There is little doubt that the Kennedy Center Honors – given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime contribution – is one of the highest accolades in the US for actors, singers, composers, dancers and other artists. However no openly gay woman has ever been given the award – until now, that is.
It’s been announced that actress and comedian Lily Tomlin will be one of the five recipients of this year’s honors, alongside singer Al Green, actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks, ballerina Patricia McBride, and singer-songwriter Sting.
There have been previous female honorees who’ve been rumoured to be gay or bisexual, but Tomlin will be first one who out, and certainly the first one married to another woman.
It’s perhaps particularly surprising as the Kennedy Center hasn’t shied away from honoring gay and bisexual men, ranging from Tennessee Williams to Elton John, but for some reason no openly lesbian has previously been given the award.
Kennedy Center chairman David M. Rubenstein comments, “From the days of her early television and theatrical appearances, Lily Tomlin has made us laugh and continues to amaze us with her acting talent and quick wit.”
The Kennedy Center Honors medallions willbe presented on Saturday, December 6th, at a State Department dinner hosted by Secretary of State John Kerry. On the Sunday there will be a White House Reception where Tomlin and co. will meet the President ahead of the Honors Gala in the evening, which will be recorded for a two-hour primetime TV special to be braodcast on Tuesday, December 30th at 9:00 pm.
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