Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s 3rd Annual “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” Gala, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, at The Venue, will celebrate the Museum’s mission to protect LGBTQ history and heritage as well as ongoing efforts to shape the community’s future.
Each year, the Stonewall National Museum Gala celebrates the resilience and achievements of historic LGBTQ individuals. This year’s honorees are Jon Stryker, one of the global LGBTQ movement’s most visionary, generous, and steadfast champions, the honorable Barney Frank, whose more than 30 years of fearless leadership in the U.S. Congress transformed the landscape of LGBTQ rights in this country, and singer-songwriter, Janis Ian, a trailblazing artist whose voice, activism, and unapologetic authenticity have inspired generations. Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner, an open bar, lively entertainment, and have the opportunity to connect with these significant contributors to the global fight for equality and inclusion.
Ian is a singer-songwriter, a trailblazing artist whose voice, activism, and unapologetic authenticity have inspired generations. She had her first hit record, “Society’s Child,” when she was 17 in 1967. “At Seventeen,” from her third album, was a #1 hit in 1975. She has continued to tour, record, and write since then. Many of her songs have been covered by artists such as Roberta Flack, Celine Dion, Joan Baez, Patti LuPone, Natalie Merchant, Tori Amos, Dave Grohl, and Meshell Ndegeocello, among many others. Recently, though, Ian has been on a different kind of tour, one with no guitars or band in sight. It’s just her, a microphone, a sea of friendly, familiar faces, and a filmmaking team that has immortalized her career with an acclaimed new documentary, “Janis Ian: Breaking Silence.”
Frank is a trailblazing American lawmaker who represented Massachusetts in Congress from 1981 to 2013. One of the first openly gay members of the U.S. House, he helped shift the national conversation on LGBTQ equality through unapologetic visibility and sharp, principled advocacy. Frank co-authored the landmark Dodd-Frank Act, cementing his influence on modern financial reform. Throughout his career, he championed civil rights, economic justice, and protections for marginalized communities, becoming a defining figure in queer political history and a model of courageous public service.
Stryker is a philanthropist, architect, and one of the most influential LGBTQ advocates in the United States. As founder and president of the Arcus Foundation, he has invested hundreds of millions in global LGBTQ rights, social justice, and great ape conservation. Stryker also founded the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College and has been a major supporter of marriage equality, transgender rights, and queer cultural institutions. Through strategic giving, coalition‑building, and a deep commitment to equity, he has helped strengthen the infrastructure of the modern LGBTQ movement and expand protections worldwide.
Together, they join the distinguished ranks of our Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes traveling exhibition — a testament to their legacy, their brilliance, and the countless lives they’ve uplifted. Previous inductees have included Diana Nyad, Bayard Rustin, Billie Jean King, Larry Kramer, Edie Windsor, Harvey Milk, Lavern Cox, Billy Porter, Urvashi Vaid, Sylvia Rivera, Marsha P. Johnson, Barbara Giddings, Frank Kemeny, and James Baldwin.
“The Gala is more than a celebration – it is a commitment to the continuation of our work as a beacon of light and knowledge,” said Robert Kesten, Executive Director of the Museum. “The Gala supports our work to remain leaders in our field, as we face pushback from government and corporate givers to our community. We are grateful to our supporters and look forward to an incredible 2025.”
Last year’s Gala had more than 500 guests and VIPs in attendance, as well as raising a significant portion of the Museum’s operating funds. These contributions have allowed the Museum to enhance national educational programs, expand collections, and present exhibits that highlight LGBTQ history and culture. For more information and tickets, go to Stonewall-Museum.org.
