Laverne Cox will be honored with the Pride in Action award at Lifelong’s inaugural Pride Gala: An Evening for Equality in Seattle on Saturday, June 13, placing one of the most visible transgender advocates at the center of a benefit tied to direct community services. The Emmy-winning actress, producer, author and advocate is being recognized as the event aims to raise money for Lifelong’s work in Washington.

The gala will bring together civic, business, philanthropic and creative leaders, with Brad Goreski hosting and Macy Gray, Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters and Miz Cracker scheduled to perform. Jean Smart and Bella Thorne are on the honorary committee, and Chris Olsen will also be honored for advocacy and leadership. For Lifelong, the night is meant to support food access, housing support, medical case management and other essential services for more than 8,200 people in Washington.

Cox’s recognition fits a career that has stretched more than two decades. She was the first openly transgender person nominated for an Emmy in an acting category for her role on Orange Is the New Black, later produced the documentary Disclosure and published the memoir Transcendent. But in speaking about the honor, she framed herself less as a finished voice than as someone still learning. “I’m still a student at 54 years old,” she said.

That humility sits beside a public record that has made her one of the defining figures in transgender advocacy. Cox has used her platform to challenge misinformation and push for real-world change, and she recently hosted Outright International’s annual gala. Asked about gatherings like this one, she said they matter because “when we’re gathered together, we feel our collective power,” adding that such moments are “life-giving” and “life-sustaining.”

For Lifelong, the timing matters because this is its first Pride Gala and the organization is asking supporters to translate celebration into services for people who rely on it every day. Cox called that local work central to the cause, saying, “It’s all about the local organizations,” and describing how they help people feel they are not alone. What is still missing is the final number: the gala will raise money on June 13, but Lifelong has not said how much it expects to bring in.