Former South Bend mayor and Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and his husband Chasten will be honored with the Equality Trailblazer Award. Ross will honor Netflix's groundbreaking documentary Disclosure, which sheds a glaring light on the history of Hollywood's misguided representation of the trans community on film and TV. In addition, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will pay tribute to the late U.S. Representative John Lewis, a civil rights legend and longtime ally to the LGBTQ+ community.

The award show includes performances from Melissa Etheridge, Betty Who, Alex Newell, Shea Diamond and Robin S. Additional honorees and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks. Equality California Executive Director Rick Chavez Zbur says:

"2020 has challenged the LGBTQ+ community in ways we could never have imagined, but challenging times create heroes, and we cannot wait to come together virtually and celebrate some of this year's heroes. The Equality Awards are a critical opportunity for members of our community to honor the leaders and organizations whose selfless work helps to advance LGBTQ+ civil rights and social justice. Over the past year, Pete and Chasten Buttigieg have transformed American politics forever. Netflix's groundbreaking documentary 'Disclosure' shed much-needed light on the power of transgender representation in film and television. And we lost a true giant — and an unwavering ally — in Congressman John Lewis, whose life and legacy we are proud to honor with a tribute from Speaker Pelosi."

The "Golden State Equality Awards" will start with regional pre-show cocktail hours celebrating the LGBTQ+ and allied communities in Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Palm Springs. During this time, the organization will recognize additional honorees.

The event will stream live September 13th at 6pm PT on a private website for ticketed attendees and sponsors. To purchase tickets to the Golden State Equality Awards, visit here.