Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, and Dr. Renee Mclaughlin, National Medical Director at Cigna to Be Honored at The NYC LGBT Community Center’s 2024 Women's Event

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center) announced the honorees for its annual Women's Event gala, scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2024 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom. The event highlights the achievements of LGBTQ+ and allied women who have made significant contributions to their industries and the LGBTQ+ community, and also raises critical funds to support The Center’s essential programs and services.

This year’s honorees reflect leadership in both sports and healthcare, with a shared commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and inclusion.

Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, will accept the Community Ally Award on behalf of the New York Liberty, for their commitment to elevating diversity and inclusion in athletics and for their commitment to safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ women athletes.

"Representation is essential on and off the court. As a core pillar of our organizational values, I am proud that the New York Liberty’s allyship with and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community helps us push closer to equality and inclusivity for LGBTQ+ women in sports and beyond," said Keia Clarke, CEO, New York Liberty.

The Center will also recognize Dr. Renee Mclaughlin, National Medical Director at Cigna Healthcare, for her work in promoting health equity and improving healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ population and for being a pioneer for transgender women in the healthcare sector/impactful leadership roles. She will receive the Visibility Award.

"Healthcare should be accessible, inclusive, and affirming for everyone, regardless of who they are, how they identify, or who they love," said Mclaughlin. "I’m honored to be recognized by The Center, an organization that shares my commitment to creating equitable health solutions for all."

This year’s event will also feature Dr. Carla Smith, CEO of The Center, making her first appearance at Women's Event since taking on her leadership role. In addition to providing LGBTQ+ women with mental health counseling, substance use recovery, career development, and domestic violence survivor support, The Center has hosted seven special events and gatherings explicitly for LGBTQ+ women since Dr. Smith became CEO in February 2024.

“LGBTQ+ women and our allies have long been at the forefront of movements for equality, breaking barriers while fighting for justice and inclusion,” explained Dr. Smith. “Honoring their contributions not only amplifies their voices but also strengthens the collective push for a more equitable and inclusive society,” said Dr. Smith.

The gala will be hosted by comedian, actor, and writer Sydnee Washington, and will include an after-party with music provided by DJ Mary Mac, who recently toured with Madonna, and a special DJ set and performance by the music duo Nina Sky.

Now in its 27th year, Women’s Event has honored icons such as Wanda Sykes, Roxane Gay, Kim Petras, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and The L Word creator, Ilene Chaiken.

Proceeds from Women’s Event support The Center’s ongoing work to provide LGBTQ+ New Yorkers with a safe and affirming space, along with access to health, wellness, and community-building services.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit gaycenter.org/womensevent.

About The Center:
Established in 1983 as a result of the AIDS crisis, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center has grown and evolved over the last four decades, creating and delivering services that empower people to lead healthy, successful lives. We operate in-person and virtually, providing recovery and wellness programs, economic advancement initiatives, family and youth support, advocacy, arts and cultural events, and opportunities for community organizing and connection. For more information, please visit gaycenter.org.