Rue McClanahan, Del Shores, Caroline Rhea, Olivia Newton-John, Leslie Jordan

The red carpet was laid out Tuesday night at the New World Stages in Manhattan for the world premiere of Sordid Lives: The Series, Logo's (AfterElton's parent company) latest offering. A prequel to the 2000 film and stage play of the same name, Sordid Lives premieres on Logo on July 23rd at 10pm EDT. The series takes a comedic look at the outrageous lives of a small town Texas family and, based on the two episodes shown, promises to be as outrageous as the film and play it’s based on.

Along with creator Del Shores (who wrote and directed the film and series), cast members Olivia Newton-John, Leslie Jordan, Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea, Bonnie Bedalia, Ann Walker, Jason Dottley and Beth Grant all took time before the event began to talk on the red carpet about being a part of Shore’s wacky Southern world. Newton-John, Jordan, Grant, Walker and Bedalia are among those who reprise their roles from the film. Rhea takes over for Delta Burke with the role of Noleta and David Steen takes over the role of GW Nethercott, which was played by Beau Bridges in the film.

Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea, Olivia Newton-John

Also on hand were actresses Bebe Neuwirth and Allison Janney, who both showed up to lend their support to the series as well as the event, which was benefiting The Trevor Project. Logo Executive Vice President Lisa Sherman and Vice President of Original Programming Dave Mace were also in attendance.

Rhea, who warmed up the audience with her comedy before introducing a showcase of talent that preceded the episode screenings, hosted the evening. Rhea first introduced Georgette Jones, the daughter of country music legends Tammy Wynette and George Jones, who sang two songs that are featured in the series. Miss Jones also makes a guest appearance in Sordid Lives: The Series as the ghost of her famous mother.

Newton-John

Wynette is an important part of the series, as she was the film, since Leslie Jordan’s character, Brother Boy, is obsessed with the singer and lives in a mental institution where he performs in drag as Wynette. Minus the Wynette makeup and wig, Jordan took to the stage and performed a rollicking skit from his one-man show, “My Trip Down the Pink Carpet.”

Rue McClanahan also dished about her sex scene in the series and a silent auction was held for items such as autographed Sordid Lives costumes, posters, script and signed DVD or the motion picture.

McClanahan

The series premieres next Wednesday on Logo.

Brad Altman and George Takei

Monday night at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in New York City, the Trevor Project held its 8th annual Summer Gala. Hosted by Alec Mapa, the entire evening was as entertaining as it was inspiring with a mix of individuals honored for their work with gay youth as well as musical and comedy performances.

The N, the network whose award-winning television shows Degrassi: The Next Generation and South of Nowhere have broken new ground in the positive representation of gay and questioning youth, received the Trevor Commitment Award. Receiving the award was Sarah Lindman, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of The N, who spoke emotionally about how including gay content in their teen-geared series has been a great place for gay and questioning teenagers to see that they are not alone as they come to terms with self-identity and sexuality.

The Colin Higgins Foundation honored three gay youths with their Youth Courage Awards. Kyle Rapinan, Perre Shelton, and Devon Bearden were each honored for fighting back and pulling themselves out of their respective abusive and discriminatory situations and are now thriving in their lives. In fact, Shelton received a standing ovation when he recited one of his powerful poetic works to the audience upon accepting his award.

Alan Cumming

The hilarious Alan Cumming was honored with the Trevor Hero Award for his endless work helping young people accept themselves for who they are and teaching them to be empowered, not hindered, by that self-awareness. Past recipients include Tony Award-winning actor Nathan Lane and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Cunningham.

“For a long time, I’ve admired the work of The Trevor Project and the support they give to America’s gay youth, so I’m really delighted and honored to be given this award by such a great organization,” said Mr. Cumming in a Trevor Project press release. “The Trevor Project really inspired me so this award truly is special, and I will continue to try and further their goals in my life and work.”

More pics and celebs after the break!