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PRESENTING
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A LETTER FROM OUR CHAIRS
Dear Friends, On behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, it is our honor and joy to welcome you to the 2026 HRC Las Vegas Gala, presented by the Gavin J. Goorjian Trust. This year’s theme, “Community = Power,” reminds us that our greatest strength has always come from one another. When we embrace our differences, uplift every voice, and stand united in purpose, we transform our community into a powerful force for equality, justice, and lasting change. Tonight, we are especially proud to honor eight extraordinary community organizations whose leadership, service, and advocacy strengthen Southern Nevada and improve the lives of countless people. Their work embodies the very meaning of Community = Power. Each organization reminds us that meaningful change happens when we work together, invest in one another, and turn our shared values into action. Our Host Committee reflects the strength and diversity of the community we celebrate tonight. It includes former HRC Las Vegas Gala honorees, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, dedicated allies, proud parents of LGBTQ+ youth, and longtime HRC leaders and supporters. Each has demonstrated an enduring commitment to ensuring that LGBTQ+ people are seen, valued, protected, and empowered. In challenging times, joy itself becomes an act of courage and resistance. That is why our message tonight is clear: We don’t wait for joy—we create it. We create it by celebrating one another, building spaces of belonging, supporting the next generation, and refusing to allow fear or division to diminish our hope. As your 2026 Gala Tri-Chairs and Host Committee, we are deeply grateful to each of you for showing up, standing with us, and investing in this movement. Tonight, we celebrate how far we have come while recommitting ourselves to the work still ahead. Together, we will leverage our collective power to create a future in which every LGBTQ+ person can live openly, authentically, safely, and joyfully. Because when we embrace and uplift our community, we demonstrate an undeniable truth: Community = Power. With gratitude and pride, 2026 HRC Las Vegas Gala Tri-Chairs: Brian Martin, Mark Sundermeier & Benjamin Burns and 2026 HRC Las Vegas Gala Equality Host Committee: Mayor Shelley Berkley, Jason Goorjian, Blair Hardiek, Latoya Holman, Jeff Iverson, Kaitlyn Jones Richards, Dawn Mack-Goddard, Aidan Madigan-Curtis, Fletcher Whitwell, and Zar Zanganeh
Your journey matters. Your rights matter.
At American Airlines, caring for people on life’s journey drives everything we do. That’s why we advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and partner with the Human Rights Campaign to ensure every person can travel, work and live authentically. Join the AAdvantage® program and turn every trip into something more — because your journey matters.
THANK YOU TO OUR EQUALITY HOST COMMITTEE EQUALITY HOST COMMITTEE MAYOR SHELLEY BERKLEY JASON GOORJIAN BLAIR HARDIEK LATOYA HOLMAN JEFF IVERSON KAITLYN JONES RICHARDS DAWN MACK-GODDARD AIDAN MADIGAN-CURTIS FLETCHER WHITWELL ZAR ZANGANEH
THANK YOU TO OUR HRC VOLUNTEER LEADERS! WADE ABEL BENJAMIN BURNS BENJAMIN CLAYTON MICHELE DEARING LOLINE-MARIE DJIDADE ELLIOTT WITH 2 T’S MARTIN FITZGERALD MARVES FLORENDO DR. MICHAEL HERENICK LATOYA HOLMAN KAYLA HOLT CHIQUITA A. JEFFRIES MAXINE JONES JHONNATAN LOPEZ AIDAN MADIGAN-CURTIS BRIAN MARTIN SOLEIL MCCANTS ANGEL RODRIGUEZ-MANCARA TORRI SHACK MARK SUNDERMEIER LEONDRUS WRIGHT MELISSA ZAMORA
All. Together. At Apple, we create a culture of collaboration where different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives come together to make something magical and meaningful.
© 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
SPECIAL GUEST
NIK HARRIS Nik Harris is a queer, gender non-conforming attorney, activist, and nationally recognized speaker. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Nik earned their undergraduate degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University and their law degree from Florida State University. They are licensed to practice law in both Florida and Washington, D.C.
In 2022, Nik also co-founded BLINC (Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc.), a nonprofit rooted in South Florida that uplifts and enriches the lives of LGBTQ+ people of color through advocacy, art, and community engagement.
Nik currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States. They previously made history as the first LGBTQ+ Director appointed to a member of the Florida Cabinet, serving under Commissioner Nikki Fried at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Nik’s legal career includes roles as Senior Attorney for the Florida Department of Transportation, Prosecutor for the Florida Department of Health, and Assistant Public Defender in Florida’s 2nd Judicial Circuit.
2025 City of Atlanta Mayor’s Community Advocate Award 2025 Beta Phi Omega Humanitarian Award 2025 Curve Power List 2025 McDonald’s and Out Magazine National Spotlight Recipient 2025 SunServe Jason Jenkins Tomorrow’s Legacy Award 2023 Our Fund Commitment to a Cause Award 2022 Big of the Year for Broward County through Big Brothers Big Sisters 2021 Harvey Milk Foundation Diversity Honors Award 2020 LGBTQ Leadership Award from the Florida Diversity Council 2019 Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award from Ruth’s List Florida
Nik is a certified DEI facilitator through Cornell University and an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) specialist. They have led impactful DEI training sessions for organizations across the country, including the NAACP, General Mills, and the American Bar Association. Nik was the first Black woman elected as Vice-Chair of HRC’s National Board of Governors and currently serves on the boards of TranInclusive Group and the Broward State Attorney’s Advisory Council. One of their proudest achievements is co-founding Thou Art Woman, an open mic and arts event series uplifting LGBTQ+ women and allies, alongside their close friend and fellow attorney, G Wright.
Nik’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:
An award-winning Toastmaster and a sought-after national speaker, Nik continues to use their platform to champion equity, resilience, and representation. Through every role, Nik brings their signature mix of grit, grace, and grounded leadership to create space for those historically left out of the conversation.
Cocktails in every color for every identity. It’s time to COLOR THE FUTURE.
Join Smirnoff in support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and toast to a more colorful and inclusive future for all!
PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. SMIRNOFF NO. 21 VODKA. DISTILLED FROM GRAIN. 40% ALC/VOL. THE SMIRNOFF CO., NEW YORK, NY
Building a future that belongs to everyone When everyone’s included, we’re all more likely to succeed. And at JPMorganChase, we’re working toward an equitable, inclusive future for LGBTQ+ communities every single day. See our impact at jpmorganchase.com/LGBTQ
SPEAKER
KELLEY ROBINSON HRC PRESIDENT
Kelley Robinson is the ninth president of the Human Rights Campaign — the first Black, Queer woman to lead the organization. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality and liberation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Robinson — widely respected for her work over the last 15 years creating and leading winning campaigns and programs — stepped into her new role at HRC after serving as Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. From community organizer to progressive leader, Robinson has been at the forefront in the fight for bodily autonomy and racial and gender equity, with a focus on lifting up marginalized communities and building political power. Robinson will lead HRC — and its more than 3 million member advocates — as the organization fulfills its mission to realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
GAVIN J. GOORJIAN VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AWARD
At a time when LGBTQ+ communities across the country continue to face growing challenges, this gala is an opportunity to celebrate resilience, visibility, and the organizations that have spent decades serving and uplifting our community here in Nevada. HRC Las Vegas will collectively honor eight organizations whose leadership, advocacy, compassion, and unwavering commitment have helped shape and strengthen LGBTQ+ life throughout Nevada: Abundant Peace United Church of Christ, Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN), The Gavin J. Goorjian Community Health Center, Golden Rainbow, Las Vegas Pride, Silver State Equality, The Sin Sity Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and The LGBTQ+ Center of Southern Nevada. Together, these organizations embody the spirit of Community = Power.
Now more than ever, we believe in standing with the LGBTQ+ community. That's why we've been proudly supporting the Human Rights Campaign since 2009.
Our commitment to create brighter futures with bold representation for all. macysinc.com/purpose
PERFORMER
LENA GIROUX Lena Giroux was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Miami, FL, where from the ages of 6 to 18, she was a pupil of the now-famous So You Think You Can Dance, Cirque du Soleil, and Céline Dion choreographer, Mia Michaels. Thanks to her mother supporting her passion, Lena attended performing arts schools from elementary school onward. She intensely studied different forms of dance, song, and musical theater; her formal education culminated in her graduation from the prestigious New World School of the Arts (NWSA) in Miami, Florida, where she developed her talents under esteemed faculty members from all around the world. Upon graduating and attending NWSA College for Musical Theatre, Lena joined the NBA’s Miami Heat Dancers as one of the team’s youngest members. Soon after, at the age of 19, Lena moved to L.A. to pursue her career as a professional dancer and choreographer. She has been blessed to travel the world dancing with and/ or choreographing for artists such as Janet Jackson , Destiny’s Child , Beyonce, Cher, Mya, Amerie, Christina Aguilera , 3LW, Chaka Khan, Outkast, Donnell Jones, Sunshine Anderson , Craig David , Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff, En Vogue, Common, Adam Lambert and The Pussycat Dolls. She has performed in multiple televised award ceremonies as well as the Super Bowl, and can be seen in movies like You Got Served. She found a great love for the art of dancing and choreographing burlesque while assisting in the creation of Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce presents “Royal Jelly,” and Kane’s “Classic Show” in both L.A. and Las Vegas. In 2023, she announced the launch of her passion project, the Equality Ball. The Equality Ball focused on bringing an authentic ball culture to Las Vegas
while standing up for equality during the civil rights movement of our time. Lena is elated and honored to have come together with an incredible creative team, as well as the Human Rights Campaign, Beyoncé Knowles’s BeyGOOD charity organization, the Center, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and other wonderful 501(c)(3) charitable organizations focused on diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ+ rights. The Equality Ball also made a featured appearance in Beyoncé’s Renaissance concert film. Lena is also a proud member of the Public Education Foundation’s Black Girl Magic Host Committee. Alongside other prominent leaders in the Vegas community, such as Nikki Fargas (President of the two-time WNBA Champions, the Las Vegas Aces), the committee works to raise funds to send four young Black girls to the university of their choice. This initiative honors the legacy of the four little girls who tragically perished during the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham. Most recently, Lena joined the Board of Directors for Aid for AIDS Nevada (AFAN) and enjoys working side-by-side with her fellow board members to create stellar events, including AFAN’s iconic annual Black and White Party. Her contributions include choreographing last year’s signature aquatic number at the Palms Casino pool, where she brought together local drag queens, Strip dancers, and olympian artists from Cirque’s “O”. Privileged to be of service to the artistic landscape of Las Vegas, Lena has proudly called the city home for over 18 years. She is thrilled to be at the heart of Las Vegas’s cultural renaissance, supporting both youth and her professional colleagues. She continues her own education with vocal and percussion lessons, firmly believing that growth has no expiration date.
Love Travels When We Take Action to Shape a Better World To foster our commitment to welcoming all, we are proud to support the Human Rights Campaign and their mission to change hearts and minds through programming that increases understanding, visibility and support for the diverse LGBTQ+ community. Discover more at marriottbonvoylovetravels.com
We must do the work. Real progress on diversity and inclusion doesn't happen without real work. Our determination to drive sustainable change, grounds us in the ways we can make the systemic shifts necessary to create a more inclusive industry for all. Microsoft continues to be a proud sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign.
Morgan Stanley is proud to support the
Human Rights Campaign
At Morgan Stanley, diversity is an opportunity — for clients, employees and the firm. Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is fundamental to our role as a global leader striving for excellence in all that we do. By valuing diverse perspectives, we continue to expand our inclusive culture, focus on our people and deliver innovative solutions to the communities where we live and work. Learn more at
morganstanley.com/ about-us/diversity
© 2024 Morgan Stanley.
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HRC in ACTION The most impactful way to support HRC is through a monthly gift, because you will help fuel HRC’s fight for FULL equality all year long. Your ongoing monthly support will provide critical resources to fight back against anti-LGBTQ+ bills, expand and protect our pro-equality Congress, invest more deeply in our grassroots efforts with strategic organizing in key districts, keep pressure to pass the Equality Act in Congress and continue to show up and fight for the multiply marginalized in our community and country. Thank you for supporting HRC and for staying with us in the fight. Together, we are an unstoppable force for change! Join Now
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WHAT WE DO The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. Since 1980, we have been fighting for a better future for LGBTQ+ Americans. We are now working tirelessly to pass the Equality Act, which will soon head to the U.S. Senate for consideration, fight back against a multitude of anti-LGBTQ+ legis-lation in states nationwide and ensure everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. While our opponents are emboldened and on the attack, the Human Rights Campaign and our grass-roots army of more than 3.2 million members and supporters are energetically defending the rights we’ve gained and ramping up our fight for full equality across the board.
ANTI-EQUALITY LEADERS AND LEGISLATION
The alarming spate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country in 2020 has continued to surge in 2021. These include bills that would prohibit transgender youth from receiving genderaffirming care and bills that would prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports. This wave of anti-transgender legislation harkens back to the surge of anti-transgender bathroom bills that hit state legislatures in 2016, including North Carolina’s HB2. We remain committed to aggressively fighting these threats to equality by those who seek to undermine our rights. HRC will do whatever it takes to protect the rights and fundamental equality of every LGBTQ+ person in this country.
BUILDING AND DEMONSTRATING POLITICAL POWER
HRC’s decades-long work to build political power has uniquely positioned us to reach LGBTQ+ and ally voters who prioritize equality on the ballot, also known as Equality Voters. HRC has identified 57 million Equality Voters nationwide who, if they turn out to vote, will support pro-equality candidates. HRC’s early and sustained year-round engagement in battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin bolstered historic turnout in 2018 and 2020 producing pro-equality outcomes at every level of government. In 2019, HRC’s mobilization of Equality Voters in Virginia, where lawmakers had repeatedly blocked proequality bills over many years, produced groundbreaking progress for LGBTQ+ Americans in the South. These victories led to the Virginia Values Act becoming law, making Virginia the first state in the South to advance statewide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
ADVANCING EQUALITY IN OUR DAILY LIVES
The HRC Foundation improves the lives LGBTQ+ people by building understanding and shaping the public debate of LGBTQ+ people and the challenges they face through innovative research and public education campaigns. We also change the policies and practices in the institutions that shape our everyday lives (hospitals, schools, workplaces, and more) and empower strategic partners, community advocates, and allies through convenings and capacity-building. Guided by these theories of change and seeking to prioritize work impacting those who are multiply marginalized, we have 11 cuttingedge programs advancing equality in the U.S. and beyond.
All Children - All Families is the only national program
dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion in child welfare (foster care and adoption agencies) that provides resource development, technical assistance and training.
Public Education & Research produces written resources and conducts original quantitative and qualitative research exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people. Global Partnerships provides capacity-building and leadership development opportunities to LGBTQ+ advocates from around the world to strengthen movements and advance global LGBTQ+ equality. HBCU Program is the only national project that partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities on establishing an LGBTQ+-inclusive campus climate. Health & Aging provides resources and training to help thousands of healthcare facilities adopt inclusive policies and practices to better serve LGBTQ+ patients and employees. HIV & Health Equity develops public education and capacitybuilding programs to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black and Latinx communities. Religion & Faith provides faith leaders with opportunities
and tools to stand up for equality even as opponents attempt to weaponize faith against LGBTQ+ people.
Transgender Justice Initiative leads economic empowerment programs, capacity-building initiatives, community engagement efforts, and public safety education campaigns that combat the discrimination faced by transgender people. Welcoming Schools is the only bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+-specific training and resources with an intersectional lens, developed for use in elementary schools. Workplace Equality advances equality for LGBTQ+ workers through the adoption and implementation of inclusive policies, practices, and benefits in the U.S. and beyond.
Youth Well-Being provides professional development to over 5,000 youth-serving professionals annually, through the annual Time to THRIVE conference, webinars, participation at major national convenings, and by amplifying the stories of HRC Youth Ambassadors. The program also convenes HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council. Updated 10-26-2021
Together, we soar Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are committed to the communities we serve.
Proud to support Human Rights Campaign.
GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY This year, celebrate your loved ones, holidays or other special occasions by giving the gift of equality! Gift a membership to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, host a fundraiser to benefit our work, sign up for our wedding registry or donate in someone’s memory! Each donation includes an HRC membership and furthers the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.
GOAL
HOST A FUNDRAISER
HRC MEMBER
FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, PRIDE OR MORE...
DONATE YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY
FLY A FLAG
GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY TODAY hrc.im/WaysToGive
GIVE A MEMBERSHIP FOR HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIONS
DONATE IN HONOR OR MEMORY OF SOMEONE
Celebrating a special occasion and looking to further LGBTQ+ equality? Join our over 3 million supporters today by giving the gift of membership, hosting a fundraiser, donating your wedding registry to HRC and more!
LOVE OUT LOUD MGM RESORTS IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
The HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN salutes our National Partner based in the LAS VEGAS area.
THANK YOU
POWER
COMMUNITY
Thank you to the organizations we honor today, whose leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment have helped shape and strengthen LGBTQ+ communities across Nevada. • • • •
Abundant Peace Church Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) Gavin J. Goorjian Community Health Center Golden Rainbow
• • • •
Las Vegas PRIDE The LGBTQ+ Center of Las Vegas Silver State Equity Sin City Sisters
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES! JOHN L. KRIEGER
Member | Las Vegas 702.550.4439 jkrieger@dickinsonwright.com
WWW.DICKINSONWRIGHT.COM
At Dickinson Wright, diversity is fundamental to who we are as an organization, frames how we view our work, and is a strategic priority essential to the Firm’s continued success. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our firm and in all the places where we do business. Dickinson Wright shares HRC Las Vegas’ commitment to developing communities that are inclusive and equitable for all LGBTQ people. We are proud to support the 2026 HRC Las Vegas Gala.
Thank you for investing
in our future.
The Nevada Treasury congratulates The Human Rights Campaign. We are proud to work with organizations like yours as you positively impact the community. Our team is committed to helping Nevadans plan, save and pay for post-secondary education. Visit NVigate.gov to learn more.
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Administrated by Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine @NevadaStateTreasurer
@NVTreasurer
@NevadaStateTreasurer
Celebrating all of tonight’s honorees. Thank you for your vision, leadership and impact.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!