Lifelong’s inaugural Pride Gala, on June 13th, brought together advocates, artists, community leaders, and supporters for an evening celebrating LGBTQ+ leadership while raising critical funds for health and human services across Washington state.
Held at The Sanctuary in downtown Seattle, the black-tie event marked a significant milestone for Lifelong, the nonprofit organization that for more than four decades has provided access to nutritious food, HIV care, lifesaving medications, stable housing, and supportive services for thousands of people throughout the state.
The evening honored actress, producer, and activist Laverne Cox with the Lifelong Pride in Action Award, recognizing her groundbreaking advocacy and lasting cultural impact on LGBTQ+ visibility and representation. Social media personality and advocate Chris Olsen received the LGBTQ+ Changemaker of the Year Award for his efforts to amplify queer voices and advance equality.
Entertainment throughout the night featured performances by Grammy Award-winning singer Macy Gray, drag star Miz Cracker, and Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters. Special appearances were also made by actor Chris Medlin, known for his role as Isaac Downey on Netflix’s Sweet Magnolias, and Broadway performer Christopher Hanke, who joined the evening’s festivities and helped lead the live auction as a guest auctioneer.
Guests participated in a live auction curated by Seattle Art Source Gallery, helping drive fundraising efforts that ultimately generated more to support Lifelong’s vision of “Health For All.”
Throughout the program, speakers emphasized the shared values that connect the LGBTQ+ community and Lifelong’s mission.
“The essence of the LGBTQ+ community is equality, justice, and respect,” attendees heard in a video highlighting Lifelong’s impact. “Along with compassion, collaboration, and integrity, these same values continue to underpin all that we do at Lifelong and the services we provide to people in need.”
The video featured stories from clients whose lives have been transformed through Lifelong’s services. One individual recalled receiving support during a difficult period, saying that being told “we love you” and “you’re special” made a lasting difference. Others described the relief that comes from having stable housing, food security, and a sense of belonging.
“When my baby is fulfilled and happy, then I go outside and I’m not alone. I’m not afraid. I’m not sad,” one client shared. “I’m not thinking what I’m going to eat. I’m not thinking how I’m going to get to school. I’m thinking, I’m going to stay.”
Today, Lifelong serves more than 8,200 people across Washington state, providing resources that address both immediate needs and long-term stability.
Accepting his award, Olsen reflected on the connection between Seattle’s values and Lifelong’s mission.
“Even just being here now, I feel an incredible sense of connection,” he said. “This city has always stood for compassion, progress, and community, and those values are reflected so powerfully in the work that Lifelong has been doing for more than four decades.”
Seattle Pride’s Youth Programs was also recognized as a beneficiary of the event, with funds helping support LGBTQIA2S+ youth ages 12 to 18 through affirming spaces and leadership opportunities.
Patti Hearn of Seattle Pride spoke about the importance of creating environments where young people feel seen and supported.
“Our work is to interrupt those messages, to help these young people feel in their bones, to know that they are valued, they are valid, they are beloved, they belong,” Hearn said. “That’s what we’re doing with our work here.”
In one of the evening’s most moving moments, Cox reflected on the legacy of transgender activists Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, pioneers who advocated for homeless and marginalized transgender people through organizations such as STAR House.
She challenged harmful stereotypes about poverty and social support systems, emphasizing the importance of dignity and care for vulnerable communities.
“We’ve got enough money to feed our citizens,” Cox said. “What I know for sure about myself, I’ve never been lazy. I’ve always worked extremely hard.”
Cox closed her remarks with a deeply personal reflection on resilience, self-worth, and healing.
“To truly love myself—not intellectually, but in my core—to love myself despite everything that people say about trans folks, everything I internalized, the abuse, the trauma, the horrible things that happened in my childhood—I can stand here today and in my core love myself and feel worthy,” she said. “Thank you so much.”
Supported by sponsors including Uber, Miller Nash, and Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, the gala raised more than $142,000 to expand access to meals and food programs, housing support, medical case management, and other essential services. More than a celebration of Pride, the evening served as a powerful reminder that community care, visibility, and compassion remain at the heart of Lifelong’s mission and will continue to support thousands of Washington residents for years to come.
