This year’s Out & Equal Workplace Summit boasts a healthy amount of celebrities coming to town. From actors to comedians and more, Dallas prepares not only to host a slew of workshops on equality, but also rolls out the red carpet for these guests.
Meredith Baxter: You’ll likely remember the actress as supermom Elyse Keaton on Family Ties. But she made a new impression by coming out last year. She speaks at Wednesday’s breakfast plenary session and follows up with a book signing at Nuvo, 3900 Cedar Springs Road, on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m.
Andy Cohen: The senior vice president at Bravo has almost singlehandedly changed the face of gays on television. That extends to these parts with the new show Most Eligible Dallas.
The Watch What Happens Live host will appear at Tuesday’s brunch plenary session.
Rick Welts: The name may not be as familiar but Welts made front page news this year in the New York Times. The former Phoenix Suns president is the first 
higher-up of a men’s professional sports organization to come out.
He appears with Baxter at the Wednesday plenary.
Margaret Cho: The comedian has long been an ally to the LGBT community and continues in appearances at such events as this. She is part of the lineup for Thursday’s gala dinner hosted by fellow comedian Kate Clinton.
Wilson Cruz: The actor redefined the queer image on television with his work on My So Called Life. Through his acting on stage and screen, Cruz has also become an advocate for LGBT youth. He appears with Cho and Clinton at the gala dinner.
For more information on these and other guests appearing at the summit, visit OutAndEqual.org/2011-Speakers.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition October 21, 2011.
