The Inaugural

Liberty City
Gala

September 24, 2026
IATSE Local 8 Ballroom • Philadelphia
Our City. Our Community. Our Power.

Join Liberty City LGBTQ+ Democratic Club for an unforgettable evening celebrating LGBTQ+ leadership, honoring the people who built our movement, and investing in the political future of Greater Philadelphia.

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September 24 • Philadelphia

The countdown is on.

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A New Philadelphia Tradition

Celebrate our history.
Build what comes next.

Liberty City has spent decades building political power for LGBTQ+ people and our allies. The inaugural Liberty City Gala launches a signature annual event designed to celebrate that legacy while generating resources for the work ahead.

Proceeds from the Gala will strengthen Liberty City's ability to support LGBTQ+ candidates and allies, organize voters, advocate for civil rights, build coalitions, and develop the next generation of LGBTQ+ political leadership.

What to Expect

Cocktail reception and networking
Buffet dinner
Keynote address by Jim Obergefell
Special guest remarks from Governors Josh Shapiro and Gretchen Whitmer
Remarks from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker
Drag and local performances
Silent auction featuring local businesses
Champion of LGBTQ+ Rights Award
Recognition of Liberty City's past leadership
Elected officials, advocates, labor, business and community leaders

Jim Obergefell
Keynote Speaker

Jim Obergefell

Civil rights activist and plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that secured marriage equality nationwide.

Jim's story embodies what is possible when ordinary people organize, speak out, and insist that our country live up to its promise of equality. We are honored to welcome him to Philadelphia as the inaugural keynote speaker of the Liberty City Gala.

Special Guest Speakers

Special guests joining us in Philadelphia.

In addition to keynote speaker Jim Obergefell, Liberty City is honored to welcome leaders from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and across the country as part of our inaugural Gala program.

Governor Josh Shapiro
Special Guest Speaker

Governor Josh Shapiro

Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Special Guest Speaker

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Governor of the State of Michigan

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker
Special Guest Speaker

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker

Mayor of Philadelphia

Join Us

Tickets

Student Democrats

Free

Complimentary admission for high school and college Democrats. Advance registration required; availability may be limited.

Young Professional / Young Democrat

$50

Accessible admission for young professionals and Young Democrats.

Liberty City Member

$100

Special discounted admission for current dues-paying Liberty City members.

General Admission

$125

Cocktail reception, dinner, program, keynote, performances, and silent auction access.

New Member Bundle

$125

Includes one Gala ticket plus one year of Liberty City membership.

Patron

$250

Support the inaugural Gala at an enhanced individual level and receive Patron recognition.

Founding Sponsorship Opportunities

Help launch our tradition.

Gala sponsors help underwrite this inaugural celebration while providing Liberty City with resources to build LGBTQ+ political power throughout Greater Philadelphia.

Level Investment Proposed Benefits
Presenting Sponsor — Exclusive $10,000 Premier table for 10; exclusive “Presented by” recognition; premier logo placement; optional welcome remarks; full-page program ad; podium recognition; step-and-repeat recognition; website, signage and featured social recognition.
Equality Champion Sponsor $5,000 Premier table for 10; full-page program ad; prominent recognition during the Gala program; prominent logo placement on the event website and signage; and featured social media recognition.
Leadership Sponsor $2,500 Reserved table for 10; prominent recognition in the event program; logo recognition on the event website and signage; sponsor recognition during the Gala program; and social media recognition.
Friend of Liberty City $1,250 Reserved table for 10 plus recognition in the event program and on the event website.
Founding Host $500 Two Gala tickets plus recognition in the event program and on the event website.
Patron $250 One Gala ticket plus Patron recognition in the event program and on the event website.

Sponsorship benefits are proposed and may be refined as the program, VIP experience, event production and recognition opportunities are finalized.

Become a Sponsor View Sponsor Packet
Thank You to Our Inaugural Supporters

Building this tradition together.

The Inaugural Liberty City Gala is made possible by the elected leaders, community advocates, businesses, members and friends stepping forward to invest in LGBTQ+ political power across Greater Philadelphia.

Leadership Sponsors

Friends of Liberty City

Founding Hosts

Anthony Parisio • Mark Segal • Councilmember Mark Squilla • Michael Weiss • Josh Brady • Jerry Connor • Eric Solomon

Patrons

Fred Manfred • Councilmember Mike Driscoll • City Commissioner Lisa Deeley • Kathleen Padilla • Rep. Mary Isaacson • Perry Monastero • Barrie duBois • Nathan Osborn • Christopher Roman • Minh Nguyen

Why This Matters

The Gala is a fundraiser for the work.

  • Elect openly LGBTQ+ candidates to public office.
  • Support candidates who champion LGBTQ+ equality.
  • Bring LGBTQ+ civil rights to the forefront of political agendas.
  • Organize and engage LGBTQ+ voters across Greater Philadelphia.
  • Build coalitions around progressive economic and social issues.
  • Create lasting resources for grassroots organizing and political advocacy.
September 24, 2026

Be there for the first one.

Join us as we celebrate the people who built LGBTQ+ political power in Philadelphia — and invest in the people who will carry that work forward.

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