Out with Dr. Bill – Inspiring Nights: Advocacy, Fashion & Friendship

Brick by Brick: Celebrating Champions of Change

I was honored to once again serve on the host committee for the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI), the official non-profit of the iconic Stonewall Inn, for their second annual Brick Awards Gala. Held at The Racket NYC, this incredible event celebrated changemakers who embody the enduring spirit of the Stonewall legacy, and it was a privilege to be part of it.

For the second year, the gala took place at The Racket, and I made sure to arrive right on time – which, as it turned out, meant waiting in a rather long line to get in.

While I waited, I texted my friend Judith Kasen-Windsor to see if she'd arrived yet. Moments later, I spotted a petite figure with long blonde hair enthusiastically waving her arms. It was Judith! Not only was she already inside, but she graciously came out to usher me right in. Now, that's what I call having friends in high places (or at least well-placed at the door). Thanks to Judith, I started the evening on the perfect note, ready to celebrate the honorees and their contributions to our community. Moments like these remind me how humor and great friends make events like the Brick Awards Gala even more special.

Once inside, the evening unfolded as a powerful reminder of how far we've come in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality while underscoring the work still needed to achieve true inclusion and equity. Filled with inspiration, community, and pride, the Brick Awards have become a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ recognition. These awards symbolize more than just accolades – they embody the defiance and resilience of the historic Stonewall uprising of 1969.

Decades later, that same spirit of courage and determination continues to fuel the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

The gala opened with a heartfelt acknowledgment of SIGBI's work as a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to eradicate social intolerance. Through awareness campaigns, education, and fundraising, SIGBI provides vital support to grassroots organizations, particularly in communities where progress has been hard-fought. Their unwavering commitment reminds us of the strength found in unity and resilience.

As the program progressed, it delivered unforgettable moments that set the tone for the evening. One of the highlights was Billy Porter being honored with this year's Icon Award, introduced by "Pose" star Dominique Jackson, last year's recipient and always a crowd favorite. Billy took the stage as only he could – delivering a performance and speech that felt like a Broadway show. Debuting his highly anticipated EP, "Black Mona Lisa Vol. 2: The Cookout Sessions," he performed his new single, "Not Today," electrifying the room. His passionate commentary on the political climate and the state of the LGBTQ+ community was unapologetically fierce and deeply moving, leaving everyone energized to speak up, shout out, and be heard. His words were a powerful reminder of the strength of our voices when we stand together.

In addition, Deutsche Bank's John Tili was celebrated with the Safe Spaces Champion Award, recognizing his commitment to fostering inclusive environments.

The evening sparkled with incredible presenters and performers like Punkie Johnson and Alaska, whose energy and talent brought the night to life. It was also a delightful surprise to meet Josh Helfgott, a digital creator and LGBTQ+ advocate whose powerful storytelling has inspired millions online.

Many thanks to Wilsonmodels for beautifully capturing the magic of the gala with your signature red carpet expertise, ensuring every special moment was preserved. Your artistry added another layer of joy to an already unforgettable event!

One of the night's most unforgettable highlights was Kevin Aviance's performance. A true drag icon and club legend, Kevin graced the stage in a genius red, tan, and black vinyl costume adorned with blue spikes (yes, vinyl too!), including one strategically-placed spike protruding from between his legs. The crowd erupted as he shed layers of the outfit, revealing yet another stunning vinyl creation. When he turned around, the butterfly-inspired costume transformed into a corset – with his buttocks fully exposed. A few of us blushed, but the crowd cheered wildly. It was bold, cheeky, and so quintessentially Kevin, and a moment I'll never forget.

From start to finish, the Brick Awards Gala was a night of community, celebration, and inspiration. It reminded us of the work ahead and the power we hold when we come together. Truly, it was an evening I will carry with me for a long time.