Mark Ruffalo, Harper Steele, Brittney Griner and Viet Thanh Nguyen Honored at ACLU SoCal Bill of Rights Awards

As a passionate advocate for human rights, I find myself deeply moved by the stories of resilience and determination that each of these individuals embodies. Kerry Washington, with her powerful voice and commitment to justice, played a pivotal role in honoring Brittney Griner, a woman who refused to be silenced even in the face of adversity.

Last Sunday evening, the ACLU of Southern California presented its annual Bill of Rights Awards to Mark Ruffalo, the stars of “Will & Harper,” Harper Steele and Will Ferrell, author Viet Thanh Nguyen of “The Sympathizer,” and sports icon Brittney Griner and her spouse Cherelle Griner.

Occurring mere days post the election, the atmosphere at the event became subdued as speakers and award recipients underscored the ACLU’s importance in upcoming legal fights to uphold civil liberties and advocate for social justice under the Trump presidency. In a chilling parallel, an SUV decorated with Trump flags and occupants yelling “we triumphed” passed by the Beverly Hilton hotel on Wilshire Boulevard as guests were arriving for the gala.

Brittney Griner, who had spent 10 months in a Russian detention facility before her release through a prisoner swap arranged by the Biden administration in 2022, lauded the civil rights organization. “My wife and I have a great deal in common with the ACLU,” she expressed after being introduced by Kerry Washington. “We approach people on the fringes with genuine interest. We act with love. We align with the values of the ACLU. Most importantly, our patriotism embodies the hope for an America that we strive to create and continually fight for – one that we have yet to fully realize but continue to dream of building.

In an interview with EbMaster on the red carpet, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of “The Sympathizer,” Nguyen, discussed the potential impact of a second Trump presidency on artists. He expressed concern about a possible chilling effect and suggested it might be difficult to identify due to self-censorship. However, he also pointed out that there has been a growing trend among writers and other artists to express their views, especially in light of recent tensions since October 7th. As evidence, he cited the petition signed by over 7,000 writers to boycott Israel before the election. Nguyen suggested that this is part of a global movement of solidarity among writers and artists, indicating that many may feel motivated to speak out.

Harper Steele Unmoved by Critics Linking Kamala Harris’ Loss to Democratic Support for Transgender Rights: ‘We Refuse to Serve as a Sacrificial Lamb’

Steele, who appeared in the Netflix documentary “Will & Harper” detailing her friendship with Ferrell and her gender transition, expressed that the recent election has stirred doubts about her identity as a trans woman. She said, “I’ve been feeling that unsettling, isolating sensation I fought so hard to escape again. However, this isn’t just about me. This sense of fear is returning for countless individuals across the nation who don’t share our privileges and they have valid reasons to be terrified. Their well-being, their families, their doctors, their support networks, their schools, and even their very identities are under threat. The perpetrators feel empowered now.

Mark Ruffalo, awarded by his MCU and “Infinitely Polar Bear” co-star Zoe Saldaña, encouraged monetary contributions towards the ACLU with these words: “Now is the moment to strengthen our actions and devotion as we prepare for the challenging battle ahead.