WASHINGTON—The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation – the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization – and prominent food writer, chef and restaurateur David Hagedorn announce the return of Chefs for Equality on Monday, October 21, 2024, at the National Building Museum. The evening of extraordinary food, drink, and entertainment, in addition to live and silent auctions, supports the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide educational work and its fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.

“At Chefs for Equality, over 150 of Washington’s greatest chefs, bakers and mixologists create spectacular food and drinks in the name of full LGBTQ+ equality. This year’s theme, “Fully Committed!” pays homage to the DMV's generous chef community, which remains fully committed to redoubling efforts to protect our most marginalized communities, including the transgender and non-binary communities, people of color and women in the face of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and efforts such as Project 2025 that seek to harm us and strip away hard-won rights." said David Hagedorn.

“I am so excited to see DC’s best and brightest chefs and mixologists showing up once again in support of the HRC Foundation. The Foundation’s programs do powerful work uplifting the community and providing much needed education and resources with the shared goal of making LGBTQ+ people feel safe, happy and healthy in every stage of life. However, even with the profound impact these programs have had across the country, the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is far from over,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson. “By supporting HRC’s Foundation work, we can continue our efforts to combat anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, creating better opportunities and brighter tomorrows for the LGBTQ+ community.”

As they have since the event’s inception in 2012, Christopher Vazquez and Rick Davis of Amaryllis Floral + Event Design will transform the Chefs for Equality venue into a wonderland that will feature 40 savory tasting stations and 20 crafted cocktail bars headed by renowned chefs and mixologists from the Greater D.C. area. The jewels of the Chefs for Equality crown are the 13 personal chef tables — each decorated to the hilt with a unique theme and providing an opportunity to dine with celebrity chefs for a lavish five-course meal in the middle of the action. In addition to impressive fare, live and silent auctions are also held.

Exclusive activations include:

• Drag Brunch Speed Diner– An interactive entertainment experience where guests can purchase a time slot for a seat at the diner where they'll enjoy brunch-inspired bites, a specialty cocktail, and an exclusive drag performance curated by Shane Mayson.

• Private Upper Tier Champagne & Caviar Lounge – Guests who purchase VIP tickets can enjoy access to an exclusive space throughout the event with lounge seating, Champagne, caviar, and additional restaurant partner stations.

All proceeds will benefit the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s nationwide educational work for LGBTQ+ equality. The HRC Foundation works to educate the public and provides training and model policies that alter the fundamental nature of the institutions governing the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people everywhere.

Tickets for Chefs for Equality can be purchased here. The full list of participating chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, and mixologists can be found at ChefsForEquality.org.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people. Through its programs, the HRC Foundation seeks to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people, shedding light on inequity and deepening the public’s understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, with a clear focus on advancing transgender and racial justice. Its work has transformed the landscape for more than 15 million workers, 11 million students, 1 million clients in the adoption and foster care system and so much more. The HRC Foundation provides direct consultation and technical assistance to institutions and communities, driving the advancement of inclusive policies and practices; it builds the capacity of future leaders and allies through fellowship and training programs; and, with the firm belief that we are stronger working together, it forges partnerships with advocates in the U.S. and around the globe to increase our impact and shape the future of our work.