The Los Angeles LGBT Center welcomed hundreds of community leaders, advocates, supporters and special guests to its sold-out 2026 Center Gala on Saturday, May 16 at the Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood, raising $1.25 million to support the center’s life-saving programs and services for LGBTQ+ people across Los Angeles.

Held under this year’s banner, “The Place We Call Home,” the evening celebrated the power of chosen family, community and belonging at a time when LGBTQ+ rights continue to face growing attacks nationwide. Guests gathered for an evening of reflection, storytelling and celebration that highlighted the center’s enduring role as both a provider of critical services and a cultural home for LGBTQ+ people across Los Angeles.

Hosted by Bianca Del Rio, winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” sixth season and World of Wonder’s “The Pit Stop,” the evening was equal parts humor and heartfelt reflection while bringing together generations of LGBTQ+ community members, advocates, artists and allies.

The night’s highest honor, the Vanguard Award, was presented to Academy and Tony Award-winning actor and advocate Marcia Gay Harden in recognition of her longstanding support for LGBTQ+ people and outspoken advocacy as the mother of three queer children. The award was presented by actor Harry Ford, who starred alongside Harden in “Code Black” on CBS.

The gala also honored longtime Los Angeles LGBT Center board member LuAnn Boylan with the Rand Schrader Award in recognition of nearly 35 years of leadership and service to the center and broader LGBTQ+ community. The award was presented by trailblazing tennis icons Billie Jean King and her wife Ilana Kloss.

Throughout the evening, honorees, presenters and special guests spoke to the importance of visibility, advocacy and building a future where queer and trans people can live openly and authentically as themselves.

From powerful acceptance speeches to moments of joy and celebration, the evening reflected the breadth of voices and leadership that continue to shape what “home” looks like for LGBTQ+ people across Los Angeles and beyond.

Proceeds from the Center Gala directly support the center’s comprehensive programs and services, including healthcare, housing, advocacy, cultural programming and critical resources for transgender and gender-diverse individuals across Los Angeles.

For information about the Los Angeles LGBT Center and upcoming events, visit lalgbtcenter.org or follow @lalgbtcenter on social media.