Karamo To Be Honored At National LGBTQ Task Force Gala October 19 In Miami

The National LGBTQ Task Force will honor LGBTQ activist and Emmy-winning Queer Eye star Karamo with the National Leadership Award at its annual fundraising gala. Emmy-nominated actor/writer/comedian Joel Kim Booster will emcee the benefit, with performances from American Idol's Frenchie Davis and Ginger Minj, who is best known for her work on RuPaul's Drag Race. The Gala will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center on October 19, 2024, to raise funds in support of the organization's "Queer the Vote" campaign.

The National LGBTQ Task Force Gala, sponsored by St. John's on the Lake United Methodist Church, is the premier annual national celebration of the LGBTQ community held in South Florida. This year's theme, "Roots of Progress, Blooms of Hope," pays tribute to the accomplishments of the organization's first half-century of work and its commitment to continuing the work to achieve full LGBTQ equality and liberation. The funds raised by this year's gala will fuel the organization's work to advance the rights and security of LGBTQ people in Florida and across the country, with a focus on the Task Force's "Queer the Vote" campaign, which seeks to get progressive-minded voters to the polls in 2024.

The Task Force will present Karamo with the National Leadership Award for his work combating HIV stigma and providing mental health support and HIV education to the Black queer community. Karamo has also been vocal in his support of Jason, who came out as pansexual at the age of 21.

"I am deeply honored to receive the 2024 National Leadership Award from the National LGBTQ Task Force. This recognition is not just a reflection of my work but a testament to the strength, resilience, and love that defines our entire community." Karamo added, "Together, we have made incredible strides toward equality, and though there is still much work to be done, I remain committed to amplifying our voices, fighting for our rights, and supporting those who need it most. Let us continue to lead with compassion and conviction, ensuring that every individual can live openly and authentically."

Karamo, an Emmy-winning host and culture expert, is best known for his role on Netflix's Queer Eye, which returns for its ninth season in December 2024. Karamo hosts The Karamo Show, a daytime talk show entering its third season in September 2024. He also works in LGBTQ advocacy and youth empowerment through initiatives like President Obama's My Brother's Keeper Alliance.

Booster is a stand-up comedian, actor, and advocate for the LGBTQ community who will entertain attendees as the evening's emcee. Best known for writing and starring in Fire Island, Booster earned two Emmy nominations and a "Best First Screenplay" nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards for the 2022 film. He also stars alongside Maya Rudolph in Apple TV+'s Loot. His Netflix comedy special, Joel Kim Booster: Psychosexual, explored his experiences as a gay Asian American and earned a Critics Choice Award nomination and recognition as one of Variety's best comedy specials of 2022.

The Task Force previously announced that former Task Force Board Co-Chair Roger Thomson and SAVE advocate Jim Tyrrell will receive the 2024 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award, an honor received by those who share generous contributions to the South Florida LGBTQ+ community through their time, talent, and treasure. Advocates deserving of this award have volunteered their time to community programs, applied their talent in service to the community, and offered the treasure of their personal contributions to local organizations.

Kierra Johnson, President of the National LGBTQ Task Force, noted, "The year's event centers around the Task Force's Queer the Vote campaign, which is not simply a call to action for everyone in the room, but to our entire community. Our staff have been working on the ground, and we are training and mobilizing folks online as well. We stand at a critical moment–this election will decide whether we continue moving forward or lose much of the hard-earned progress we've made in the social justice movement." She added, "Karamo embodies much of what is at stake. From his work in HIV education and advocacy to his visibility as a queer Black man, to his support of his son Jason. I cannot wait to celebrate Karamo and all of the amazing talent we have at the Gala and soak up the joy and love we all experience together - and then get right back to work to Queer the Vote and mobilize our communities and allies!"

Guests will also be dazzled by performances from Frenchie Davis and Ginger Minj. Davis is a powerhouse singer and actress known for her standout performances on American Idol and The Voice, as well as starring roles in Broadway's RENT and Ain't Misbehavin,' which earned her a Grammy nomination. Minj is a drag performer best known for competing on RuPaul's Drag Race and starring in Hocus Pocus 2.
The National LGBTQ Task Force Gala is made possible by Presenting Sponsor St. John's on the Lake, along with our Champion Sponsors Jim Tyrrell & Roger Thomson and Truist Wealth. Defender sponsors include the The James G. Pepper Fund at Our Fund Foundation, Jorge Luis García, Liebe & Seth Gadinsky, Ryder Charitable Foundation, and The Miami Foundation.

For more information about the National LGBTQ Task Force and to purchase Gala tickets please visit https://www.thetaskforce.org/task-force-gala/.