Actor Matt Bomer and his Hollywood publicist partner, Simon Halls, received the “Inspiration Award” by The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) on Saturday night.
The Respect Awards showcase the work of corporations, individuals, students and educators who have made a significant difference in the areas of diversity, inclusion and the safe schools movement, and who serve as exemplary role models.
“Magic Mike” co-star Joe Manganiello presented the award to the happy couple which shares three children, Kit, Henry and Walker.
In his acceptance speech the White Collar star Matt revealed what it was like growing up gay but unable to tell anyone.
E news Marc Malkin has the exclusive:
“When I was in high school, there was no safe haven, there was no outlet for you to speak your mind,” the 34-year-old White Collar star said last night at gay student advocacy group GLSEN’s Respect Awards, where he and his partner, Simon Halls, were honored with the Inspiration Award. “So I did what any self-preserving 14-year-old would do—I signed up for the school play and also the football team to cover my tracks.
“When that happens, when you aren’t allowed to speak about who you are, one of the most authentic parts of who you are, which is who you love or who you’re attracted to, feels invisible,”
Matt’s partner Hollywood publicist partner, Simon Halls also spoke about their parenting journey:
“Having kids teaches you so many things, and one of the things we both have learned in our parenting journey is how loving and accepting and open children’s minds and hearts are,” he said. “Unfortunately, in some parts of the country, some kids are taught at an early age that being different is somehow bad or wrong or worthy of ridicule…Kids aren’t born to be bullies, they’re taught to be bullies.”
Read the full article via EONLINE
Inspiration Award: Simon Halls & Matt Bomer
Simon Halls and Matt Bomer are known for their commitment to family and causes they care for, including GLSEN. A young but already accomplished actor, Matt currently stars as Neal Caffrey on USA’s critically acclaimed show White Collar. Matt most recently starred on the big screen in Magic Mike alongside Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey and will star opposite Julia Roberts and Mark Ruffalo in the upcoming The Normal Heart. Other film credits include The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning, Flight Plan and In Time. Simon is a well-respected entertainment insider who is one of the chief publicists at Slate PR. Simon’s A-list client roster includes Ridley Scott, Sam Mendes, Ang Lee, Tom Ford, Jude Law, Annette Bening, Gore Verbinski, and Joe Wright. Matt and Simon live in Los Angeles with their three sons: Kit, Walker and Henry.
visit www.glsen.org for more info.
