Home / Arts and Entertainment / Outright Int'l Honors VoteLGBT, Lauper, Levi Strauss
Outright Int'l Honors VoteLGBT, Lauper, Levi Strauss
5 Jun
Summary
- Outright International's annual Celebration of Courage dinner was held June 1.
- VoteLGBT transformed Brazil's LGBTQ+ political representation significantly.
- Cyndi Lauper received the Outspoken Award for LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Actress Laverne Cox hosted Outright International's annual Celebration of Courage awards dinner on June 1 at Chelsea Piers. The event honored the Brazilian democracy institute VoteLGBT with the Felipa de Souza Award, Grammy-winning artist Cyndi Lauper with the Outspoken Award, and Levi Strauss & Co. with the Outstanding Award. This gala occurred on the first day of Pride Month, marking a year since Outright International launched its Funding Our Freedom campaign.
VoteLGBT, co-led by Bru Pereira and Gui Mohallem, has significantly transformed Brazil's political landscape for LGBTIQ+ citizens. In ten years, they increased openly LGBTIQ+ candidates from three to over 3,000 and mobilized over 3,000,000 voters. The organization's work, including supporting legislation and creating digital resources, has been instrumental in advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and broader worker protections, highlighted by Erika Hilton's successful campaign for a shorter work week.
Cyndi Lauper was recognized for her enduring support for LGBTQ+ rights, notably through her Girls Just Want To Have Fundamental Rights Fund. Levi Strauss & Co. also received an award for their contributions. The event successfully raised nearly $1.5 million through ticket sales and a live auction, with funds supporting life-saving work for LGBTIQ+ individuals worldwide.
