Point Foundation Honors Thomas Roberts, Uzo Aduba, Dustin Lance Black

This month the Point Foundation brought in nearly 400 guests to New York's Plaza Hotel to recognize those who've demonstrated leadership and courage as role models for LGBT young people.

The evening raised much-needed funds for Point’s higher education scholarships as well as mentoring and leadership programs. As the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBT students of merit, Point currently supports a total of 84 young people. Soon it will add 20 to 25 via its new scholar class. 

MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts received the Point Impact Award; he was introduced by CNN’s Don Lemon. The award goes to a person who has contributed significantly to improving the LGBT community. Upon receiving the award, Roberts said, “I decided long ago that a successful professional life and a successful personal life didn't need to be mutually exclusive. That’s what I truly have wanted for younger people. I firmly believe we can all have an impact when we just show up and remain honest.”

Emmy Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba was presented the Point Courage Award, after being introduced by Hamilton’s Javier Muñoz. This award recognizes those who have advocated for the future of the LGBT community and believe investing in today’s potential will produce a brighter tomorrow. Aduba said to the crowd, “I want you to know that each of you is a member of my chosen family and that every single day — so long as I have breath in my lungs — I choose to fight for your cause, to stand beside you, and serve as a reminder that we see you.”

Screenwriter Dustin Lance Black was recognized with the Point Leadership Award, which was accepted by Richard Socarides, who served as a special assistant and LGBT adviser in the Clinton White House, since Black wasn’t able to travel to New York for the event due to U.K. visa regulations that would affect his upcoming marriage to British Olympic diver Tom Daley.

In an acceptance video, Black said, “Until we have increased understanding and dispel the myths, the stereotypes, and the fears around being an LGBTQ person in this world, we must have safety nets like Point Foundation to take care of our young people.”

Point receives around 2,000 applications for about 20 slots each year, said executive director and CEO Jorge Valencia. The winners are selected based on three criteria: academics, leadership, and need, which can be either financial or emotional, Valencia said.

The evening was hosted by comedian Emma Willmann, with featured performances by Matt Doyle and Emily Skeggs, and additional celebrity participants including Bob the Drag Queen, Ivory Aquino, Michelle Collins, Gideon Glick, Taylor Louderman, Denis O’Hare, Zuri Marley, Ashley Park, Charles Socarides, Valerie Smaldone, Peter Staley, and Nico Tortorella. The Advocate caught up with some of the attendees to ask them about the importance of mentorship, community, and how we can build it. On the following pages, read what they had to say.