Annette Bening had a defiant message for foes of LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the United States, specifically political leaders who are targeting the trans community. While accepting the Advocate Award from GLSEN’s Rise Up LA benefit, the four-time Oscar nominee said, “You do not want to make this momma mad.” Bening — who is the mother of a trans son, writer Stephen Ira, as well as three other children — spoke at the event about why she has become increasingly vocal in advocating for the trans community in recent years. Bening also told a story about a friend who has a trans child and until recently lived in Texas, but who has moved her family to California due to Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s directive that gender-affirming care is child abuse. The benefit event, held at NeueHouse Hollywood, also included performances by singers Iniko and Noah Cyrus, who introduced her good friend, gay country singer Orville Peck, ahead of him receiving GLSEN’s Champion Award. The program, emceed by drag star Mo Heart, also included appearances by Joy Ride’s Sherry Cola and comedian Fortune Feimster as well as speeches by members of LGBTQ+ students who work with GLSEN. The event raised funds for the GLSEN’s programs supporting queer grade-school students across the country. #Queer Up Entertainment