24th Annual Spirit of Justice Award Dinner

Thursday, November 9, 2023
Downtown Boston, MA

Reception at 6pm
Dinner & Speaking Program at 7pm
Dessert & Drinks at 9pm

Celebrating 20 Years of Marriage Equality with the Plaintiffs Who Won Goodridge

November 18, 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the landmark Goodridge marriage ruling. That historic decision – which made Massachusetts the first state in the country where same-sex couples could legally marry – could not have happened without the courage and generosity of the seven plaintiff couples and their families. As we celebrate 20 years of Goodridge, we are thrilled to honor the plaintiffs who made it possible. 

Hillary Goodridge, Julie Goodridge, David Wilson, Rob Compton, Maureen Wade, Ellen Brodoff, Linda Bailey-Davies, Gloria Bailey-Davies, Michael Horgan, Ed Balmelli, Gary Chalmers, Rich Linnell, Gina Nortonsmith, and Heidi Nortonsmith

Gloria Bailey-Davies • Linda Bailey-Davies • Edward Balmelli • Maureen Brodoff • Gary Chalmers • Rob Compton • Hillary Goodridge • Julie Goodridge • Michael Horgan • Richard Linnell • Gina Nortonsmith • Heidi Nortonsmith • Ellen Wade • David Wilson

While we unite for GLAD’s 24th Annual Spirit of Justice Award Dinner, let’s face it, these are challenging times for the LGBTQ+ community, especially transgender individuals and people of color. We face an unprecedented number of attacks in state and federal courts and legislatures around the country. But at GLAD, we aren’t backing down — and need your help! Our Spirit of Justice Award Dinner has been a beacon of hope and source of strength in our fight for progress and equality.

Buy tickets or become a sponsor

Become a sponsor of this year’s event and partner with us in our mission to defend and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people and individuals living with HIV nationwide.

Closed caption services are provided. ASL interpretation is available upon request. Venue is mobility accessible.

Photo collage from GLAD's 2022 Spirit of Justice Award Dinner. Three photos picturing (from left to right) 4 SOJ attendees seated and standing in the Grand Ballroom, a couple posing at GLAD's photobooth with a blue boa and red lips party favor, Co-Chair Jaime Bergerton standing between a couple group dressed in sparkly blazers and pants.

To join our fabulous Host Committee or become a Sponsor and help make this event a success, contact our Assistant Director of Development, Josh Arsenault, at jarsenault@glad.org.

For Corporate Sponsorship, contact Aria Pierce, Manager of Institutional Giving, at apierce@glad.org.

Check out last year’s powerful award speeches and content here.

Host Committee

Co-Chairs

Gavin Alexander
Jamie Bergeron

Members

Annika Bockius-Suwyn
Jean-Phillip Brignol
Colin Kegler
Liz Monnin Browder
Joyce Murdoch
Mario Nimock
Michael Thompson

As of September 18, 2023