A Room Full of Love

by Ty Andrews

I had a great time attending the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Dinner in Los Angeles.

This year hit different.

This year's theme was "Community = Power". Between the chaos of the world and the quiet of my own surgery recovery, I'm grateful for those in my community and beyond who have lifted me up.

Standing in a white silk suit was not about a comeback. It was about arrival– showing up for the LGBTQ+ community and equality. Being in a room full of justice warriors, celebrities, volunteers and leaders who give a damn about equality was inspiring to remember that I am not alone.

At the Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles, Dinner on March 28, 2026 at the Fairmont Century Plaza.

As the Digital Engagement Co-Chair for the HRC Los Angeles Steering Committee I was there to celebrate what is working. When you secure your foundation you do not need to chase trends or people. You just show up to serve the community and the cause.

Event chair Niecy Nash-Betts said it best, when asked why she says yes, “In these divisive times you want to show up in the rooms that are full of love.”

HRC President Kelley Robinson stood in the room as the first black queer woman leader of this organization and told us not to let anyone take our joy. The room energy of supporters and award-winning stars like RuPaul, Lisa Kudrow and HRC Visibility Award recipient and director Michael Patrick King, reminded us that we are not just attendees. We are the builders.

After the event, I came across photos my friend Marty recenlty took of me by the ocean. I felt the same atmosphere I tried to draw when I was 11 in Florida. The boy who drew sea life for Highlights Magazine was right about the vision. He just didn’t know it would take forty years to finally arrive.