Executive Producers of ABC Family’s “The Fosters” to be Honored by Lambda Legal

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 08, 2014

“The Fosters” Executive Producers /Showrunners Bradley Bredeweg, Joanna Johnson and Peter Paige will receive Lambda Legal’s Liberty Award for the work they have done to give a voice to LGBT families through the creation of their show and for the impact they’ve had in creating an environment of increasing tolerance and acceptance. Also recently announced, they will join fellow honorees Dan Bucatinsky, the Emmy-winning Scandal alumni, and transgender activist Bamby Salcedo at the West Coast Liberty Awards. The annual red carpet fundraising gala celebrates those working towards Lambda Legal’s vision of equality and will be held on Friday, June 13th, at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons in Beverly Hills.

“The Fosters," airing on ABC Family, was created by Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige ("Queer As Folk"), who also serve as executive producers and writers, along with Joanna Johnson ("Make it or Break it"). The compelling, one-hour drama series centers on a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. The critically-acclaimed series returns for its second season on June 16.

In 2007, Bradley and Peter opened the doors to their production company, Blazing Elm Entertainment. Since their partnership, they have written projects for Universal, USA, Warner Brothers Television, The CW, E!, and ABC Family. Bradley and Peter are currently the Creators and Executive Producers of the new ABC Family series “The Fosters,” alongside Executive Producer Jennifer Lopez. The team is currently writing “Tut” for Viacom's Spike TV and Muse Entertainment (“The Pillars of the Earth,” “The Kennedys”).

As an actor, Peter Paige is best known for his five-year run as Emmett Honeycutt on Showtime’s hit series “Queer as Folk.” He has numerous film and TV credits, including “Ping Pong Playa,” “Our America,” and guest star/recurring roles on “The Closer,” “Bones,” “CSI: Miami,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Related,” “Will & Grace,” and others. Bradley Bredeweg worked for several prolific filmmakers in the industry before setting out on his own and partnering with Madonna’s Maverick Films to develop the drama pilot “ALYX.” Bradley went on to develop his second project, the feature film “Victorville,” and from there he connected with producing partner Peter Paige.

In 2007, Bradley and Peter opened the doors to their production company, Blazing Elm Entertainment. Since their partnership, they have written projects for Universal, USA, Warner Brothers. Television, The CW, E!, and ABC Family. The team recently finished is currently writing “Tut” for Viacom's Spike TV and Muse Entertainment. (“The Pillars of the Earth,” “The Kennedys”).

Joanna Johnson was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She attended USC Film School and after graduating pursued an acting career, which resulted most notably in is well known for her acting role as playing twins Caroline and Karen Spencer on the CBS soap opera “The Bold & the Beautiful,” where she still occasionally reprises her role as Karen (the not so evil twin).

Johnson’s primary focus is writing. She Joanna wrote the independent feature “The Shrink Is In” starring Courtney Cox and David Arquette and went on to write her first television sitcom pilot called “Hope & Faith” for ABC, which ran for three seasons. She has since continued to write and co-executive produce ABC Family’s “Make It or Break It,” “Fairly Legal” for USA Cable, and the CW’s “Emily Owens, M.D.” and is now an Executive Producer on ABC Family’s new drama “The Fosters.”

As the country's largest legal organization, Lambda Legal has worked for more than 40 years to achieve full recognition of civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender people and those living with HIV. Their annual West Coast Liberty Awards celebration is an evening of tribute to those who have made an impact on the lives of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through advocacy, entertainment, legal and civic contributions, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations each year.

Lambda Legal will also honor Scandal’s Dan Bucatinsky for the way in which he embraces the challenge of playing gay characters whose lives so closely mirror his own, fighting stereotype and stigma in the living rooms of every household that tunes into his shows. Transgender advocate Bamby Salcedo will be recognized, highlighting her activism and work on issues of HIV prevention, criminal justice, substance abuse treatment and prevention and economic and professional development for queer, transgender people, and especially youth.

Lance Bass hosted last year’s 40th Anniversary West Coast Liberty Awards celebration, which honored Justin Bartha for his role on The New Normal, as well as LGBT activist and Super Bowl Champion Brendon Ayanbadejo, The Magic Johnson Foundation and community leader Eric Webber. Bucatinsky, who presented the award to Bartha, was also joined by presenters Greg Louganis and Janina Gavankar.

This year’s Awards Honorary Committee includes Sherri Saum, Joshua Malina, Khandi Alexander, Rebecca Mader, Joe Mantegna, Charles Michael Davis, Dot Marie Jones, Holly Robinson Peete, Danny Franzese, Ming-Na Wen, Pablo Schreiber, Raphael Sbarge, David Glasser, Tony Denison, Mircea Monroe, Renee Olstead, Tiya Sircar and others.

Tickets available at: http://www.lambdalegal.org/wcla14

Media Contact: Nadine Jolson 310 614 3214, Email: jolsoncreative(at)mac(dot)com

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Premier sponsors of the 2014 West Coast Liberty Awards:

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