Yesterday was an incredible day! It was also a great night. Here are pictures from the Human Rights Campaign’s “Out for Equality” Inaugural Ball at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. The ball featured performances by GLBT stars and allies in the path towards equal rights: Cyndi Lauper, Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright, and Thelma Houston. Appearances were also made by: actor Sir Ian McLellan, Ross “The Intern” from The Tonight Show, openly gay Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO), Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick with his wife, Diane, and college-age daughter, Katherine, who recently came out as a lesbian. (The non-appearance of any senator or hetero member of congress was painfully apparent.) One of the highlights of the night was Cyndi and Rufus singing an amazing rendition of “Hallelujah.” Cyndi also sang favorite “True Colors” and two new dance hits, “Into the Nightlife” and “Same Old F–king Story.” Cyndi, Rufus, and Thelma rocked out to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” Melissa sang “Bring Me Some Water” and “Piece of My Heart.” Thelma Houston belted out her hit “Don’t Leave Me This Way” and a fantastic medley of a dozen Motown songs. There was a very touching moment when Thelma became teary and emotional, explaining that she was born in Mississippi 65 years ago and never dreamed this day would come. Obama’s Inauguration brings joy to millions — and the promise of greater equality for all!

Cyndi Lauper, Click on the photo for a dozen more photos.

Melissa Etheridge, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Melissa Etheridge, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Melissa Etheridge, Rufus Wainwright, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Rufus Wainwright, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Thelma Houston, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Thelma Houston, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO), Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Deval Patrick, wife Diane Patrick, and daughter Katherine Patrick, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Sir Ian McLellan, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Ross Matthews, Ross "The Intern" from The Tonight Show, Out for Equality Inaugural Ball 2009

Cyndi Lauper, Inaugural Ball 2009