The Los Angeles LGBT Center celebrated its annual Center Gala on Saturday, a star-studded affair honoring the LGBTQ+ community and raising funds for the life-saving work of the Center’s programs and services.
Comedian and Fire Island writer-actor Joel Kim Booster served as the night’s emcee. Grammy-, Tony-, and Emmy-winning actress Cynthia Erivo was honored with the Schrader Award for her stellar achievements in activism, championing the LGBTQ+ community. Pioneering visual artist Mickalene Thomas was presented the Vanguard Award, while the pop trio MUNA received the Leslie Jordan Award for Excellence in the Arts and gave a performance of their song “Silk Chiffon” with a guest appearance by Jewel.
More than 800 guests attended the event, including Zaya Wade, Lisa Rinna, Jewel, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tasha Smith, Laith Ashley, Valentina, Symone, and more. Photographer Hunter Abrams was on site capturing the magic at the historic Shrine Expo Hall in South LA:
In total, the evening raised more than $1.6 million in support of the Center’s life-saving services. Click here for more photos from the event and quotes from the night’s honorees.
Read More
CEO Joe Hollendoner Shares LGBTQ+ Family Values at Center Gala
Queer Joy Radiates at the Center Gala 2024: ‘Why Fall for Hate When You Could Fall in Love?’
Cynthia Erivo Embraces Her Queerness at Center Gala: LGBTQ+ Youth ‘Need to See Me Speak Out’
