A Night to Remember: BET Media Group Honors Black LGBTQ+ Luminaries at the 3rd Annual Black + Iconic Soirée in Washington, D.C
“Excellence Ascending” Sets the Stage for Legacy, Liberation, and Love
In a radiant display of resilience, brilliance, and Black queer joy, the 3rd Annual BET Black + Iconic Soirée lit up Washington, D.C. with a night that honored pioneers, uplifted new voices, and cemented legacy. The 2025 theme, “Excellence Ascending,” offered more than a vision—it served as a powerful affirmation of Black LGBTQ+ leaders who continue to shift culture and command change on their own terms.
Held for the first time in the nation’s capital, the Soirée welcomed guests into a space where storytelling met activism, and style met substance. Hosted by Access Hollywood anchor and celebrated entertainment journalist Scott Evans, the event brought together an unforgettable mix of trailblazers in civil rights, media, the arts, and advocacy for an evening that fused elegance with empowerment.
Spotlight on Changemakers
The night was filled with emotion, elegance, and excellence as several honorees took the stage to be recognized for their extraordinary contributions:
- Ashlee Davis, J.D. was presented with the Executive Realness Award, a nod to her groundbreaking work in civil rights and her impact across public and private sectors.
- Hope Giselle, a fearless advocate and celebrated author, was named Emerging Leader, recognized for her unwavering advocacy for the visibility and empowerment of Black trans communities. Her words left the room still and inspired, reminding many why representation—and intention—matters.
- Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, received the Active Advocate Award for her long-standing leadership in advancing both reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Ashlee Marie Preston, an outspoken cultural commentator and visionary strategist, took home the Creative Visionary Award for using media to bridge intergenerational activism and shift harmful narratives.
- Bob the Drag Queen, Emmy Award-winning icon and co-host of We’re Here, closed the evening with a standing ovation as he accepted the Culture Trailblazer Award. His acceptance speech—equal parts humorous, heartfelt, and historic—reflected on freedom, chosen family, and what it truly means to build legacy in the face of adversity.
Two dynamic community organizations—the Center for Black Equity and the TAKE Resource Center—were also recognized with $5,000 BET Thrive Fund awards for their enduring efforts in promoting wellness, equity, and community organizing for Black LGBTQ+ individuals.
Music, Star Power, and Purpose
Broadway sensation Avery Wilson moved the crowd with a soul-stirring medley fresh off his celebrated run in The Wiz, delivering vocal excellence and a performance that pulsed with purpose. Star-studded presenters including Eva Marcille, Carter The Body, Bryan Terrell Clark, and Arrington Foster offered heartfelt tributes to each honoree, adding personal flair and love to the night’s energy.
Anchoring the Mission
Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead of Social Impact at BET, opened the evening with an intentional call to action:
“From the very beginning, we knew this couldn’t be just another event. It had to be an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced and celebrate contributions that have shaped the world in powerful ways.”
The evening also spotlighted BET’s critical partnerships with organizations championing health equity. Gilead Sciences, a long-time Soirée supporter, reaffirmed its commitment through a powerful message by Rashad Burgess, Vice President of U.S. Advocacy and Health Equity, who highlighted the necessity of inclusive, equitable healthcare access.
New partner Truth Initiative made a meaningful entrance, with Dr. Kendric Dartis, Vice President of Outreach and Engagement, speaking on the targeted impact of tobacco use within Black and LGBTQ+ communities. As part of their mission, Truth Initiative also sponsored a $5,000 BET Thrive Fund donation to Us Helping Us, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit advancing health equity.
A Cultural Reset
The 2025 BET Black + Iconic Soirée not only marked a landmark moment for the Black LGBTQ+ community—it also stood as a cultural love letter, spotlighting the evolution of visibility, resilience, and joy. In the 45th anniversary year of BET Media Group, the night served as a vibrant reminder of the network’s deep-rooted mission: to center Black culture, affirm intersectional identities, and drive meaningful, measurable change.
Relive the celebration and join the conversation using #BlackAndIconic on BET’s official social channels. The televised broadcast of this powerful night will premiere soon—details to be announced
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