Washington, DC – Tonight, Equality PAC will host its sixth annual National Pride Gala in Washington D.C. at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, the organization’s largest event of the year. Through this gathering, Equality PAC has raised more than $900,000.
During the annual gathering – which has become a must-attend event of the Pride season – Equality PAC will honor award-winning actors Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin with the 2026 Nancy Pelosi Equality Ally Award. Canadian actor, screenwriter, director, and creator Jacob Tierney will receive Equality PAC’s inaugural Game Changer Award in recognition of his work creating, writing, directing, and producing the acclaimed series Heated Rivalry.
Special guests include Emmy-winning comedian and RuPaul’s Drag Race champion Bob the Drag Queen, who will serve as emcee; Admiral (ret) Dr. Rachel Levine, former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health, who will deliver remarks; Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Darlene Love who will perform; and singer, actress, and philanthropist Lynda Carter, best known for originating the iconic role of Wonder Woman.
“Tonight’s National Pride Gala is a celebration of the progress we’ve achieved together, the leaders and allies who have helped move our movement forward, and the work that still lies ahead. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters from across the country, we raised more than $900,000 to help elect pro-equality champions, strengthen LGBTQ representation in Congress, and ensure that the voices of our community are heard in the halls of power,” said Equality PAC Co-Chairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) and Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY). “At a time when LGBTQ Americans continue to face coordinated attacks on their rights and freedoms, gatherings like this serve as a powerful reminder that our community is resilient, united, and determined to keep moving forward. The support demonstrated tonight sends a clear message that equality is not negotiable and that we will continue fighting for a future where every person can live openly, safely, and authentically.”
“The incredible guests joining us this evening reflect the broad coalition of leaders, artists, advocates, and allies who continue to stand with our community. Together, they embody the spirit of this event: a belief that progress is possible when people come together in support of dignity, opportunity, and equality for all,” the Co-Chairs continued. “Tonight is not only a celebration of what we have accomplished, but an investment in what comes next. The energy, generosity, and commitment on display will help fuel the fight for equality in the months and years ahead, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who made this record-breaking evening possible.”
Additional speakers include Equality PAC Co-Chairs Congressman Ritchie Torres and Ranking Member Mark Takano; Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark; and this year’s Equality PAC National Pride Gala Dinner Co-Chairs Congresswoman Emily Randall, Congressman Eric Sorensen, and Ranking Member Robert Garcia.
Equality PAC expects more than 700 guests to attend – including more than 80 Members of Congress and congressional candidates. This year’s National Pride Gala was Co-Chaired by Congresswoman Emily Randall, Congressman Eric Sorensen, and Ranking Member Robert Garcia.
Equality PAC’s primary mission is simple: to elect more LGBTQ+ persons to Congress — individuals who will have a seat at the table, impact the debate, and humanize the LGBTQ community’s concerns. Beyond this goal, Equality PAC also supports strong LGBTQ community allies who will proudly and unapologetically stand with us in the fight to pass the Equality Act and equal protection under our nation’s laws. All funds that Equality PAC raises are directed to re-elect and expand our small – but mighty – LGBTQ caucus and to elect a pro-Equality Majority in the House of Representatives.
Today, Equality PAC remains the only identity PAC that financially supports every Frontline Member and Red2Blue candidate because we know that without pro-Equality majorities, the progress our community has made and the civil rights and equal protections we have fought so hard for – and are still fighting for every day – remain in jeopardy.
In the short time that Equality PAC has existed, it has played an unmatched role in making history for the LGBTQ community, electing LGBTQ leaders at the federal level such as current House Members Sharice Davis (Kansas); Ritchie Torres (New York); Becca Balint (Vermont); Robert Garcia (California); Eric Sorensen (Illinois); Angie Craig (Minnesota); and Chris Pappas (New Hampshire).
And in the most recent elections, Equality PAC notched three huge historic wins: in TX-32 with Julie Johnson who made history as the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to Congress from Texas or the South; in WA-06 with Emily Randall who made history as the first ever queer Latina elected to Congress and the first LGBTQ Member from Washington state; and with DE state Senator Sarah McBride in DE-AL as the first trans person ever elected to Congress.
With their elections, we have DOUBLED the number of LGBTQ women in the House from 3 to 6. And for the first time ever – there is parity within the LGBTQ caucus with 6 women and 6 men serving together in the House. This is an incredible accomplishment. On top of this, 5 of the 12 LGBTQ persons serving right now in the House are persons of color. These are incredible accomplishments for our community and its representation in Congress
Equality PAC has grown exponentially since its founding by Congressman Mark Takano and former Congressman (now Governor) Jared Polis in 2014 – when we raised $32,000 from some very loyal and trusting friends who took a chance on us and the experiment we were at the time. Today, we are extraordinarily grateful to have deeply committed and generous supporters in all 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico – and throughout the grassroots, labor, and business communities.
In total, during the 2023-24 election cycle, we raised and spent an impressive $23.4m for Equality PAC and direct contributions for our endorsed Members and candidates, state Party funds, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), and independent expenditure efforts. As we look to the 2026 election and possible opportunities – particularly in potential open House and Senate seat races – we anticipate making even more history and growing the LGBTQ House Caucus deeper into double digits and electing at least two new LGBTQ Senators.