Received by Newsfinder from APJun 19, 2005 11:25 Eastern Time * Editors Note SUBS 2nd graf to CORRECT spelling of actor’s last name. Pickup3rd graf “’My family …”’ * Photo Advisory Y By MIKE CIDONIAssociated Press WriterBEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) _ It was no laughing matter for Janet Jackson as she received a humanitarian award from a gay rights group in her first public appearance since brother Michael Jackson’s acquittal on child molestation charges. Following an occasionally cheeky introduction from openly-gay actor Alan Cumming, Jackson apologized for her own lack of humor. “My family and I have just gone through the least humorous chapter of our lives,” she explained in accepting the award Saturday night from the Human Rights Campaign. “I’m going to leave the jokes to the late-night (comics), if that’s OK.” Michael Jackson was acquitted June 13 following a four-month trial on charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at his Neverland ranch in 2003. “What I’ve learned in these recent months is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Janet Jackson observed. “And it’s real, it’s a beautiful light that both comforts our minds and strengthens our souls. Tonight my heart is filled with gratitude for that light. I’m so grateful that prayers are answered, that faith is rewarded and tolerance is celebrated as a virtue. I’m grateful that God is of unconditional love.” Jackson was honored for the millions of dollars she has both raised and donated for humanitarian causes, notably the American Foundation for AIDS Research, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation. A presentation preceding Jackson’s appearance noted that her song “Free Xone” is a condemnation of homophobia, and a portion of proceeds from her million-selling single “Together Again” were donated to AIDS research and treatment. Wearing a two-piece formal ensemble, with a simple but elegant black blouse and a gathered white silk skirt, Jackson received a standing ovation from the hundreds of $250-$375-a-plate contributors who crammed the Beverly Hilton Hotel ballroom. No other Jackson family members were observed at the event and it was not known whether any were present. “Thank you so much,” she said, with a broad smile. “I’m so grateful for this honor. I couldn’t be happier standing before each and every one of you. I feel a deep and abiding kinship with your cause. It feels absolutely wonderful to be recognized by people who aim to spread love.” Later in her speech, she added, “Acceptance is right. Kindness is right. Love is right. I pray, right now, that we’re moving into a kinder time when prejudice is overcome by understanding; when narrow-mindedness, and narrow-minded bigotry is overwhelmed by open-hearted empathy; when the pain of judgmentalism is replaced by the purity of love.”
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