The Quinceanera crowd...

Apologies for the late posting on an event that happened Sunday but took a break from blogging last night to have a shopping spree at Ameoba Records in Hollywood. I hate to be so predictable but, yes, among the DVDs I snagged was season five of "Will & Grace," season three of "Footballers Wives" and a Barry Manilow CD (Songs from the 50s). I'm so gay!

But enough about me (for now). Sunday was the Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Leadership Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. See earlier post for some Bruce Vilanch lines. A real highlight was being at the table next to the sexy star of indie hit "Quincearnera," Jesse Garcia, who was on hand to present an award to the films co-directors Richard Claster and Wash Westmoreland.

Garcia told the audience that he got the part of a gay teen living with his uncle and pregnant cousin in Echo Park by scanning casting notices in the trade papers. The straight Garcia was asked is he had any problems playing a gay part: "No dude!" he told the films casting director. "It's awesome!" "I really embraced the role," he said. "I wanted to break down doors, especially for Latinos in the industry where it's tough to get in anyway. It was just a tremendous honor to play this role and to bring it to life for those who don't have a voice."
And play it he did! In the scene shown at the brunch, Garcia shares a very sexy kiss with one of his gay next-door neighbors. I may have to add it to my next edition of Top 10 Guy Movie Kisses.
After the brunch, Garcia told me he has received many emails from gay youths who said they felt more positive about themselves after seeing the movie. "I didn't grow up in the gay community but I've learned more and I've always had gay friends. It's really cool to be a part of a community like this."

Real-life couple Glatzer and Westmoreland chatted with me about the reaction to their film which won both the audience award and the grand jury prize at this year's Sundance Film Festival.
Says Westmorland: "t's just been a continuing series of revelations. Everything is beyond our wildest dreams from Sundance to this event."
Added Glatzer: "It's been so heartening to see people embrace this film."