The organization’s gala raises over $940,000 thus far for Family Equality’s work for current and future LGBTQ+ families
NEW YORK — More than 500 guests gathered on May 16, 2022 at Pier Sixty in New York to celebrate Family Equality’s Night at the Pier. With nearly 300 expressly anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country and increasing attacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ families, the night also focused on what lies ahead in the battle for LGBTQ+ family equality.
Attendees enjoyed a moving program produced by Academy Award winner, Bruce Cohen, which included show-stopping performances by 2022 Tony nominees Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), the cast of SIX, Shoshana Bean (Mr. Saturday Night), and three-time Tony winner, Jason Robert Brown, updates on Family Equality’s critical work, and inspiring stories of LGBTQ+ families.
The evening honored Jordan Roth and Richie Jackson, passionate creators and loving husbands who have been instrumental in the movement for marriage and family equality. Their award was presented by Jonathan Capehart.
Community advocate, Lydia Gray-Holifield received the 2022 Hostetter-Habib Family Award in recognition of her work in Portland, Oregon to organize parents and families and advocate for the resources they need to thrive. Her award was presented by her wife, Red, and her daughter, Georgy’e.
Attendees included Joseph Altuzzara, Alina Cho (CBS Sunday Morning), Craig Coyne (Sunset on the River Styx), Oscar Morgan (Gotham Knights), Kaelyn and Veronia Kalas (@kaelyn_kalas), Andy Karl (SVU, Faraway Eyes, Joyful Noise), LaChanze (The Color Purple, Handel’s Messiah Rocks: A Joyful Noise, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical), Alan Muraoka (Sesame Street), Jim Obergefell (lead plaintiff in the case that granted marriage equality nationwide), Orfeh (Legally Blonde: The Musical), Jo Ellen Pellman (Netflix’s The Prom), and Senator Zach Wahls.
PHOTOS
GETTY IMAGES COURTESY OF FAMILY EQUALITY: https://dam.gettyimages.com/assignments/family-equalitys-night-at-the-pier
Additional, embeddable content is available from @Family_Equality on Twitter and @FamilyEquality on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #NightAtThePier.
QUOTES
Stacey Stevenson, CEO:
“I will not sugar coat things: We are in a state of emergency in this country. My home state Texas is investigating and threatening to prosecute loving parents for child abuse. The crime? Supporting their transgender children. And Florida is banning the mere mention of our families and youth in classrooms. And the recently leaked Supreme Court draft opinion raises frightening questions about our families’ hard-earned freedoms, including marriage equality.
LGBTQ+ families around the country are scared and angry, and they have a right to be. It’s not just Florida. Or Texas. Or the leaked opinion…This is a planned, well-orchestrated siege to incrementally destroy our hard-won rights. And at the center of this fight are our families and our children. Now is the time to spring into action—before it’s too late. There’s not a moment to lose.”
Nick Scandalios, Honorary Event Co-Chair:
“Four years ago there were 41 expressly anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country. And today, there are 300. 300 bills rooted in hate, not love. Rooted in fear, not love. We need an army to combat those evil forces. Family Equality is our army. This is the moment, everyone. We supply the treasure. And Family Equality, led by our inspiring new CEO and her amazing staff, supply the time, leadership, and expertise.”
ABOUT THE EVENT
The 2022 Night at the Pier Honorary Chairs are Daryl Roth and Nick Scandalios, and this year’s event chairs are Luigi Caiola, Merritt Johnson, Samantha Lippitt, Jeannie Uyanik, and Jason Weinberg.
Family Equality gratefully acknowledges the support of the following Night at the Pier sponsors: (Platinum Level) Caiola Productions, McGill Caiola Family, Nederlander Organization; (Gold) Ferring Pharmaceuticals, John Gore Organization, Jujamcyn Theaters, and Nick Scandalios; (Bronze) Brady Klein Weissman, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Christopher Street Financial, GENESIS Fertility & Reproductive Medicine, Heather & Felix Baker, Hiro Premium Japanese Sake, Moulin Rouge: The Musical, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Sam Rosenblatt & Mario D’Andrea Olmstead Properties, Inc., The Shubert Organization, Signature Bank, Weill Cornell Medicine Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, and Weeks Lerman; (National Corporate Sponsors) Byran Cave Leighton Paisner, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, California Cryobank, CCS Fundraising, Charles Schwab, Clockwork, Fidelity Investments, Johnson & Johnson Care with Pride, Nederlander, Organon, Playbill, Target, Warner Bros. Discovery.
About Family Equality
Family Equality advances legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change. Family Equality believes every LGBTQ+ person should have the right and opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of who they are or where they live. Learn more at familyequality.org.
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Press Contact
Anna Libertin,
Chief Communications Officer/
646-880-3005 ext. 157
communications@familyequality.org