NYCLU & ACLU Celebrate Queer Joy, Resistance, Community at Annual LGBTQ Reception

NEW YORK CITY– As the Trump administration ramps up attacks on LGBTQ+ people, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) tonight celebrated queer pride, resistance, and community at their annual LGBTQ reception. This year, at the Bowery Hotel, the organizations honored esteemed fashion designer and advocate Willy Chavarria, his Brand Team and PR team with their 2025 Liberty Award for engaging his art and platform to spotlight the beauty and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“While the Trump administration is doing everything it can to erode the rights of trans and other LGBTQ+ people, the NYCLU, ACLU, and brave advocates are fighting tirelessly for the future we need,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “We won’t stand by as Trump attacks gender-affirming care, promotes discrimination, and villainizes people for being who they are. With everything we’ve got, the NYCLU and ACLU will always fight for freedom, dignity, and respect., and we’ll always honor queer joy, pride, and community.”

“During this Pride month of celebration, I am deeply honored to be recognized for using fashion, music and art to advocate for queer rights,” said fashion designer and advocate Willy Chavarria. “The great work of my team alongside my husband and myself has enabled us to share a message of empowerment for those under attack. The ACLU is a guiding light in helping us know what we can do and how to do it.”

Speakers, and performers at this year’s LGBTQ reception included Chase Strangio, co-director of ACLU’s LGBT & HIV Project and counsel for the current U.S. Supreme Court case challenging gender affirming care, U.S. vs. Skrmetti, journalist and author Paola Ramos, and Plasma from RuPaul’s Drag Race. 

The NYCLU and ALCU created their annual LGBTQ reception to celebrate the beauty and pride of resistance, share information about how the NYCLU and ACLU are protecting LGBTQ rights, and foster community that upholds freedom, equality, and respect. Each year, the reception illuminates the NYCLU and ACLU’s wins for LGBTQ people’s civil rights and liberties, and outlines the path ahead.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION 

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) advances civil rights and civil liberties so that all New Yorkers can live with dignity, liberty, justice, and equality. Founded in 1951 as the state affiliate of the national ACLU, we marshal an expert mix of litigation, policy advocacy, field organizing, and strategic communications. Informed by the insights of our communities and coalitions and powered by 90,000 member-donors, we work across complex issues to create more justice and liberty for more people.

ABOUT WILLY CHAVARRIA

The Willy Chavarria mission is to uplift the underrepresented through the transformative power of art and design. The brand’s collections embody a sensitive and cinematic approach, seamlessly blending the emotional depth of art with contemporary political themes, telling a compelling story of the human spirit. Willy strives to be a voice for the voiceless, often collaborating with organizations to advocate for social justice. His inspiration is drawn from biographical elements, including nods to his Mexican-American heritage, the beauty found in the streets, and the surrounding culture. 

ABOUT PURPLE

PURPLE is an international communications agency with over 25 years of experience serving clients across the creative and consumer industries. With a global team of 250+ specialists and offices in seven key markets, PURPLE provides strategic services in communications, media relations, partnerships, talent representation, event production, and digital engagement. The agency combines cultural insight with industry expertise to support brand visibility, relevance, and commercial growth worldwide.

###