The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach Honors City Icons

The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach presents The 4th Annual Black & White Ball, an evening of elegance and sophistication in celebration of
the LGBTQ community and its many accomplishments.

An always-popular event, 2017 is expected to break attendance records and guests can expect a stellar evening that includes the presentation of its three Icon Awards, a champagne greeting, red carpet photo opportunities, a live and silent auction, along with dinner, live music and dancing.

The inaugural Ellen Ward Leadership Icon Award (in honor of the late LGBTQ leader) will be presented to long-time resident and activist, Vanessa Romain. The Political Icon Award goes to former Long Beach City Council member and public school teacher, Assembly Member Patrick O'Donnell, who championed the LGBTQ community through legislative efforts to create safer and more inclusive schools. He most recently introduced and passed a law mandating that all schools have student suicide prevention plans
in place.

The Community Icon Award will be presented to the International Imperial Court of Long Beach for its decades of support for LGBTQ and other non-profit organizations in the city.

Porter Gilberg, of the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach discussed The Center's role and his involvement in the event. "I am Executive Director of The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, which hosts The Black & White Ball. Of course, I work with our amazing committee on making the event happen, but my day to day is running The Center to make sure our community has all the support available to them."

When asked how the event has evolved since its beginning, Gilberg offered this: "The Black & White Ball is bigger than it has ever been. In four years, we've grown from an event hosting 300 people, to nearly double in size this year. All our guests have also really stepped up their game in the fashion department. We encourage people to come in their black and white 'fabulousness,' so this year we expect everything from traditional black tie to creative spins on formal wear. This is really one of the most elegant and unique evening wear events in town."

One of the most esteemed awards is the Ellen Ward Leadership Icon Award. When asked to explain why the award is named in her honor and who she was, Gilberg clarified. "Ellen Ward was an incredible force in our community, from owning one of the first and only lesbian bars in town, Que Sera, to helping found what is now the Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and her years of fundraising and hands-on support for those impacted by HIV. Ellen dedicated her life to making our community a better, safer and most inclusive city...She is who we all should aspire to be."

Regarding the criteria for choosing the recipient of the award, "The Ellen Ward Leadership Icon Award is given to a local community member or organization who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and support to the LGBTQ community."

When asked about the importance of leadership and to share personal thoughts on the withdrawal of Obama-era protections for transgender students in public schools, Gilberg was quick to respond. "It's important to note that no matter who serves as President, Title IX is a federal law that still exists prohibiting sex discrimination in our nation's schools. It's shameful the Trump administration's appointees rescinded guidelines, explicitly supporting transgender students, but the fact remains that they are protected under Title IX."

Getting back to this year's gala celebration, Gilberg discussed the reasons why attendees should consider coming out to support this event, by purchasing a ticket or a whole table. "The Center is an incredible organization in Long Beach's LGBTQ community which supports 25,000 clients a year. We also know how to throw a fabulous party with some of the best-looking folks in town. The Black & White Ball is going to be a night to remember."

As to who is scheduled to perform at this year's gala? "We are thrilled that DJ Notorious Jen will be kicking off the event's afterparty, as soon as our program ends. We also have a few musical surprises in store for our cocktail hour."

The 4th Annual Black & White Ball will be held at on Saturday, April 22, at the Hyatt Regency, 200 S. Pine Avenue in Downtown Long Beach. For more information or to purchase events, call 562.434.4455 or go to centerlb.org/gala