PFLAG Hosts Virtual Move Equality Forward Event

This Wednesday, September 2, performing activist and Broadway actor André De Shields takes to the screen to host PFLAG National’s annual “Moving Equality Forward” event. This year, the event will be held virtually due to the pandemic. The Tony Award-winning actor is just one of many participating in this special ticketed event which will honor Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi with the 2020 PFLAG National Champion of Justice Award.

“It is an immense honor to accept the 2020 PFLAG National Champion of Justice Award,” says House Speaker Pelosi. “As the representative from San Francisco, I am proud of the work that PFLAG San Francisco has done to strengthen our city through its committed advocacy and education for over 30 years.”

The PFLAG National Champion of Justice Award recognizes an elected official who champions fairness, equality, and justice for all people in the U.S. and around the world through the power of their elected office and as a community influencer. Past honorees include civil rights legend, the late Rep. John R. Lewis, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (WI), former Rep. Barney Frank, and Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

“Speaker Pelosi has demonstrated in no uncertain terms that she is a champion of justice beginning with her first House floor speech in 1987 when she stated definitively that she had come to Congress to fight AIDS. As an HIV-positive person myself, her words and her passion resonate,” says Brian K. Bond, executive director of PFLAG National.

“As the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House, Speaker Pelosi has made history, deftly moving more than 500 bills through the House this session including most notably the Equality Act and a resolution in support of military service members who are transgender. Her tireless work on behalf of LGBTQ+ people, our families, workplaces, and communities is why PFLAG National is proud to honor Speaker Nancy Pelosi as our 2020 Champion of Justice.”

The event will broadcast live to ticket holders on Wednesday, September 2 beginning at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Tickets for individuals are $35 and can be purchased here. The event is produced by Rick Fowler, Mida Associates, and will feature a cocktail demonstration by mixologist Gianna Burns of the award-winning cocktail bar Trick Dog in San Francisco.