Kathy Griffin Honored as Advocate of the Year at Out100 Party

Kathy Griffin received the prestigious Advocate of the Year award from Out magazine during the Out100 party held on November 10, 2023, at Sia at nya Studios West in Los Angeles. The event celebrated notable figures in the LGBTQ+ community, with Griffin being recognized for her advocacy and resilience.

Sia presented the award to Griffin, expressing her deep admiration for the comedian. “She’s my friend, she’s an excellent person and she saved my life,” Sia stated, before performing her empowering anthem “Unstoppable” in honor of Griffin. This moment highlighted the strong bond between the two artists and underscored the significance of community support.

In her acceptance speech, Griffin thanked the LGBTQ+ community for their unwavering support, particularly during challenging times that followed her public fallout with former President Donald Trump. “There was a term in my day called f— hag. We won’t say the f-a-g word anymore, but, honey, I am the OG hag. I know all of you. We go back. We have a relationship,” she remarked, reflecting on her journey and connection with the community.

Griffin continued by urging attendees to engage politically, emphasizing the importance of advocacy in light of current societal challenges. “I’m so honored to be Advocate of the Year because we are a community. This is a tough time, so I have to tell you please become as politically engaged as you can. It’s so important because I worry about you guys and I worry about an America where it may not even be safe to walk down the street as a gay person,” she said.

Recognition of LGBTQ+ Icons

The Out100 event also featured an appearance by Niecy Nash-Betts, who accepted the Icon Award through a video message, as she was filming in Atlanta. Nash-Betts, known for her work in both comedy and drama, continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry and a supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.

Additionally, the ceremony honored Miles Heizer, star of the popular series “Boots,” as one of the Out100 honorees. The recognition of these individuals highlights the ongoing contributions and visibility of LGBTQ+ figures in entertainment and advocacy.

As the night unfolded, the Out100 party brought together members of the community to celebrate achievements while also fostering discussions around the challenges that lie ahead. The event served not only as a platform for recognition but also as a rallying point for continued activism and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.

In a year marked by significant social and political challenges, the voices of advocates like Kathy Griffin resonate powerfully, reminding all to strive for progress and unity in the face of adversity.