The Imperial Court of New York (ICNY) announced today that it will present living legend Edith "Edie" Windsor with the Imperial Diamond Award at the 28th annual Night of A Thousand Gowns.
The Imperial Diamond Award is ICNY's most prestigious honor, signifying recognition of a person's outstanding contribution to the LGBT community. Their Most Imperial Sovereign Majesties Emperor XXII Wen-D Bouvier Pinkhoues and Empress XXVII Gracie Steeles will present the award to Edie, who has been an advocate for LGBT equality since 1969 at the Stonewall Inn. She solidified her spot in the history of the movement last summer, when her case against the Supreme Court ended victoriously with the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Gary Cosgrove, president of the HIV/AIDS-oriented organization, said in a statement, "Edie Windsor and the Imperial Court of New York are integral fixtures in [the] LGBT community's history and advocacy. Edie's excitement for life, dedication to helping LGBT people thrive makes her the perfect recipient for this year's award. A demonstrated matriarch of the movement in her own right, Edie embodies the Imperial Diamond and Night of A Thousand Gowns."
"This fabulous and over-the-top event is one I have always wanted to attend," said Edie, whose accomplishments have also been recognized by SAFE, the ACLU, and NYU, among others. "The Imperial Court has fun while raising money for serious issues that face the LGBT adults and youth who may be homeless, as well as people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in our city."
ICNY will host the fundraiser on Saturday, March 29 at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. Comedian Sandra Bernhard will headline, and the Vandellas' Martha Reeves, musician Kelly King, the group Exposé, and the cast of Pippin will also perform. The proceeds will benefit the True Colors Foundation and God's Love We Deliver.
(Source: GLAAD)
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