The drinks were plentiful and generously flowing last night at the 2017 TrevorLive gala in Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, where Tom Ford was honored with the Hero award for his contributions to LGTBQ visibility in fashion and entertainment.
And during his introduction by Fergie and Armie Hammer, the indulgence inspired some animated and peculiar revelry.
“I’m actually Armie Hammer; I’m going to win a big Academy Award, thanks,” Fergie said onstage.
A representative revealed to FN Spy that her speech onstage was a surprise.
“This is unexpected and in typical Tom Ford style … he would love that if he was here,” the pop star, who has a namesake footwear line, continued as Ford watched on. “They really love you. Tom Ford is here — he’s here on this bag, on this amazing T-shirt — mock-style long-sleeve shirt — skirt and pumps. Behind this Tom Ford life, which I have his makeup in the bag, he’s a person with passion … he’s a director … he loves to see people’s feelings and listen.”
The songbird went on to sing a few lines from her new album, “Double Dutchess,” which she mentioned was available to purchase on iTunes. “This is not a shameless promotion — I have a lot of shame. I have a new song called ‘A Little Work,’ and I have a version that has alternate verses. I’m promoting the Target version that has alternate verses.”
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Following the impromptu vocals, she let Hammer speak by introducing him as herself. “Welcome everyone, Fergie,” she said.
“If I had a nickel for every time I was confused with Fergie,” Hammer quipped before speaking about his “Nocturnal Animals” director, Ford. “He’s built a fashion empire. A man of great innovation, creativity and passion,” he continued while struggling to read the teleprompter. “They shouldn’t put wine on the tables, I just have to say. It was one of the great honors of my life to be a part of his film ‘Nocturnal Animals.'”
Ford, who was also seated alongside Isla Fischer and Aaron Taylor Johnson, took to the stage and remarked that fellow honoree Kristin Chenoweth gave an impressive acceptance speech — one that concluded with an emotional ballad when she received her Icon Award.
“Armie and I were sitting at the table saying we’re so f**ked, that was the most amazing acceptance speech,” Ford shared while being recognized with the Hero award. “I’m intimidated by the word ‘hero,’ it sounds so macho. I don’t feel particularly heroic; I simply lived my life as myself. I don’t think of myself as gay, but apparently I am. I’m just myself. That’s what all of us have the right to be — to be ourselves.
“Unfortunately, many people don’t grow up in an environment in which to be comfortable enough to be themselves or in which to explore who that self might be. That’s what The Trevor Project is helping to ensure that the youth today have every right to be themselves, whatever that self might be, and to know they have the love, support and understanding of us all. That they have our commitment to make sure the world will become a more tolerant place, and not less. We all know that we’re enduring a political environment that thrives on hate and division, so we must work hard to celebrate and fight for inclusion, understanding and most importantly love.”
The Trevor Project serves around 75,000 callers, chatters and texters who are seeking counseling and support services. The organization estimates there are around 1.5 million LGBTQ youths in need.
After Ford concluded his remarks, the announcer introduced Shoshana Bean, who was ready to join Chenoweth for a duet; however, Fergie reappeared on stage to plug her work on iTunes. The announcer called for two rounds of applause while Fergie was speaking before she was ushered off the stage.
