The highlight of the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards was when local philanthropist Annette Bloch donated a million dollars toward the creation of the Annette Bloch Research and Cancer Care Center at Desert AIDS Project.

But the news that has been tweeted and reported on since Saturday is that actor Matt Bomer publicly came out.

Matt Bomer Acceptance Speech

In accepting his Steve Chase Humanitarian Award for New Generation Arts and Activism in the fight against HIV/AIDS, USA Network series White Collar star Matt Bomer thanked his longtime partner Simon Halls and their three children.  (Halls is a publicist who represents the likes of Ryan Murphy and Neil Patrick Harris.)

Bomer will make an appearance on Murphy’s Glee as Blaine’s (Darren Criss) older brother.  He’ll also be seen in Channing Tatum’s Magic Mike this summer.  The actor has been involved in several causes, including AIDS Walk NY.

The awards ceremony is presented by Desert AIDS Project, which provides medical care and comprehensive support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in the desert community.

Peter Gallagher was also feted at the ceremony, given the 2011 Pioneer Arts and Activism Award in recognition of the time that he has given freely for many years to help raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for AIDS-related causes.  These have included Dine Out L.A., the L.A. AIDS Walk, and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Golf Classic.  Gallagher has also been an active supporter of The Actors Fund for many years.  Among its broad variety of services and programs available to entertainers is the HIV/AIDS Initiative, which is the largest recipient of funds from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The ceremony also awarded local community heroes Karolee Sowle and Fr. Andrew Green as well as international AIDS activist and author Hydeia Broadbent.

–Ken Choy

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