The 43rd Annual Black Tie Dinner, held Saturday night at the Sheraton Dallas, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ fundraiser, was “a powerful symbol of resilience and unity in the face of growing threats to LGBTQ+ rights,” according to Black Tie officials.
More than 2,000 people attended the ‘Simulation’-themed dinner, “stepping into a safe, inclusive space where they could fully be themselves,” noted a Black Tie Dinner press release distributed Monday morning, Nov. 18.
“Coinciding with the close of Transgender Awareness Week, the dinner highlighted the importance of transgender advocacy,” the press release continued. “Three of this year’s beneficiaries provide critical support to the transgender community. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit 20 local non-profit organizations as well as national beneficiary The Human Rights Campaign Foundation.”
This year’s dinner was focused on honoring “trailblazers in the movement,” the press release said, including actress and trans activist Dylan Mulvaney. Mulvaney was presented with the Black Tie Dinner Equality Award, and in her acceptance speech, Mulvaney urged everyone to embrace their true selves and rise above fear and hate.
“Every single person should love to be who you are,” Mulvaney said. “We’re showing the world that love is stronger than fear, that joy is more powerful than hate and that being yourself and liking yourself is the most revolutionary fight of all.”
Carter Brown, co-founder and executive director of the National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition, accepted the 2024 Kuchling Humanitarian Award, given in recognition of his lifelong commitment to advancing Black transgender rights. In his speech, Brown emphasized the importance of allyship and solidarity, rallying attendees to stand with the trans community in the fight for equality.
“We need you with us standing tall and clear,” Brown declared. “We are not going to hide; we won’t shut up, and we are not going to be erased. We’ll keep pushing forward until our humanity is respected, uplifted and celebrated.”
“We are not going to hide; we won’t shut up, and we are not going to be erased. We’ll keep pushing forward until our humanity is respected, uplifted and celebrated.”
Carter Brown. Black Trans Advocacy Coalition
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, spoke about the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and the need to continue fighting for progress in the face of mounting political opposition. Robinson emphasized the power of collective action, saying, “They cannot break a community that has turned pain into power for generations. We will make progress by moving hearts and changing minds — one conversation, one dinner table, one workplace, one community at a time.”
This year Dale Hansen Allyfor Equality Award went to Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, who was introduced by the legendary sports commentator himself. Marshall, who has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in sports, called the evening an extraordinary experience and underscored the need for unity with the LGBTQ community in the fight for equality.
Organizers based the evening on the theme “Simulation,” and they brought that vision to life through a mix of virtual and live experiences that encouraged guests to engage with the evening in creative ways. A virtual host named Prism guided attendees through the dinner, and the opening performance by indie pop duo Fly By Midnight set the tone for a night of artistic expression.
The 43rd Annual Black Tie Dinner was co-chaired by Dustin Vyers and Liliana Villarreal. Deirdre Coleman will join Villarreal as co-chair of the 2025 event. Proceeds from this year’s dinner will be announced on Dec. 19 in an event at The Empire Room in Dallas. And the 44th Annual Black Tie Dinner is set for Nov. 8, 2025.
For more information, visit blacktie.org.
— Tammye Nash
