We cover a lot of events each year. But very few carry the weight and importance of The Ally Coalition’s annual Talent Show. Started by the band Fun. and Rachel Antonoff, TAC was established to motivate people, especially friends in the music, fashion and entertainment industry, to work for LGBTQ equality. For the past three years it has hosted a charity talent show to support the initiative. The event is as much about bringing awareness and education as solidifying a community of “allies” who will combat discrimination against LGBTQ people.
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Lauren Mayberry
Carly Rae Jepsen
This year, comedic and musical talents Jack Antonoff, Lorde, Jacqueline Novak, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lauren Mayberry, Lena Dunham, Hasan Minhaj, Charli XCX, Jordan Carlos, Andrew Dost and Mike Birbiglia joined forces on stage for more than four hours to benefit New Alternatives. Jack and Rachel Antonoff took the stage first to introduce the event and TAC and welcome supporters. Host and comedian, Jordan Carlos broke up musical and comedic performances with hysterical bits on Pandora, animals having sex and Trump.
Jordan Carlos
Hasan Minhaj
Hasan Minhaj
Jacqueline Novak, author of How to Weep in Public: Feeble Offerings on Depression From Someone Who Knows, was all wit as she segued from her bit on the female body (she’s declared herself an “apple”) to her favorite survival requirements (eating, which is better than breathing because when you inhale it “tastes like nothing”). Lauren Mayberry of CHVRCHES followed with a cover of Katy Perry’s “Firework” that had the crowd belting the lyrics. Lena Dunham blew in to walk viewers through a series of energy exercises that she had learned after “visiting many healers” due to her post-election depression. She also shared that this was the most dressed up she has been since November 8th- wearing “UNIQLO leggings with no underwear and Reebok shoes with no socks.”
Jaqueline Novak
Lauren Mayberry
Lauren Mayberry
Lauren Mayberry
Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham
Jack performed multiple times throughout the night. He joined Carly Rae Jepsen on stage to play a song they had written together years ago. Charli XCX gave him some flack when he slowed down “After the After Party” while she sung. Most notable was his performance of “I Wanna Get Better,” which had the audience shouting the chorus. The night ended with a surprise act by Lorde and a performance by the entire group of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.”
Jack – The Ally Coalition
Jack Antonoff & Charli XCX
Jack Antonoff & Charli XCX
Jack & Rachel Antonoff
jack
Charli XCX – The Ally Coalition
Carly Rae Jepsen & Jack
Carly Rae Jepsen & Jack
Carly Rae Jepsen – The Ally Coalition
New Alternatives provides support and services for the homeless LGBT youth in New York City. Together TAC raised over $100,000 for the charity. If you want to support these causes, you can do so here: http://theallycoalition.org/take-action/# and http://newalternativesnyc.org/how-can-i-help/.
Article: Alx Bear
