Pamela Anderson, known for her iconic role on Baywatch, graced the Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala with her presence as she received the Vanguard Award for her unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ activism.
The 55-year-old actress recently returned with her Broadway appearance and memoir Love, Pamela, captivated the audience with her beauty and sophistication as she walked the purple carpet at the Fairmont Century Plaza.
Pamela Anderson and drag queen Trixie Mattel attend The Los Angeles LGBT Center Gala at Fairmont Century Plaza on April 22, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Anderson donned a stunning sleeveless charcoal dress with a unique knit texture, an asymmetrical hemline, and a deep, rounded neckline.
She exuded an effortlessly chic vibe, a look she has been known for since the ’80s and ’90s, thanks to her sharp silhouette and neutral-toned attire.
To complete the ensemble, the former Playboy Magazine model adorned herself with a gold cocktail ring by Darius Jewels and a metallic gold clutch embellished with enameled black and nude discs, adding a touch of sophistication.
Pamela Anderson was honored at the 2023 LA LGBT Gala in a sleeveless charcoal dressa boasting a deep rounded neckline (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
The actress’ beautiful blonde hair was parted to the side and fell in elegant waves beyond her shoulders. For the gala, Anderson’s makeup featured a smoky shadow, and she wore a darker nude-colored matte tint on her lips and applied a light pink blush for a radiant glow.
Anderson paired her outfit with stylish closed-toe pumps with smooth black leather uppers, pointed toes, platform soles, and delicate stiletto heels. The ensemble was finished with ankle straps made of gold chain, adding a sparkle to Anderson’s outfit.
During her purple carpet walk, she was accompanied by Trixie Mattel, a drag performer and fellow guest at the gala.
Pamela Anderson styled her classic black textured halter dress with a chic gold cocktail ring from Darius Jewels and an embellished beige clutch (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
The Center’s Phillip Picardi and Mariana Marroquin presented the Vanguard Award to Anderson, who praised her incredible career and philanthropic endeavors while emphasizing her deep commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
Marroquin shared, “When I saw Pamela for the first time as a young trans person, I saw a woman embodying her beauty and power, and I wanted to wield that power. In her story, I always see a piece of my own. Everyone thinks that they know who we are, but we are more than anything they could ever imagine.”
In her acceptance speech, Anderson discussed her connection to the LGBTQ+ community and the experiences that have impacted her activism. She recounted her first flight to Los Angeles and how she made it in time for Pride Day, where two gay men made fun of her bad highlights.
She said, “They go, ‘Honey, that is not one of God’s colors,’ and I thought, this is how I think. This is how I speak. I arrived. I’m gonna be okay.”
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Anderson has long advocated for essential community issues, including sexual abuse, discrimination, and HIV/AIDS. She is also a dedicated animal rights activist and a lifelong vegetarian, which contrasts sharply with the objectified identity forced upon her throughout her career.
The Canadian-American star urged the audience to remember when they were still figuring out who they were and what they wanted to be.
She said, “This is when we run up to our little selves, and we give them a huge hug. Kiss them on the cheek. Look into their eyes and tell that little person, ‘I love you so much. You’re beautiful. You’re talented. You are worthy. You have value. You’re important. And you’re gonna get through life with flying colors. Because I’m proof, I’m here, and I’ll always be here for you, and I love you.’”
Pamela Anderson rocked a black lace catsuit adorned with shimmering embellishments and a striking star print at the H&M Mugler launch at 894 Lexington on April 19, 2023, in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
Anderson also expressed her gratitude to the audience for their unwavering support. She acknowledged the significance of self-love and self-respect, essential themes in her bestseller memoir Love, Pamela, and the Netflix docuseries Pamela, a Love Story.
She emphasized that life can be challenging, saying, “Life isn’t easy. No one is perfect, and we learn every day. I continue to stay on my path. Love relentlessly. The world is a safe place, and we are painting the picture of our lives every day. Every time we walk out the door, it’s performance art. Might as well have a blast.”
Anderson concluded her speech by encouraging the audience to believe in themselves, saying, “I am rooting for you, and thank you for rooting for me.”