Honoring a Year of Progress and Unity Within Hawai‘i’s MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ Community

As 2023 nears its conclusion, the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation reflects on a year defined by transformative initiatives dedicated to advancing equality, fortifying community support and nurturing inclusivity throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Through an array of activities, events, and campaigns, the Foundation highlighted and celebrated the diversity of Hawai‘i’s MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ community.

Coco Chandelier and members of the University of Mānoa Queer Dance Students perform. Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation

In February, the inaugural Pride Pā‘ina Lā ‘Ohana, a Pride Family Event held at the Bishop Museum and organized by the Māhūi, the Culture and Education Subcommittee of the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation, offered an all-ages platform celebrating queer youth and ‘ohana.

Legendary Entertainer Deborah Cox performs at the Vision without Limits Gala. Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation

July witnessed the reimagined Vision Without Limits Gala, headlined by the iconic Deborah Cox, commemorating Hawai‘i’s 30th anniversary of marriage equality. This gala highlighted key figures in this historic milestone: Judge Daniel R. Foley, Magistrate Judge Kevin S.C. Chang and Supreme Court Justice Steven H. Levinson. Additionally, the Visionary Award honored Hinaleimoana Wong Kalu, an esteemed māhū Native Hawaiian leader devoted to fostering education, understanding and appreciation of māhū history and culture.

Parade watchers enjoying the Honolulu Pride Parade. Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation

In October, the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation hosted Honolulu Pride, themed “Rooted in Pride: Homecoming,” paying tribute to the rich heritage of māhū individuals deeply connected to Hawai‘i. Adding to the celebration’s vibrancy, Sasha Colby, a Waimānalo native, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 and former Miss Continental, headlined the Honolulu Pride Festival and led the Honolulu Pride Parade as Grand Marshal, while the weekend consisted of diverse events celebrating MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ joy.

Throughout the year, the foundation convened numerous Rainbow Town Halls and collaborated with nonprofit organizations to fortify community bonds, enhance accessibility, provide support and raise awareness for the MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ community.

Serving as a community hub, the foundation showcased its initiatives, partnered with other nonprofits, and held various events, such as History and Art walks and workshops addressing critical community issues. For a comprehensive guide to statewide events and opportunities, explore our Event Calendar.

SEE ALSO: Honolulu Pride: LGBTQIA+ Events in December 2023

The incredible support from our esteemed partners has empowered the Foundation to focus on advocacy and support for the MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rainbow Over Waikīkī sponsor, Hawaiian Airlines, the Official Airline of Honolulu Pride, alongside Bank of Hawai‘i, Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, Alaska Airlines, the Premier Airline of Honolulu Pride, ‘Alohilani Resort, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, American Savings Bank and First Hawaiian Bank as our Visionary Partners.

Additionally, we express sincere appreciation to Kaimana Beach Hotel, Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement, Central Pacific Bank, Hawai‘i Theatre Center and Tito’s Handmade Vodka for their invaluable support as our Platinum Partners. These collaborations have played a pivotal role in fostering empowerment and unwavering support for the MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ community.