Dear John,

We’re thrilled to announce the honorees for the 2025 Williams Institute Annual Gala! This year’s gathering carries special significance as we welcome new scholars and researchers to the Institute — and honor those who have dedicated decades to informing laws and policies that impact LGBTQ communities.

The rapidly changing U.S. policy landscape requires research that meets the moment. For nearly 25 years, the Williams Institute has provided valuable insights that empowers policymakers, lawyers, judges, and the public with facts about LGBTQ communities. Now more than ever, it is essential that we come together and ensure that our work continues to support and strengthen the lives of LGBTQ people and families.

We are honored to recognize these extraordinary leaders at this year’s Gala:

          2025 Visionary Leadership Award
          Niecy Nash-Betts, Actress, Producer, and Philanthropist 

          2025 Impact Award
          Admiral Rachel Levine, M.D., 17th Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S.
          Department of Health and Human Services

          2025 Corporate Ally Award
          Selendy Gay PLLC

          With a musical performance by Jessica Betts

We hope you can join us on April 5 as we celebrate and commit to the road ahead. Details on ticketing, donations, and event information are available here.

With gratitude,
Jason

Special thank you to our 2025 Annual Gala Host Committee.

Blakely Thornton, Dan Clivner, Dennis Lamont & Richard Machado, Henry Jung & Mark DeAngelis, Ian Slater & Michael McVicker, Jeff Haber, Kevin Williams, Matt Kaczmarek & Aaron Ordower Nanette Gartrell & Dee Mosbacher, Nicole Sams, Patrick Driscoll, Ravi Saini, Roberta Conroy, Sandra Richards, Tana Ryan, Todd Sears, Tom Morgan, Tom Safran, Will Forrest

The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law is an academic research institute dedicated to conducting rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.