HOLLYWOOD —Our beautiful friend Kate Linder who stars on “The Young and the Restless” can always be seen in Hollywood offering a helping hand to others when she's not flying the friendly skies as a part-time flight attendant for a major airline. Linder tells Canyon News, “The gay community has always been so loving to me over the years, both on the show [Y&R] and to me personally. I was honored to be a presenter at the 2009 L.A. Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Gala.”  Comedia Hal Sparks, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Michael Novotny in “Queer as Folk,” hosted a star studded event, in which numerous gay, straight, bisexual and transgender celebrities presented the LAGLCC’s annual awards to business and not-for-profits in the Los Angeles area.

Kate Flannery, Chris Haston and Kate Linder

The organization’s official Web site says of itself, “The LAGLCC promotes business networking among our members and within our community at large. This network fosters a sharing of information, ideas, contacts and product and services, and so strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and our community.” This year’s 2009 Gala was hosted by the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Blvd.

Linder was on hand alongside former “American Idol” star/contestant Frenchie Davis, and other stars and Hollywood luminaries to honor those within the gay community and its leaders, and to promote their cause. What started as a red carpet joke  is now being called, “The Tale of Two Kates,” referencing Kate Linder and Kate Flannery, the primetime star of NBC’s “The Office” both looking beautiful and smashing at this year's event, while onlookers said the two enjoyed chatting during the evening after Linder presented an award. Flannery’s boyfriend, Chris Haston was also in attendance and enjoyed drinks and dinner with his girlfriend and Ms. Linder.

Frenchie Davis and Actress Kate Linder

Linder’s “Y&R” costar Thom Bierdz tells Canyon News, “Kate is an inspiring person. She is one of the warmest people on the ‘Y&R’ set and I hope that we get to work together more. I was not at the event, but am glad Kate attended. She’s very loving and open to everyone.”

The LAGLCC’s mission statement states in part, “…an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and gay-allied businesses, professionals, and individuals, who have joined together to effect positive growth in ourselves, our work, our community and our future.”

Kate Linder and Kate Flannery are both respected actors in the industry who are known for much more than just their work. Both are extremely active in charities in the city and were belles of the gala. 

The Chamber reports that this was its most exciting and successful Gala in its history and that this night launched them into newer and bigger projects through which they can serve the LGBT and allied business communities even more fully. Surely the two Kates had something to do with this evening being so successful.

All Photos Courtesy: Brian Putnam