Alan Cumming, Hal Sparks and Chely
Wright are among the celebrities expected to attend the March 9
opening of an LGBT center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Wright's LIKEME non-profit announced
plans for its first LIKEME Lighthouse last year.
The center includes an LGBT library, a
meeting space and conference rooms. Services such as suicide
prevention and STD testing will be offered.
The 41-year-old Wright came out gay in
her 2010 memoir Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country
Singer, becoming the first country music star to come out.
“I've learned since coming out that
community is everything,” said Wright in a statement. “The
LIKEME Lighthouse's purpose is to further education, safety, comfort
and progress for LGBT folks, for their families and for their
friends. When the community is truly served and connected, we will
know that the Lighthouse is providing the people in my hometown what
they deserve. It is my heartfelt belief that this LGBT center will
change and save lives in Kansas City and the surrounding areas.”
Also expected at the opening are The
Real L Word's Stamie Karakasidis and Tracy Ryerson, and MSNBC
anchor Thomas Roberts.