All My Children has done very well in casting beautiful young women to play Bobbie Eakes’ daughters and the current beauty is Brittany Allen. Acting in a continuing story on a daily basis is hard work given the pages of dialogue and the shooting schedule. That someone so new to the genre and in a front burner story line takes the time to step up and help with awareness and fund-raising says a lot. The cast of the show, in its 40th year, has always done well regarding HIV/AIDS as evidenced by their yearly participation here and their support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Prohibition provides the perfect environment for this kind of happening. Ms. Allen will find it a very welcoming atmosphere. Her TV mom could attest to that, having performed there as recently as last month. Brittany Allen is a welcomed addition to the Love Out Loud family.

Feeling restless in Australia, Murray Bartlett relocated to the United States and the new millennium blessed us with another magnificent Aussie. Inspired anew after some acting classes, he got randomly cast in an episode of Sex and the City. “I got a working visa out of that. I always wanted to live outside of Australia...because I think it's good to see the world and get out of where you've been living, particularly if you're from somewhere like Australia, which is so isolated from the rest of the world. I chose New York because there was such a great choice of acting classes and it's such an intense place. In a way it's the opposite to our lifestyle in Australia. It's so laid back there, and I wanted to be stimulated.” He is perhaps best known for his recurring role as D.K. in the sci-fi television series Farscape. In 2006, Bartlett toured with Hugh Jackman in the Australian touring company production of Jackman's Broadway hit The Boy From Oz. Since March 2007, Bartlett has been a cast member on the CBS daytime soap opera Guiding Light, where he plays the sometimes nefarious Cyrus Foley. Like many of his fellow Australians Bartlett shares a fondness for Thai cooking and the beach. He claims that his idealism is one of his worst qualities. POZ’s Love Out Loud on the other hand praises him for that very quality and thanks him for being at his worst.

John Brotherton first aired as Jared Banks on One life to Live on August 21, 2007, which also happens to be the actor's birthday. It is the Pacific Northwest that gets all the credit for helping to nurture this beautiful man. It is now New York City where he resides with his wife, Alison Raimondi. At his writing they are still newlyweds in that they have not been married a year. Two years in a row with little fanfare, the very handsome and talented John Brotherton came to POZ's fund-raiser for AIDS Walk New York. We want to give this talented young man his propers and some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Thom Christopher was born in Jackson Heights, New York. While Mr. Christopher is mostly recognized for his portrayal of Carlo Hesser on One Life to Live and Hawk on Buck Rodgers in the 21st Century, Thom had pursued a life on the New York stage, both on and off Broadway. When taking on the role of Hawk in season two of Buck Rogers, Thom did some research for the part by reading books on bird mannerisms, visiting the birds section of the American Museum of Natural History and observing real life hawks in the Central Park Zoo. It is our good fortune that he is returning to Love Out Loud. This truly humble man is coming out once again to lend his hand to the cause and his fans couldn’t be more thrilled.

This young man is brand new to the legendary Soap Opera As the World Turns. His first air date is April 30. Soaps.com tells us that he "will play Hunter. The character will be thrown into the mix as Emily's new business partner. Will he shape up The Intruder? Or does he want to go even farther into the tabloid business? ... We will have to wait and see, but the storyline has definite questions that need to be answered." Although a relative newcomer, he has already created quite a buzz. His resume includes television, theater and film. Most notably he was part of Frank Langella'sA Man for All Seasons. We're looking forward to finding out more about him when he joins us for Love Out Loud.

New Hampshire native Zack Conroy previously appeared on the hit series Gossip Girl, playing Ben Simmons during its first season. Whether it was this high profile gig or his good looks and easygoing manner, he is already proving to be smart casting. So far, he's been taking the hectic schedule that Guiding Light has become famous for in stride, impressing everyone on the set with his work ethic and devotion to developing his character. (source: James Purvis from Soaps.com) He is yet another member of the Guiding Light family past and present gracing Prohibition for the fund-raiser. There will be no lack of handsome men from the show. Conroy is already generating a very positive buzz among fans. We know that his presence along with his cast mates will help not only to raise funds but also much needed awareness.

He debuted as the "hottest new comer to daytime TV", in his role as Noah Chase on Guiding Light and his portrayal of sociopath Daniel Colson, on One Life to Live, was acclaimed, as the highest rated storyline for its demographic in the thirty-five year history of the show. His most challenging role by far was Off Broadway at The Public Theatre, playing Bruce Niles in The Normal Heart. The revival of Larry Kramer's landmark play detailing the AIDS crisis in the early eighties was as gruelling as it was rewarding. "We had to deal with death every night for three hours. It was however, one of the greatest learning experiences of my life". Listening to Mr. Dobies talk about his craft and his various and sundry approaches to it is enlightening. He asks the right questions and gives more than a few right answers and insight. His new journey is Shake the Tree Productions, one that he is taking with his partner, Toni D'Antonio, to develop and produce original character-driven projects that challenge conformity and trigger imagination. The man, a good friend to this cause for years, is worthy of more than simple interest

Website: Mark Dobies

Melissa Claire Egan of All My Children practically the first person to walk through the door two years ago for POZ AIDS Walk fund-raiser Love Out Loud and will be with us again this year. She is quite fortunate in so many ways, three of them are having the opportunity to work with three fine men on her show: Cameron Mathison, Matt Walton and Billy Miller. Perhaps the good fortune was all theirs.

At the age of 12, Melissa debuted on All My Children as an extra only to return as the very adult Annie McDermott, mother to Ryan Lavery’s daughter and romantic interest for the handsome devil. Originally from Bedford, New York, Miss Egan grew up with an extensive background in musical theatre. While still a child, she began booking national television commercials and was signed by the Ford Modeling Agency. Ford did indeed have a better idea in the University of North Carolina Dramatic Arts major. Not resting on her laurels from her experience at Chaple Hill, "Missy" studied Shakespeare at the British American Drama Academy at Oxford, England. Her television credits include One Tree Hill and Dawson's Creek. She is well-loved by her cast mates. She seems to be having fun as the now whacky Annie. We’re grateful that she intends to sweeten the atmosphere at Prohibition for the fund raiser meeting and greeting the fans in attendance for a charmed third time.

The subject of Naked Fame, Christopher Long's “intelligent and appealing documentary” which tells how Colton Ford, “wildly successful gay adult film star leaves porn behind to pursue his dream: music.” If that weren’t enough, he is now part of the stunning cast of here! TV’s The Lair as Sheriff Trout. He has generously agreed to come spend time at Love Out Loud New York with good friend and co-star David Moretti. What is most striking about this formidable and multi-talented man’s modus operandi is his ability to achieve his goals flying in the face of conventional wisdom. Long time fans know that there is nothing at all conventional about the man and given his history it is a boon to POZ and AIDS Walk New York that he is doing his part for awareness and fund-raising.

This talented and much appreciated actor featured in Greg Berlanti’s The Broken Hearts Club is no stranger to daytime dramas. He was Guiding Light’s Dylan Lewis, All My Children’s Bobby Warner, As the World Turns’ BJ Green, The Bold and the Beautiful’s Oscar Marone and Port Charles’ Rafe Kovich, the character that truly put him front and center in the minds and hearts of many fans. The POZ Team welcomes his participation in a musical evening where he will have the opportunity to express his solidarity with a cause that is very important to him. This is not his first time helping us out and no doubt more than a few of his fans will be there for the meet and greet.

Born and raised in the South and Southwest, Meredith Hagner attended Boston Conservatory and didn’t stay very long, because she moved to Brooklyn after being offered various acting opportunities in more than a few commercials. New York City gave her the opportunity for her “scripted television debut” in April 2008 as Liberty Ciccone of As the World Turns. Hagner also has a role in the USA Network show, Royal Pains come June 2009. There is more to this young woman than that. She has a classically trained voice and is a prolific songwriter who occasionally performs with her guitar. But here is the good part: She also volunteers with the Special Olympics; she has a sister who has Down Syndrome. Love Out Loud is proud that she decided to offer up some time on her busy schedule.

Mick Hazen began his acting career in the fourth grade after a casting director went to his school in search of a young actor to appear in the movie Birth, with Nicole Kidman. His audition earned him a director’s callback. Although he didn’t get the role, Hazen was cast in the 2004 CBS Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, Plainsong, for which he received a Young Artist Award nomination for Supporting Young Actor. He has also made guest appearances on The Chappelle Show, Guiding Light and Third Watch. Hazen joined the cast of the CBS daytime drama As the World Turns in November 2006, playing the role of Parker Munson. For his work on As the World Turns, Mick was nominated for a 2008 Young Artist Award for Supporting Actor in a Recurring Role. In 2009 he picked up his first Young Artist Award for his performance on As the World Turns. Hazen has worked on several Disney animation projects and has done numerous voice overs for television commercials. Mick volunteers his time at least once a week during his school lunch hour to deliver meals to neighborhood seniors. Young Mr. Hazen seems to know exactly what he is about and Love Out Loud is proud to have him as part of the team

Thorsten has been a major participant in this event since its inception. His very loyal and passionate fans are the first to sign up and do significant fund raising on their own adding to the overall effort. Mr. Kaye never hesitates when asked to help. We are fortunate that he is there for us.

An athlete and actor with the heart of a poet is a description that fits this international star and author to a tee. He has presence and, therefore, his characters fill the small screen whenever he appears. His work with Alicia Minshew on All My Children is noteworthy and has caught the notice of many. Don't hate him because he's beautiful. Love him because he has subtlety in his delivery and can say more with a glance than copious words could descry.

Website: ThorstenKaye.com

Tremors and their lead singer, John Kouri, a mainstay at Prohibition, are much appreciated by clientele and management alike. This New York based cover band has been playing music together for over a decade. A five piece ensemble maintaining a wide ranging repertoire, from Sinatra standards like "Summer Wind" and "That's Life", to rock-n-roll classics from artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, Led Zeppelin and much more, Tremors have one of the most extensive 70's, 80's and 90's song lists you will ever see. With band members whose musicianship is of the highest level, the group has performed at venues ranging from small local pubs, to the Algonquin Hotel, to large festivals. John himself has been open and generous with the POZ team in the past lending us equipment. Third time's the charm and this year the guys are performing with and for us. Once again this year the guys are performing with and for us with what promises to be a great musical evening.

Website: Tremors

Ilene Kristen a New Yorker through and through has lived in just about everywhere there. She found herself living on the Upper West Side for some of her formative years. As many an urban child, especially of that era, she and her sister were given directives regarding which streets could be traveled.

One street that had 100% permission for her young adventures was Broadway, which served as inspiration for the luminous and joyous noise she gave forth in a duet of Boogaloo Down Broadway after her show one evening at the Triad where she often performs.

Ilene's shows are full of reminiscences in which she relates to her audience as if they were in her living room. She herself says so. Nonetheless her music is sultry, smooth and funky at one and the same time. Still this smoothness wraps itself around complex and sensitive lyrics in her original material. As fortune would have it, one of her songs "Flesh & Blood" is found on the Hurricane Katrina Benefit Recording One Life Many Voices that she and her co-stars from One Life to Live have put together.

"Hold on to the earth with your own two hands and never say goodbye" are the lyrics she wrote in response to The World Trade Center tragedy and the loss of her good friend Nancy Addison from Ryan's Hope. Speaking of inspiration, Ilene Kristen's fans would do her and themselves a great service in encouraging her to record more of her moving and intelligent sounds in a project all her own.

She has lost many friends to AIDS and is very much impacted by the disease which has now ravaged the world for over twenty five years. It's no wonder that this vibrant, diminutive powerhouse was the very first to commit to our fundraiser. To know her is to love her.

Website: The Official Ilene Kristen Website

Laurence Lau first came to prominence as All My Children's Greg Nelson, creating super couple magic along with Kim Delaney and as Another World's Jamie Frame, creating more magic there with Anne Heche. Lau has also had Prime Time success guest starring on numerous television series such as Frasier, Martial Law, Diagnosis Murder and Jag. He is a West Coast man hailing from Long Beach, California and raised in Lake Oswego, Oregon. His most recent foray into daytime drama as part of the landmark Luke and Noah story line on As the World Turns as the controversial Brian Wheatley, the closeted man who married Lucinda Walsh and harbored feelings for her grandson, Luke won him much praise. We are very happy that he will grace Love Out Loud on 13 May at Prohibition. The party just got another touch of class. Come out to say hello and support the effort and see the magic that is Mr. Lau.

ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
is a very long title, but they've been doing it for five years and the last one was not without its moments. BethAnn Bonner reprised her excellent Bacharach to the Future performance of "Waiting for Charlie to Come Home" followed by what was for many the surprise of the evening, Mark Lawson's rendition of "Anthem" from Chess. Lawson's upper torso on One Life to Live is legendary. It is, therefore, easy to ignore other talents therein. Hence, when his beautiful voice blessed the audience with this beautiful piece, the reaction was palpable. One of his co-stars, Farah Fath had this to say in a recent interview: He is really intense, and I like to work with actors who take their work seriously. He is a true actor’s actor. He gets in there and finds the rawest place he can go. He does not care if it’s a big scene or small scene. He is committed. Mark was on contract from the beginning, but that does not really mean anything. I think they were really impressed with him, and he works really hard, does his homework, and I respect that. Lawson has fans in other cast members, among them Ilene Kristen who is no slouch in recognizing true talent. It's POZ's good fortune to have the exceptional Mr. Lawson with us on May 13th at Prohibition. His ever growing legion of fans will be very happy about that as well.

Ken Lundie began his career with Disney during college as a scholarship recipient to the inaugural season of Disney World's Kids of the Kingdom and Musical Theatre Experience. He has become a musician par excellence and the POZ team is very fortunate to have his talent on board. Ken spends much of his time at the famed Radio City Music Hall accompanying and arranging for the world famous Rockettes. He also plays for and coaches some of the country's finest talent. Last year at POZ's fund raiser at Prohibition, Ken and old friend, Ilene Kristen, rediscovered each other. This year they will be put their talents together to make the evening even more special.

While living in Hollywood Ken appeared with Dolly Parton in the film version of Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and with Mae West in her last movie Sextette. Ken has also served as Associate Musical Director for Jimmy Buffett on his Don't Stop The Carnival. He is the musical supervisor for Westchester Broadway Theatre and its educational program.

Scott Chandler, the son of Cindy Parker (played by Guiding Light Executive Producer, Ellen Wheeler back in the day) a PLWA in fictional Pine Valley, married sweet Stuart Chandler who adopted Scott and raised him as his own. The story line was ground breaking not only because it dealt with the stigma of HIV/AIDS early on, but it also showed that the HIV-positive were worthy of true love and could indeed live out their dream. Scott has returned to All My Children in the person of Adam Mayfield who has been part of Boston Public, Girlfriends, Just Shoot Me as well as Sea of Fear, Corpse Run and most recently the spy thriller, Rushin’. The 6’2” actor is one for those of you who have never met a Texan you didn’t like. As a matter of fact we have it on good authority that he is quite on the ball. "Cool" was the exact terminology used. Of course, he is, because he has become part of this event. We’re glad to have the chance to get to know one of the good guys a little better.

Christopher Meloni, whose involvement in this site's and POZ magazine's fund raising for the last seven years, is once again here for us in the form of eBay auctions featuring items with a personalized autograph from this good man. Meloni's commitment goes further in that he has been readily available to help out with this cause on both a personal and donor level. Back in 2001 members of his fan forum were encouraged by him to participate in fund-raising walks such as MS and AIDS in lieu of sending him gifts. He is someone to count on. He's the proverbial tough guy who gets going when he needs to.

He has this to say to anyone who may want to join the team:

Today with ever newer more potent drugs to combat the ravages of AIDS, I think it's even more important to get out there to help educate and spread awareness. All too often some success can breed apathy and complacency; today that is a challenge for all of us. So for those of you thinking of participating please go for it and for those of you who are giving of yourselves to the cause know that the good you're doing extends beyond you, your friends and family and even beyond what's happening here in the U.S. with this disease. AIDS is truly a global affliction and it's our contribution, no matter how small that will make a difference.

Peace and wear comfortable shoes
C

David Moretti does indeed look like an Italian movie star as someone once opined. Perhaps it’s because his surname comes from Italy. Wherever his origins are, the man seems to be doing all the right things. He is the star of here! TV's The Lair and the purveyor of his own web log on gaywired.com. From his website: [he likes] the idea of being part of the new movement in gay television. "I'm proud to be part of a show that is entertaining our culture. Gay heroes and villains are a concept not often explored and here! should be commended for being the first network to make it happen." Since debuting on The Lair, Moretti has also appeared as a guest star on Dante's Cove.

He admits to being happier now than ever before. "I have the best of both worlds. I get to step outside of myself and play different characters on the set each day and then when I head home, I actually respect the person I see in the mirror." Speaking of respect, he has earned some in these parts. He attended POZ's West Coast fund-raiser last October and now he will be on hand for Love Out Loud New York on May 13th. Ganzo! Gaiardo! Bono!

When Alex Rybeck, musical director for POZ's Bacharach to the Future, found out that John Pagano was coming out for this year's fund-raiser at Prohibition on May 13th and was asked to accompany this talented singer, his response was, "In a heartbeat." Therefore, look for a Bacharch to the Future reunion of sorts. There is no doubt that this duo will serve up a musical memory.

John Pagano is a name familiar to many fans of Burt Bacharach as the male vocalist with Burt’s band. On his new CD, Pure Imagination, Pagano steps out on his own with a collection of classic songs in the timeless style of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Chet Baker. Backed by a 40-piece orchestra, Pagano lends his vocal talents to 12 songs including "Let’s Fall in Love," "Night and Day," "Time After Time," "Call Me Irresponsible" and the title track, written by Bricusse-Newley as the main theme for the film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."

Of special interest to Bacharach fans, Pure Imagination includes two tracks produced by Bacharach and featuring Bacharach himself on piano–"Any Day Now" and "This Guy’s In Love With You." Pagano also performs Bacharach’s classic "Wives and Lovers" on the CD. For more information about John and Pure Imagination, visit www.myspace.com/johnpagano or johnpagano.com. [source: Bacharachonline.com]

Born in New York City, Wolé Parks is a graduate of NYU with degrees in both Fine Arts and Mathematics. Wolé Parks' television credits include roles on Law & Order and Conviction, as well as starring in the sixth season of MTV's anthology series Undressed. In film, Parks will be seen alongside Kevin Bacon in the upcoming HBO film Taking Chance and with Ricky Gervais in the 2008 film Ghost Town.

Wolé has been part of the cast of As The World Turns in the role of Dallas Griffin on November 14, 2007

Aside from acting, Parks is an active member of the group Democracy for NYC (DFNYC), a grassroots political group formed by former members of Howard Dean's 2004 presidential campaign and, therefore, very active in the public forum of political debate. It’s no surprise that this well-informed man has stepped up to join us for this fund-raising event.

Barbara Porteus is the quintessential cabaret performer who can give you precisely what you came for from Stephen Sondheim to Johnny Mercer. She has performed in such shows as The Sound of Music with Marie Osmond, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying with Donald O'Connor and Side by Side by Sondheim. She has opened for Sid Caesar, Ben Vereen, Petula Clark and many others. Her extensive and impressive resume includes performing and touring with Eddy Arnold and Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings. She comes to us via her collaboration with the ubiquitous Ken Lundie and her presence brings to us a performer of the highest calibre.

Jennifer Roszell has been playing Eleni Cooper since joining Guiding Light in March 1995. This beautiful California native graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a Bachelor of Arts in Drama. Jennifer's theater credits include roles in Media Amok, When We Dead Awaken, The Servant of Two Masters, School for Wives, I'm Not Rappaport, and Man and Superman. Like most natives of the astrological sign of Pisces, she is a very giving and senstive type. She has lost more than one friend to AIDS. Coming out to Love Out Loud helped us with the all important task of HIV/AIDS awareness!

Alex Rybeck is a pianist, arranger, composer, and musical director, well-known for his work in theater, cabaret, and on recordings. Broadway credits include Merrily We Roll Along (directed by Hal Prince) and Grand Hotel (directed by Tommy Tune). He also conducted the New York workshop and San Diego world premiere of What the World Needs now, winning personal praise from Burt Bacharach.

Off-Broadway shows include Wings (Public Theater) and Really Rosie (directed by Patricia Birch). Winner of the 2005 Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) Award, he has worked in Manhattan’s premiere concert halls and cabaret venues, including Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Algonquin’s Oak Room, Feinstein’s, the Carlyle, and The Russian Tea Room, to mention a few. He has toured nationally and internationally as well, and has appeared on PBS several times (including Great Performances).

Among the many stars of Broadway and cabaret he has worked with are Tommy Tune, Eartha Kitt, The McGuire Sisters, Michael Feinstein, Faith Prince, Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway, Donna McKechnie, Debbie Gravitte, Karen Mason, Lee Roy Reams, Tovah Feldshuh, Amanda McBroom, Marni Nixon (”The Voice of Hollywood”), Jason Graae, Jeff Harnar, Australia’s David Campbell, Craig Rubano, Anna Bergman, Rita Gardner, Metropolitan Opera diva Roberta Peters, and the legendary Kitty Carlisle Hart.
Among numerous CD’s: Sibling Revelry (Liz and Ann Hampton Callaway); three solo albums by Liz Callaway; five solo albums by Jeff Harnar; Leap of Faith (Faith Prince); Try to Remember (Rita Gardner); Change Partners and Finishing the Act (Craig Rubano); Leading Men Don’t Dance (Ron Raines and others); and a soon-to-be-released album by Victoria Clark (Tony-winner for The Light in the Piazza). Original songs include “What a Funny Boy He Is”, recorded by Nancy LaMott.

A graduate of Oberlin College and NYU, he was taught and mentored by Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, and Comden & Green. He is a member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild.

There is a lot more to the character of Rachel on One Life to Live and the same goes for her portrayer, Daphnee Duplaix Samuels, mother of three and former playmate of the month. The stunning actress was the Creative Director for Unleashed, the urban periodical while she was a full time actress on Passions. ABC Daytime had the foresight to add her to their roster of the talented and the beautiful. After appearing in Playboy magazine as Playmate of the Month July 1997, she appeared in several Playboy videos. Her Playmate pictorial was photographed by Richard Fegley. She has also appeared in numerous commercials. Daphnee became a regular cast member on Passions as Valerie Davis in 2004. As of 2009, Samuel is also the host of Show Us Your Wits, a game show on Playboy TV. She is a tireless working mom and still finds the time to be part of this fund-raiser. Come thank her in person!

When this native of Hawaii became part of the Llanview canvas he was doing double duty as Paul in the original cast of the revival of A Chorus Line on Broadway. His is an impressive resume that commences with his co-hosting duties on The Music Factory at an early age. He is the kind of actor made for the Big Apple given his great talent for musical theater. He most recently appeared in the workshop of The Nightingale by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, the creators of Broadway's Spring Awakening. Anyone who saw his performance in this year’s Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS can attest to the great talent part. It also shows that he has a talent for lending a hand to a good cause.

Mark Twain had this to say about people like Michael Tomasetti: Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. small minded people always try to do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can be great, which just about sums up what this denizen of Pleasant Valley is all about. Yes, he really does live in a place called Pleasant Valley. How could it not be with such a population? His work as an actor and a model takes him to more than a few major hubs in the United States: New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Phoenix. He has been featured here before. His response to become part of Love Out Loud on May 13th at Prohibition was immediate and affirmative. This is a person who is self-described as someone who wants to bring people together. He considers himself a team player and now he's part of ours. It's hoped that his presence will be motivational. Come say hello.

Brittany Underwood joined the cast of One Life to Live in 2006 in the role of Langston Wilde. Miss Underwood was born in Newark, New Jersey and grew up in Mountain Lakes. Art imitates life for Miss Underwood as her character, Langston, shares her same Colombian heritage. Her mother, Martha, is from Colombia and she is fluent in Spanish. In high school, Miss Underwood pursued her interests in performing, appearing in such productions as The King and I, Guys and Dolls, HMS Pinafore, and The Music Man. She was at a crossroads about whether or not she would continue acting as a career; a commercial for NuStars was the sign she needed. While in high school, she was cast in a guest starring role on Law & Order:SVU. In the summer of 2006, she appeared in Shakespeare in the Park's Mother Courage with Meryl Streep. As a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, Brittany understands what it means to build character.
Perhaps it is her desire build a peaceful world through that discipline's philosophy that has prompted her to come on board for our event.

Davida Lucia Williams is a beautiful American singer and actress of African American and Italian heritage. She is perhaps best known for her role as Claire Miller on Lizzie McGuire. “I would have to say Lizzie McGuire really helped me get to where I am today. That was a great experience, I was in high school and I was making friends with the cast members and everyone got along we were all the same age, pretty much ... a great credit to have and a great experience.” She has appeared in a wide variety of television series including The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Degrassi: The Next Generation and Quintuplets. Recently, she played Lauren in the film Raise Your Voice. She also modeled as Galleria Garibaldi for the final covers of The Cheetah Girls book series, when Mia Lee left to tour with her singing group. She starred in the pilot for the Disney Channel series J.O.N.A.S. Davida joined the cast of As the World Turns as Jade Taylor, last year making her debut in December 2008. “I always wanted to entertain. My dad's in the entertainment industry — he's a musician, a guitarist. So, from a young age I would go on tour with him and see him perform. “ Her mother also encouraged her from a young age. [sources: Wikipedia and Soap Opera Digest]. Many are glad that she has come through the ranks and is a seasoned veteran at such a young age. Come see what the fuss is all about, Many thanks to Davida for her support of POZ’s support of AIDS Walk New York.

As National Sales & Marketing Manager-LGBT Community, George Carrancho is a member of American Airlines' unique Rainbow TeAAm which focuses on marketing and outreach for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community. The American Airlines Rainbow TeAAm is considered the nation’s first dedicated LGBT sales team at a Fortune 500 corporation. Through their work, and the leadership of American Airlines management, the airline is one of only 13 corporations in the U.S. that have earned perfect marks each year from the Human Rights Campaign through its Corporate Equality Index.

Carrancho works closely with national and local LGBT organizations and businesses, ensuring that American Airlines remains the premier airline of choice for LGBT travelers worldwide. Carrancho and Betty Young helped spearhead and launch American’s dedicated LGBT microsite, another first in the airline industry.

During his 15 years with AA and subsidiary divisions, Carrancho served in a variety of marketing positions, interacting with many of AA's top travel clients while in New York City. He is now based at AA's corporate headquarters near DFW International Airport. The South Texas native is a 1993 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American Studies. He is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese.

He currently serves on the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Corporate Advisory Committee, Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Diversity Sub-committee, Lambda Legal Leadership Council, on the Board of Directors for the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and represents American Airlines’ Gay Employee Resource Group on the Diversity Advisory Council with American’s 16 other ERGs.

He definitely wears a white hat and has been very helpful with Bacharach to the Future and Love Out Loud POZ is very grateful for all he has done.