It has been ten years since Jim Obergefell made history with the Supreme Court case that gave us marriage equality, and he is still rising. On November 8, 2025, the 44th Annual Black Tie Dinner will honor Obergefell with the Equality Award, recognizing not just his landmark victory but also a decade of nonstop advocacy.
And because Black Tie never does anything halfway, the night is packed with powerhouse names. NFL trailblazer Carl Nassib (the league’s first openly gay active player) and Dallas darling Hayley Orrantia (from The Goldbergs and The Masked Singer) will bring both inspiration and entertainment.
This year’s theme Still We Rise could not be more fitting. Obergefell first appeared at Black Tie in 2015, fresh off the Supreme Court decision. Ten years later, he is still fighting, still speaking out and still reminding us that equality is not a one-and-done deal. As he put it, “Threats to our rights are growing louder, and this honor reminds me, and all of us, that the fight isn’t over, and together, we must rise to meet it.” Preach.
The evening will also recognize Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project, with the Kuchling Humanitarian Award. Add in remarks from Kelly Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, and you have a program that is equal parts celebration and call to action.
The Black Tie Dinner is more than gowns and martinis (though yes, there will be plenty of both). It is the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ fundraising dinner, and since 1982, it has raised more than $32 million for local and national organizations. Tickets, tables and raffle tickets for a new car are live now at blacktie.org.
Mark your calendars! November 8 is about rising, shining and showing up for equality.
