We’re excited to share some fabulous news about one of the our favorite events on our Dallas’ LGBTQ+ calendar: Black Tie Dinner, the nation’s largest fundraising dinner for our community, has chosen a shimmering theme that aligns perfectly with our community’s spirit – “Mirrorball.” This year’s dinner is proudly presented by PNC Bank and will be held on October 28, 2023, at Sheraton Dallas.
As Dustin Vyers, Black Tie Dinner junior co-chair, puts it, “Mirrorball speaks to our unique qualities and strengths and how the best parts of us combine to reflect light and beauty into the world.”
In a time when our trans and drag communities are under attack, it’s more important than ever to shine our collective light.
The theme was unveiled during the kickoff event “Dessert B4 Dinner” – and that wasn’t the only excitement! Black Tie Dinner also announced the first award recipient of this year’s gala – Dr. Eric Cervini.
An Emmy-nominated producer, accomplished author, and respected historian, Dr. Cervini is known for his queer history docuseries “The Book of Queer,” which recently bagged six Emmy nominations, and his Pulitzer Prize-finalist book, “The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America.” Dr. Cervini’s work speaks volumes about our struggle, achievements and power.
In his own words, Dr. Cervini lauds the Black Tie Dinner’s role, emphasizing how its support for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and numerous LGBTQ+ initiatives echo his own belief: “It takes a village to achieve our rights, and that village deserves visibility and support.”
Senior co-chair, Regina Lyn Pierce, highlights how they’re embracing one of their core pillars, education, by honoring Dr. Cervini. Particularly noting his Rainbow Book Bus tour’s vital role in promoting queer literature amid the rampant book bans across the nation.
But there’s more to this year’s Black Tie Dinner than celebrating our past and present. It’s also a call to action for our future. You can now sign up to become a Table Captain for the event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to take an active role in making this historic event a success. If you’re interested in getting involved, visit blacktie.org to learn more.
Since its humble beginnings as a small fundraising dinner among friends in 1982, Black Tie Dinner has become a powerful force for good in our community, supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This year, let’s join together, reflect our collective light, and create a “Mirrorball” of strength, resilience, and pride. We look forward to seeing you there!
