Logo TV will recognize the parents of slain gay teenager Matthew Shepard during its second annual “Trailblazer Honors” event, celebrating LGBT leaders during Pride month.
Judy and Dennis Shepard, who founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation after their son’s brutal murder in 1998 sparked national outrage, will receive a special Trailblazers award for raising awareness of anti-violence legislation and advocacy programs. Their accomplishments include the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, signed by President Obama in 2009.
The televised show’s presenters will include Kelly Osbourne, “Orange is the New Black” stars Samira Wiley and Lea DeLaria, Tyler Posey (“Teen Wolf”), Tituss Burgess (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), Frankie Grande (“America’s Best Dance Crew,” “Big Brother”), Raven Symoné (“The View”) and Ellen DeGeneres‘ mother Betty.
Logo will honor other trailblazing parents including Sheila Lopez, who founded the first and only PFLAG chapter (formerly known as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) for Native Americans, and Marsha Aizumi, the mother of a transgender son who founded the country’s first and only PFLAG chapter for Asian-Pacific Islanders.
The event will also pay tribute to Iranian LGBT activist Arsham Parsi as an International Trailblazer for his gay activism in Iran.
Grammy award-winning musician Jack Antonoff and his band “Bleachers” will perform at the event, which will be held on Thursday, June 25, at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, one of the first religious institutions in New York City to champion LGBT issues.
“I am so honored to be a part of this event that is recognizing such amazing people doing such powerful work in a complicated world,” said Antonoff. “I am truly inspired by this gathering of people.”
“American Idol” alum Adam Lambert will also perform.
The event will also feature special appearances from Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Sir Ian McKellen, Fun’s Nate Ruess, Judith Light, Tony Award winner Billy Porter (“Kinky Boots”) and transgender model and activist Geena Rocero.
Logo’s “Trailblazer Honors” airs on Saturday, June 27 at 8 p.m.