Comedian Lisa Lampanelli to Donate $1,000 to GMHC for Each Anti-Gay Protestor at Concert in Topeka, Kansas

On Friday, May 20 at 7:00 pm, Lisa Lampanelli, known as "Comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean," will be performing her comedy showcase at the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kansas.   Members of Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church, headed by Fred Phelps and known for its extreme anti-gay views, are planning to protest Lampanelli's show because of her steadfast support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.  In response to the protest, Ms. Lampanelli intends to donate $1,000 to Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), for each protestor who shows up.

Ms. Lampanelli is a vocal supporter of GMHC.  She attended the 25th annual AIDS Walk New York in 2010, the proceeds of which benefit GMHC and 41 other HIV/AIDS organizations in the tri-state area.

In the 30th year of this epidemic, we know that to end HIV/AIDS, we must also continue to address homophobia and stigma which are lethal drivers of this disease.  We need more people like Lisa Lampanelli to help us by utilizing their creativity, talent, skills and generosity.

We are grateful for Ms. Lampanelli's kindness and courage to fight homophobia.  She is holding up a mirror to bigotry and hatred, and reflecting back love and generosity.
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