The National LGBTQ Task Force proudly joined the third annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée, which made its powerful debut in Washington, D.C. this year. With the 2025 theme, “Excellence Ascending,” the soirée was a night of joy, recognition, and reflection, marking an important cultural moment that centered the contributions of Black queer and trans leaders.
The event was nothing short of iconic, gathering more than 400 guests to honor the legacy of Black LGBTQ+ communities’ brilliance and resilience. Hosted by Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the evening united an inspiring intergenerational lineup of activists, artists, scholars, and storytellers. At the heart of this unforgettable night was the National LGBTQ Task Force’s very own president, Kierra Johnson, honored with the Active Advocate Award.
after accepting the “Active Advocate” Award
during the third annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée.
(Source: Jefry Andres Wright)
Growing up watching BET as a kid, Johnson shared that “to be receiving an award, an honor that’s coming from [BET], it feels like…a fairytale.” She concluded by saying the honor comes with a lot of responsibility, “I want to do my people proud in every aspect of my life…I’m exactly where I want to be and I’m glad I could be here.”
Johnson’s recognition was a deeply moving moment for the Task Force and the broader movement. Her decades-long commitment to reproductive justice, queer liberation, and racial equity has cemented her as one of the most vital voices in the national conversation about justice and inclusion. From Capitol Hill to community organizing, Kierra’s leadership continues to push boundaries and open doors for the next generation of advocates.
The soirée also featured honorees including Ashlee Davis, J.D. (Executive Realness Award), Hope Giselle (Emerging Leader), Ashlee Marie Preston (Creative Visionary), and Bob the Drag Queen (Culture Trailblazer), as each honoree offered powerful messages on legacy, equity, and creativity.
As part of The Task Force’s commitment to visibility and cultural storytelling, Benjamin Coy, the organization’s communications marketing and campaign manager, set up shop on the BET Black carpet, interviewing guests, honorees, and performers throughout the night. His conversations captured the essence of Black LGBTQ+ joy, pride, and purpose for the Task Force’s Instagram page, offering a firsthand look at the powerful voices shaping our culture today.
Performances by Broadway’s Avery Wilson and appearances by presenters like Eva Marcille, Bryan Terrell Clark, and Carter The Body added entertainment to an already electric atmosphere. Community organizations such as The Center for Black Equity and TAKE Resource Center were also awarded $5,000 grants from the BET Thrive Fund in recognition of their frontline advocacy.
The Task Force applauds BET for curating a space that not only celebrates legacy but builds power. With support from partners like Gilead Sciences and Truth Initiative, the soirée spotlighted the importance of health equity, visibility, and continued investment in Black LGBTQ+ communities.
“This couldn’t be just another event,” said Tiyale Hayes, BET’s Executive Vice President of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead of Social Impact. “It had to be an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced and celebrate contributions that have shaped the world in powerful ways.”
Johnson’s honor showed the soirée wasn’t just about recognition—but affirming that advocacy, joy, and cultural pride all go hand-in-hand. And the Task Force will continue to be right there, where culture meets justice.
