Swish was honored to be recognized for Best Use of Theme for our float in the 41st annual Heritage of Pride New York City March. Our marchers and live entertainers transformed Fifth Avenue into a fairy tale fit for queens—creating a world where the LGBT movement can have its “happy ending.”

“The ultimate fairy tale ending is happily ever after ... for everyone,” said Swish President and Co-Founder Sue Sena.  “Swish’s entry in the 2010 Pride March represented gays and straights standing together for full equality.”

A big thank-you to all our supporters who turned out for two amazing musical nights, Songs in the Key of LGBT, at The Duplex piano bar, May 17 and 18 in NYC. Proceeds benefited Swish’s education and advocacy programs, including Pride 2010.

Meet the fabulous men and women in our cast

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.