Last Monday, April 8, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the world's largest queer-serving nonprofit organization, announced the honorees of its Center Gala taking place later this year in May 18 at the Shrine Auditorium from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM local time.
In the previous iteration of the annual benefit event, the organization raised more than $1.2 million across 800 supporters who witnessed the honoring of author-activist Pamela Anderson, alongside Emmy-winning actress Keke Palmer and the late American actor Leslie Jordan.
"We are facing unprecedented attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, which means the Center's work is more urgent than ever," said the organization's CEO, Joe Hollendoner. "Now is the time to strengthen our support for the movement and celebrate with fierce, radical joy."
Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala 2024 Honorees
Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning and Oscar-nominated actress, singer, songwriter, and producer Cynthia Erivo will receive the Schrader Award at the event, recognizing her stellar achievements in entertainment and as a champion for the LGBTQ+ community.
"I'm thrilled to continue my support for the Los Angeles LGBT Center-an organization that does so much for our community," Erivo said in a statement. "I can't wait to celebrate with my fellow presenters and honorees, and of course, our queer family in LA."
Joining Erivo is Tony Award-nominated producer, curator, and educator Mickalene Thomas, a visionary whose work revolutionized the landscape of contemporary visual culture with her trailblazing and unapologetic utilization of the Black femininity aesthetic.
Thomas will be honored with this year's Vanguard Award. She is recognized for her unwavering advocacy and passion for connecting the complexities of Black and female identity across the Western canon.
"It's an honor to be recognized alongside Cynthia and so many other talented members of our community," said Thomas. "I'm excited to kick off an incredible Pride season in LA with the Los Angeles LGBT Center."
The upcoming gala will also feature a scintillating performance from the synth-pop trio MUNA, who is set to receive the Leslie Jordan Award for Excellence in the Arts. This "excellence" is exemplified by their hit track "Silk Chiffon" featuring Phoebe Bridgers.
Ticketing and venue-related information on the event can be found at: gala.lalgbtcenter.org.
The tickets include parking, a top-shelf cocktail reception, a three-course meal courtesy of Wolfgang Puck, and access to the hallmark program and after-party. The dress code is "Cocktail Fabulous."
