LA LGBT Center Gala Honors LGBTQ Advocates, Raises $1M+ for Lifeline Services

The Los Angeles LGBT Center recently held its annual gala, where over 800 supporters came together to honor several individuals for their contributions to the LGBTQ community. The event, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza, was hosted by social media and television sensation TS Madison and featured a special performance by R&B-soul artist Durand Bernarr.

The Center honored three individuals at the gala: author and activist Pamela Anderson, Emmy-winning actress Keke Palmer, and the beloved entertainer Leslie Jordan (posthumously). Anderson received the Vanguard Award for her long history of activism and allyship, while Palmer received the Vanguard Award for her achievements in the entertainment industry and her commitment to creating new opportunities for young people from marginalized communities. Jordan, an American actor and comedian, as well as a longtime supporter of the Center, was posthumously given the inaugural Leslie

Jordan Award for Excellence in the Arts.

The gala also included speeches from prominent members of the LGBTQ community. Joe Hollendoner, the CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, spoke about the organization’s commitment to fighting for LGBTQ rights through advocacy work, public education, and policy initiatives. He also emphasized the Center’s dedication to providing direct services and a safety net to vulnerable members of the LGBTQ community.

In her acceptance speech, Anderson highlighted the importance of activism and allyship, saying, “We are painting the picture of our lives every day. And every time we walk out the door, it’s performance art. Might as well have a blast. Thank you [Los Angeles LGBT Center] for giving me the chance to share that with you.”

Palmer spoke about the power of sharing unique experiences and using one’s voice to live in their truth, saying, “Living in this world, defying all definitions just to be an original. There is no greater masterpiece than a person living in their truth.”

Hollywood vets Mayim Bialik and Del Shores gave a touching tribute to Leslie Jordan, who passed away last year. Bialik praised Jordan for his authenticity and connection with fans on social media, saying, “The world formed a love and connection with Leslie during the pandemic—he was who you saw on Instagram…and that’s why he is remembered and mourned so deeply.”

The evening also featured a guest video appearance by Mariah Carey, who decried the 400+ pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation currently on the books in the United States, and a video of Nicole Richie “volunteering” at the Center, directed by 73 Questions creator Joe Sabia of Studio Sabia.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala was supported by Presenting Sponsor: Gilead Sciences, Inc., as well as several other sponsors, including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Contractors State License Schools and

Insurance Agency, Glamazon L.A.-Amazon’s LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group, Pauley Perrette, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, and American Airlines. The event raised over $1M to support the Center’s lifeline services and advocacy benefiting the LGBTQ community.