Every June, in Utah, there is the HRC Gala. The Human Rights Campaign is the leading LGBTQ+ political action organization in the country and they are fighting for equality. Yay! Cause no one wants to be fired for being gay or lesbian or trans.
And it is a chance to see some celebrities such as JJ Totah, Dana Goldberg, and others. Last year was Gus Kenworthy, woo hoo!
JJ Totah from Glee Spider-man and Other People
Before the main event, we have a VIP event and a chance for the VIPs to mingle. I’m the roving candid photographer. We have another photographer, Pamela Ann Berry, who is photographing the step and repeat out front. The step and repeat is cool because there is the amazing lighting and a background. I carry my light on the camera and make people look amazing while interrupting the hors d’oeuvre. It’s a bit of an art to get the candid photos.
Mauro & Sebastian
And comedian Dana Goldberg was the auctioneer for the live auction. There are some awesome packages, many are vacation getaways. Oh to be rich some day.
Dana Goldberg at the HRC Gala
People enjoy the bubbly
And it’s one of the cohosts for the evening! I photographed them for this exact event, for the program.
Karnell McConnell-Black
HRC Gala attendees
Introducing the next speaker…
HRC Gala attendees
Dustin Williams
HRC Gala attendees
Lucas Horns
Here is a behind the scenes photo of Pamela in action. She’s a fantastic photographer who works with Westcott—they sell great lighting for photographers and videographers. *this is not an ad
Pamela in action at the step-n-repeat
One of the local politicians was a guest. Ben McAdams is the Salt Lake County Mayor and is running for Congress at the moment.
Ben McAdams Salt Lake County Mayor
And it’s Mao and Jed of Aronik. I’ve photographed their swimwear and underwear on occasion.
The owners of Aronik
One of the award winners was the Salt Lake Acting Company and Cynthia Fleming represented. I’m SLAC’s official photographer, so yay!
Cynthia Fleming from the Salt Lake Acting Company
Ada Vox is a drag queen who was on America’s Got Talent, I believe? I don’t watch enough television, so I can’t confirm that, and I could Google it, but I’m being lazy at the moment.
Ada Vox performs at HRC Gala
The Salt Lake Acting Company
Late night festivities
And DJ Young 1 was spinning the music at the VIP party and at the after party. She has been the DJ for the last few years. And she was also on America’s Got Talent back in 2013.
DJ Young 1
And check out the gravity defying dance moves, ack!
Dance the night away
Pamela and date dancing
