Inaugural Visibility Ball: Gala & Awards

The Dallas LGBT Bar Association is proud to begin this new tradition aimed at showcasing the programs and progress of the Dallas LGBTQ+ legal community. Our inaugural Visibility Ball will be hosted on December 8, 2022 at 6:30 PM at Saint Rocco's New York Italian. Guests are invited to a seated dinner and Justice Award presentation followed by dancing and cocktails while enjoying unbeatable views of the Dallas skyline. This event will highlight the progress and success of LGBTQ+ attorneys, judges, law students, and legal professionals. In doing so, we hope to increase awareness and visibility to the growing LGBTQ+ legal community here in Dallas.

For many in our community, the opportunity to practice in the legal profession authentically and visibly is still not an option. Nearly 20 years after the U.S. Supreme Court decided Lawrence v. Texas, LGBTQ+ Texans still face legal and social challenges not faced by others. Without explicit, universal protections for the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, organizations like the Dallas LGBT Bar Association are often the only accepting place our members can be their complete, authentic selves. As members of the Bar and leaders in our profession, we recognize the importance of celebrating our accomplishments and being visible both for those that come behind us and to continue to shine a light on the struggles our community continues to face.

Pricing:

• Early-Bird Admission - $125 (available until Nov. 8 at 11:59pm)
• General Admission - $150 (beginning Nov. 9)

Attire: Cocktail/Evening Wear.

Visibility Ball serves as a fundraiser to support the work of the Dallas LGBT Bar Association on behalf of our members and to allow us to expand our impact in the Dallas LGBTQ+ community through outreach to traditionally underserved communities and new initiatives, such as legal clinics providing assistance to aging LGBTQ+ individuals and the transgender community.

Click here to review available sponsorship opportunities, or contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Each year, the Dallas LGBT Bar Association presents the Justice Award to one person who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community by fighting injustice.

Founded in 1992, the Dallas LGBT Bar Association is the only group focused on fostering a supportive community and advancing the careers of LGBTQ+ attorneys and allied professionals in North Texas. Our network is comprised of over 220 dues-paying members across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, an email distribution list of more than 500 subscribers, and a social media following of nearly 2,000. We are from all walks of life: solo practitioners, government attorneys, corporate counsel, “big law” attorneys, academics, judges, non-profit advocates, and paraprofessionals. While the DLGBTBA celebrates the diversity and successes of its membership, we recognize that many barriers remain for LGBTQ+ professionals, who still experience high risks of workplace bias and fears that coming out could damage their careers—particularly in a state that was, and at times still is, hostile to the LGBTQ+ community.

The Dallas LGBT Bar Association seeks to provide a community for LGBTQ+ lawyers across the metroplex by:

• Providing continuing legal education (“CLE”) courses on pressing legal issues for the LGBTQ+ community.
• Hosting regular community networking events that foster fellowship among LGBTQ+ legal professionals and allies.
• Coordinating volunteer opportunities for community service to the greater LGBTQ+ population in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
• Promoting employment opportunities through a job posting board to LGBTQ+ legal professionals and increase representation in the profession.
• The Justice Award, presented annually at the Visibility Ball, recognizing leaders who advance our local LGBTQ+ community by fighting injustice.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Saint Rocco's New York Italian, 3011 Gulden Lane, Dallas, United States