Lights! Cameras! Gay Awards! The 2014 Family Equality Awards

It's awards season, kids. And you know what that means. Dresses, tuxedos, parties, red carpets, food and cocktails! It not only means taking time out to honor celebrities and best performances, but also to recognize those who have made great strides in the visibility and equality of the LGBT community.

Started in 1993 as a way to celebrate the progress of the community from year to year, the awards gave the Family Equality Council a chance to single out individuals or groups whose commitment to LGBT issues has had a positive impact on society.

"This event raises awareness and introduces the organization to many people who otherwise might not be aware of the critical work we do," says Council Executive Director Gabriel Lau. "Our honorees are people who have had a deep impact on the social and legal landscape, and it's our privilege to amplify their work."

This year the Council will honor "accidental activist" Jen Tyrrell, whose leadership position with the Boy Scouts of America was revoked due to her sexuality - and whose experience led to a national campaign that ended the ban on openly gay scouts. The Council has also bookmarked Bradley Bredeweg and former "Queer as Folk" star Peter Paige, creators of ABC Family's weekly dramedy "The Fosters," which Lau notes, "is a ground-breaking show about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms." He continues, "Both of these award-winners have helped make the country a better place for all families and we're proud to honor them this year."

Lau maintains that awards like these serve to remind those persisting on our behalf that their work is not done in vain. "The work of achieving social and legal equality is only possible because of the countless individuals who put themselves forward and use their stories, their resources and their energy to affect change and the Family Equality Council Awards are our way of honoring some of these amazing leaders. It's also important to celebrate our own work and energize each other to keep it going." And, if that's not a good enough reason to attend, Lau adds, "Plus it's a damn good party to boot!"

The Family Equality Council Awards Dinner takes place beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 at the Globe Theatre, Universal Studios Hollywood. For tickets and more information on the organization itself go to familyequality.org