New York, New York – April 17, 2024 – Outright International is proud to announce that the talented and influential Billy Porter will be honored with the Outspoken Award at the upcoming 28th annual Celebration of Courage awards and gala, set to take place on June 3, 2024, in New York City. The organization’s Outspoken Award recognizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ) groups or individuals, and allies, that contribute to advanced awareness and equality for LGBTIQ people.

Billy Porter, an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award-winning actor, singer, director, producer, composer, playwright, and activist, will be recognized for his unwavering advocacy and powerful voice across various movements. Porter has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, earning accolades and acclaim for his remarkable talent and dedication to social causes.

A Global Citizen Ambassador, Porter’s impact extends beyond the stage and screen as he continues to use his platform to champion LGBTIQ rights and promote inclusivity and acceptance. His work on projects like FX’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated drama Pose and the Broadway musical Kinky Boots has not only showcased his immense talent but also highlighted important social issues.

“Around the world, there are millions of LGBTIQ people who are unable to live their lives openly and safely. That is why I am honored to receive the Outspoken Award and join forces with Outright International to say enough is enough: enough with denying LGBTIQ people their basic dignity and humanity; enough with holding back my community’s right to live lives of joy and happiness. I will continue to speak out and stand with Outright until every LGBTIQ person in every corner of this planet knows they are loved and seen,” Porter said.

Celebration of Courage will gather people from civil society, government, philanthropy, and business in alignment with Outright International’s commitment to partnership and working Together, for Better LGBTIQ Lives. 

Notably, joining the prestigious lineup of attendees at this year’s Celebration of Courage awards and gala is Wilson Cruz, the 2023 recipient of the same award! Wilson Cruz will be gracing the event to present the Outspoken Award to Billy Porter, adding an extra touch of significance to this momentous occasion.

In addition to recognizing Porter’s impact, Celebration of Courage will be an evening dedicated to celebrating Mitini Nepal and Adobe Foundation for their achievements and impact on LGBTIQ communities everywhere. 

Mitini Nepal, a trailblazing non-governmental organization at the forefront of the LBT movement in Nepal, will receive Outright’s Felipa de Souza Award. The Felipa de Souza Award recognizes the courage and activism of grassroots groups and individuals to survive and thrive in the face of incredible odds and tremendous challenges. Founded in 2006 by the pioneering couple Laxmi Ghalan and Meera Bajracharya, Mitini Nepal has been a beacon of hope for lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals in the country. Through their tireless efforts, Mitini Nepal has provided a safe space for LBT individuals to access vital services such as psychosocial counseling, legal information, and healthcare support.

Outright is also proud to present the Adobe Foundation with the Outstanding Award, which pays tribute to special individuals, companies, and/or organizations who have significantly advanced human rights for LGBTIQ people. This year’s award recognizes the Foundation’s dedication to fostering positive change through the promotion of creative and digital literacy, social equity and opportunity, and active community engagement – including its Equity and Advancement Initiative (EAI) to address systemic barriers to opportunity and advance social equity within Adobe’s businesses and communities.

The dynamic BeBe Zahara Benet will host the 2024 gala. Hailing from Cameroon, the multi-talented singer-songwriter, visual artist, TV personality, and activist has captivated audiences worldwide with a career spanning over two decades. With over one million social media followers, 40 million Spotify streams, and five million music video views, Benet has emerged as a rising force in global music and pop culture. From her recent triumph with the hit single “Banjo” to her viral successes like “Jungle Kitty.” Benet’s impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. As a seasoned producer, nightlife host, and public speaker, Benet continues to inspire and engage audiences with dynamic performances and impactful events, solidifying a legacy as a cultural icon.

“One of Outright International’s four pillars is Celebrate – and even in the midst of adversity, we hold space at our gala and through our awards to commemorate the resilience and victories of a vibrant and brave LGBTIQ global movement. Tonight, we celebrate LGBTIQ activists everywhere, and we thank activists like Billy Porter and BeBe Zahara Benet for lending us their talents, voice, and platform to help us keep pushing for change,” said Maria Sjödin, Outright International Executive Director. 

They continued, “We thank Mitini Nepal for their unwavering dedication to promoting human rights and equality for the LGBTIQ community in Nepal. And we thank Adobe Foundation for their support of Outright’s work to bring about meaningful change with and for LGBTIQ people globally.”