On Thursday, June 26, Logo TV will host the inaugural “Trailblazers” television special honoring pioneers who have broken new ground for LGBT civil rights. The program will air at 9pm ET/PT and will be broadcast from New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
Our very own Michael Stipe will honor Ugandan gay rights’ activist and refugee John Abdallah “Longjones” Wambere as “International Trailblazer” during the one-hour special. Wambere’s recognition has especial resonance given that earlier this year Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed into law the Anti-Homosexuality Act that criminalizes homosexuality, as well as “aiding and abetting homosexuality,” and “promotion of homosexuality,” with the threat of a 14-year jail sentence for a first offense or up to life for multiple convictions. Wambere is now seeking asylum in the United States, while continuing to advocate for LGBT rights. He joins previously announced honorees DOMA challengers Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan, Jason Collins (the first out professional male athlete in a major U.S. sport.) and the series Orange is the New Black.
“We all have a task more than ever to stand up in solidarity with LGBT persons around the globe who face Imprisonment, death or even forced to flee their homes for simply who they are and who they choose to love, to end hate and institutionalized homophobia around the Globe,” said John “Longjones” Abdallah Wambere.
In addition to Michael, Demi Lovato, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Pete Wentz will be among the star-studded line-up of presenters and special appearances which also includes Daniel Radcliffe, Jared Leto, Kylie Minogue, Ariana Grande, Rita Ora, Tegan and Sara, Laura Jane Grace and others.
Read more about this special program at logotv.com