In The Life Media, producers of the gay and lesbian news program In The Life, will honor comedian Kate Clinton at its first-ever Season Premiere Gala on Monday, October 6, at New York City's landmark Neue Galerie. Ms. Clinton was the first host of In The Life, the longest running LGBT series.
Board Co-chair Henry van Ameringen, will present Clinton with the newly created "Pioneer Award."
"We are delighted to honor Kate with our first 'Pioneer Award'," said ITLM Executive Director Michelle Kristel. "In addition to her hosting our pilot episode, Kate has made many other contributions to LGBT media. She has frequently volunteered her time to host special events for our communities' organizations. That we have already raised more than $100,000 for this inaugural event is a testament to Kate's special place in our hearts."
"Although I still have a resentment about my makeup guy on the debut show, I am thrilled to be part of the outstanding tradition of journalism In The Life continually provides to all viewers," said Clinton. "They are the best political team on television and so much more."
The season premiere of In The Life on October 1 on American Public Television will unveil the series' new 30 minute format. The premiere episode entitled, "Civil Rites & Civil Rights," looks at the journey to marriage equality in California, America's most populous state and the real possibility that this newly gained right could be erased with the passage of Proposition 8. This referendum would amend the California Constitution to read: "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
The episode also features "A Conversation With" Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post writer, Jonathan Capehart, talking with NAACP Chairman Julian Bond about the intersections of gay rights, civil rights, and marriage equality. The episode concludes with Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco presiding at the nuptials of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon, long-time partners and lesbian activists, who were married in California after more than 50 years together. Martin passed away soon after their wedding.
