LOS ANGELES — On Saturday, Oct. 14, more than 300 guests gathered to celebrate Family Equality’s LA Impact: No Place Like Home and raised more than $350,000 for Family Equality’s critical work on behalf of LGBTQ+ families. Entertainment industry icons Niecy Nash-Betts and Bruce Cohen were honored at the star-studded event held at the historic venue, Citizen News, in the heart of Hollywood.
“As a community, as a family, when one of us suffers we all share in the burden,” said Stacey Stevenson, President & CEO of Family Equality. “We all bear the auspicious responsibility to demand justice. And to safeguard our physical homes as well as our spiritual homes. As we fight the battles that we must – in the courts, in the government halls, on the school boards, and in public opinion – we must also take care of those among us who are most in need.”
As part of the event, Family Equality honored Bruce Cohen — Oscar and Tony-winning, Emmy-nominated producer of film, television, theater, and live events — and Niecy Nash-Betts — Emmy®, Critics Choice and NAACP Award-winning and Golden Globe®-nominated actress and producer. A VIP reception was hosted by honorary co-chairs Heather Dubrow, Dan Bucatinsky, and friends, and sponsored by Equality Vines.
Bruce Cohen was presented the Murray/Reese Family Award by good friend and Oscar-winner, Marisa Tomei. Joining in the accolades for Cohen, Barack and Michelle Obama sent a letter of congratulations and Oprah Winfrey shared her best wishes via a pre-recorded video message.
Niecy Nash-Betts was presented with the Visibility Award by her friend and actress, Wendy Raquel Robinson. Robin Roberts congratulated Nash-Betts via a pre-recorded video that played during the program.
A group of all-star talents came together for an evening of amazing performances, storytelling, and community.
Esera Tuaolo kicked off the evening’s performances with a stunning a cappella rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Adam Kantor, accompanied by the Impact Choir, wowed the audience with “Tired of the Silence.” Joined by a children’s choir, JORDY‘s performance of “Rainbowland” was vibrant and joyous. Jessica Betts closed the program with a moving performance of “Home,” complete with strings and keys, that brought the audience to their feet. DJ Jon Milk kept the program going with tunes throughout the evening.
Event co-chair and actor Danny Pintauro greeted our guests and kept our community across the country connected with a hosted Red Carpet live on Instagram.
Appearances by Colman Domingo, Mary McCormack, Zuri Hall, Isis King, Jason Bolden and Adair Curtis, Jai Rodriguez, Colton Underwood, and so many more made the night even more special.
Stevenson said, “We rest deeply in the certainty that our entire family – each and every single one of us – is endowed with the inalienable rights of respect, dignity and the pursuit of happiness and we rest joyfully, because we stand firmly on rock solid ground of our principles. Because we are at home.”
“And, truly, there is no place like home and there is no time like now.”
PHOTOS
- GETTY IMAGES COURTESY OF FAMILY EQUALITY
CREDIT: Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Family Equality - Additional, embeddable content is available from @FamilyEquality on Instagram.
ABOUT THE EVENT
LA Impact: There’s No Place Like Home took place at the Citizen News on Saturday, October 14.
The 2023 LA Impact: There’s No Place Like Home honorary chairs are Dan Bucatinsky and Heather Dubrow. The event is co-chaired by Adair Curtis, Taylor Emerson, Alec Mapa, Alvin McCray, Melissa Peterman, and Danny Pintauro. The event is produced by Amy Shomer and directed by Mario Mosley.
Family Equality gratefully acknowledges the support of the following LA Impact sponsors: The Dubrow Family (Platinum Sponsor); Kenvue’s Care with Pride (Gold Sponsor); The Murray/Reese Family Foundation (Silver Sponsor); Erica Horton and Dan Cooper, The James Irvine Foundation and Progyny (Bronze Sponsors); Bastille Flowers & Events, BindleBox Films, Cape Air, DavisPolk, Debbie Rice & Steven Soldano, Equality Vines, Fertility & Surgical Associates of California, Growing Generations, The IVF Center, Netflix, Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal, Nuage Designs, Ode À La Rose, Park Slope Copy Center, Rainbow Kids, ShopQueer (Friend Sponsors); Equality Vines (VIP Reception Sponsor); Nosotros Tequila & Mezcal, QDigital (Cocktail Sponsors); The Points Guy (DJ Sponsor); Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, California Cryobank, Kenvue’s Care with Pride, Clockwork, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Fidelity Investments, Gerber, the LEGO Group®, Nederlander, Organon, Playbill, and Target (National Corporate Sponsors).
Learn more about this event at thelaimpact.com.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
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Press Contact
Tonya Agnew,
Vice President,
Communications & Marketing
(765) 490-4709 / tagnew@familyequality.org