Pink, Elton John and David Furnish, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, and More Join Family Equality to Raise $1.1M at Annual New York Gala
Nearly 900 guests attended Family Equality’s Night at the Pier in New York City, an evening of incredible performances, storytelling, and fundraising.
New York, NY — On Monday, May 11, 2026 Family Equality raised $1.1 million at their signature fundraising gala, Night at The Pier, a star-studded evening that brings together LGBTQ+ families, allies, and advocates to honor the changemakers who have fought for equality and shaped a more inclusive world.
The night included a surprise performance by three-time Grammy award winner Pink and musical performances from 2026 Tony Award nominees the cast of CATS: The Jellicle Ball, Nicholas Christopher (Chess), the cast of The Lost Boys, Joshua Henry (Ragtime) and an appearance by Karine Jean-Pierre among others.
This year, fathers, changemakers, and entertainment icons Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka were honored with the Luminary Award presented by fellow fathers, Elton John and David Furnish, Founder and Chair respectively of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and longtime champions of LGBTQ+ equality and family affirmation. Harris and Burtka are steadfast supporters of Family Equality and the visibility they bring to LGBTQ+ families has had a profound impact on the movement for equality.
“Our work now is to make sure that every child, every parent, every family everywhere gets to live in a world where their family is not a question mark,” said Harris in his on-stage remarks. “Where love is not treated as a loophole. A world where our rights are not wrong. That is what Family Equality stands for — not theoretical equality, not occasional acceptance, not tolerance when convenient. Lived equality. Legal equality. The ability to marry, to parent, to protect our children, to thrive, and to be ordinary — and that is an extraordinary thing.”
Advocate Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, founding Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality, received the Hostetter-Habib Family Award presented by Night at the Pier co-chairs April Barton and Adrienne Ellman.
Guests included Dan Bucatinsky, Sophia Bush, Alina Cho, Claybourne Elder, Judy Gold, Todrick Hall, Marcia Gay Harden, Julie Chen Moonves, Kathy Najimi, Carl Nassib, Jim Obergefell, Peppermint, Uma Thurman, Colton Underwood, and last year’s Luminary Award honorees, Jason Weinberg and Merritt Johnson, as well as many others.
“Family is greater than a census box or a legal loophole,” said Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality. “It is commitment, sacrifice, and unconditional love. We aren’t here to take anything away from anyone else; we are here to ensure the law recognizes the reality of all our lives. Because what is good for our families is good for all families…We are here. We are family. We are greater than any definition they try to put on us. We are Family Equality, and we show up.”
Nick Scandalios was the Honorary Chair for this event. Members of the esteemed Honorary Committee included Kristin Caskey, Jeff Daniel, John Gore, Lori Hotz, Jef Kaplan & Amanda Green, Sean McClenahan & Michael McGraw, Margo & James L. Nederlander, Lauren Reid, Daryl Roth, Jordan Roth & Richie Jackson, Christine Schwarzman, Robert E. Wankel, and last year’s Luminary Award honorees, Jason Weinberg & Merritt Johnson.
There’s still time to donate to Family Equality.
PHOTOS
GETTY IMAGES COURTESY OF FAMILY EQUALITY: https://flic.kr/ps/UyWwX
Credit: Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Family Equality
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About Family Equality
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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