More than 3,000 LGBT advocates — joined by celeb champions of the cause — gathered at the Washington Convention Center Saturday night for the single largest annual fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign. Pictured here: “Real Housewives of D.C.” cast members Mary Amons and Catherine Ommanney joined their friends for the festivities.
Ricky Martin showed up as a surprise guest to solicit funds from GLBT supporters. “You all know I’m gay, right?” he jokingly asked. “I mean, I didn’t know if you had heard.”
Timur Tugberk, a D.C.-area event promoter, wore one of the evenings most outrageous costumes.
Black ties only: these stylish party-goers had a blast at a reception prior to the seated dinner.
Bette Midler served as a presenter for the Human Rights Campaign Awards.
Mo’Nique also served as a presenter for the Human Rights Campaign Awards.
Grammy Award-winning artist Pink accepted the Human Rights Campaign’s Ally for Equality Award.
“Real World of D.C.” castmember Mike Manning not only posed for photo-ops, he also helped to sell raffle tickets for the annual fundraiser.
Three thousand GLBT advocates packed the hall at the Washington Convention Center to sell out the 14th-annual dinner.
*Gallery also available on Niteside.
All photos credit Michael Woestehoff/The Washington Lobbyist