Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Demi Lovato Added to Logo’s ‘Trailblazers’ Lineup

Logo TV announced Tuesday its star-studded lineup for its first-ever Trailblazers event. 

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Demi Lovato, Pete Wentz and A Great Big World are among the performers and presenters who will appear throughout the series, honoring pioneers who have broken new ground for LGBT civil rights, joining Daniel Radcliffe, Jared Leto, Kylie Minogue, Ariana Grande, Rita Ora, Tegan and Sara, Laura Jane Grace and others.

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The inaugural episode — premiering on the one-year anniversary of the defeat of DOMA — will feature Sia performing her new single “Chandelier” with the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus from New York’s Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

Activist and former R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe will honor Ugandan gay rights activist and refugee John “Long Jones” Abdallah Wambere as an “International Trailblazer” for his work with Spectrum Uganda Initiatives, an organization that advocates for LGBT rights and provides health and education services to the community. Earlier this year, Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni signed into law the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which criminalizes homosexuality, as well as “aiding and abetting homosexuality” and “promotion of homosexuality,” with the threat of a 14-year jail sentence for a first offense or up to life for multiple convictions. Wambere is now seeking asylum in the United States while continuing to advocate for LGBT rights.

“Even as we celebrate the historic milestones we’ve made in America, we also must speak out against the dangers and brutal laws faced by LGBT people in countries around the globe,” said Stephen Friedman, president of MTV and Logo TV. “John’s heroism in the fight for gay rights in Uganda stands as a beacon for the entire global community. It’s a privilege to honor his bravery.”

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Wambere joins previously announced honorees DOMA challengers Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan, NBA player Jason Collins (the first out professional male athlete in a major U.S. sport) and the series Orange Is the New Black, with cast members Laverne Cox and Lea  DeLaria. In partnership with the Trevor Project, Trailblazers will also spotlight the efforts of young people who are making a positive impact in their local communities and is asking viewers to make submissions of those who have made a personal difference in their lives.

Trailblazers premieres on Logo TV on June 26 at 9 p.m.

Email: Ashley.Lee@THR.com
Twitter: @cashleelee

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