Demi Moore, Nicole Scherzinger at Family Equality’s Night at the Pier Gala

Family Equality’s annual Night at the Pier is a star-studded event that brings together LGBTQ+ families, allies, and advocates to celebrate and support equality. The gala, held at New York City’s Chelsea Piers, raised an impressive $1.5 million to further Family Equality’s mission of advancing legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families across the nation.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Luigi Caiola Luminary Award to Jason Weinberg, founding partner of Untitled Entertainment, and his screenwriter husband Merritt Johnson. Speaking about their support for Family Equality, Johnson emphasized the importance of the organization’s work, especially in the current social and political climate. Weinberg echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to speak up and defend the unity of LGBTQ+ families.

The event also paid tribute to the ten-year anniversary of marriage equality in the United States, with special recognition given to Jim Obergefell. Obergefell served as the lead plaintiff in the landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court case that granted millions of Americans the right to marry.

Celebrity attendees at Night at the Pier included a host of familiar faces from the entertainment industry. The evening was a celebration of love, diversity, and the power of community to effect positive change.

As Family Equality continues its vital work in support of LGBTQ+ families, events like Night at the Pier serve as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. With the support of dedicated advocates, allies, and changemakers, the future looks brighter for all families, regardless of their shape or form.

This post was reported by Antonio Ferme and originally appeared on Variety.