Landmark dinner inaugural
Lambda Legal is holding its inaugural Landmark Dinner at the W Hotel-Victory Park on Aug. 14. The gala celebrates the organization’s many landmark rulings including Lawrence v. Texas, the Supreme Court decision invalidating criminal sodomy laws across the country, and the Iowa case that secured marriage equality in that state.
Paul J. Williams will be master of ceremonies. A former Lambda Legal plaintiff will deliver the keynote address and Joe Pacetti and Christian Iles will present a diamond jewelry show and auction.
Although the dinner is sold out, Lambda Legal supporters are invited to the White Party Gala following the dinner. The gala will be held in the W Hotel Ballroom at 10 p.m.
Included in the ticket price is a show by the “King of West Hollywood,” D.J. Casey.
Tickets are $30 and may be purchased in advance by contacting the Lambda Legal office at 214-219-8585 or at the door.
Lambda Legal is the nation’s oldest national organization pursuing equal rights for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through high-impact litigation, public education and advocacy.
Gay Pride gospel celebration
Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ and Art for Peace & Justice will host the first annual “Gay”ther Homecoming on Sept. 18 as part of Pride weekend celebration. They will host an array of talent performing familiar hymns and gospel songs from the past.
More than 40 singers, songwriters and instrumentalists from across the nation will perform solos, group performances and audience sing-alongs.
Marsha Stevens, Mark Hayes, Susie Brenner and Rob Parker as well as two LGBT gospel groups, Out 4 Joy and Voices of Hope, will be among the performers.
Amy Stevenson, Danny Ray, Lonnie Parks, Shelly-Torres West, Kim Wisdom, and Rusty Johnson are among the Dallas talent that will participate. Timothy Seelig will be the director for the evening.
“As the invitations to participate have gone out across the U.S., the response has been phenomenal,” said Seelig. “Everyone contacted has responded with immediate enthusiasm. We will include as many musicians as the stage will hold! Most of these talented folks have experienced a huge amount of hurt at the hands of the religions of their youth. This is our opportunity to stand proudly and sing the songs we thought were lost.”
The evening’s proceeds will benefit the soon- to-be-dedicated Interfaith Peace Chapel designed by noted architect Philip Johnson.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and are available at H4PJ.org.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition August 13, 2010.
