Media/Arts

The Friends Project Supports Ali Forney Center, Raises Awareness, Funds for Homeless LGBT Youths

The Ali Forney Center, the nation's largest organization dedicated to serving the needs of homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youths, has announced that its recent benefit concert, featuring a group of entertainers known as the Friends Project, (www.thefriendsproject.org) will become the basis for a documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Akers.

In addition, a video featuring four of the acclaimed performers from the concert—David Raleigh, Billy Porter, Alan Cumming, and Ari Gold—performing a new version of the classic song "That's What Friends Are For" will air on the Logo network.  The song is already available on iTunes, with proceeds from sales going to the Ali Forney Center.

Said Carl Siciliano, director of the Center says: "In light of the recent state and city budget cuts to the City's Dept. of Youth and Community Development, a crucial source of funding for our drop-in centers and shelters, the Center is in great need of additional resources.  In this challenging time, The Friends Project will help fulfill a vital need by raising both public awareness of and funds for our work serving LGBT youths in our city who desperately need assistance and a safe environment. By partnering with entertainers and artists as amazingly talented as David, Billy, Alan, and Ari, the project is playing a huge part in making it possible for us to continue our mission.  When as many as 25% of LGBT teens who come out are thrown out by their families, it's clear that the problem of LGBT youth homelessness isn't going away anytime soon."

— Source: Ali Forney Center