Rock Icon Melissa Etheridge To Open The National LGBTQ Task Force Gala With Performance

Melissa Etheridge - This Is M.E. Australian Tour
Melissa Etheridge Credit Lauren Dukoff

The National LGBTQ Task Force has announced it will stream the 2020 National LGBTQ Task Force Gala, presented by Truist, on Saturday, October 3, 2020, in lieu of the customary in-person event held in Miami Beach, FL.

This year’s theme, “The Power of US”, will focus on the impact of the National LGBTQ Task Force’s highly successful “Queer the Census” campaign and the critical need to “Queer the Vote” in the upcoming election.

The date of the Gala precedes voter registration deadlines in Florida and most states.

Hosted by Latrice Royale of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, the evening will open with a welcome message and performance by rock icon Melissa Etheridge and include video messages from Pete Buttigieg, Alan Cumming, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Shultz,  George Takei, Judy Gold and members of the Miami Dolphins, as well as special presentations by National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey and Deputy Executive Director Kierra Johnson.

Given the virtual nature of the event, there is no fixed ticket price and a donation of any amount will provide access to the program.

“While we cannot be together physically, with this virtual event the Task Force Gala will be accessible to more supporters and members of the Task Force family than ever before,” said Rea Carey, Executive Director. “Our theme this year, ‘The Power of US’, speaks to the work we are doing to reclaim our democracy and end the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community that we have been subjected to for the last 3 years.”

“We successfully collaborated with dozens of organizations to Queer the Census and we must Queer the Vote and make our voices heard like never before this November,” continued Carey. “I look forward to sharing our message of ‘The Power of US’ with people across the nation this October, and as we continue to address the many obstacles we face on the road to full freedom, justice and equity. We are thrilled at the community response so far and are hoping even more community members join us in the midst of this critical election season. So, put on your tux or your sweatpants and join in the fun!” concluded Carey.

 

YouTube sensation and two-time Drama Desk Award nominee Christina Bianco will harness the voices of some of the world’s most popular divas for a special performance recognizing the evening’s largest sponsors. Bianco will also perform a duet with singer/songwriter Kimberley Locke, who finished third in Season 2 of the original American Idol series. The gala committee is proud to welcome Truist as a presenting sponsor.

Registration is available for a donation of any amount at www.thetaskforcegala.org.

Guests are encouraged to become virtual “table hosts” by asking their friends, family and colleagues to join them in this special evening by making a donation and attending the event as well.

Through the Gala and the Task Force’s Winter Party Festival, the Task Force has given away over $3.3 million to vital LGBTQ community services in South Florida, in partnership with the LGBTQ Community Fund at The Miami Foundation. The Task Force is grateful to its many sponsors, including presenting sponsor Truist, Fox Rothschild LLP, the Knight Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Vertical Bridge,the James G. Pepper Fund at the Stonewall Community Foundation, The National LGBTQ Media Association and Q.Digital.Ambassador

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equity for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we’ve made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. For more information go to https://www.thetaskforce.org

 

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