U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, state Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), LAPD Assistant Captain Beatrice Girmala and others joined the LGBT community and allies in Hollywood on Sept. 23 to help raise funds for the I Love Me Foundation’s #Backpack10 Campaign and first annual Mental Health Conference at the third annual Breaking the Silence Awards at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre.

The #MeToo Movement founder Tarana Burke was honored at the Breaking the Silence Awards for her work helping survivors of sexual violence find healing. (photo by Earl Gibson/Getty Images)

The Sunday afternoon luncheon raised thousands of dollars for the foundation. Fashion expert Kelly Osbourne, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, medical nurse Vennice Harrell and trans activist Karina Samala were honored at the all-white attire luncheon, which also featured special live performances by the Inner City Youth Orchestra and laughter with comedian Melanie Comarcho.

At the event, I Love Me Foundation’s founding executive director Robert Harrell spoke about the organization’s mission to end LGBT homelessness, #BELIEVEHER and reducing the numbers of LGBT sex workers by 2022.

“We decided to honor female leaders who are using their voice to make a difference,” Harrell said. “#BreakingTheSilence is a sustained movement that impacts millions of lives. We honor the personal stories that motivate individuals to speak up, and that highlight the urgent need to provide inclusive and affirmative services to LGBT survivors of sexual trauma who so desperately need them.”

Osbourne was presented the 2018 Voice for Equality Award by TV personality Jeannie Mai in recognition for her speaking out to end sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace. Burke was presented with the 2018 Recy Taylor Vanguard Award by actor and former NFL player Terry Crews in recognition for her work helping survivors of sexual violence, particular young women of color, find healing through the #MeToo Movement.

Vennice Harrell was presented with the 2018 Purple Heart of Freedom Award by her son, Robert Harrell, in recognition for her contributions through advocacy to survivors of sexual violence. Samala was recognized with the 2018 Heroes in the Struggle Award by Girmala for her contributions in generating conversations about equality for all.

The I Love Me Foundation is the leading national organization dedicated to providing resources of education, empowerment and advocacy to survivors of sexual and domestic abuse. For information, visit i-loveme.org.