The Power of Celebration

We believe in the power of people coming together. There is something profound about people connecting in person, under one roof and celebrating a mission that changes lives.

This year, we’ve seen this more than ever. Celebration in the face of hate and discrimination is powerful. One of our longest partners in LGBTQ and racial equity advocacy, Basic Rights Oregon, used their annual fundraising gala this year as a chance to celebrate the strength and beauty of their communities, leaning into joy as a form of protest.

 

Basic Rights fights for equality and inclusivity for all Oregonians. And each year at their events, they put their advocacy and activist agenda front and center. At Ignite—their annual gala and dance party—they saw an opportunity not only to galvanize advocates, but to energize and lift up the community in an important way.

The theme of the night was “Love. Resist. Sparkle.” People came dressed in glittery ball gowns, flashy tuxedos and glitter beards. The atmosphere of the night was joy—the joy of being together, the joy of having this safe space to be authentic and visible and the joy of collective power in the face of oppression.

This was a strong strategic direction. Not only did Ignite act as a celebratory moment to support and energize Basic Rights’ supporters, it was a successful fundraiser. And successful fundraisers make even more love and resistance possible.

Photos by Andie Petkus Photography