CNN to Open Dialogue on LGBT Issues

Has increased openness led to more acceptance?

That's the question CNN Dialogues Presents: LGBT will discuss Wednesday at the Theater.

The forum (that will be aired on CNN) was originally going to be moderated by CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien, but she was replaced this week with HLN host Jane Velez-Mitchell.

Olympic figureskater Johnny Weir is on the panel; along with ESPN writer and CNN contributor LZ Granderson; transgender speaker, author and activist Donna Rose; and Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund executive director Robin Brand.

I spoke with Soledad O'Brien and Jane Velez-Mitchell this week (Soledad before she was replaced, and Jane on Monday).

Check out my full interviews:

• Jane Velez-Mitchell

•  Soledad O'Brien

I had planned to ask Soledad about her CNN special on the Atlanta Child Murders, but she was at the airport and didn't have much time, so I had to stick to questions about CNN Dialogues.

Jane was on vacation however, so she had plenty of time to talk -- and talk she did!

We spoke about everything from Atlanta's own Nancy Grace and Chaz Bono to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Jane is one of the few openly-gay journalists on television, and is also a recovering addict. In fact, she's written two books on the subject of addiction, iWant and Addict Nation that came out in February.

Along with addiction, we also talked about coming out and teen bullying. Did you know that 40% of LGBT employees are in the closet at work? Jane told me she'll be covering this topic soon on her HLN show, ISSUES with Jane Velez-Mitchell, and that she looks forward to discussing this at CNN Dialogues.

Tickets for the forum are $25 for the public and $15 for students with valid ID.

An All-Star After Party will be held at 5 Napkin Burger after the event to benefit Outwrite Bookstore with sales of a signature cocktail, The Bookworm.

What issues would you like discussed at the forum on Wednesday?