In addition to honoring Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita and the founders of The Rainbow Bus, critical funds were raised to support Family Equality’s mission to achieve legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families.
Los Angeles, CA — Family Equality celebrated a night of powerful stories, heartfelt moments, and moving performances at its annual Los Angeles fundraising gala, LA Impact, on Saturday, September 28. The event raised over $400,000 to advance equality for LGBTQ+ families across the nation, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to ensuring every LGBTQ+ family is respected, protected, and celebrated.
Long-time Family Equality supporter, philanthropist, author, and cast member of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Orange County, Heather Dubrow, started the evening off with a toast to the event. She announced that she and her husband, Dr. Terry Dubrow, would match the first $50,000 raised that evening. The pledge was in addition to the support of the event’s VIP reception which was sponsored by GEMS and Equality Vines. GEMS is Dubrow’s collection of four sparkling wines with 100% of the proceeds going to Family Equality.
“I have a vision of the future where every child, every family, can shine as brightly as they deserve. No child should be left out because of who their parents are, how they identify themselves, or who they choose to love,” shared Dubrow from the stage. “Terry and I have proudly supported their [Family Equality] life-changing work for over a decade, and our family is truly grateful to each of you for being here tonight to help ensure this important work continues.”
Nearly 300 supporters gathered at the historic Citizen News, in the heart of Hollywood, to honor trailblazing advocates in the LGBTQ+ community. Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and his husband, producer Justin Mikita, received the prestigious 2024 LA Impact Visibility Award for their decades-long activism and commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ equality. The award was presented by none other than Jinkx Monsoon, the two-time RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and celebrated performer.
About Ferguson and Mikita, Monsoon shared, “They are shining examples of what it means to live authentically, with purpose, and with an endless well of love for their community. They have supported me and my artistic endeavors for years before Broadway — coming to see me in a basement cabaret in Hell’s Kitchen — like proud, surrogate dads watching their little girl become an old broad.”
Accepting the award, Ferguson shared, “Justin and I are truly touched that you chose to honor us this year with the visibility award. I truly believe that visibility is the most important thing when we are talking about the LGBTQIA plus community. We are proud to be a visible couple and role model for the younger generation.”
The founders of The Rainbow Book Bus, Adam Powell and Eric Cervini, were honored with the Murray/Reese Family Award, to recognize the Rainbow Book Bus’ mission to provide access to inclusive books and media for LGBTQ+ communities and those affected by anti-inclusive legislation. Author of Gay Like Me, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate, Richie Jackson, presented Powell and Cervini the award.
Jackson shared, “Eric Cervini and Adam Powell watched as Don’t Say Gay Laws spread across the nation like a virus, banning discussion of LGBTQ people in schools, banning LGBTQ books. And these two young gay guys didn’t just post about it, or worse repost and proclaim they’d protested. They did something. And what they did was magical.”
“To date, the Rainbow Book Bus has given away over 8,000 banned books to children and educators living in states affected by book bans,” said Powell, “This recognition inspires us to keep pushing forward, to keep filling the shelves of our Rainbow Book Bus, and to keep spreading stories of love, empowerment, and acceptance across the country.”
Guests enjoyed performances from live-singing drag queen and self-professed “illusion of confusion” Lyle, Angel Bonilla, a talented vocalist who made history as the first transgender woman to compete on The Voice, and David Hernandez, known for his memorable run on American Idol and powerful vocals. DJ Asha kept the tunes going from the beginning and closed out the evening with a dance party.
Jai Rodriguez, Emmy Award-winning actor, singer, and original cast member of Queer Eye, generously shared his talents at the gala by delivering a heartfelt and powerful ask, inspiring attendees to support Family Equality’s mission.
Celebrities who walked the red carpet included EMMY Award-winning actor and Honorary Co-Chair for Family Equality’s LA Impact, Dan Bucatinsky; Dubrow’s fellow cast members, Alexis Bellino and Gina Kirshenheiter; comedy writer and six-time EMMY Award-winner, Bruce Vilanch; trans actor and The L Word: Generation Q’s Leo Sheng; actor Joe Aaron Reid; actors and Event Chairs for Family Equality’s LA Impact Danny Pintauro and Taylor Emerson; celebrity interior designer and star of Netflix’s Styling Hollywood, Family Equality Board Member, and Event Chair for Family Equality’s LA Impact, Adair Curtis; and marriage equality icon and activist and Family Equality Board Member, Jim Obergefell. Numerous screen and stage producers and writers were also in attendance.
Fox political analyst Richard Fowler served as Social Media Host for the event.
From the stage, Family Equality Interim CEO, Alexis Kantor shared, “Family Equality is more than just an organization. It’s a community built on hope and resilience. I believe that together, we can create a better future where every LGBTQ+ family experiences freedom, safety, and equality where every family is seen, celebrated, and protected.”
The funds raised will directly support Family Equality’s policy and advocacy work, resource and education initiatives, and affirming spaces and programs for LGBTQ+ families across the U.S.
Event Photos
- High-res Getty event photo selects are available for editorial use here. Credit “Getty Images for Family Equality.”
- Additional event photos and videos will be available by Friday, October 4.
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
- Murray/Reese Foundation (Silver Level Sponsor)
- BCG, Progyny, and Nüage Designs (Bronze Level Sponsors)
- Growing Generations, Fertility & Surgical Associates of California, The Hostetter-Habib Family, and Nissan (Advocate Level Sponsors)
- GEMS, Equality Vines, and Ferring Pharmaceuticals (VIP Reception Sponsors)
- The Points Guy (Signature Drink Sponsor)
- Teddy Bear Party (Cocktail Reception Sponsor)
- Growing Generations (Photobooth Sponsor)
- Q.Digital (Media Partner)
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