Out actor Tituss Burgess will be
honored at NewFest, New York's annual LGBT film festival, now in its
28th year.
Debra Messing (Will & Grace,
Smash) will present the festival's inaugural Voice &
Visibility Award to Burgess on October 20, the opening night of the
festival.
“It's an honor to be the first
recipient of this award,” Burgess said. “What a lovely reminder
to us all that being yourself gives others permission to stand
proudly in their own individuality.”
“NewFest is all about LGBT
storytelling, and as an immensely talented actor of both stage and
screen, Tituss presents his characters and his own stories with
insight, strength and heart – echoing the power and passion of the
LGBT community,” said NewFest Executive Director Robert Kushner.
Burgess has received two Emmy
nominations for his portrayal of Titus Andromedon in the Netflix
comedy Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.