Photo credit: Ames Beckerman Photography

On Friday, August 26, 2016, GLAAD’s intern Summer Luk curated and hosted a charity showcase at Ludlow Studios to benefit the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). Luk’s goals for the event were to create a space where performance and community could merge by shining a spotlight on the talent and gifts that trans people have to offer and to raise funds for NCTE.

With performers like spoken word poet Trace Peterson, rapper Jesse Sgambati, genderqueer storyteller Jacob Tobia, comic Tammy Twotone, and Summer herself, the show was jam-packed with entertainment. 

Trace Peterson opened the show by reading two of her own poems, including one about hormone therapy which gave the audience an in-depth account of her own experience. Jacob Tobia lightened the mood by telling funny stories of their dating life, ending their set with a sing along of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” Jesse Sgambati followed by performing three songs for the audience. One song, Lifeline, was dedicated to a special girl in the audience and everyone in the crowd swooned over the romantic gesture. Next up was Boston comedy veteran Tammy Twotone who made everyone laugh with her funny standup routine, reassuring everyone in the audience that the only reason she has going into the ladies’ room was “drugs.” Summer herself closed the show, performing “I Am a Girl” and two unreleased songs, ending the night on a high note.

Attended by over 100 people, the night was a huge success, leaving the audience in both tears and laughter. GLAAD congratulates Summer on creating an event that gave a much-needed platform to trans artists and raised funds for the great work being done by NCTE every day.