Gus Kenworthy And Alia Shawkat Receive Honors At Point Foundation Event In Support Of LGBTQ Students

Todrick Hall Gives Uplifting Performance at Point Honors New York Gala

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Apr 09, 2019, 09:20 ET

NEW YORK, April 9, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrities and over 400 guests enjoyed an inspiring evening at The Plaza last night, in support of Point Foundation (Point), the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. The annual Point Honors New York event raises funds for Point's higher education scholarships, as well as mentoring and leadership programs.

Click for hi-res arrivals, awards, and performance images | Photo credit: Cindy Ord/Getty

Olympic Medalist Gus Kenworthy was presented with the Point Leadership Award by Jonathan Van Ness of Netflix's "Queer Eye." The Point Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has achieved prominence in their professional career and unequivocally supports the LGBTQ community. Kenworthy said:

"There are so many LGBTQ students dropping out of school to escape violence, harassment and isolation; there are countries like Brunei where gay people are being stoned to death in the streets, and even here in the US we have a President who has made repeated attacks on our community and our trans brothers, sisters and gender non binary siblings." Kenworthy continued, "You young people are the future and I have every bit of confidence that you're going to be creating a bright one."

Actress and artist Alia Shawkat was introduced by fashion designer Rachel Antonoff, who presented Shawkat with the Point Horizon Award. The award recognizes a young person who has taken a leadership role as an advocate for the LGBTQ community. Accepting the award, Shawkat said:

"To receive an honor like this, where my representation is acknowledged, feels humbling because who I've been inspired by recently is the younger generation in the LGBTQ community. These people have helped guide me to understanding my own truth and queerness."

Singer and Youtube sensation Todrick Hall performed a set of uplifting songs, while comedian and writer Gabe Gonzalez hosted the festive evening. Additional celebrity attendees included Maulik Pancholy, Peppermint, Javier Muñoz, Katie Lee, Cory Michael Smith, Blair Imani, Valerie Smaldone, and others.

"We are constantly reminded of the dire need for competent, and informed leaders. Point Foundation, our sponsors, and many supporters recognize the potential LGBTQ students have to create a better future for us all," said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation. "Those who joined us tonight play a vital role in empowering this next generation of leaders."

Sponsors for Point Honors
Presenting: Cadillac, Wells Fargo
Premier Sponsors: Hilton, WarnerMedia
Principal Sponsors: Chubb, David Henry Jacobs, Janssen Infectious Diseases, Merrill Lynch Bank of America Corporation
National Media Sponsors: The Advocate
Friend of Point: American Airlines, Shelter Public Relations
Honorary Chair: Todd Sears

About Point Foundation: Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society. The Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service training. www.pointfoundation.org | Facebook/pointfoundation | Twitter/pointfoundation | Instagram/pointfoundation | #PointHonors

Media Contact:
Jessica Rozycki
Point Foundation
(212) 512.8577
[email protected]

SOURCE Point Foundation