We are creating the world we all deserve.

Join us for an evening dedicated to celebrating our collective impact and building even greater strength for the future of our movement. 

As always, the Gala will be filled with inspiration, community and celebration.
New for 2024, the reception, dinner and after-party will take place in one beautiful location!

Dance Party tickets will go on sale on May 1! 

This year, we are thrilled to welcome Alok Vaid-Menon and Nadine Smith – prominent advocates who embody the courage and dedication that drive our mission forward – as honored guests. 

Alok Vaid-Menon (they/them) is a celebrated comedian, poet, author, actor, and public speaker cementing their status as a transformative force across contemporary art, culture, and advocacy. A true multihyphenate, modern renaissance talent, Alok has earned their reputation as a trailblazer for gender fluidity and LGBTQ+ representation and is set to take center stage in 2024 as they embark on an unprecedented year reshaping film, comedy, fashion, and literature. In addition to their artistic endeavors, Alok’s advocacy is powerful and far-reaching. They were honored as “Advocate of the Year” by The Advocate in 2023, and serve as a co-chair alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama in the voting rights organization When We All Vote, a leading national, nonpartisan initiative on a mission to change the culture around voting. Recently, Alok was honored with the ACLU Centennial Bill of Rights Award for their relentless advocacy for LGBTQ rights and their calling for the de-gendering of fashion and beauty. 

NCLR will be awarding Nadine Smith (she/her), Equality Florida Executive Director, with the 2024 Vanguard Award. Nadine has been a champion for justice in Florida, leading the charge to defeat discriminatory legislation, and was named one of the state’s “Most Powerful and Influential Women” by the Florida Diversity Council. An award-winning journalist turned organizer, Nadine was one of four national co-chairs of the 1993 March on Washington. She was part of the historic meeting between then President Bill Clinton – the first Oval Office meeting between a sitting President and LGBTQ community leaders. She served on the founding board of the International Gay and Lesbian Youth Organization. In 2022, Nadine was named to the TIME100, TIME’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. She is a Florida Chamber Foundation Trustee and served on President Obama’s National Finance Committee. She currently serves as chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Florida Advisory Committee.

As we look forward to this magical evening celebrating our collective achievements, remember that you are the backbone of our success. Together, we can continue to make history and be champions for justice!