Wilson Cruz. Photo: Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons
GLSEN, the leading education organization working to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for LGBTQ+ youth, has announced the return of its premier fundraising event following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
Rise Up LA, formerly the Respect Awards, will be co-chaired by Wilson Cruz and Imara Jones and is one of the premier LGBTQ+ events in Southern California, with over 500 guests including leaders and allies of the LGBTQ+ movement.
Taking place on Saturday, October 28, 2023, supporters will be treated to live performances from today’s most celebrated artists at the iconic NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles led by Mo Heart, the official host of the evening. Those interested in attending can purchase tickets at the link here.
“Rise Up LA expresses GLSENs vital pursuit to always rise to the occasion when LGBTQ+ students and youth are in need,” explains GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers. “GLSEN will be returning to its annual in-person format in Los Angeles for the first time since the start of the pandemic. We look forward to shining a spotlight on the community who shows up everyday to support LGBTQ+ youth and is a reminder that we must always work actively against bigotry and hate to protect our youth.”
Rise Up LA remains one of GLSEN’s most important fundraising events and historically hosts a collection of notable celebrity guests and performers. This year’s event welcomes supporters to a sunset cocktail reception and dinner, followed by a star-studded program filled with musical performances, storytelling from the LGBTQ+ youth impacted by GLSEN’s mission, and important updates around the organization’s critical work. The evening caps off under the stars with a rooftop after party featuring DJs, dancing, desserts, and celebration.
Mo Heart is a widely-celebrated and internationally known Drag Queen. She is the face of Amazon Music, hosting their marquee show The Walk In, where she goes into the closet’s of music’s biggest stars to talk about their most iconic looks including Katy Perry, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Kim Petras, Midland, Yung Gravy, Steve Aoki, and others. She is the official host of the Grammy Awards Red Carpet, and Cadillac’s Origins of Audacity series with Queerty, and star of Starbucks “Love You a Latte” series.
“I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the great work organizations like GLSEN do for the queer community, it’s a very fulfilling experience,” shared official host Mo Heart. “I look forward to celebrating all that has been accomplished with GLSEN supporters at the Rise Up LA fundraiser.”Honorary Co-Chairs Wilson Cruz, Imara Jones, and Alan Pilest are longtime supporters of GLSEN and allies to LGBTQ+ youth. Cruz and Jones were recently named Chair and Vice Chair of GLSEN’s board where they continue their mission of fighting for an inclusive and affirming school environment for all.
