The Audacity Brunch:
In Full Fuchsia
Capital Pride Honors
Sunday, June 7, 2026
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Four Seasons Hotel, 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Photo Credit: Four Seasons
The Audacity Brunch:
In Full Fuchsia
Guests are encouraged to dress to impress in fuchsia to symbolize empowerment and unapologetic self-expression. Enjoy an indulgent high-end brunch featuring an expansive variety of chef-curated Mediterranean, All-American/DC, Latin American, and Asian food stations, assortment of desserts, with cocktails and mocktails, and audacious drag and burlesque performances throughout the afternoon.
- Special Pre-Program Cocktail Social: 11:30 AM*
- Official Program: 12:00 noon
*Guests are highly encouraged to arrive by 11:30 AM to enjoy a special pre-program cocktail social before the official program begins promptly at 12 Noon with brunch to follow.
PLEASE NOTE: This event will have ASL Interpreters.
Your Co-Hosts
Candiace Dillard Bassett
Reality Television Star,
Singer, & Entrepreneur
About Candiace Dillard Bassett
Candiace Dillard Bassett is a reality television star, singer, and entrepreneur who was born on December 14, 1986, in Biloxi, Mississippi.
She is most notable for being the sassy and sultry star of the Real Housewives of Potomac. Before joining RHOP, Bassett worked in the White House alongside President Barack Obama, serving as a liaison between the White House and the African-American community. She is also an established model, having won the Miss United States title in 2013.
Outside of modeling and public service, Bassett is also known for her business career, having founded several businesses and organizations over the years. Lead by her entrepreneurial spirit, Bassett founded the Candiace Dillard Pageant Consulting and My Sister’s Keeper and co-founded, Prima Hair Collection by Candiace Dillard.
Justin Stewart
Multimedia Journalist, Producer,
& Social Media Influencer
About Justin Stewart
Justin Stewart is a multimedia journalist, producer, and social media influencer recognized for his vibrant storytelling, commanding media presence, and commitment to amplifying diverse voices in journalism. A Washington, D.C., native, Stewart launched his media career after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2010. Since then, he has built an impressive career across broadcast, digital, and entertainment media, contributing to respected outlets including NBC4 Washington, NBC Network, WJLA-ABC 7, WTTG-FOX 5, and Metro Weekly.
Currently, Stewart produces and edits engaging content for NBC Washington’s morning show, “News4 Today.” He also coordinates high-profile interviews and develops compelling news coverage. His extensive experience includes writing, pitching, producing, and crafting impactful stories, as well as booking notable newsmakers, celebrities, and public figures. His work and commentary have been featured by national media outlets including USA Today, The Associated Press, LGBTQ Nation, Rolling Out, and The Wendy Williams Show.
Beyond the newsroom, Stewart is widely recognized for using his platform to bridge the gap between traditional journalism and LGBTQ+ advocacy, with a strong focus on visibility for the Black queer community throughout the DMV region. Openly embracing his identity as a “Black queer fem man,” he is passionate about creating space for underserved communities and ensuring authentic representation across media platforms. Through his digital presence and behind-the-scenes storytelling, Stewart works to make the media industry feel more accessible and inclusive for aspiring journalists and creatives of color.
In addition to journalism, Stewart is an experienced live host and moderator who has led numerous high-profile events celebrating the arts, culture, nonprofits, and community organizations. His hosting credits include the DC Mayor’s Arts Awards, Miss Earth USA, and the Literary Arts Awards. Recognized for both his professionalism and cultural impact, Stewart was also nominated for Truth Prism Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Prism3D Awards. Whether behind the scenes producing news or center stage hosting major events, Justin Stewart continues to bring energy, authenticity, and purpose-driven storytelling to every platform he touches.
Honorees
Congresswoman
Eleanor Holmes Norton
(She/Her)
Paving the Way Award
About Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, serving as congresswoman for the District of Columbia since 1991, is the Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. She serves on two committees: the Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Before her congressional service, President Jimmy Carter appointed her to serve as the first woman to chair the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She came to Congress as a national figure who had been a civil rights and feminist leader, tenured professor of law, and board member at three Fortune 500 companies. Congresswoman Norton has been named one of the 100 most important American women in one survey and one of the most powerful women in Washington in another. The Congresswoman’s work for full congressional voting representation and for full democracy for the people of the District of Columbia continues her lifelong struggle for universal human and civil rights.
Congresswoman Norton’s accomplishments in breaking barriers for her disempowered district are matched by her success in bringing home unique economic benefits to her constituents. Among them are senatorial courtesy to recommend federal judges, the U.S. Attorney and other significant federal law enforcement positions for the District; up to $10,000 per year for all D.C. high school graduates to attend any public U.S. college or university and up to $2,500 per year to many private colleges and universities, known as the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG); a unique $5,000 D.C. homebuyer tax credit, which has sharply increased home ownership in the District and was a major factor in stabilizing the city’s population; and D.C. business tax incentives, including a significant wage credit for employing D.C. residents, which has maintained businesses and residents in the District.
Congresswoman Norton has also brought significant economic development to the District of Columbia throughout her service in Congress, creating and preserving jobs in D.C. The most significant are her work in bringing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security headquarters compound to D.C., which is one of the largest federal construction project in the country; co-sponsoring the bill that developed the 55 acre-Southeast Federal Center, the first private development on federal land; her work that resulted in the relocation of 6,000 jobs to the Washington Navy Yard; and her successful efforts to bring to the District the new headquarters for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, along with an additional Metro station at New York Avenue (now the NoMa – Gallaudet U Station), which resulted in the development of the NoMa neighborhood.
Congresswoman Norton helped end the city’s most serious financial crisis in the 1990’s, by achieving a historic package that for the first time restructured the financial relationship between Congress and the District, by transferring $5 billion in unfunded pension liabilities and billions more in state costs to the federal government.
The Congresswoman, who taught law full time before being elected, is Professor Emerita at Georgetown University. After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Antioch College in Ohio, she simultaneously earned her law degree and a master’s degree in American Studies from Yale University. Yale Law School has awarded her the Citation of Merit for outstanding alumni, and Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has awarded her the Wilbur Cross Medal for outstanding alumni, the highest awards conferred by each institution on alumni. She is the recipient of more than 50 honorary degrees.
Before being elected, Congresswoman Norton served as a trustee on a number of public service boards, including the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Board of Governors of the D.C. Bar Association, as well as served on the boards of civil rights and other national organizations.
The Congresswoman is a third-generation Washingtonian and is the mother of John Holmes Norton and Katherine Felicia Norton. In her free time, she loves being with her family and friends and advocating for D.C. statehood.
Mayor Muriel Bowser
(She/Her)
The Key to Capital Pride Award
About Mayor Muriel Bowser
Muriel Bowser is the seventh elected mayor of Washington, DC. She has a strong record of creating a bold urban policy agenda, making tough decisions in a high stakes environment, and shaping a diverse economy.
Mayor Bowser has served her hometown in elected office since 2004 as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (2004-2006), Member of the DC Council (2007-2015) and now Mayor since 2015. On November 8, she became only the second person elected three times as mayor of Washington, DC. She is the first African American woman to be elected to three, four-year terms as mayor of an American city.
Since taking office, Mayor Bowser has boldly reset DC’s global and national competitiveness, sped up affordable housing production, diversified the DC economy, oversaw consistent enrollment growth across the District’s public schools to its highest enrollment since Home Rule, increased satisfaction in city services, refocused our efforts around achieving statehood, and invested in programs and policies that allow more families to live and thrive across the city.
Mayor Bowser is a strong leader and crisis manager with 25 years of management and financial experience balancing budgets, achieving AAA bond ratings, and clean audits. Faced with the health and economic challenge of the century, Mayor Bowser guided Washington, DC through COVID-19, racial and justice protests, pandemic-spawned crime and unemployment increases, and the events of January 6th. She commissioned the first Black Lives Matter public street mural, which established a safe area for police and demonstrators using public art, inspiring dozens of others around the world. She reorganized the government to respond to the multiple threats and led over 200 hours of public press updates and national press briefings. She issued over $2 billion in unemployment, rent and business relief and secured federal reimbursement, and drafted recovery and growth strategies that will return DC to pre-pandemic revenue levels in less than one fiscal year.
Mayor Bowser made and kept bold promises on the creation of affordable housing a hallmark of her service to DC. And she has been at the forefront of national thought leadership on affordable housing and homelessness. She led the U.S. in per capita affordable housing investment; committed an all-time high $1 billion of city resources to tackle affordable housing; and led the National League of Cities task force to craft a federal call to action on the affordable housing crisis.
Mayor Bowser is committed to an equity agenda; she has focused on investing in DC small businesses and since the beginning of her Administration has increased the District’s spending in the CBE community from just over $300 million to over $1.1 billion, publishing a Green Book listing for DC government and regional partner procurement opportunities. Mayor Bowser also created the first ever Office of Racial Equity, Office of Gun Violence Prevention, expanded the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program to young people up to age 24, and funded the first ever Black Homeownership Fund. In two short years, she will deliver on her promise to deliver a full-service hospital in Ward 8.
Mayor Bowser has played key roles in delivering transformational economic development projects, creating jobs and housing for DC residents—including the Audi Field, the Entertainment and Sports Arena, St. Elizabeths, Walter Reed, McMillan, and The Wharf.
Mayor Bowser has served as a Board Member of the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, chaired the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and serves on the Advisory Boards of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association. She is a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and of Leadership Greater Washington. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chatham University and a Master of Public Policy from the American University.
Mayor Bowser tells everyone that there’s only one job better than being mayor of her hometown, and that’s being Miranda’s mom. Mayor Bowser was blessed to become a mom by adoption and proud to show everyone that there are many ways to be a family. She and Miranda call Ward 4 home.
Benjamin Coy
(He/Him, They/Them)
Heroes Award
About Benjamin Coy
Benjamin Coy is a media personality and digital strategist specializing in content strategy, influencer marketing, and brand development. His work is grounded in Black and queer liberation, intersectionality, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. In culture and media, he is the co-host of the Cocktails and Culture podcast and host of the National LGBTQ Task Force’s Instagram Live series, X Is a Queer Issue. Benjamin has been featured on Living Local DMV, NBC4 Washington, ABC7, Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Miami and more.
A community leader and connector, Benjamin serves as Communications and Marketing Campaign Manager at the National LGBTQ Task Force, where he has focused on creating safe, inclusive spaces and elevating the voices of the most marginalized communities. In 2025, he led the launch of the inaugural Creators for Change program at the Creating Change Conference, providing a platform for more than 30 content creators to lead and participate in intersectional conversations. He has also played a key role in expanding the organization’s digital footprint, contributing to significant growth in social media followership and engagement over the past three years. Benjamin has served on the National Queer Theatre Board of Directors and the Florida Public Relations Education Foundation Board of Directors continuing his passion of increasing belonging, access and visibility.
In addition to his work in media, movement building, and fashion, Benjamin’s greatest passion is serving as an adjunct faculty instructor in the Department of Mass Communications at Bethune-Cookman University, where he focuses on developing the next generation of storytellers, communicators, and content strategy professionals. A native of Jacksonville, FL, Benjamin holds a B.A. in Mass Communication from Bethune-Cookman University and an M.A. in Strategic Communication from American University. His work has been recognized across the industry, including being named to PRWeek’s Pride in PR list honoring 30 inspirational LGBTQ+ PR practitioners worldwide. In 2025, he was featured in Out Magazine’s “Thriving Under 30” list, named a finalist for the Washington Blade’s Best Content Creator in D.C., and recognized by the National Black Justice Collective as one of its “100 Leaders to Watch.”
Points of Connection
Official Website
https://linktr.ee/benjiecoy
Charity Blackwell
(She/Her)
Heroes Award
About Charity Blackwell
Charity Blackwell is an award-winning spoken word artist, poet, educator, and cultural curator based in Washington, DC. Known for her commanding presence and magnetic storytelling, she uses poetry as a tool for healing, empowerment, and authentic self-expression. Her work has been featured by BBC News, TEDxTysons, the NBA, WNBA, MLS Network, The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Theatre, The Hirshhorn Museum, Busboys and Poets, and stages and festivals across the country.
A proud graduate of Trinity Washington University with both a B.A. and M.A. in Communications, Charity has shared stages and collaborated with artists, athletes, and changemakers including Magic Johnson, Wale, Big Freedia, Jessica Betts, Billie Jean King, and Seimone Augustus. Through her art, advocacy, and leadership, she has become a powerful voice for community, visibility, and liberation, creating spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected.
As Chief of Culture and Arts at DC SCORES and Director of Poetry Events at Busboys and Poets, Charity continues to champion storytelling, creativity, and equity through work that uplifts the next generation and honors the power of living openly and unapologetically.
Darryl Hamilton
(He/Him)
Heroes Award
About Darryl Hamilton
Darryl Hamilton is a Washington, DC–based community advocate, emerging social worker, and dynamic leader dedicated to advancing equity and empowerment for Black LGBTQ+ communities. The son of Jamaican immigrants, his work is deeply grounded in lived experience and a commitment to creating spaces where Black queer people can live, lead, and thrive unapologetically.
As Vice President of Gay Professional Men of Color (GPMC), Darryl plays a pivotal role in cultivating intentional spaces that center connection, wellness, leadership development, and community care for Black gay men across the DC area. His leadership is rooted in the belief that community is both a source of healing and a catalyst for transformation. He has contributed to initiatives that center Black queer wellness and collective healing, including organizing community programs, advocacy efforts, and conversations that challenge stigma around mental health and vulnerability among Black men.
Darryl’s advocacy spans mental health, housing justice, and social equity, with a particular focus on dismantling stigma and fostering collective healing among Black men. He is a contributor to the Dear Black Man, You Good podcast, where he uses storytelling as a tool to normalize mental health conversations and affirm emotional wellness.
His broader civic engagement includes serving as a member of the DC LGBTQ Budget Coalition, where he helped plan and support the city’s inaugural LGBTQ Housing Summit, advancing critical conversations around housing access and economic justice. He is also a Men4Choice Fellow, advocating for reproductive justice and the intersectional needs of marginalized communities.
Darryl is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work (MSW) at the Howard University School of Social Work, where he continues to deepen his commitment to service, advocacy, and systemic change. Through his leadership and lived experience, Darryl Hamilton is building a legacy rooted in resilience, compassion, and the unapologetic celebration of Black queer joy.
Dr. Thea Kano
(She/Her)
Heroes Award
About Dr. Thea Kano
Thea Kano is currently serving as the Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC, for which she also directs its acclaimed ensembles Rock Creek Singers and Potomac Fever. Dr. Kano is the Founding Artistic Director of the New York City Master Chorale, which she directed from 2006-2019. Dr. Kano is known for her expressiveness and dynamic conducting and the Chorale has been praised for its balance and richness in tone in performing a variety of musical styles. Under her direction, the Chorale made its debut at Lincoln Center (2006) and Carnegie Hall (2009), as well as its international debut in Paris, France (2011). Dr. Kano recognizes the power of music as an agent for social change, and is committed to social justice programming and education.
Dr. Kano received her doctorate in choral conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2004. At UCLA, Dr. Kano studied under Donald Neuen, her professional mentor. For her dissertation on Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem, Dr. Kano completed research with L’Association Duruflé in Paris and studied privately with Paul Salamunovich. Dr. Kano holds a Master of Music degree from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree in choral music education and piano performance from Arizona State University.
Kendall
Martinez-Wright
(She/Her)
Heroes Award
About Kendall Martinez-Wright
Kendall Martinez-Wright (she-her) is an activist community organizer. She currently is the Government Relations and Policy Associate at Treatment Action Group where she works in the public health sector regarding HIV, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitis C. She is the resident in Columbia Heights and prides herself on becoming a true Washingtonian.
In the past, Kendall was a statewide legislative strategist and community organizer in Missouri, with main focuses being human rights, public health, and criminal justice reform. Kendall assisted other statewide organizations in the passage of updating Missouri’s HIV laws as well as other pieces of legislation that coincided in harm reduction efforts in rural communities in Missouri.
Lee Levingston Perine
(He/Him)
Heroes Award
About Lee Levingston Perine
Lee Levingston Perine (he/him) is a St. Louis–born, Washington, DC–based curator, creative producer, and community historian. He is the founder of Black in Space (formerly Makers Lab), an LGBTQ+ arts collective dedicated to Black joy, creativity, and liberation through storytelling, archival work, and public programming. His work centers Black LGBTQ| elders and ancestors while creating spaces for connection and visibility. In 2015, Lee was named a White House Champion of Change – LGBT Artist and has also been recognized by the National Trans Visibility March and BONDS for his community work.
Dylan Drobish
(He/They)
SaVanna Wanzer Visibility Award
About Dylan Drobish
Dylan Drobish (he/they) is the Co-Executive Director of Trans USA National Pageantry, a registered 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing visible leaders and positive role models within the transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming community through national programming, advocacy initiatives, and yearlong community-building efforts. A graduate of Georgetown University’s Master of Science program in Integrative Neuroscience, Dylan also works full-time at the National Institutes of Health while maintaining an extensive career as an entertainer, producer, facilitator, and public speaker within the LGBTQ+ community.
Prior to assuming his current leadership role with Trans USA, Dylan served as Mr. Trans USA 2022 and as Operations Manager for the Gay United States Pageantry System. Under his direction, Trans USA has grown into the largest trans-exclusive event of its kind worldwide, including the successful launch of the organization’s first national conference with support from major sponsors such as Visit Milwaukee, gc2b, and Mistr. Dylan also played a key role in relocating major Trans USA programming to the Capitol region, including the organization’s national Trans Day of Visibility Gala.
Dylan’s work in advocacy and nonprofit leadership began in 2011 as a co-founder of TransPride Pittsburgh, which has grown into a major regional organization serving community members across Western Pennsylvania. Throughout the past decade, he has facilitated discussions on LGBTQ+ identities, accessibility, equity and inclusion, and community engagement, serving as both a speaker and advisor for organizations and corporate partners nationwide. He has also served in leadership, production, and consulting roles across numerous pageantry, entertainment, and community organizations throughout the country.
In addition to his advocacy work, Dylan is an internationally recognized entertainer and titleholder with nearly two decades of experience producing and performing at large-scale LGBTQ+ events. As Dylan B. Dickherson White, he currently holds the titles King of Hagerstown Pride and Mister Universe Trans USA 2025–2026. This November, he will go on to represent the United States at the first major international pageant for transgender men in New Delhi, India.
Central to Dylan’s leadership philosophy is his personal mantra: “Visibility is not about being seen. It’s about making other people feel seen.” Through his mentorship and public speaking, he emphasizes the importance of narrative identity—the belief that people have the power to reclaim authorship over their own stories despite the negative narratives often imposed upon transgender individuals. His work consistently focuses on empowering others to lead authentically, build community intentionally, and create spaces where people feel valued, represented, and understood.
Tyler Hack
(They/Them)
SaVanna Wanzer Visibility Award
About Tyler Hack
Tyler Hack (they/them) is the founder and Executive Director of Christopher Street Project. Before starting Christopher Street, Tyler organized to elect Democrats up and down the ballot through field work, fundraising, communications, and campaign operations. Tyler founded Christopher Street after Republicans spent over $200 million to exploit transgender people during their campaigns — attacks which some Democrats decided to adopt. The name, Christopher Street Project, pays homage to the legacy of trans people at the forefront of the gay liberation movement and Tyler’s great uncle, Marc Scheer, who was beaten up by police in the Stonewall Riots. Tyler has led the charge to publish rapid responses to Trump’s many executive orders targeting transgender individuals, conduct over 200 legislative meetings for Christopher Street on Capitol Hill, and establish Christopher Street as a powerful force in shaping the national conversation on trans rights.
Cheer DC
Organization
Larry Stansbury Award
About Cheer DC
Cheer DC is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to raising spirits, awareness, and funds for LGBTQ+ communities in the DMV. Now celebrating its 10th season, Cheer DC has raised more than $100,000 in support of local LGBTQ+ and other nonprofit organizations serving the communities most in need. Through spirited performances, advocacy, and intentional community engagement, Cheer DC works to facilitate inclusivity, create space, and promote equality and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. Guided by its vision to uplift and build LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and spirit, Cheer DC brings visibility, joy, and solidarity to events including the Capital Pride Parade and Festival, the Walk to End HIV, Pride Night Out Games, advocacy events supporting transgender rights, and more. Beyond performances, Cheer DC serves as a welcoming and affirming community where its volunteer members build confidence, leadership and athletic skills, and lifelong friendships, all while advancing visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud member of the Pride Cheerleading Association (PCA), Cheer DC joins its sibling organizations in Pride events across the country. Cheer DC also engages in global LGBTQ+ athletic and cultural spaces, including participation in the 2018 Gay Games X in Paris, 2023 Gay Games XI in Guadalajara, and the upcoming 2026 Gay Games XII in València. Most importantly, Cheer DC is looking forward to presenting its Season 10 donation check to Rainbow Families at the Capital Pride Festival in June.
Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs
Organization
Larry Stansbury Award
About the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs
The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs has consistently served as a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ residents by ensuring community voices, concerns, and needs are represented within local government. Through both its board and staff, the office has helped strengthen connections between the city and LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and residents while advancing visibility, inclusion, and equity across Washington, DC.
With the current mayoral administration approaching the end of its term, this recognition also creates an opportunity to honor the individuals behind the scenes whose work has helped shape and support LGBTQ+ progress throughout the city. While leadership often receives public recognition, the board and staff of the office have played a meaningful role in driving initiatives, building partnerships, and showing up for the community in ways that deserve to be celebrated.
Judy Schloss
(She/Her)
Bill Miles Award
About Judy Schloss
Judy Schloss is a committed member of the Capital Pride Alliance, bringing her deep expertise in recruitment, talent strategy, and community engagement to support CPA’s mission of uplifting and empowering the LGBTQIA+ community. She is a multi-published photographer focusing on event, nature, and wildlife photography.
With years of experience in inclusive recruitment and organizational development, Judy has helped mission‑driven teams grow stronger, more connected, and more representative.
Within Capital Pride Alliance, Judy started volunteering as a photographer and is currently Executive Producer, Photography. She has played a key role in recruiting, managing, and co‑leading CPA’s Media Team, contributing her strengths in strategic networking, volunteer engagement, and team development. The Media Team ensures that the stories, energy, and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community are captured, documented, and shared with authenticity and care.
Beyond her volunteering work with CPA, Judy serves as Head of Research for Executive Search at The Nature Conservancy, a global nonprofit environmental organization based in the Washington, DC area. Her professional expertise in talent research and recruitment further reflects her commitment to building strong, inclusive pipelines across all levels of an organization.
In her free time, Judy channels her creativity into managing two online Etsy shops and developing her photography business, continuing to explore new ways to connect, create, and contribute to the communities she cares deeply about.
Patrick Magee
(He/Him)
Bill Miles Award
About Patrick Magee
Patrick Magee has proudly served as a volunteer with the Capital Pride Alliance for the past six years, bringing his passion for photography, visual storytelling, leadership, and community service to one of Washington, DC’s most visible and impactful LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Patrick began his journey with Capital Pride as a volunteer photographer, using his camera to help capture the energy, joy, advocacy, and history of Pride in the nation’s capital. Through dedication, consistency, and a commitment to excellence, he progressed into the role of Executive Producer of the Media Team, where he has led and coordinated photography and videography teams ranging from 50 to 150 volunteers.
Under Patrick’s leadership, the media team has produced more than 9,000 photos and videos that have supported Capital Pride’s storytelling, marketing, archives, social media, publications, and public-facing campaigns. His work has helped ensure that the people, performances, milestones, and powerful moments of Pride are documented with professionalism, care, and purpose.
Patrick played a critical role in supporting WorldPride Washington, DC 2025, a historic celebration that coincided with the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC. WorldPride 2025 brought together a global community for weeks of events, including the WorldPride Parade, Festival, Opening Concert, Capital Pride Honors, Capital Cup, and Diversity of Pride programming.
Over the past six years, Patrick and the Capital Pride media team have supported coverage for numerous Capital Pride Alliance events and activations, including the Capital Pride Parade, Capital Pride Festival & Concert, Pride Honors, 17th Street Block Party, RIOT! Opening Party, Rooftop Pool Party, WorldPride Parade, WorldPride Festival, District of Pride Showcase, Capital Cup Sports Festival, Pride365 events, DC Black Pride collaborations, Latinx Pride, Trans Pride, Youth Pride, Silver Pride, API Pride, and other community and partner events. Capital Pride’s programming includes major annual events, community outreach, advocacy, fundraising, education, and visibility efforts across the National Capital Region.
Through his service, Patrick has helped elevate the visibility of Capital Pride Alliance and the LGBTQIA+ community by ensuring that historic moments are not only captured, but preserved and shared. His leadership reflects a deep belief in service, representation, teamwork, and the power of media to celebrate community, tell authentic stories, and document history in real time.
Darrell Wood
(He/They)
Breaking Barriers Award
About Darrell Wood
Darrell Wood is a Norfolk, Virginia-based nonprofit leader, artist, and technologist whose work sits at the intersection of creative healing, community advocacy, and LGBTQ+ empowerment. As the Founder and Executive Director of Cues For Cancer — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit using the performing arts to inspire hope for individuals and families affected by cancer — Darrell has been a steadfast champion for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community’s unique relationship with illness, survivorship, and resilience. He actively partners with Man Up to Cancer’s Virginia and Pride chapters, helping to ensure that queer and gender-diverse cancer patients are seen, supported, and celebrated.
A proud participant in the WorldPride 2025 Planning and Logistics Committee in Washington, D.C., Darrell contributed to one of the most significant global celebrations of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in recent memory. He is currently engaged in an ongoing partnership with Pride Barcelona in support of their proposal for WorldPride 2030, continuing his commitment to amplifying queer voices on an international stage.
Darrell also serves as Director of Membership & Community Engagement with Pride in Federal Service, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the federal workforce. A composer, visual artist, and digital storyteller, he holds a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Maryville University and is pursuing his doctorate at Walden University. Darrell believes deeply in the transformative power of art — and in building a world where every queer life is honored in sickness and in health.
Tyler Cargill
(He/They)
Breaking Barriers Award
About Tyler Cargill
Tyler Cargill (he/they) is a genderfluid educator, advocate, anthropologist, and bioarchaeologist whose work centers on human rights, cultural understanding, and community connection. With nearly two decades of experience across research, public service, and grassroots engagement, he has built a career focused on fostering belonging and creating spaces where marginalized communities are visible, supported, and empowered.
A dedicated advocate for queer and gender rights, Tyler blends activism with art, fashion, protest, education, and policy to explore the intersections of identity, visibility, and social justice. Through public demonstrations, creative expression, mentorship, and organizing, he uses both scholarship and visibility as tools for dialogue, advocacy, and change.
Since relocating to Washington, D.C. in 2014 to serve as a human osteologist at the Smithsonian Institution, Tyler has become deeply involved in LGBTQIA+ organizing and advocacy. His introduction to community organizing in the District became a catalyst for broader involvement in queer and trans liberation work throughout the region. Over the past decade, he has participated in numerous demonstrations and advocacy efforts while continuing to support queer and trans communities in moments of vulnerability, particularly throughout the Washington, D.C. area.
As an anthropologist, educator, and researcher, Tyler has collaborated with Indigenous communities throughout North and South America and across the Asia-Pacific region, cultivating relationships grounded in cultural preservation, public scholarship, and mutual understanding. His work also extends internationally through mentorship and community support, including collaborations with former students and emerging LGBTQIA+ advocates and artists in Turkey, Vietnam, Thailand, Brazil, Australia, and beyond.
Through his work in anthropology, advocacy, mentorship, education, and creative expression, Tyler continues to foster visibility, belonging, and care for LGBTQIA+ communities on local, national, and international levels.
Dai Nguyen
(She/Her)
Bernie Delia Award
About Dai Nguyen
Dai Nguyen is a public sector leader, advocate, and longtime community volunteer dedicated to service, inclusion, and uplifting others. A volunteer with Capital Pride Alliance since 2015 and Board Member from 2020–2026, Dai has helped strengthen community connections through leadership, advocacy, and behind-the-scenes support. Known for leading with integrity and compassion, Dai has consistently worked to foster connection, support community initiatives, and create spaces where others feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed. Professionally, Dai serves in senior leadership roles in the defense public sector, bringing a commitment to collaboration, service, and the empowerment of future generations within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community.
Entertainment
DJ MIM
Award-Winning DJ & Community Partner
Eva Mystique
International Burlesque Performer & Producer
GiGi Holliday
International
Award-Winning
Burlesque Performer
Jackson B.
Nite
Mr. Capital Pride 2025/2026
Sirene Noir Sidora Jackson
Mx. Capital Pride 2025/2026
Tickets
More than a brunch, this event is a fundraiser supporting the Pride365 Fund, helping sustain LGBTQ+ programs, advocacy, outreach, community initiatives throughout the year, the LGBTQ+ Burial Fund, and the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center.
Your ticket is more than entry — it’s an investment in our community and in Pride itself. Each purchase is a donation to the Pride365 Fund, and a portion of each ticket sale is tax deductible.
Visit CapitalPride.org/Giving for more ways on how you can support us!
*THIS EVENT IS 21+
*No refunds or exchanges.
Early Pricing – $125
Ticket Includes
Culinary Food Stations, Open Bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
Changemaker – $200
Ticket Includes
Culinary Tasting Stations, Open Bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), a Capital Pride 2026 theme t-shirt.
With this purchase, you are donating a ticket to someone who deserves to experience this fabulous night.
Become an Individual or Small Business Audacity Brunch Event Sponsor!
This sponsorship is perfect for individuals and small businesses who want to show their Pride, be recognized as a community supporter, and keep Pride accessible.
Community Champion
$250 (Sold Out)
Ticket Includes
Celebrate with Pride and show your support.
Your support includes:
- 2 tickets to The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia
- Culinary Food Stations
- Open Bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- 2 complimentary Capital Pride 2026 T-Shirts
Equality
Advocate
$500
Ticket Includes
Make a deeper impact and enjoy added recognition.
Your support includes:
- 4 tickets to The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia
- Culinary Food Stations
- Open Bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- 4 complimentary Capital Pride 2026 T-Shirts
Pride Legacy
Donor
$1,000
Ticket Includes
Lead with Pride and generosity while enjoying premier benefits.
Your support includes:
- 6 tickets to The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia
- Culinary Food Stations
- Open Bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Name recognition on the The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia Donor Wall on our website
- Premier recognition on event promotions (website, email, and social media)
- Verbal recognition from the stage during the event
- 6 complimentary Capital Pride 2026 T-Shirts
Fuchsia
Leader
$2,500
Ticket Includes
Be a Fuchsia leader and have Pride365 while enjoying premier benefits.
Your support includes:
- 8 tickets to The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia
- Reserved table for you and your guests
- Culinary Food Stations
- Open Bar (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Name recognition on the The Audacity Brunch: In Full Fuchsia Donor Wall on our website
- Premier recognition on event promotions (website, email, and social media)
- Prominent on-site recognition via digital display
- Verbal recognition from the stage during the event
- 8 complimentary Capital Pride 2026 T-Shirts
Donor Wall
Special Thank You To Our Equality Advocates!
Andrew Usoro
Steve Wood
Vascano Tequila
Special Thank You To Our Pride Legacy Donor!
LGBT+ Counseling Collaborative
Special Thank You To Our Fuchsia Leader!
AKwire
Honoree Categories
The Paving the Way
Award
About the Paving the Way Award
The Paving the Way Award acknowledges an individual who or organization that has provided exemplary contributions, support, and/or advocacy that has impacted the LGBTQ+ community, and whose leadership has inspired continued progress.
Key to Capital Pride
Award
About the Key to Capital Pride Award
The Key to Capital Pride Award honors an individual whose leadership, partnership, and unwavering support have helped advance the mission and impact of the Capital Pride Alliance and the LGBTQ+ community in Washington, DC. Inspired by the ceremonial “Key to the City,” this recognition symbolizes a deep commitment to inclusion, visibility, equality, and community empowerment.
Heroes
Award
About the Heroes Award
The Heroes Award recognizes individuals who have furthered the causes important to LGBTQ+ community in the national capital region. These heroes have brought about positive changes to our lives and our community.
The SaVanna Wanzer
Visibility Award
About the SaVanna Wanzer Visibility Award
The SaVanna Wanzer Visibility Award recognizes an individual or organization that has outstanding advocates, activists, and supporters of the transgender and non-binary community and is named after the late founder of DC Trans Pride to honor her legacy and commitment to the Transgender and Non-Binary communities.
The Larry Stansbury
Award
About the Larry Stansbury Award
The Larry Stansbury Award for Exemplary Contributions to Pride acknowledges outstanding efforts related to programs and initiatives of the annual Capital Pride Alliance or Pride movement.
The Bills Miles
Award
About the Bill Miles Award
The Bill Miles Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service acknowledges exemplary contributions to the Capital Pride Alliance, it’s programs, initiatives or other Pride sponsored activities.
Breaking Barriers:
Community Impact Award
About the Breaking Barriers: Community Impact Award
The Breaking Barriers: Community Impact Award acknowledges an individual or organization who has demonstrated a significant impact to the LGBTQ+ community at either the local or national level and who has helped eliminate barriers for social, personal, or professional growth of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Bernie Delia
Award
About the Bernie Delia Award
The Bernie Delia Award is a new honor established by the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) to recognize individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on the organization and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Named in honor of Bernie Delia’s legacy of dedication, collaboration, and advocacy, this award celebrates those who lead with integrity, build community connections, and help strengthen the mission and future of CPA through both visible and behind-the-scenes contributions.
The Capital Pride Alliance, through its stewardship of diverse programming and events, specifically year-round LGBTQ+ Pride festivities centered in Washington, DC and the National Capital Region, serves to celebrate, educate, support, and inspire our multi-faceted communities in order to grow and preserve our history and protect our rights for current and future generations. Learn More