Darren Criss and Adam Shankman Talk “Glee” Christmas, Anti-Bullying at “Trevor Live” 2012

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  • On Sunday night’s star-studded “Trevor Live” 2012 red carpet, event director Adam Shankman (“Glee,” “Hairspray,” “Rock of Ages”) and “Glee” star Darren Criss talk with Shira Lazar and Tyler Oakley about The Trevor Project’s life-saving services, their own personal inspirations, and how “Glee” addresses issues of bullying and gay stereotypes.

    The Trevor Project serves LGBT youth by providing a free, confidential helpline aimed at bullying prevention and suicide intervention. Each year, the “Trevor Live” gala benefits the cause, featuring performances and speeches Hollywood’s biggest stars.

    The duo met years ago while Shankman was filming one of Criss’ first episodes of “Glee,” and now they’re taking part in their third “Trevor Live” together. In fact, Criss says Shankman was responsible for getting him involved in the major event. The two also reveal that at that time, Katy Perry – this year’s Trevor Hero Award honoree – asked to sing with Criss after she saw him perform her music on “Glee” and heard that he would be attending the benefit.

    “It’s sort of inherently an important issue,” Criss says. “I feel like a very small cog in a very big machine, but it’s really a privilege to be able to put whatever leverage I have, as far as visibility is concerned, to bring attention to The Trevor Project.”

    Shankman chimes in to tell Criss, “You’re in a unique position because your show has addressed this issue more than any other show on television.”

    While Darren Criss charmed “Trevor Live” red carpet viewers last year with his inspirational quote, “Baby, you’re not alone,” this year, he adds onto the positive message, ensuring troubled teens, “There is always going to be somebody there.”

    Shankman gives his own words of advice: “You are the architect of your own loneliness […] Being bullied is humiliating and embarrassing and it makes you shut down and close up but you have to share and you have to open up and use your resources.” That’s exactly what The Trevor Project aims to provide.

    Before the the stars head into the Hollywood Palladium, they’re sure to drop a few teasers for the upcoming “Glee” Christmas episode. Not too much can revealed, of course, but it definitely involves Darren Criss wearing ice skates.

    Be sure to check out our exclusive red carpet interview with Katy Perry, Trevor Hero Award honoree, as well as our in-studio interview with Adam Shankman.

    Contribute to The Trevor Project now! Thanks to Toyota Financial Services for their contributions to the Trevor Live LA event.

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