On Friday, March 3, the iconic LGBTQ+ community organization PFLAG will present Big Freedia, herself an icon and GRAMMY Award winning musician, with the inaugural Breaking Barriers Award at PFLAG’s 50th Anniversary Gala. The event will also feature host Amber Ruffin, appearances by Tati Gabrielle (YOU, Uncharted), Eureka (WE’RE HERE), Rose Abdoo (HACKS), and more, with performances by Robin S., Evann McIntosh, Johnny Manuel, and more.
“I know what it is to have unconditional love and affirmation from my mother, Ms. Vera, who was my biggest champion in my life and my career. She was what every PFLAG parent strives to be, and is one of the reasons I can be the loud, proud Black, gay, gender fluid advocate I am,” said Big Freedia, PFLAG National Breaking Barriers Award honoree. “I am truly honored to be recognized by PFLAG National with the Breaking Barriers Award, because I know the power of the walls you can break down when you do it with your parents and allies.”
The PFLAG National Breaking Barriers Award honors an individual who uses their platform to help remove obstacles to LGBTQ+ and intersectional equality in pursuit of a more just, equitable, and inclusive world. Big Freedia is the first recipient of this honor.
“Whether it’s making the dance floor a place where every person of every body type is welcome, or it’s being unabashedly herself on the world’s biggest stages as a genderfluid Black and beautiful musician, Big Freedia has used every part of her talent and joy to open doors and break barriers to inclusion. We are proud to honor Big Freedia with the inaugural PFLAG National Breaking Barriers Award,” said Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National.
Serving on PFLAG’s 50th Anniversary Gala Honorary Host Committee are celebrated LGBTQ+ people and allies: Andrew Rannells, Audra McDonald, Chef Melissa King, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Justin Mikita, Kristin Chenoweth, Martha Plimpton, Matt Doyle, Nate Berkus, Patrick Stewart, Sunny Ozell, Will Swenson, and Wilson Cruz.
