Equality California recently hosted its first statewide Golden State Equity Awards on 9/13. Led by Pose star Angelica Ross, the virtual event included tributes and special moments to highlight the essential work carried out by the organization in the fight for LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice, raising over $1.75m for the cause.

During the event, Gloria Estefan and Rita Moreno honored Norman Lear with the Ally Leadership Award for his commitment to civil rights and increasing onscreen representation of Black, Latinx and LGBTQ+ people.

Pete & Chasten Buttigieg also received the Equality Trailblazer Award, following Pete’s run for President, while Executive Producer Laverne Cox, Director/Producer Sam Feder and Producer Amy Scholder accepted the Equality Visibility Award on behalf of Netflix’s Original Doc Disclosure.

Additionally, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, pictured below, honored the late U.S. Representative John Lewis for his civil rights work with a tribute to his life and career, accompanied by a performance from Rufus Wainwright.

The broadcast also featured musical performances from Melissa Etheridge, Shea Diamond, Alex Newell, Robin S and Betty Who. Other speakers during the event included Tig Notaro, Zachary Quinto, Conrad Ricamora, Bob the Drag Queen, Keiynan Lonsdale and Chelsea Gray.

For more info on Equality California, click here.