The Foundation for AIDS Research
(amfAR) will honor singer Ricky Martin Thursday in New York City for
his philanthropic giving.
The $500-minimum “Black Tie/Black
Leather” event will be hosted by gay diva Kylie Minogue and take
place at the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue. Also
being honored is French fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier.
The appearance will be the first public
outing for the 38-year-old Martin
since announcing he is gay on his website in March.
“I am proud to say that I am a
fortunate homosexual man,” Martin wrote. “I am blessed to be who
I am.”
Martin said writing his memoir had
prompted him to come out of the closet: “Writing this account of my
life, I got very close to my truth. And this is something worth
celebrating.”
The Puerto Rican star, who became a
father of twin boys born via a surrogate in 2008, had previously
denied rumors about his sexual orientation.
Cyndi Lauper and Estelle are scheduled
to perform at the event which is described as “a celebration of
men's style.”