Beth Receives Ally For Equality Award
On 29 July, Beth was honored by the Western and Central New York chapter of the Human Rights Campaign with an Ally For Equality Award!
On 29 July, Beth received the Ally For Equality Award from the Western and Central New York chapter of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — one of the largest and most effective mainstream advocacy organizations in the country for LGBTQ+ rights.
The award was presented at a fundraising dinner at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center in New York.
Taking to the stage to deliver her heartfelt and hilarious speech, Beth introduced herself thusly: “My name is Beth Leavel - my pronouns are She/Her, Diva and Tony Award Winner.”
She went on to talk about the life-changing experience of working on the “fabulous, important, magical” Broadway musical, The Prom, which was inspired by a true story about the prejudice and opposition faced by two high school girls who just wanted to go to their prom together.
“I have always, always, always been an ally for the LGBTQ+ community, but it took a show like The Prom to really show me how important it is for the art that we make to represent who we are, and how we should celebrate ourselves, and let our children witness it.”
“I have been told that The Prom changed lives,” she continued. “I know that The Prom changed lives. I know that The Prom probably saved lives. This is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful love story about acceptance, with a happy ending, which every single person in this room deserves.”
“I don't know a whole lot about a whole lot of things but I do know that showtunes conquer hate. I know that lesbian protectors conquer hate. I know that LGBTQ+ protectors conquer hate. I know that, even as we speak tonight, The Prom is being produced in at least 210 theatre across this country. That conquers hate. HRC conquers hate. Love conquers hate - without exception.”
You can watch Beth’s full speech below!
