Dress Code: Cocktail chic
On Saturday, October 21st at YOTEL New York City, The Pride Network invites the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut LGBTQ+ community to meet the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders and join us in honoring our champions at The Pride Network Awards.
Our event brings together some of the tri-state area's most well-known and well-respected leaders to celebrate our network's growing impact and community service through queer innovation and of heart-centered leadership.
State and national government officials, private sector leaders, nonprofit luminaries, and community heroes have seen the impact of our work first-hand and join us every year to support our biggest annual fundraiser.
Guests will enjoy a spread of gourmet appetizers along with handcrafted drinks and cocktails.
The event will also feature a live auction!
Program Overview
VIP Cocktail Hour @ YOTEL | 7-8pm
General Admission – TPN Awards Event and Program @ YOTEL | 8-10pm
After Party @ VERS | 10pm+
VIP EXPERIENCE
⭐️ Early entry to rub shoulders with our host committee, The Pride Network’s Board of Directors, and this year’s awardees
⭐️ VIP Guests will enjoy elevated drinks and apps during this cocktail hour
⭐️ Entertainment
⭐️ Two free drinks at our AFTER-PARTY | 10pm @ VERS Bar
Our Awardees!
LEGACY AWARD - former NY State Senator, Thomas Duane
Senator Duane's political career has been devoted to the LGBTQIA+ community. As the state's first openly HIV positive elected official––when he entered the NYC Council––and the first openly gay State Senator, Thomas blazed new trails and worked hard for New York City to have the most extensive HIV+ Public Assistance Program in the nation. The HIV AIDS Service Administration is the most comprehensive HIV public assistance program in the United States. Those close to him say that Senator Duane is not a politician but the embodiment of a public servant.
RISING STAR AWARD - author and activist, Damien Alan Lopez
A published Queer author, Damien is a proud transgender man with hopes to shift the conversation of trans identities represented in children’s books and other mediums. His story has been recognized by First Lady Tammy Murphy of New Jersey, the 2021 dotCOMM Platinum Awards, El Vocero de Puerto Rico, and ThemsHealth 2021 Children’s Book Recommendation List. He is passionate about transgender issues, education, and culinary arts.