Join us on May 12 at City Winery New York City for the LGBT Bar NY 2026 Annual Gala!
LGBT Bar NY’s Annual Gala is our premier fundraising event, supporting the vital charitable and educational work of the LGBT Bar NY Foundation. Proceeds from the Gala directly sustain our pro bono legal clinics, LGBT Law Notes, Judicial Fellowship Program, and a wide range of initiatives that advance equality, expand access to justice, and strengthen the LGBTQ+ legal community and the public we serve. The evening also provides an opportunity to honor individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on our community.
We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Gala on May 12, 2026 will be held at the breathtaking City Winery, located at 25 11th Avenue in the heart of Hudson River Park. Perched on historic Pier 57, the venue offers sweeping waterfront views of the Hudson River and Little Island, paired with an exceptional culinary experience featuring chef-driven seasonal cuisine, wines made on-site, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails and mocktails, all set against a spectacular New York City backdrop.
Early bird pricing on a Standard Gala Ticket ($50 off) available until March 15, 2026: please use promo code EARLYBIRD
Our Work in Action
For over 35 years, the LGBT Bar NY Foundation has provided a safe harbor for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers, regardless of their legal issue. Your support directly fuels these flagship programs:
Direct Legal Support
- Weekly Walk-In Clinic: For nearly 40 years, we have provided a free weekly walk-in clinic dedicated to the unique legal challenges of the LGBTQ+ community.
- By the Numbers: In 2025, we helped over a thousand clients through our pro bono clinics.
- Proven Impact: A Diamond Sponsorship ($20,000) alone provides the equivalent of crucial legal assistance to over 150 LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
- Case Advocacy: We frequently serve as a "friend of the court," providing insight and amicus briefs for cases nationwide to protect LGBTQ+ rights.
Education & Scholarship
- LGBT Law Notes: We publish the oldest continuously running law journal dedicated to LGBTQ+ scholarship, a tradition that began in 1980.
- LSAT Scholarships: We help defray the costs of preparatory courses and exam fees for the next generation of LGBTQ+ and ally attorneys.
Professional Mentorship
- Mentoring Program: We connect LGBTQ+ law students with role models and mentors to help them navigate the early stages of their legal careers.
- Judicial Fellowship: We sustain a competitive fellowship program to diversify the bench and provide unique pathways into the judiciary.
Voices of Our Community
"I have LeGaL to thank for creating the spark and for being mine and my son's superhero as we await a verdict. I will never forget their support and love." — Brooke Barone, Pro Bono Client
"You gave me the confidence to fight my legal battle. It is a very crucial service which you provide—always there, professional and knowledgeable." — Aquanetta Wright, Legal Clinic Client
COMING SOON: This year’s distinguished honorees will be announced soon
In the meantime, check out this page highlighting our extraordinary Community Vision Awardees from last year's Gala, the Honorable Adam Silvera, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge of the New York City Courts and Chase Strangio, Esq., Co-Director of the ACLU's LGBT & HIV Project.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Join us as a sponsor to support the LGBT Bar NY Foundation’s mission of providing legal services, scholarship, and mentorship to the LGBTQ+ community.
Mission Sponsorship Levels
Diamond Sponsor – $20,000
- Supports crucial legal assistance for over 150 LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
- Includes: 12 VIP tickets, a full-page program ad, prominent name/logo display on event materials, and 6 complimentary one-year LGBT Bar NY Association Memberships*.
Platinum Sponsor – $15,000
- Assists 120 LGBTQ+ New Yorkers in accessing essential legal services.
- Includes: 10 VIP tickets, a half-page program ad, prominent name/logo display, and 5 complimentary one-year LGBT Bar NY Association Memberships*.
Gold Sponsor – $10,000
- Ensures the continuation of LGBT Law Notes, the oldest continuously published LGBTQ+ legal journal.
- Includes: 10 gala tickets, prominent name/logo display, and 5 complimentary one-year LGBT Bar NY Association Memberships*.
Silver Sponsor – $8,500
- Sustains our Mentoring Program for LGBTQ+ and ally law students.
- Includes: 8 gala tickets and prominent name/logo display on event materials.
Bronze Sponsor – $5,000
- Enhances our ability to inform the judiciary on LGBTQ+ legal history through amicus briefs and expert insight.
- Includes: 6 gala tickets and prominent name/logo display.
Foundation Sponsor – $1,000
- Supports our LSAT Scholarship to help the next generation of attorneys defray preparatory costs.
- Includes: 2 gala tickets and prominent name/logo display.
*Association memberships must be redeemed by June 30, 2026.
Individual Tickets
Standard Gala Ticket (Early Bird): $375 (Sales end March 15, 2026)
Standard Gala Ticket (Regular): $425
Patron Gala Ticket: $550 (Includes one VIP ticket with recognition in the program and event advertising)
Host Gala Ticket: $750 (Includes one VIP ticket with program recognition and an on-air announcement in a spring 2025 LGBT Bar NY Podcast episode)
Note: All tickets are non-refundable. Patron and Host tickets are for individual recognition only, not for businesses or firms.
Interested in a Custom Naming Opportunity? Looking for a way to support our mission through a naming opportunity specific to your organization? Please contact us at info@lgbtbarny.org for more information.
Special thanks to LGBT Bar NY Annual 2025 Gala Sponsors and Patrons
