By Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/3/26 – After a brief pause following the 2024 celebration, the beloved Champions for Justice Gala hosted by the National Center for LGBTQ Rights is returning in 2026, and The Hollywood Times is honored to once again serve as a media partner for this powerful and celebratory evening.
(Set aside in 2025, the gala now returns with renewed energy and purpose.)
Set for May 16, 2026, from 5:30–11:30 PM at the stunning The Conservatory at One Sansome in San Francisco, this year’s gala promises an unforgettable night dedicated to defending democracy and advancing LGBTQ rights nationwide.
For those of us who have proudly covered the gala in years past, even flying to San Francisco multiple times to report on the inspiration, elegance, and impact of this signature event, the return of Champions for Justice feels both timely and deeply meaningful.
Founded as a feminist legal organization and now one of the nation’s leading LGBTQ advocacy groups, NCLR continues its life-saving work in courtrooms and communities across the country. At a time when equality and civil rights remain under attack, this gala is more than a celebration, it is a call to action.
The evening will be filled with community, commitment, and joy, featuring exceptional cuisine, entertainment, and the collective strength of a movement determined to ensure liberty and justice for all.
As NCLR declares: Justice has never needed a champion more than it does right now.
This year’s gala welcomes dynamic host Irene Tu, a Los Angeles-based stand-up comedian, actor, and writer who honed her craft in San Francisco. Irene’s debut album We’re Done Now reached #1 on the iTunes comedy charts, and she has appeared on major platforms including After Midnight, Hulu, Comedy Central, and Netflix is a Joke. With over 30 million views across social media, her sharp wit and relatable humor make her the perfect voice to guide the evening.
Keeping the celebration alive on the dance floor is Bay Area nightlife icon DJ LadyRyan. With more than two decades as a DJ, curator, and community leader, LadyRyan is known for creating spaces that radiate safety, connection, and joy. Her intuitive musical style and cultural depth have made her a defining force in public radio, nightlife, and major cultural events throughout the region.
Champions for Justice has long been a cornerstone event on San Francisco’s LGBTQ philanthropic calendar. After skipping 2025, its return in 2026 signals renewed energy and commitment at a pivotal time for the movement.
For The Hollywood Times, this partnership is personal. We have proudly supported NCLR as media partners and major donors for multiple galas in the past, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of this event, from moving speeches to meaningful fundraising milestones that directly fuel NCLR’s advocacy nationwide.
To see the gala return in 2026 is a reminder that while challenges evolve, so does the resilience of this community.
Guests are invited to attend, sponsor, or host a table in support of NCLR’s work. Whether you come for the exceptional food and entertainment or stay for the life-saving mission behind it all, this evening promises to be both celebratory and impactful.
Champions for Justice Gala
The Conservatory at One Sansome
San Francisco
May 16, 2026
5:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Tickets and table opportunities are now available.
As champions for equality gather once more under one roof, one thing is certain: the future of LGBTQ rights will be shaped not just by court decisions, but by communities willing to stand together.
And on May 16, San Francisco will do just that.
