By Valerie Milano
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/29/24 – Family Equality lit up the night at its annual LA Impact gala on September 28, raising over $400,000 to support legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families. The event was a vibrant celebration of love, advocacy, and community, held at the historic Citizen News venue in the heart of Hollywood.
The evening kicked off with a heartfelt toast from long-time supporter and Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow. She announced that she and her husband, Dr. Terry Dubrow, would match the first $50,000 raised, amplifying the impact of donations right from the start. Their support was bolstered by GEMS and Equality Vines, whose proceeds from Dubrow’s sparkling wine collection also benefitted Family Equality.
“I have a vision of the future where every child, every family, can shine as brightly as they deserve,” Dubrow shared with emotion. “No child should be left out because of who their parents are, how they identify themselves, or who they choose to love.”
Nearly 300 attendees gathered to honor notable LGBTQ+ advocates, including Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his husband, producer Justin Mikita, who received the prestigious 2024 LA Impact Visibility Award. The award was presented by none other than drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon, who celebrated the couple’s commitment to activism and community support.
“Visibility is the most important thing when we talk about the LGBTQIA+ community,” Ferguson said while accepting the award. “We are proud to be a visible couple and role models for the younger generation.”
The Murray/Reese Family Award was presented to Adam Powell and Eric Cervini, founders of The Rainbow Book Bus, recognized for their vital work in promoting access to inclusive literature. Their initiative has provided over 8,000 banned books to children and educators in states affected by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
“Eric Cervini and Adam Powell didn’t just talk about the issues—they did something,” said presenter Richie Jackson, author and LGBTQ+ advocate. “What they did was magical.”
The evening featured spectacular performances from live-singing drag queen Lyle, Angel Bonilla—who made history as the first transgender woman on The Voice—and American Idol alum David Hernandez. DJ Asha kept the energy high throughout the night, culminating in a lively dance party.
Among the many celebrities in attendance were Emmy Award-winning actor and honorary co-chair Dan Bucatinsky, along with cast members from The Real Housewives, comedy legend Bruce Vilanch, and various prominent figures from the entertainment industry.
Jai Rodriguez, Emmy Award-winning actor and original cast member of Queer Eye, also took to the stage to encourage attendees to support Family Equality’s mission, further igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Family Equality’s Interim CEO Alexis Kantor closed the evening by emphasizing the organization’s commitment to fostering a supportive community. “Together, we can create a future where every LGBTQ+ family experiences freedom, safety, and equality,” she stated.
The funds raised at the gala will directly support Family Equality’s policy and advocacy efforts, educational initiatives, and programs that affirm LGBTQ+ families across the country.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is dedicated to creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for LGBTQ+ families, they advocate for the rights of all families through support, education, and storytelling.
