[teapot]

Today, Anthony Rapp came to the Hillcrest Youth Center in San Diego to sit down and talk with a group of the GLBT (and Allies) kids. He is in town with the RENT tour. He wasn't paid for the visit; he received no publicity; he wasn't getting an award or an honorarium or any sort of kudos. He came because he cares about these kids. He cares about their struggles, their dreams, and their lives. He sat with them for an hour and a half. He answered their questions (about EVERYTHING). He posed for a group picture. He signed whatever they wanted signed. And he made eye contact with each kid he talked with, really SEEING them, and letting them know it. He gave them the thrill of their lives, made them feel incredibly lucky and special, and did it expecting nothing in return.

We hear so much about actors and idols who isolate themselves because of the pressures of fame, that it is important to recognize those who make an effort to reach out. What Anthony Rapp did today wasn't a photo op or a press junket. What he did was touch the lives of a bunch of kids, many of whom have had a lousy experience with the world so far. He did it because he knows and remembers how important it is for young people to know that they are valued and special.

Thank you Anthony Rapp. You are a very amazing young man.

[emilyp]

I agree that Anthony is a pretty amazing man, but "young"? Well, I guess that depends on your perspective.

[teapot]

Ah, emilyp, you must make allowances for my perspective. I am older than dirt, so to me he is definitely a "young" man. Although during the question and answer period at the Center, there were some questions put to him by the teens that definitely made Rapp feel OLD! Everything is relative.