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By Tommy Garrett 9/16/09

MINNEAPOLIS- Over the weekend Thom Bierdz (Phillip Chancellor, Y&R) attended the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and received an award for his human rights work on behalf of the mentally ill.

On September 12th at a black tie gala of over 850 people, “The Young and the Restless” star Thom Bierdz received the 2009 Visibility Award from The Human Rights Campaign. The HRC is in part responsible for helping elect 13 women to both the Senate and House of Reps, to realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Scott Dibble were also recognized that evening and gave moving talks. During his acceptance speech Thom said he shares this honor with head writer Maria Arena Bell and producer Josh O'Connell for their courage to write Phillip Chancellor III as a multi dimensional gay man cultivating important relationships within his family, telling important new storylines that have not been seen before.

Thom said, “I am so excited to be so respected by a group that cares so much for equality.”   He added, “This means more to me than any award I have gotten.”  As most fans know by now, Philip's story on the show hits close to home for Thom, as does  the cause of mental illness, which runs in his family and has caused him much tragedy.

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