Swish Events
The most fun gays and straights have ever had together
Swish joined like-minded LGBT allies from around the world for the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. The March had one single demand: equal protection for LGBT people in all matters governed by civil law in all 50 U.S. states.
Swish was a member of the March steering committee and one of the first organizations to formally endorse the March. We committed to bringing as many supporters to D.C. as possible. For those who were unable to make it to D.C., please know that we represented you.
The day before the March, Swish hosted a blow-out sign-making party for marchers from around the country and world. A big thank you to the Embassy Suites D.C. Convention Center for their amazing hospitality!
If you were at the 2009 NYC Pride March, we hope you checked out our awesome float—RA, RA, SWISH BOOM BA! We went back to high school with a “homocoming” theme, cheering for the queer in all of us, and in honor of LGBT students past and present.
Our 50-strong marching contingent included a “half-time” line-up of performers: dance music industry artists Alan T, Alexander, Sean McMahon, Mykel, and Tania Mashay. We are proud to have been nominated for Best Political Statement by the March organizers, Heritage of Pride, and Swish acknowledges our colleagues at amfAR who won the award.
Thank you to the incredible audience that turned out for our second annual benefit cabaret, Songs in the Key of LGBT, held at the Duplex piano bar in NYC. Proceeds benefited Swish’s education and advocacy programs, including Pride 2009.
A big congratulations to the Swish AIDS Walk New York team, which raised $5,000 to benefit Gay Men’s Health Crisis and other tri-state HIV/AIDS organizations. Thank you to all our AIDS Walk sponsors and supporters!
Swish co-hosted its first-ever volunteer expo with other NYC LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations to educate and connect gay and straight volunteers with service opportunities.
Barack Obama’s historic election and expanding support for LGBT rights have sparked increased interest in volunteering and activism. “There’s a lot of emotion and we wanted to galvanize that,” said Swish President Sue Sena.
A spirited crowd at Will Clark’s Bingo in NYC raised more than $500 for Swish while enjoying the eye candy (Will’s parties overall have raised more than $70,000 for local LGBT groups—go Will!). Also: happy birthday to our Queen Hag!
