New York, August 22, 2011 — In The Life Media, the organization that pioneered lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) visibility on television, today announced it will honor Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post writer Jonathan Capehart and ABSOLUT Vodka at In The Life Media's 20th Anniversary Red Carpet Season Premiere.
Jonathan Capehart and ABSOLUT will receive In The Life Media's Pioneer Awards on Monday, September 26 at The Times Center in New York City. Hundreds of prominent figures from across the political, ideological and cultural spectrum will come together to salute equal rights trailblazers and bring renewed focus to the issues facing LGBT communities.
In The Life Media also announced that Patricia Clarkson, Edward Albee, Lesley Gore, Thomas Roberts, John Scagliotti, Charles Ignacio and Katherine Linton are among those serving on the event's Honorary Host Committee. Additional Honorary Host Committee members and special guests will be announced soon.
Jonathan Capehart will receive the Pioneer Award in recognition of his extraordinary body of work, leadership, and outspoken support of LGBT rights, all of which have had a profound impact on LGBT visibility in media. ABSOLUT Vodka, one of the first consumer brands to openly embrace the LGBT community, is being honored for 30 years of landmark efforts that challenge social labels and assist LGBT causes around the world.
"Jonathan Capehart's remarkable record of journalistic achievement, along with his commitment to portray LGBT issues honestly, make him the ideal recipient for the Pioneer Award. We are so proud that Jonathan began his journalism career as one of our IN THE LIFE on-air correspondents. And ABSOLUT Vodka, for three decades, has been in the vanguard of diversity support. The company's courage in promoting a world that values acceptance, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, continues to be on the vanguard of socially responsible business practice," said executive director, Michelle Kristel.
The Red Carpet Season Premiere celebrates In The Life Media's 20th anniversary year, looking back at two decades of groundbreaking media that shatters stereotypes and exposes social injustice. The organization's innovative work is used to enhance advocacy initiatives, support grassroots partnerships and educate policymakers around the country.
To receive the latest updates on the 20th Anniversary Red Carpet Season Premiere, follow @ITLMedia and use the hashtag #ITLMedia.
ABOUT IN THE LIFE MEDIA:
In The Life Media produces change through innovative media that exposes social injustice by chronicling lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender life. Produced by In The Life Media, IN THE LIFE is the longest running television show documenting the gay experience. IN THE LIFE is a two-time Emmy Award nominee, a Lambda Legal Liberty Award honoree, a Seigenthaler Award recipient from the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association for excellence in network television and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Journalism-Newsmagazine.
Season Premiere Sponsors:
Producer: Dewey & LeBoeuf; Director: Monica Graham and Shirin Kerman, Henry van Ameringen; Editor: Bloomberg, Robert Bose, Michelle V. Francis & Vivian Polak; Stanley Newman & Brian Rosenthal, Jonathan Raiola & Lawrence Treglia, Jayne B. Sherman & Deby Zum, Joy A. Tomchin; Correspondent: Gerard Andrews/Merrill Lynch, Nan P. Bailey/NPB Wealth Management, Jamie Drake, Richard Feldman & Jon Nathanson, Alexandra & Paul Herzan, Michael Ridgway Jones, Rob Pritchard and Robert Snyder, Kenneth V. Smith/Wells Fargo Advisors, Stephan J. Weinberger/Matrix Asset Advisors, Inc., Pearl Zuchlewski; Reporter: Betsy Allen, Andy Baker & Ward Auerbach, Dr. Francesca Fusco & Mrs. Beth Belkin, Ayse M. Kenmore, Urvashi Vaid and Kate Clinton, Steadman H. Westergaard & Michael Young
