#ThisIsLuv Campaign

To launch the ground-breaking #ThisIsLuv campaign in support of LGBT members thriving in the Black community, Human Rights Campaign hosted a panel discussion on the subject and included an elite group of speakers, including Lawrence “Miss Lawrence” Washington, former NFL star Jason Collins, and EJ Johnson, son of NBA legend Magic Johnson.

“It’s so important for us to focus on how we can better support our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and dismantle the idea that the Black community is more homophobic than any other, which is far from the truth,” Lawrence says. “I feel like this panel helped break through the myths that main stream media continues to spread.”

Turn It Up For Change

During a fun-filled, glamorous evening in Atlanta, Lawrence “Miss Lawrence” Washington hosted a fundraiser for the W Hotels Worldwide partnership with the Human Rights Campaign to heighten awareness for marriage equality. “We raised some hefty coin that evening, I’m proud to announce,” Lawrence says. “It’s thrilling to see that all of our hard work paid off, but we have a long way to go to make sure that all members of the LGBTQ community are able to marry the ones they love.”

"Homophobia in the Black Community" Panel Discussion

As part of a panel discussion on “Homophobia in the Black Community” for the National Action Network and moderated by film director Patrick Polk, Lawrence “Miss Lawrence” Washington shed light on the challenges LGBTQ people of color face in their own communities. “Homophobia is a learned behavior,” Lawrence says. “Until we understand that we are engaged in a never-ending fight for complete acceptance, we will continue to feel social and equal disparities."

US Department of Agriculture Atlanta LGBT Summit

Lawrence “Miss Lawrence” Washington moderated the panel on Local Champions and the Intersection of LGBT People of Faith at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Atlanta LGBT Summit. Panelists included Lisa Borders, chair, The Coca-Cola Foundation; Vice President, Global Community Affairs at The Coca-Cola Company and Jeff Graham, Executive Director, Georgia Equality.

“I am so blessed to live my dreams every day, but I know that there are so many out there who are not able to or are afraid to,” Lawrence says. “By participating in these discussions, I hope to help bring those in the shadows of the LGBTQ community out into the light.” 

White House Reception Honoring LGBTQ Pride

Because of his unwavering efforts supporting equality and change for the LGBTQ community, President Barack Obama invited him to the White House for a reception honoring LGBTQ Pride. “That was a moment I will remember forever,” Lawrence says. “It really made me feel good to be recognized for all the hard work I’ve done to help bring equal rights to the LGBTQ community.”