A Night to Remember: The 2026 Annual Gala
2026 Annual Gala
An Evening of Celebration, Community, and Impact
Supporting Over 40 Years of Service
The 2026 Annual Gala brought together hundreds of leaders across the New York legal community to celebrate LGBTQ+ leadership and raise essential funding for the charitable and educational mission of the LGBT Bar NY Foundation.
Contributions from this evening directly power our weekly free walk-in legal clinic at The Center, our pro bono referral network, publication of LGBT Law Notes, and judicial fellowships for rising law students.
2026 Honorees
Susan L. Bender, Esq.
Honored for exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the matrimonial bar and LGBTQ+ families.
Hon. Cynthia S. Kern
Recognized for an extraordinary judicial career and trailblazing commitment to equality and public service.
Miss Peppermint
Celebrated for fearless advocacy, cultural impact, and advancing transgender visibility and civil rights nationwide.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to the law firms, corporations, and generous individuals whose support powered our pro bono and community mission in 2026:
Relive the Evening
Browse professional photographs of our honorees, community guests, and speakers from the 2026 celebration.
View Event Photo Gallery