Outright International Celebration of Courage Awards & Gala

Empire was extremely honored to produce the 2024 Outright International Celebration of Courage Awards & Gala for the 3rd consecutive year.

The event kicked off Pride Month at Pier Sixty in New York City for 500 guests, raising $1 million in funding to support the advancement of human rights for LGBTIQ people.

Featuring a custom blue carpet, cocktails, dinner and program, and an afterparty hosted by DJ Robi D Light, the evening brought Outright’s brand and mission to life through environmental storytelling, a cascading set design, and custom Celebration of Courage signage and decor.

The main event, hosted by drag and television performer BeBe Zahara Benet, honored Grammy, Emmy, and two-time Tony Award winner Billy Porter, the Adobe Foundation, and Mitini Nepal. The program featured a very energetic live auction hosted by New York auctioneer, Harry Santa-Olalla; a special performance by Billy Porter; remarks from Outright International Executive Director, Maria Sjödin; Outright International Board of Directors Co-Chairs, Kathy Teo and Elliot Vaughn; actor, producer, and activist, Wilson Cruz; actor and writer, Daniel K. Isaac; and more. Guests included the indie pop trio BETTY, Real Housewives of New York, fashion designer and businesswoman, Jenna Lyons, artist and director Cass Bird, and more.

Outright is dedicated to working with partners around the globe to strengthen the capacity of the LGBTIQ human rights movement, document and amplify human rights violations against LGBTIQ people, and advocate for inclusion and equality.

Empire was proud to work with the Outright team on program development, speaker and talent advancement, scenic and decor, technical production, overall project management, logistics, and more to deliver a flawless event.