Leppen Leadership Award

WONKA BALL at Saturday Night Live: The Experience!
Friday, May 11 from 8 pm – 11 pm; VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 pm
The Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State St., Chicago

Last night at the famous Wonka Ball I was given a great honor by the LGBT community and About Face Theatre Company.  The Leppen Leadership Individual Award recognizes persons who have worked to make change for our community.  I had the opportunity to present a brief speech acknowledging the persons who have provided enormous support and guidance (full text below). 

About Face Theatre also recognized an outstanding organization The Chicago Inclusion Project.  And a member of the About Face Youth Theatre was presented their MVP Award for exceptional service, Liv Haman.

Past LLA recipients include social activists, politicians, business leaders, artists, and even the first two LGBT women to get legally married in Illinois. 

Below is a comprehensive list, with links for each.

Michael Leppen
Toni Armstrong Jr.
Joe Hollendoner

Sara Feigenholtz
Greg Cameron
Chuck Hyde

Eric Rosen
Tracy Baim
Jane M. Saks

Bill Greaves
Shannon Sullivan
James Cappleman; Mary Morten

Pat Ewert and Vernita Gray
Megan Carney
Emmanuel Garcia

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Leppen Leadership Award
Acceptance Speech
Wonka Ball, May 11, 2018

I've been privileged to return to the theatre at a moment when America needs the arts to help change -- not merely reflect – our troubled society.  And Chicago artists have risen beautifully to that call.

I am not an activist, not much of a organizer. What I've been is visible, and audible -- a loud, obnoxious, squeaky wheel -- when my vulnerable tribe seems even further risk. If any good has ensued, its due to the commitment and support of many others.

Emjoy Gavino, who schooled me that even we lowly actors can and should stand up to make a difference.

Kelli Simpkins, who got me back onstage for an About Face Theatre project and has encouraged me ever since.

David Zak, who had faith in me to handle a major role, though I hadn't performed one in over 12 years.

Andrew Volkoff, who trusted that my oddball casting idea for "I Am My Own Wife" wasn't just to feather an actor's cap but to bestow representation upon an entire community -- and also to gift his audience the rare privilege of a trans actor embodying a remarkable, very human, trans character.

Scott Duff, who killed it on that stage with me every night, kept up cast morale before and after the 2016 election, and who generously lends the megaphone of his radio program whenever needed.

The Goodman Theatre who helped assemble 100 key Chicago theatre makers to better understand how their artistic choices can directly impact transgender lives, and deaths.

Megan Carney, who shaped and then moderated that groundbreaking event with her signature compassion, clarity and sensitivity.

And for the 10 long years I withdrew from the theatre, struggling with gender identity and so much more, one person was there for me who -- in just about every way you can imagine -- simply would not let me disappear. Thank you Penny Slusher.

I accept this award on behalf of these persons and the vital, absolutely essential theatre company we celebrate tonight.

Thank you.

To share or reference this speech, its also available on my blog here.