.253 David Hornik

I first met David at a fabulously queer event: the GLAAD Media Awards. He was there with his son and now dear friend of mine, Julian, who I also officially met that night. I remember being immediately struck by David’s warm, welcoming, and starkly refreshing presence and personality. Even in a room filled with hundreds of people (many of them stars), David looked me in the eye, listened, made me laugh, and was genuinely kind.

Over the last few years, my appreciation for David has only grown. He’s a fierce supporter of the LGBTQ community and the fight for equality. He sees each person for who they are and treats people with the dignity and respect they deserve. Throughout my journey since we’ve met, David has provided incredibly helpful encouragement, honesty, and perspective. I’ve been fortunate enough to see him at numerous shows in New York City where he is always cheering Julian on, commonly with the entire compassionate Hornik family in tow. Put simply, David is the mentor, friend, and advocate that I wish everyone could experience and have in life.

David, thank you for supporting my projects and my ambition. Thank you for your clear guidance and straightforward advice. Thank you for our lovely TED conference conversations that left me feeling inspired and hopeful. Thank you for finding the good ideas in this world and helping them change the world. Thank you for being such a role model for how to love your kids and family unconditionally. Thank you for the incredibly important work that you do and for always being so empathetic and kind. Thank you for standing up for what’s right. I’m truly grateful to know you and the world is a better place because of your mind and heart. Thank you, David, for being you.

-BD