New York,New York – The LGBT Academy of Recording Arts (LARA) Chairwoman Diedra Meredith announces today that the biggest night in LGBT entertainment will take place on December 1, 2010 on World AIDS Day. The annual OUTmusic Awards will celebrate 20 years of music history in the heart of Times Square at Town Hall NYC (123 West 43rd Street). The OUTmusic Awards celebrates honors and documents the contributions of openly LGBT recording artists and performers in the music industry.
The OUTmusic Awards ceremony is the biggest night in LGBT entertainment and only organization of its kind in the world. The highest and most prestigious honor in the LGBT music industry, the 2010 OMAs will be hosted by comedians Julie Goldman and Jonny McGovern with co-host comedian Tammy Peay with special appearance by the legendary Dr. Carol Channing. A complete list of performers and nominees will be announced in November at the foundation’s national press conference, November 1, 2010.
This year, the OMA will honor several exceptional individuals for their excellence in the art of recording, performing and championing for equality. This year’s honorees include Melissa Etheridge – Lifetime Achievement Award, Sheryl Lee Ralph – Pillar Award, Wayne Besen – Visionary Award, Chely Wright – Vanguard Award, international disco icon SYLVESTER – OUTmusic Icon Award, Cyndi Lauper – Person of the Year Award, Randy Jones of the Village People Cowboy – Heritage Award and 2005 Kennedy Center ‘Women In Music’ Honoree Paula ‘Sticks’ Hampton – The OUTMusic Living Legend Award.