Laverne Cox and Chris Olsen to Be Honored at Lifelong’s Inaugural Pride Gala (EXCLUSIVE)

Actress Laverne Cox and influencer Chris Olsen will be honored by Seattle health organization Lifelong during its inaugural Pride Gala in June.

Founded in 1983 in response to the HIV epidemic, Lifelong now operates programs across food/nutrition, aging, disability, housing, insurance and HIV. 

The gala will be hosted by celebrity stylist Brad Goreski and feature performances by Jack Shears, Miz Cracker and Macy Gray. The evening takes place on June 13 in downtown Seattle.

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Event co-chairs include Jean Smart and Bella Thorne, with more names to be announced in the coming weeks. 

“Seattle has long been a city that champions inclusion, creativity and advocacy, and this event reflects the vibrancy and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community while also recognizing the urgent work still ahead,” Lifelong CEO James Shackelford said Tuesday. “Lifelong has been a champion for equality and access for 43 years and we’re thrilled to welcome such an extraordinary group of talent, advocates, and supporters to help launch one of Seattle’s signature Pride celebrations and raise critical funds for essential health, HIV, housing and food programs.”

Cox first gained fame and accolades for her work as Sophia Burset on “Orange Is the New Black.” In 2014, she become the first transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. She is a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and, also in 2014, she became the first transgender person to appear on the cover of Time magazine. Cox’s memoir, “Transcendent,” will be published on June 9.

Olsen is a social media influencer and LGBTQ and mental health advocate. His memoir, “I Think My Therapist Hates Me,” will be released on Sept. 1.

Lifelong currently provides HIV services to 1,788 people. More than 250,000 meals and 25,000 grocery bags are expected to be provided in 2026. The organization supports 1,200 adults with disabilities, older adults and caregivers to live independently and has placed 180 adults into safe housing.

For more information about Lifelong and the Pride Gala, go to lifelong.org.