REACH LA’s 3rd Annual Gala red carpet celebration brought together some of the queer community’s biggest stars. Held on Feb. 15 at Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, the event raised awareness for the organization’s free mental health and creative arts programming for the LGBTQ+ community, with all proceeds supporting L.A. wildfire relief efforts.
Bob the Drag Queen and Monet X Change, co-hosts of podcast Sibling Rivalry, led the evening’s festivities, celebrating the achievements of trailblazers across various fields. Michelle Buteau received the Creative Arts Allyship Award for her contributions to inclusive storytelling, while Dr. Ayana Elliott was honored with the Public Health Champion Award for her dedication to health equity.
Guillermo Diaz was recognized with REACH LA’s Pillar of Excellence Award for his outstanding contributions, and Onyx Southwest received the Community Partnership Award in appreciation of their sustained and reciprocal partnership with REACH LA.
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Stephen Morales, president of the REACH LA Board, highlighted the importance of consistency in advocacy and celebration.
“Being able to celebrate our community, being able to uplift them, is really important for me,” he stated.
Marco Valadez, a longtime board member, emphasized the event’s political and cultural significance.
“With the turmoil happening within politics, this event is very important to be seen, to be noticed, and to be able to express ourselves—not only to ask for what we need but for what we deserve,” he said. Valadez, looking ahead to 2025, reinforced his commitment to ensuring that REACH LA continues to listen and deliver for the community.
The evening celebrated the long-standing fight for LGBTQ+ rights, as figures like drag queen America Prays reminded attendees of the movement’s roots.
“Remember that organizations like REACH LA, ACLU, and AIDS Project Los Angeles were formed as a boycott. They were created out of oppression. Just remember, there is power in coming together, and we have to do that right now.”
Filmmaker and writer Ashley Gianni echoed the sentiment, reinforcing the necessity of visibility: “Right now, more than ever, we need to come together in community. We need to celebrate ourselves, celebrate each other, and be loud and proud.”
Bob the Drag Queen spoke candidly when asked for encouraging words. He referenced a Beatles song: “I don’t know that I have the words to lift people up from the mire. So many great things have been said—like ‘it gets better.’ But all I know is for me, I rely on my community, I rely on my friends. I get by with a little help from my friends.”
Standing alongside Bob, Trans Vanguard Award honoree Peppermint addressed the challenges facing the trans community today. “I feel angry that our community is being attacked and treated like we are. But I’m also equally as grateful for the opportunity to respond. And this is probably the best kind of response that I could be afforded.”
With her signature charm, Niecy Nash-Betts delivered a heartfelt message alongside her wife, Jessica Betts: “One thing about love is that it will always win. Love hard and out loud, ‘cause ain’t nobody going nowhere.”
Moments later, Nash-Betts took the stage to present Betts with the Artistic Impact Award, celebrating her contributions to music and storytelling.
Additional honorees include social justice influencer Amber Whittington, who received the Social Justice Award, and historian and activist Blair Imani, recognized with the Activist with Impact Award. King Jamari Amour earned the Dr. Stephaun E. Wallace Legacy of Hope Award honoring his commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
For over 30 years, REACH LA has stood at the forefront of advocacy, providing free HIV prevention education, mental health resources, and creative arts programs. This year’s gala reinforced the urgent need for continued activism and support.
