LOS ANGELES — Last night, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, hosted its annual Los Angeles Dinner—bringing together hundreds of LGBTQ+ advocates and members from across Southern California all in support of LGBTQ+ equality. This year’s event honored a talented slate of LGBTQ+ advocates and allies who have brought incredible visibility, representation and support for the LGBTQ+ equality movement in the entertainment space and beyond. 

During the program, 10-time Grammy-nominated musician, actor and producer Janelle Monáe received HRC’s Equality Award presented by Dreamer Isioma. Actress and comedian Hannah Einbinder was honored with HRC’s Visibility Award, presented by fellow Hacks star Johnny Sibilly. Lastly, actress and Broadway star Ashley Park was honored with HRC’s Impact Award, presented by fellow Joy Ride star and stand-up comedian Sherry Cola. The program also included singer-songwriter and chart topping artist David Archuleta, who performed “Crush,” “Hell Together,” and a rendition of “Freedom” alongside Tonality, a Grammy winning choir group working to uplift diversity, inclusion and social justice issues. The program’s other key speakers included HRC President Kelley Robinson, as well as pro-equality changemakers and committed LGBTQ+ allies, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker. 

Additional special guests included Alicia Coppola, Alimi & Dahn Ballard, Blair Imani, Bradley Bredeweg, Brian Michael Smith, Colton Underwood, Crystal Methyd, Dana Goldberg, Elliott Mathis-Cooper & Greg Mathis-Cooper Jr., Honey Mahogany, Jake Wesley Rogers, former U.S. Ambassador James Costos, Jett Garrison, Kevin McHale, Laith Ashley, Representative from California Laura Friedman, Maggie Grace, Mark Indelicato, Michelle & Rob Reiner, Mike Manning, Paul Forman, Shea Diamond, Vico Ortiz and more.

HRC President Kelley Robinson gave a heartfelt and inspiring speech about the fight forward for LGBTQ+ equality.

View video of Kelley Robinson’s speech here. 

“Our stories shape culture. They win Emmys and pull ratings. They turn movies into movements and albums into anthems. History has proven that in times of crisis our stories matter, our authentic stories,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson. “Because when we take up space—on screens, in writers' rooms, in boardrooms—we don’t just entertain, we shift culture. We challenge power, we reshape the future, and that terrifies them because they cannot erase us. Lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and queer people have always been here, and we’re not going anywhere. We’re fighting for the most American of ideals: the right to live safely. the right to love freely. the right to healthcare, family, and dignity. These aren’t special rights, these are human rights.”

Ten-time Grammy-nominated musician, actor and producer Janelle Monáe was awarded with HRC’s Equality Award, presented by singer-songwriter Dreamer Isioma, for unapologetically embracing authenticity and opening doors for other LGBTQ+ artists in the music industry.

“I am standing in a sea of gratitude and humility. It's a pleasure to be in a room full of people who have committed their lives to justice, equity, and fighting for those who need it,” said Monáe. “I want to dedicate this moment to every single person who has ever felt unseen, unheard or overlooked because of your identity - to those of you who are still fighting for your right to exist freely and without fear - I dedicate this to you.” 

Actress and comedian Hannah Einbinder was awarded with HRC’s Visibility Award, presented by fellow Hacks star Johnny Sibilly, for expanding LGBTQ+ representation on and off-screen.

“Thank you so much to the Human Rights Campaign for such a wonderful honor. You know, to me, queer visibility goes beyond an open button down shirt, baggy jeans showing my Calvins and a carabiner on my belt loop. It is much, much more than that. It is an inherited tradition of activism and solidarity,” said Einbinder. “I am so, so inspired by my community members, my queer elders, both with us and not, who have bled for my right to be here. I don’t take their sacrifice lightly.” 

Actress and Broadway star Ashley Park was awarded with HRC’s Impact Award, presented by fellow Joy Ride star and stand-up comedian Sherry Cola, for her work as a committed and fervent ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

“Allyship is about listening, learning, and amplifying voices that need to be heard…using our privilege and platforms to fight for justice and acceptance for everyone,” said Park. “Everyone deserves a place to belong, a loving community, and the chance to chase their dreams. Those aren’t special rights. They’re human rights. And right now, those rights are what the LGBTQ+ community is fighting for...Let us continue to uplift one another. Let’s be allies who stand firm in the face of injustice, who challenge the status quo, and who cherish every identity and every love story.” 

Pro-equality changemakers and trailblazers Congresswoman of Texas’ 30th district Jasmine Crockett and Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker gave speeches on the importance of purpose and activism.  

“I am here to tell you that we are engulfed in darkness, but I’m here to also tell you that each and every single person sitting in this room is a bright star. It is time for us to rise up. It is time for us to inspire others…I’m here to tell you, better days are coming” said Crockett. “We’re going to meet this moment with what it deserves. We are going to stand in their way at every step and every time. We are going to be that constant presence hovering over their shoulder. We’re that thorn in their sides. We’re the fence, the wall, the gates that they have to overcome. We will be persistent, we will be consistent and we will be insistent.” 

“My mother was an activist for reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights… I am living proof that introducing your kids to the gay agenda might result in them growing up to be Governor,” said Governor Pritzker. “Hope is a delicate and wonderful thing, a seed that we should never stop planting. But I won’t let hope be a blindfold. And I won’t continue to advocate that we wage a conventional political fight when what we really need is to become street fighters.” 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.