Director Adam Shankman Talks Trevor Live 2012, Making “Glee” and Bullying Prevention

In between star-studded rehearsals for Sunday’s Trevor Live event at the Hollywood Palladium, acclaimed director Adam Shankman stops by What’s Trending to chat with Shira Lazar and Tyler Oakley about which celebrities will perform at the annual benefit, creating many favorite episodes of “Glee,” and the importance of The Trevor Project‘s cause.

In an effort to raise awareness and funds for programs that help LGBTQ youth in crisis, Trevor Live 2012 benefit on December 2 gathers Hollywood’s major stars and performers, including honoree Katy Perry, Amy Poehler, Darren Criss, Kristin Chenowith, Zachary Quinto, Sara Bareilles, and our own Shira and Tyler, who will be hosting the red carpet live stream!

As the creative mind behind “Hairspray,” “Rock of Ages,” and many Hollywood productions, Shankman is no stranger to the pressure of a big production. “I produced The Oscars three years ago and this is as hard!” he says about lining up major talent for a thrilling Trevor Live show. But, of course, it will all pay off on Sunday. “This year, other than two performances, everything was either composed or the lyrics were written by somebody in the LGBTQ community.”

After teasing performances from Sara Bareilles and OneRepublic, Shankman says that most of the Glee cast will be in attendance, and with good reason. “I can say safely that no television show has done more for the cause than ‘Glee,’ in terms of anti-bullying.”

Delving into his own past, Shankman reveals that while he was never bullied as a teen, he had a very hard time coming out. “I think what people don’t realize about coming out is that I think it’s harder on the person who has to come out than it is on anybody else,” he says.

In terms of creating change, Shankman would like to see policy being legislated in public schools. “Trevor actually has a seat in Washington now and is the biggest and most vocal advocate for teen suicide prevention and anti-bullying.”

Watch the Trevor Live red carpet livestream, sponsored by Toyota Financial Services, at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET on December 2 at TheTrevorProject.org! Don’t forget to tweet your questions for Shira and Tyler to read on the red carpet: @TrevorProject #trevorlive

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