On April 26th, the Los Angeles LGBT Center and supporters gathered at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood gathered to honor two extraordinary champions: Sheryl Lee Ralph, who has stood with us since the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, and Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, a trailblazer in transgender youth healthcare. Their courage reminds us of what is possible when we choose to show up for one another—again and again, no matter the risk.
The LA-centered event, hosted by award-winning comedian and drag performer Bob the Drag Queen, raised nearly $800,000 in support of the Center’s lifeline services and advocacy benefiting the LGBTQ+ community.
“Tonight, we come together to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the life-saving services that our community depends upon, even in the face of devastating funding cuts,” said Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, highlighting the critical need for support amid attacks on LGBTQ+ organizations by the federal government.
The Center has been that light for so many. Healthcare, shelter, dignity—home when it seemed that home was lost or when others turned away
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Vanguard Award recipient
“Our Vanguard Award honoree, Sheryl Lee Ralph, has long been a champion for our community, having stood on the front lines during the HIV/AIDS crisis when government indifference cost countless lives,” Hollendoner continued. “In honoring her legacy, we send a clear message: we will not be deterred, we will not be silenced, and we will not allow any president or administration to undermine the dignity and rights of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Ralph was honored with the Center’s Vanguard Award, joining past recipients including artist Mickalene Thomas and author Pamela Anderson. She was presented the award by Iziaih Choquette, a former client of the Center’s Youth Services program.
“The Center has been that light for so many. Healthcare, shelter, dignity—home when it seemed that home was lost or when others turned away,” said Ralph. “And now, with over 10 million dollars in federal funding cuts, the Center is going to need us even more—need us to stand taller than ever. … Because when we fight for each other’s dreams, we all rise.”
The evening also honored Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy with the Rand Schrader Award for her transformative work as a physician at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. As medical director of CHLA’s Center for Transyouth Health and Development, Dr. Olson-Kennedy has transformed transgender youth healthcare through her pioneering leadership and compassionate care.
In addition to the evening’s award presentations, LA Forever also included an auction and raffle with items ranging from a private luxury airport experience, donated by from Private Suite and an exclusive three-item collection of ’95 Versace accessories, to and a chance to win one million American AAdvantage Miles. All dollars raised at LA Forever go toward ensuring that no LGBTQ+ person is denied care.
We’ve gained so much. Which means we have never had more to lose.
Joe Hollendoner, CEO
“We are at an inflection point in our movement,” warned Hollendoner. “But it’s not the first. As a community, we’ve overcome criminalization, fought for our lives during the AIDS crisis, and demanded our marriages be recognized. We’ve gained so much. Which means we have never had more to lose. So, I ask you, from the heart, please help us sustain our hard-won progress.”
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