In addition to honoring Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita and The Rainbow Bus, the evening will feature performances by Debby Holiday, Angel Bonilla, and David Hernandez.
Los Angeles, CA — Family Equality is thrilled to announce the incredible musical lineup for its highly anticipated LA Impact gala, which will take place the evening of Saturday, September 28 at Citizen News by Mother Wolf in Los Angeles. This year’s event promises to be a night of celebration, unity, and outstanding performances, as Family Equality honors trailblazing advocates for LGBTQ+ families, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita and The Rainbow Bus, and raises crucial support for the Family Equality’s work.
The evening will feature show-stopping performances by Debby Holiday, Angel Bonilla, and David Hernandez, who are set to bring their powerful voices and stage presence to the star-studded event.
The Performers
Debby Holiday is an international singer and songwriter with seventeen Billboard Top 20 Dance Chart hits. She’s known for her soaring vocals and dynamic performances. Holiday’s music blends rock, soul, and dance, and she has made an indelible mark on the music scene with hits like “Dive” and “Joyful Sound.”
Angel Bonilla, a talented vocalist who made history as the first transgender woman to compete on NBC’s The Voice, will also take the stage. With her captivating vocal talent and inspiring personal story, Bonilla is a true symbol of resilience and authenticity.
David Hernandez, known for his memorable run on American Idol, rounds out the lineup of performers. Hernandez has since built a successful career as a pop and R&B artist, captivating audiences with his vocal prowess and heartfelt performances.
Their performances will complement the celebration of this year’s esteemed honorees who will be recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to advancing equality for LGBTQ+ families
The Honorees
The 2024 Family Equality Visibility Award will be presented to husbands Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita.
- Jesse Tyler Ferguson is Tony-Award-winning actor, author (Food Between Friends), producer, and podcast host (Dinner’s on Me) known for his work on stage (Take Me Out, On the Town, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) and screen (Cocaine Bear and Modern Family).
- Justin Mikita is a two-time Tony-Award-winning producer (Torch Song, Oklahoma!, Dana H., and Shucked) and partner and co-founder of Hawkins Mikita, a social impact firm that works to develop the intersection of celebrity influence and social good.
The 2024 Family Equality Murray/Reese Family Award will be presented to Eric Cervini and Adam Powell, founders of the Rainbow Book Bus.
- The Rainbow Book Bus is a bookmobile program that promotes and protects access to representative books and media for queer communities and anyone impacted by anti-inclusive legislation. The Rainbow Book Bus recently gave away 8,000 books to kids, parents, teachers, and LGBTQ+ centers as part of their cross-country tour
“Our Los Angeles gala is not just a celebration of our work, but a moment to unite as a community and elevate the voices of those who are creating positive change for LGBTQ+ families,” said Alexis Kantor, Interim President & CEO of Family Equality.
“We are delighted to honor the advocacy and visibility of Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita as activists and philanthropists who also happen to be gay parents. And, at a time when LGBTQ+ books are being banned in schools and libraries across the country, we honor the impact of The Rainbow Book Bus in sharing and telling the stories of LGBTQ+ characters and families.”
The LA Impact gala raises vital funds to support Family Equality’s mission to advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families through federal and state policy work, education and resources, and community-building programs and events.
Tickets
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at familyequality.org//thelaimpact.
Brought to you by…
HONORARY CHAIRS
- Dan Bucatinsky
- Niecy Nash-Betts & Jessica Betts
HONORARY COMMITTEE
- Gwyneth Paltrow & Brad Falchuk
- Lily Tomlin
- Kristin Chenoweth
- Wendi McLendon-Covey & Greg Covey
- Cheyenne Jackson & Jason Landau
- Colton Underwood & Jordan C. Brown
EVENT CHAIRS
- Adair Curtis
- Taylor Emerson,
- Alvin McCray,
- Danny Pintauro
- Jai Rodriguez
- Dani Wassel
LA IMPACT SPONSORS
- The Points Guy (Signature Drink Sponsor)
- Murray/Reese Foundation (Silver Level Sponsor)
- Progyny and Nuage Designs (Bronze Level Sponsor)
- Growing Generations (Friend Level Sponsor)
- GEMS x Equality Vines (VIP Cocktail Reception Sponsor)
- Teddy Bear Party (Cocktail Reception Sponsor)
- Erica Horton & Dan Cooper (Photobooth Sponsor)
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