Tipper Gore, L.A.
Gay and Lesbian Center Dinner Focus on No on 8

The mood at this year's Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center's anniversary dinner was clearly focused: Do whatever it takes to defeat California's Proposition 8 at the polls.

All eyes are on California this election season as LGBTs look to California to lead the way for other states by defeating Prop. 8, which would define marriage in the state's constitution as being between a man and a woman. This year's gala dinner, celebrating the center's 37th year, shined the spotlight on continuing efforts to preserve same-sex marriage, which the California supreme court legalized in May.

One of the speakers at this year's gala, Tipper Gore -- wife of Al Gore, former vice president and the would-be president in 2000 -- said she and her husband stand with the gay community in defeating Prop. 8.

"The Gore family is a part of your family right now," Tipper Gore said while addressing a packed ballroom at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles's Century City district. She was also on hand to present furniture designers Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams with the Corporate Vision Award.

Gore spoke of her son's generation, which she said is vocal about defeating Prop. 8. "This is a struggle that must be won," she said.

Gore wasn't the only speaker to speak about defeating the ballot measure. The Gay and Lesbian Center's CEO, Lorri Jean, said defeating Prop. 8 was the most important moment in the gay civil rights movement.

The evening's host, Ellen and 'Til Death star Joely Fisher, said she supports the gay community and will vote no on 8, though she joked about wondering why gays and lesbians would want to be married.

"You'll fight over who left the toilet seat up," she cracked. "I don't know how, but you will."

The gala raised money for the LAGLC's extensive slate of programs, including support for LGBT youths, HIV testing, and outreach to gay senior citizens. Gus Van Sant, the gay director of Good Will Hunting and the forthcoming biopic Milk, was presented with the center's Board of Directors Award. (Ross von Metzke, The Advocate)