Sheryl Lee Ralph Honored, Bob the Drag Queen Hosts in Star-Studded Night of Purpose and Pride
By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/28/25 – Under the vibrant lights of Hollywood, the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Ed Gould Plaza transformed into a beacon of hope and celebration this past Saturday, as nearly 300 supporters gathered for the “LA FOREVER” benefit gala — a dazzling evening that raised close to $1 million in support of the Center’s critical community programs.
Taking center stage was Emmy, Critics’ Choice, and Independent Spirit Award-winning actress and tireless advocate Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was honored with the prestigious Vanguard Award. Known for her powerhouse roles in Abbott Elementary and Dreamgirls, Ralph was recognized for her decades-long commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
The evening was steered with flair and fire by the ever-iconic Bob the Drag Queen — winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 — who brought laughter, sharp social commentary, and unapologetic authenticity to the role of host.
“Tonight, is more than a gala,” declared Joe Hollendoner, CEO of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. “It’s a rallying cry. A reminder that even in the face of harsh funding cuts, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve, protect, and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.”
Ralph received her award from former youth services client Iziaih Choquette, a moment that underscored the intergenerational impact of the Center’s work. In her powerful acceptance speech, Ralph reflected on the community’s journey and the fight ahead. “I’ve always wanted to be a superhero,” she said. “So tonight, I’m going to be a diva dream defender. Because dreams — and lives — are under attack.”
She continued, “The Center is home when home has been lost. And now, with over $10 million in federal funding gone, they need us more than ever.”
The event also paid tribute to Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, who received the Rand Schrader Award for her groundbreaking work with transgender youth at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In her remarks, Dr. Olson-Kennedy spoke directly to the growing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community: “Today, science is under siege. But our community has always responded to oppression with resistance, resilience, and revolution.”
From luxury travel experiences to vintage Versace, the gala’s live auction and raffle added an extra touch of Hollywood glam — all in service of a vital cause.
As Hollendonner closed the night, he reminded guests that while progress has been made, the fight is far from over. “We’ve endured criminalization, survived the AIDS epidemic, and fought for our right to marry. We’ve gained so much — and that means we have more than ever to protect.”
