GSBA EQUALUX Gala raises $800,000 for LGBTQ+ Future Leaders

Nov 20

Converge Media’s **Besa Gordon** and **Deaunte Damper** join in the fun at the GSBA EQUALUX Gala at the Westin Hotel. (Photo: Beniam Yetbarek)

With over 600 people in attendance Saturday night, including our very own Besa Gordon and Deaunte Damper, the GSBA Equalux Gala 2022 at the Westin Hotel was a smashing success raising over $800,000 in support of LGBTQ+ Future Leaders and allies.

The night started off with the Blue Thunder Drumline welcoming guests and the on-stage talent was curated with an abundance of Seattle stars including emcee Adra Boo, auctioneer Scott Carnz, a dance performance by Taqueet$ (who is also the host of Converge Media’s Art of the Matter), CarLarans performed his original Vinez, and Aisha Noir performed acapella as the audience honored trans and gender-diverse people who were killed in 2022 on the eve of Trans Day of Remembrance. Last but not least, Cheer Seattle made sure the energy level stayed on 100 throughout the night. Equalux is known for its outstanding wines and this year did not disappoint with wines from, Aluel Cellars, Goose Ridge Winery, Rotie Cellars, and Structure Cellars.

$800,000 raised will go a long way to support LGBTQ+ future leaders and allies. According to the GSBA, 46% of their current cohorts are Trans or Gender Diverse, while 75% are People of Color, and 38% are immigrants or immigrant homes.

No gala is complete without having some big names in attendance and the Equalux did not disappoint. Among them were Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu, King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, former Deputy Mayor, and Judge Anne Levinson, former President & CEO Louise Chernin, and a table filled with College Presidents.