The Stars Shone Bright (and Performed) in Honor of the L.A. LGBT Center’s 50th Anniversary

On Saturday, Sept. 21, the L.A. LGBT Center celebrated its 50th anniversary in a “very L.A.” way — alongside a ton of famous actors, comedians, musicians and TV stars taking the stage to honor the beloved organization. Following a sit-down dinner called the Gold Anniversary Vanguard Celebration, the “Hearts of Gold” concert took place at famed L.A. venue The Greek Theatre, and it was a variety show in the truest sense of the word.

Celebrating not just five decades of the L.A. LGBT Center (the world’s largest LGBT organization) and its historic victories, the Hearts of Gold concert was a great way to honor the entire LGBTQ community.

Pop artist Sia opened the show on Saturday, performing her hits “Titanium” and “The Greatest” while dancer Maddie Ziegler performed for the crowd.

Grace and Frankie (and 9 to 5) co-stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin took to the stage together to laud the services of the L.A. LGBT Center, which includes health services, social services and housing services.

Comedian and actor Nico Santos and his boyfriend, trans Survivor contestant Zeke Smith, also took the stage together to speak about representation and how important it is to the vitality of our community.

Melissa Etheridge gave a surprise performance of her hits “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One,” while baroque pop crooner Rufus Wainwright treated the crowd to a cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” ahead of the biopic Judy (starring Renée Zellweger) opening this weekend.

RuPaul’s Drag Race and Rent: Live veteran Valentina performed a ’70s song-and-dance number, disco diva Thelma Houston performed her iconic hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way,” and openly gay country star Ty Herndon performed his song “What Mattered Most.”

And the singular sensation Jenifer Lewis closed the L.A. LGBT Center’s 50th anniversary celebration by performing a few numbers, including her hilarious track “Black Don’t Crack.” Her rendition of “Ain’t No Mountain” featured a surprise dance performance by none other than comedian Kathy Griffin.

Check out some more photos from the L.A. LGBT Center 50th anniversary celebration here:

What do you think of this past weekend’s L.A. LGBT Center anniversary celebration?

All photos courtesy Getty Images for Los Angeles LGBT Center