The Visbility Gala & Its Mission
The Dallas LGBT Bar Association began to host Visibility Ball, our annual gala in 2022. The event was started to 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. We aim to expand our influence as we continue to recognize legal practitioners that have each uplifted the visibility of LGBTQ+ attorneys in the courtroom and community. For many in our community, the opportunity to be open and visible is not yet 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 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.
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HALL OF HONOREES
THE JUSTICE AWARD
The Dallas LGBT Bar Association Justice Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community by fighting injustice. The Justice Award was established in 2019 In response to a growing wave of violence targeting trans women of color. One tragedy in particular prompted The DLGBT Bar to create this call to consciousness. Muhlaysia Booker was a 23 year-old Black trans woman and Dallas native who spoke out against the perpetrators of her hate crime after a video of her assault went viral. She challenged the injustice of the group of onlookers who shouted transphobic slurs while she was attacked. Ms. Booker was found murdered nearly a month later. “She had a heart of gold,” Muhlaysia’s best friend, Jessica Anderson, said. “She didn’t want to experience all of this tragic stuff, but she wanted everyone to pay attention to the injustice.”
