Katy Perry accepts Hero award from Trevor Project
Katy Perry turned the spotlight on volunteers for the Trevor Project on Sunday (02Dec12) as the suicide prevention organisation presented her with an award for championing gay rights.
The singer was handed the Hero trophy at a star-studded ceremony, and she used her acceptance speech to honour the dedicated team members who man telephone helplines for the crisis intervention service.
She told the crowd at Los Angeles' Hollywood Palladium, "The real
heroes are the folks... at the call centres. (They're) incredibly
inspiring."
Perry also explained how her strict religious upbringing informed
her early views on sexuality, but admitted she now feels
"intricately woven" in the gay community thanks to her close circle
of friends.
She is quoted by RumorFix.com as saying, "I grew up in a very
intolerant environment. For a long time, I was told that people who
are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning were an
abomination. As I've grown up, I've freed myself from the
mindset.
"There was some perspective growth in my family. I believe in
change... I believe that sexuality is fluid - nobody introduces me
as, 'This is Katy Perry, she is straight.' I hope in the future
that we will all grow beyond labels, beyond treating gays as a
novelty friend group."
The evening featured performances from Glee stars including Naya
Rivera, Kristin Chenoweth and Darren Criss, as well as an auction,
during which Perry pulled in $15,000 by offering a trip with her to
Disneyland.