Houston 2026 Dinner | Human Rights Campaign

HRC is known for it's dinners, and Houston's will be no different. Join us for a night of equality, fundraising, and good times.  Get your Tickets, contribute an Auction item, Volunteer, maybe Sponsor? We love it all.

Want to be a Table Captain for 2026? Click here!

2026 Dinner Presale Tickets Available Now!
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See/Contribute Auction Items
Become a Table Captain for Houston
Volunteer: Road to Dinner & Day Of

Take Advantage of Our Small Group Discount!

A night of advocacy and celebration is best spent with others- Enjoy a special discounted ticket when you buy 3 or more!

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Host Hotel: Marriott Marquis Houston

Reserve your room at the venue & official host hotel. Special rates are available for event attendees:

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Renee O'Connor - Ally for Equality Award

Renée O’Connor is an actress, director, producer, and visual artist best known for her role as Gabrielle on Xena: Warrior Princess (1996–2001). She recently appeared on HBO’s Hacks and has credits including The Adventures of Huck Finn, Hercules and the Lost Kingdom, and Boogeyman 2. O’Connor began her career at 17 and has since built a diverse body of work across film, television, and stage. She is the founder and artistic director of House of Bards Theatre Company in Los Angeles, where she produces immersive theater. A longtime supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, she champions inclusive storytelling and representation through her work. An accomplished visual artist, her work has been exhibited in galleries and supports charitable causes.

Brandon Wolf - HRC National Press Secretary

Brandon Wolf is a nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights and gun safety and a survivor of the 2016 shooting at Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub. He is a frequent face on MSNBC and CNN, and an opinion contributor in Oprah Daily, Newsweek, USA Today, and others. Brandon has graced the cover of Dazed Magazine and LGBTQ publications nationwide, having been named one of the Logo TV’s 30 LGBTQ Changemakers, Huffington Post’s 30 LGBTQ Influencers under 30 and Out Magazine’s 100 Most Influential LGBTQ People. He was a national surrogate for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Presidential Campaign and an advisory committee member for President Biden’s General Election bid. In 2019, he became the first survivor of the Pulse tragedy to testify before Congress and was returned in 2022 to testify on the rise of anti-LGBTQ hate violence before the House Oversight Committee. Brandon is a co-founder of The Dru Project, a nonprofit organization that empowers safe spaces in schools for LGBTQ youth, and currently serves as National Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. His debut memoir, “A Place for Us”, was released in July 2023 and became an instant bestseller.

Featuring

The Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus - Partner Award

Founded in 1975, the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus stands as the oldest civil rights organization in the South dedicated to advancing equality for the LGBTQ+ community. For more than five decades, the Caucus has shaped Houston’s political landscape through advocacy, endorsements, and coalition building that have empowered countless candidates and driven meaningful policy change. Its unwavering commitment to representation and justice has made it a cornerstone of Houston’s progress toward fairness and inclusion—ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices are not only heard but have the power to lead.

Lisa Madry - Community Award

A dedicated champion for health equity and social justice, Houston’s own Lisa Madry is a transformative leader with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. As the Founder and Principal of Rare Bird Advisors, Lisa provides strategic guidance for community development and environmental advocacy. A volunteer force within the human rights movement, she lent years of expertise to the National Board of Governors for the Human Rights Campaign.

Meet Our 2026 HRC Houston Dinner Co-Chairs:  Josh Beasley, Ben Rubio, and Gia Montalto—Proving that Community = Power.

Ben Rubio, spearheading Corporate Sponsorships, passionately seeks out businesses aligning with HRC's values. His critical work involves strategic outreach and securing vital corporate partnerships through tailored proposals and meticulous stewardship.

And last but certainly not least, Gia Montalto, leading the charge for the Silent Auction, is a USAF veteran committed to advancing equity. Her tremendous work involves procuring high-value items, meticulously organizing displays, and creating an engaging bidding experience.

Together, Josh, Ben, and Gia embody passion and purpose. This dinner is a critical moment for the LGBTQ Community, uniting us under the banner of equality and empowering HRC's essential work across the nation. There's still time to be part of this impactful evening! Join us Saturday, May 9th, at 5 PM for the 2026 HRC Houston Dinner. Purchase your tickets now and stand with us!

Ways to be part of the Event & Beyond

Watch our Special HRC Dinner Guests Shine.

Play featured video: Don Lemon Speech at the HRC New York Dinner 2026