LGBTQ+ rights leader and ordained minister honored for her advocacy supporting families and transgender youth across the South.

New York, NY — Longtime LGBTQ+ advocate Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara has been named the 2026 recipient of Family Equality’s Hostetter-Habib Family Award, recognizing those whose work strengthens and protects LGBTQ+ families. The award will be presented as part of Family Equality’s New York City fundraising gala, Night at the Pier, on Monday, May 11. 

Beach-Ferrara, the founding Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality, has spent fifteen years building support and visibility for LGBTQ+ people and families across the South – including launching the Trans Youth Emergency Project in 2023 to help families find care and support. Under her leadership, the organization has built programs and advocacy efforts that support LGBTQ+ people and families in a region that is often overlooked and under-resourced.

“Jasmine represents the very best of what this award honors – courageous leadership rooted in community and family,” said Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality. “Through her work at the Campaign for Southern Equality and her decades of advocacy, Jasmine has ensured that LGBTQ+ families in the South are seen, supported, and empowered. Her leadership reminds us that every family deserves dignity, protection, and the freedom to thrive, no matter where they live.”

From 2011 to 2015, Beach-Ferrara led the WE DO campaign, the first coordinated campaign calling for marriage equality across the South. During that effort, more than 200 Southern LGBTQ+ couples requested – and were denied – marriage licenses in their hometowns. The campaign documented their stories to bring visibility to LGBTQ+ families and highlight the need for legal equality.

In addition to her advocacy work, Beach-Ferrara served two terms as a county commissioner in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Additionally, she is the author of DAMN LOVE, a short story collection, and co-author of TRANS KIDS, OUR KIDS, which shares stories of transgender youth and their families.

Family Equality’s Night at the Pier will also honor Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka with the Luminary Award, presented by Elton John and David Furnish, for Harris and Burtka’s leadership and advocacy. 

Held annually in New York City at Pier 60, Night at the Pier brings together advocates, celebrities, allies, and movement partners for an evening of unforgettable Broadway performances, powerful storytelling, and meaningful impact. Proceeds from the gala directly support Family Equality’s work to protect and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ families across the country.

Last year, Night at the Pier, which honored Jason Weinberg and Merritt Johnson, sold-out with over 1,000 guests and raised $1.5 million – a record for Family Equality. The 2025 evening featured musical performances by Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard), Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), and Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending), along with special appearances by Demi Moore, Cole Escola, Debbie Harry, Bill T. Jones, Jim Obergefell, and Marlo Thomas. 

The 2026 performers and special guests will be announced closer to the event date. 

To purchase tickets and see more details, visit familyequality.org/night-at-the-pier. 

Family Equality is the only national nonprofit dedicated to protecting and advancing the freedoms of all LGBTQ+ families through bold advocacy, powerful community building, and transformative education. 

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