“The Real World: DC” alum and LGBT advocate Mike Manning to be honored at LifeWorks event

The hottest cocktail party of Pride season—Life Out Loud, benefiting the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s LifeWorks youth development and mentoring program—is headed to an exciting new venue: the iconic New York Street on the Paramount Studios backlot.

This year, LifeWorks will honor reality star and LGBT advocate Mike C. Manning (The Real World: DC) with the Courage Award. Because of his dedication to LifeWorks, Manning has gone beyond the call of duty to take on the role of host and honorary event chair.

“The work that the LifeWorks program does is so very important to many young people,” he said in a statement. “For a group that is extremely impressionable and full of potential, LifeWorks helps shape their futures at such a crucial time. I am lucky and thankful to be involved.”

Center board member Jayzen Patria and Mark-Alan Harmon of the Center’s Young Professionals Council will join Manning as event chairs. Mike Holtz (Mr. Gay USA, 2011 is pictured, left) will serve as one of the party’s hosts.

“Life Out Loud is an amazing event where everyone in the community can come together to celebrate Pride weekend while supporting the next generation of leaders,” Patria said.

Tickets are $100.  A limited supply of combo tickets that include admission to Life Out Loud and Wonderland are available for $150. For more information about Wonderland, visit http://bit.ly/lTkyQ9.

Celebrities expected include: Alexis Bellino (The Real Housewives of Orange County), comedian Carlease Burke (Shameless), actress Charlene Tilton (Dallas), Erin Murphy (Bewitched), comedian/actress Geri Jewell (The Facts of Life), performer/personality Gretchen Bonaduce (Breaking Bonaduce), designer and HIV/AIDS activist Jack Mackenroth (Project Runway), actor James Frain (Water for Elephants), actor Jasper Cole (MacGruber), filmmaker Marta Cunningham, actress Michelle Clunie (Queer as Folk), and Raquel Castaneda (The Real L Word).