LONG BEACH, CA – Today, The Long Beach LGBTQ Center announced the honorees for the 11th Annual Black & White Ball, their annual event celebrating local LGBTQ+ leaders and their allies. This year’s event, in celebration of National LGBTQ+ Pride Month, will occur on June 15, 2024, at 6 PM at the Westin Long Beach.

This year’s honorees represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, including:

• Long Beach City Mayor Rex Richardson receiving the President’s Award
• Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn Political Icon Award
• Queen Hollins, Founder of the Earthlodge Center for Transformation, receiving the Community Icon Award
• Gina Smith receiving the Ellen Ward Leadership Icon Award
• Michele A. Dobson receiving the Ally of the Year Award
• Long Beach City College Trustee Herlinda Chico receiving the Advocate Of The Year
• Q Film Festival Founder Robert Cano receiving the Legacy Icon Award
• Volunteer of the Year Awards recognizing community members who have committed over a decade of volunteer service to the LGBTQ Center Long Beach are going to Pilar, Katherine, and Dean.

Ellie Perez, Interim Executive Director of the Long Beach LGBT Center, shared her excitement about the upcoming event, saying, “This year’s honorees represent the heart of our local leaders and our allies who work tirelessly on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. Their dedicated service ensures that organizations like the LGBTQ Center Long Beach not only exist but thrive. I am incredibly grateful and inspired by each of these outstanding leaders.”

The Black & White Ball is the Long Beach LGBT Center’s largest annual fundraiser, and participation is crucial in helping the LGBTQ Center Long Beach continue to provide culturally responsive programs and services that advocate for equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the over 25,000 clients who rely on the Center’s support each year.