The “2019 Outfest Legacy Awards Gala: A Benefit to Protect our Past and Build Our Future”
ArtQuench attended Outfest in Los Angeles on October 27, 2019! OutFest is the LA based non-profit organization that promotes equality by creating, sharing and protecting LGBTQ stories in film and television.
The “2019 Outfest Legacy Awards Gala: A Benefit to Protect our Past and Build Our Future” took place in Los Angeles on October 27, 2019! OutFest is the LA based non-profit organization that promotes equality by creating, sharing and protecting LGBTQ stories in film and television.
Image by ArtQuench
This years ceremony took place in the beautiful hidden gem in Downtown Los Angeles called “Vibiana”, with the head chef Neal Fraser of Redbird providing the delicious menu and entrees that were served and produced by Tony-Award winning Scott Mauro. The head sponsor for the event was Cadillac!
Image by ArtQuench
It was one of the most stunning Gala’s that I’ve had the chance to attend and everything was so perfect and stunning from the decorations, to the crowd, the lighting, the atmosphere and everyone was there for a great cause.
Sheryl Lee Ralph image by CBS.com
Dana Goldberg Image by ArtQuench
The show was hosted by the phenomenal and always hilarious Emmy award nominee Sheryl Lee Ralph and included a hilarious and thought provoking set from comedian extraordinare Dana Goldberg. There was a special performance by Ava Fox and a silent auction that took place to raise money for the foundation.
“VIDA” creator/showrunner/executive producer Tanya Saracho Image by ArtQuench
Some of this years brilliant honorees included “VIDA” creator/showrunner/executive producer Tanya Saracho who gave one of the most heartfelt speeches ever. She is so proud and honest and her passion is something I’ve never seen before and to be able to tell so many authentic stories for the Latinx community as well as LGBTQ. She is so pure and vibrant and loves her cast so much. When she walked he Carpet she explained that she was overjoyed to be honored and really had no words and she’s always inspired to continue to tell these real and authentic stories that need to be told. Most of her cast was in attendance to honor their leader even though they had a 5am call time the next day! Tanyas work is provocative and empathetic and strives to create a better and more understanding world.
MJ Rodriguez from the highly critically acclaimed tv show “Pose” on FX image by ArtQuench
Another phenomenal honoree was the beautiful MJ Rodriguez from the highly critically acclaimed tv show “Pose” on FX. MJ brought her mother as her date and looked stunning. She was in awe of her honor and very thrilled and excited to be there to represent the trans community since she is one of the largest stars in Hollywood right now. She recently also completed the play “Little Shop of Horrors” to amazing reviews at the Pasadena Playhouse and is gearing up for the next season of “Pose”. She was very moved as she arrived and spoke about being recognized and urged us that more work needs to be done. As we know the numbers for murders in the trans community are alarming and dangerous and it can be scary at times but we are all hopeful. When asked about her career she told me “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. I love to perform and I love to act and there’s nothing else that I’ve ever wanted to do in life.” And she also spoke about the difficulty of getting work in acting for years but she just kept going, especially with the support of her mother and dear friends and now she gets to live her dream. It was beautiful speaking with her and she’s one of the sweetest most humbling human beings I’ve ever met and I know we will be seeing a lot more from her. Very inspiring story.
Actor/ “A Star is Born” and ArtQuench Correspondent Kiri Stevens Image by ArtQuench
The evening was magical and what I realized by being in the room with so many talented people was that it all starts and ends with love and unity and that is the importance in life and in our world. OutFest has done a lot and continues to do many things to bring awareness and create love and these stories and providing inclusion for all.
MJ Rodriguez from the highly critically acclaimed tv show “Pose” on FX and Verdine White from the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire
The Legacy Gala serves as a fundraiser to support the OutFest filmmaker and professional education courses, screenwriting labs, leadership training, trans-acting workshops and film restoration workshops. And for all information about everything OutFest please visit: OutFest.org
Actor Ser Anzoatigui from the hit show VIDA arrives to honor Tanya Saracho
Some of the other sponsors of the Legacy Gala included Effen Vodka, KCRW, Rava Wines and Variety.
Cadillac Sponsor
Truly one of the most magical galas I’ve ever seen and I left very inspired and hopeful for what’s next in the world. Congrats to all the honorees this year on a phenomenal evening.
OUTFEST.ORG
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