This past week saw yet another outstanding GLAAD Awards ceremony in New York City, and Kylie Minogue made a stirring appearance at the event. Celebrity sightings abound at the GLAAD Awards, but Minogue was signed in advance as a musical performer. The Aussie star, who’s been back in the news this year for the release of her lovely new album Kiss Me Once, didn’t disappoint. Minogue has remained an icon for the LGBTI community, she credits this status with the fact that she’s always just been herself. But regardless of what catapulted Minogue to icon status among LGBTI community members, she remains in the role and embraces it in a wholly infectious, joyous manner. Minogue’s performance at the 25th annual GLAAD Awards this past week was yet another example, as the star singer ultimately made a leap onto a table in the crowd (wearing heels) to sing an a cappella rendition of “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head.”
Minogue wasn’t the only major celebrity and LGBTI advocate who appeared at the show, however. The slew of celebrity appearances beyond Minogue was highlighted by Laura Prepon, one of the stars of the hit series Orange Is The New Black, who was there with her fellow cast members to accept an award. As detailed by NY Daily News, Prepon was in the spotlight partially because there were expectations that Tom Cruise would show up with her (as the two are rumored to be dating).
However, if you don’t know Laura Prepon as a celebrity and LGBTI advocate, you may want to get to know the young and stunning actress. Prepon famously plays a lesbian character on her show, but the actress had also been a talented and visible celebrity personality for years before OITNB took off on Netflix. Prepon once starred in That 70’s Show, and made notable cameos on How I Met Your Mother. She’s also become known as a celebrity poker player, having been spotted at numerous events with a history of avid poker fandom. Prepon played the 2004 WSOP and has discussed watching events connected to the World Poker Tour, a non-stop professional tourma,emt sponsored by Partypoker and featuring pros from all over the world. Prepon even hosted the series Hollywood Hold’Em on the E! Channel that featured y oung celebs hosting games in their homes. She’s certainly an interesting and refreshingly real celebrity, but ultimately one has to admire Prepon’s appearance at the GLAAD gala, given that she only plays a gay character on a show.
And of course, there was George Takei, who needs far less of an introduction for the LGBTI community. Best known as a former Star Trek actor, Takei is a known activist in support of LGBTI community members, Japanese Americans, and basic human rights in general. Takei was on hand at the GLAAD awards to accept the Vito Russo Award.
From Takei’s appearance, to Prepon’s continued emergence as a respected and adored advocate, and of course, Kylie Minogue’s performance, it was a wonderful NYC night for the LGBTI community.