and adopted son. With her trademark humor, she shares insight gleaned from her own experience of coming out as a lesbian in her forties.
A versatile actress, Najimy has appeared in such films as Sister Act and The Wedding Planner. When not in front of the camera, she is an AIDS activist and passionate advocate for issues including reproductive rights and gay marriage. Sharing an idealism that we are all equal, connected by our sense of common humanity, she is an inspiration to anyone who believes in making a difference.
American Program Bureau | 313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | apbspeakers.com | 800.225.4575
GLBT Events Mary Frances Berry
The former chair of the Civil Rights Commission and a respected voice in gender equality, Dr. Berry believes sexual freedom is a fundamental human right. She urges others to help Congress reach the right policy decisions on this hotly debated issue.
Jennifer Finney Boylan
In her memoir She’s Not There, the first best-selling book by a transgendered American, Boylan shares her compelling personal story about gender, culture, and the redeeming power of love. She is a professor of literature at Colby College.
ellen degeneres
It was DeGeneres’s work on the hit show Ellen, and her character’s coming out as a lesbian, that cemented her place as a pioneer in the world of television. A strong supporter of same-sex marriage, she continues to advocate equality for all.
Keith Ferrazzi
A leading business consultant and training guru, Ferrazzi authored the popular networking book Never Eat Alone. He founded Equality 1st, a foundation focused on ensuring that everyone has an equal chance at success.
Jennifer Holliday
Known for her Grammy- and Emmy-winning performance in the Broadway production of “Dreamgirls,” Holliday is a dedicated HIV/AIDS activist. She sings and speaks to groups across the country in an effort to raise money for research of the disease.
CLEVE JONES
Jones’s career as an activist began during the turbulent 1970s when he befriended pioneer gay rights leader Harvey Milk. A cofounder of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, he is a sought-after speaker on AIDS awareness and treatment.
kathy lemay
As founder and CEO of Raising Change, LeMay helps organizations and individuals— regardless of wealth or class—raise capital to advance social change agendas. Her message is simple: empower yourself so that you may empower others.
Judith Light
Light is an Emmy Award-winning actress who starred in Ugly Betty and the acclaimed Broadway play “Other Desert Cities.” Also a passionate activist, she is an advocate for many AIDS-related and human rights issues, including Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Cynthia Nixon
An Emmy- and Tony-winning actress known for her role in Sex and the City and turn in Broadway’s “Wit,” Nixon works with the Alliance for Quality Education, supports BID 2 BEAT AIDS, and is an advocate for gay marriage.
Rosie Perez
A multitalented artist of stage and screen, Perez is a vocal activist for a number of causes. She has been honored with an award from the Latino Commission on AIDS, and received special commendation from the New York City comptroller for her activism.
bryan safi
Safi is an Emmy-winning writer and performer for Current TV’s half-hour comedy show infoMania. He hosts “That’s Gay,” a segment that looks at gay issues and stereotypes and how they’re portrayed by the (often) clueless media.
SHARON STONE
An Emmy-winning actress, Stone was awarded the National Center for Lesbian Rights Spirit Award in San Francisco in 2004 for her support and involvement with organizations that serve the lesbian, gay and HIV/AIDS community.
American Program Bureau | 313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | apbspeakers.com | 800.225.4575