Dallas August 25, 2008
Each year, we anxiously await the biggest announcement of the fall season. Yes, even bigger than unveiling the cast of the new season of America's Next Top Model.
We're talking, of course, about the guest lineup for Black Tie Dinner, the premier fundraiser for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender supportive organizations serving North Texas.
Not only does Black Tie Dinner mark the pinnacle of Big D's gay social season, it's also time for us to venture back into the closet for our finest formal wear. Because showing up in anything less than a tuxedo or floor-length beaded gown (you guys know who you are) would be a fashion foul.
Plus, it's just fun to be in a room full of so many well-dressed men and women. If this were a movie, most certainly a treacherous villain or two would crash the party while we all awaited rescue from Batman.
This year's 27th annual celebration is raising the bar once again. The keynote speaker will be businessman and activist Kenneth Cole, meaning every shoe store in town not named after the fashion designer just lost a whole lot of Black Tie business.
But that's ok. We're quite partial to his shoes (not to mention that great free shoehorn).
The awards portion of the dinner celebrates the most influential and inspirational people in the community. This year's Elizabeth Birch Equality Award recipient is Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
Logo, the GLBT cable television and online media outlet from MTV Networks, will receive the 2008 BTD Media Award and Brian Graden, openly gay president of MTV Programming, will be there to pick it up.
And who knows which celebrities he might bring along with him? You'll have to be there to find out!
As if that's not enough, there's an amazing silent auction, great food from Chef Michael Braun and non-stop entertainment.
It's like a year of fabulous gay parties all rolled into one jam-packed night.
Black Tie Dinner
"Stories Untold: Let Your Life Speak"
For more information on tickets, forming a table and everything else Black Tie Dinner-related, be sure to visit the website at www.blacktie.org.
For information on becoming a Table Captain, please contact Carolyn Roney at croney@blacktie.org or by leaving a message at (972) 733-9200, ext 7.