Rainbow Labs is proud to present the 2025 Violet Visionary Awards — an unforgettable evening celebrating LGBTQIA+ leaders, mentors, and changemakers who are lighting the way for the next generation.
This annual event honors individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and joy. We will uplift the power of LGBTQIA+ expression—in fashion, art, dance, voice, and story—as a revolutionary force fueling queer joy and collective freedom.
2025 Event Details
DATE & TIME
Thursday, October 16th
6-10pm
LOCATION
Serra On Vine (Hollywood),
1161 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Honorees
HEART OF THE COMMUNITY AWARD
ALOK
The Heart of the Community Award honors an LGBTQIA+ community member whose activism, leadership, and compassion embody our community's pulse and resilience.
More special guests to be announced!
Host Committee
Michael Chavez
Philip Javellana
Greg Lam
Aram Nadjarian
Donn Ogilive
Marcos Perez
Aaron Sharpe
C.J Stermer
Ari Ezra Waldman
2025 Violet Visionary Award Sponsors
Set against a vibrant backdrop of performance, storytelling, and community, the Violet Visionary Awards uplifts the voices of our youth and highlights the transformative power of mentorship. The evening includes:
Live
Performances
by iconic LGBTQIA+ performance artists, centering on the theme:
Queer Liberation Through Self-Expression
Three Powerful Awards
A chance to meet the visionaries and youth leaders building tomorrow!
Heart of the Community Award
Voice of the Community Award
Light of the Future Award
Event Timeline
Cocktail Hour & Heavy Hors d’Oeuvres
6:00 – 7:00 PM
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Program & Live Performances
8:00 – 10:00 PM
Drinks, Mingling, & Dancing
Attire:
Violet & Vibrant
Attire: Violet & Vibrant
We invite guests to wear something violet & vibrant—whether it’s a full look or a bold pop of color. Express yourself and bring your brightest self to the celebration!
All proceeds from the evening go directly to Rainbow Labs’ year-round programming that provides LGBTQIA+ youth with mentorship, leadership training, and creative development opportunities. Join us as we honor those who lead with heart, speak with power, and dream in violet.
2024 Violet Visionary Awards
Anchoring Rainbow Labs as a leader in the LGBTQIA+ Youth Mentorship space, the first Violet Visionary Awards was in 2024. It brought together funders, VIPs, celebrities, and supporters to honor three individuals and organizations that are making an impact for LGBTQIA+ community.
Winners of the 2024 Violet Visionary Awards:
VINCINT, a gifted artist whose work amplifies our stories and drives meaningful change, received the Voice of the Community award, which celebrates those whose voice uplifts and empowers the LGBTQ+ community.
Ashlee Marie Preston received the Heart of the Community award, recognizing someone whose love and resilience inspire the LGBTQ+ community. This year's recipient is a beacon of hope, especially for LGBTQ+ youth, showing the strength within their journeys.
Gael (mentor) and Allix (mentee) received the Light Of The Future award for their mentor/mentee relationship and growth.
A special thank you to our Event Chairs Jose Diaz and Nicole Krakoff, Event Host Committee.
Moments from last year’s Violet Awards
Relive the magic from our previous gala
2024 Violet Visionary Award Sponsors
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
— Rainbow Labs Youth