activism

The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) hosted its second annual Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Gala at Racket NYC. This inspiring event, presented by the official nonprofit of the historic Stonewall Inn, celebrated the legacy of the LGBTQ+ movement while raising funds to support grassroots organizations advocating for equality and inclusion worldwide.

One of the night’s most moving moments came from Billy Porter, recipient of the Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Icon Award, who delivered a show-stopping performance of his powerful new song “Not Today!” I’m so happy to see Billy Porter getting his flowers—his outspokenness and dedication to truth are what truly resonate. His voice, both literally and figuratively, has become a powerful anthem for so many in the LGBTQ+ community.

Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Peppermint, the gala dazzled attendees with a lineup of entertainment that radiated inspiration and community spirit. A standout moment was Peppermint’s vibrant homage to Janet Jackson, performing “Together Again” with electrifying energy that had the room buzzing.

The evening featured a star-studded roster of honorees, presenters, and performers including:

•Punkie Johnson SNL alum, comedian, and Gala presenter

•Dominique Jackson Gala presenter and inaugural Icon Award recipient

•AlaskaRuPaul’s Drag Race alum and Gala performer

•76th Street musical duo and Gala performer

•Kevin Aviance drag artist and featured performer

•Dana Goldberg comedian and Gala live auction host

•Additional presenters: content creators Josh Helfgott and RaeShanda Lias, actors Brigette Lundy-Paine and Tomás Matos, filmmaker Tina Romero, and drag artist Yuhua Hamasaki

The honorees included:

•Kayla GoreCommunity Activist Award recipient

•Daniela Lourdes FalangaGlobal Activist Award recipient

•Puck CarlsonBilly Bean Youth Courage Award recipient

•Jon TilliSafe Spaces Champion Award recipient

This year, honorees received hand-blown glass awards created by renowned glassblower Deborah Czeresko (Blown Away). These one-of-a-kind keepsakes pay homage to the legendary brick thrown during the 1969 protest that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

The live auction, hosted by Dana Goldberg, featured curated products and experiences donated by SIGBI sponsors. A highlight of the evening was the silent auction, where an original Stonewall brick sold for an impressive $7,000.

This extraordinary gala was made possible by the generous support of sponsors including AEG, Brooklyn Brewery, Deutsche Bank, Hornitos Tequila, Jägermeister, JetBlue, Method + Metric, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Stoli.  Proceeds from the event will benefit SIGBI’s grassroots advocacy initiatives and its Safe Spaces certification program, which ensures businesses and venues worldwide uphold policies that protect and serve LGBTQ+ individuals.

The night would not have been possible without the leadership of Stacy Lentz SIGBI co-founder and CEO, and Kurt Kelly SIGBI co-founder.

This historic event not only celebrated the enduring legacy of Stonewall but also reinforced its ongoing impact. The Stonewall Inn remains far more than a landmark—it’s a fortified community and a beacon of hope for generations to come. Hornitos’ PRIDE 365 initiative was highlighted in the article in some way as well – the sponsorship of this event was just another opportunity to support those who express themselves to the fullest – championing the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year!! You can find more details on the PRIDE 365 initiative here.