Out With Dr. Bill: Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Was Far More than a Celebration

The holiday season has wrapped New York in a whirlwind of festive events, with our calendars brimming nightly. However, on Monday, December 5th, something truly special occurred: the "Stonewall Inn Brick Awards Gala" that left an indelible mark on my memory.

What an incredible night it was! I'm still buzzing from the energy and inspiration that filled the room. This event was more than a celebration; it was a profound journey through the trials and triumphs of the LGBTQ community.

"RuPaul's Drag Race" alumni Peppermint served as the charismatic emcee for the Stonewall Inn Brick Awards, expertly guiding us through a night of exuberant festivities. The occasion featured breathtaking performances, lively live and silent auctions, and heartfelt awards honoring global LGBTQ+ activists. These awards hold a deeper significance than mere recognition; they symbolize the bricks of defiance and resilience cast during the historic Stonewall Inn Uprising of 1969. It is humbling to consider that over fifty years had elapsed, and yet the battle for LGBTQ rights persisted with unflagging determination.

The gala bestowed honors upon an illustrious group of activists, including "Pose" star Dominique Jackson, Dr. Frank Mugisha, the Gender Cool Project, Patrik Gallineaux, and Amber Hikes, all lauded for their unwavering dedication to change. The evening was graced by a special appearance from US Olympian and FIFA World Cup winner Ali Krieger. Performers the Lady Bunny, Dragon Sisters, Jackie Beat, Dana Goldberg, Yuhua Hamasaki, Jeff Hiller, Ian Paget, Nico Tortorella, Murray Hill, and Lorna Luft added a unique flair to the event. In their performances, these artists gave poignant reminders of the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ community and underscored the critical importance of advocacy and resilience."

What I felt is an undeniable connection to the shared mission. The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) shines as a beacon of hope, tirelessly laboring to eradicate the social intolerance that still cast shadows over LGBTQ lives in America and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to awareness campaigns, educational programs, and fundraising provided a lifeline to grassroots organizations, especially in communities where progress had been painstakingly slow.

Interacting with fellow attendees, including cherished friends like Jennifer Brown, Cathy Renna, Judith Kasen-Windsor, Jennifer "Jae" Pi'ilani Requiro, Rob Smith, Stacy Lentz, Kurt Kelly, and Dominique Jackson, alongside many other dedicated activists, their tales of resilience and triumph deeply stirred me. The event served as both a celebration of our achievements in equality and a spotlight on the ongoing challenges. This special night expertly blended joyous festivities with a compelling call to action, inspiring us to persist in the fight against discrimination and harassment, standing shoulder to shoulder with our fellow advocates.

Amidst the celebration, a touch of elegance was introduced as each guest received a gift bag containing a bottle of Teneral Cellars wine. Little did I know that earlier that very day, I had joined Jill Osur, the visionary behind Teneral Cellars, and the Stonewall team in the heartwarming task of assembling these gift bags. This serendipitous connection would soon lead to an inspiring revelation.