Celebrating Community and Liberation: Our Violet Visionary Awards
So, we threw a ball….
On the evening of October 17, 2023, a celebration unfolded at Serra on Vine in Los Angeles as Rainbow Labs hosted the inaugural Violet Visionary Awards. Our remarkable event recognized the extraordinary leaders within the LGBTQIA+ community who are paving the way for the next generation of LGBTQIA+ youth. The night was hosted by the iconic Nina West, a beloved drag queen who graced the silver screen of RuPaul's Drag Race and whose activism is just as bold and sincere as her drag persona.
Heart of the Community Honoree: Ashlee Marie
Voice of Inspiration Honoree: VINCINT
However, the heart of the evening was recognizing our two exceptional honorees. VINCINT, an influential singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and inspiring messages, received the "Voice of Inspiration" award. His music resonates deeply within the LGBTQIA+ landscape, reminding us of the importance of representation and the sheer talent that our community members encompass. The "Heart of the Community" award went to Ashlee Marie Preston, a renowned journalist and activist whose impactful storytelling has become a beacon of hope for many, including our attendees and programmers. Both honorees exemplify the spirit of advocacy that Rainbow Labs continuously champions. In addition to Rainbow Labs champions, we honored Gael Alegria and Allix Grace, two of our programming mentors/ mentees. The dynamic relationship between the two reminded us why our programming offers a mentorship program: it allows space for camaraderie and guidance, and it inevitably becomes a learning experience for both parties throughout programming.
Host: Nina West
And it wouldn't be a ball without a few ballroom performances. To add to last Thursday's magic, we had breathtaking performances from three legendary Los Angeles-based Ballroom Houses: the Incomparable House of COMMES de Garcon, the House of Lanvin, and the House of Balmain. Each performance showcased the vibrant artistry of ballroom in its many forms, from walking categories to floor performances. Ultimately, it brought joy to all in attendance and jaws to the floor after witnessing a series of flips, dips, and splits.
Performers: House of COMMES de Garcon
Performers: House of Balmain
As the evening drew to a close, attendees left feeling inspired, as did our team, who spent months and many sleepless nights coordinating this program. The Violet Visionary Awards were more than just an event; they were a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQIA+ community, igniting a blaze of hope. When we kicked off this event, we didn't necessarily imagine it would have such a grounding impact on attendees. But witnessing the positive reactions throughout the program, we realized there was a need for spaces like ours, which further solidified our decision to make this an annual event.
So our next Violet Visionary Awards will be back Fall 2025!
Furthermore, we'd like to thank all the coordinators, planners, entertainers, and volunteers throughout the night. We'd also like to thank all of our honorees. Your work is commendable, and you're a light for many. And finally we’d like to thank our programming youth.
We’ll always hold space for you.
Till next time,
Rainbow Labs<3
