Be You. That’s the call of the National LGBTQ Task Force’s newly branded gala, where the organization will celebrate queer power, joy, and resilience — and honor David Jobin, CEO of Our Fund Foundation, with the Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award.
The Oct. 11 “Be You Ball,” held on National Coming Out Day, takes place at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, marking the gala’s first time in Broward County. Doors open at 6 p.m., with Dominique Jackson — ballroom icon and star of “POSE” — serving as host.
Jobin, who has led Our Fund since 2015, said now is no time for complacency.
“I look at Turning Point and how effective that organization has been at training a new generation of conservative leaders,” Jobin said. “That is what the LGBTQ Task Force is doing [for the queer community] … Without these really large national institutions, with networks all over the country, I think we’re facing a really, really dark future.”
Under Jobin’s watch, Our Fund has distributed more than $28 million since 2011, including $2.5 million last year alone. He points to stability as the foundation’s core mission.
“We’re built for the long game. We don’t depend on federal money. We don’t depend on state money,” Jobin said. “Our giving not only is maintained year to year, it increases year to year.”
Among his proudest achievements: Sunshine Pride House, a 12-bed shelter for LGBTQ young adults ages 18–24, launched in partnership with Sunshine Cathedral to keep queer youth off the streets.
Before Our Fund, Jobin led the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. from 2009 to 2013 and later served as executive director of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives before stepping into his current role.
The Task Force is perhaps best known for their annual Creating Change conference, where they provide a space for strategy, political education, base building, and leadership development.
Cathy Renna, the Task Force’s communications director, said the “Be You” theme is about lifting spirits during tough times.
“This year, we’re going to be amplifying the ballroom culture, which I’m so excited about,” she said. “I just feel like it’s so important for folks in our community, especially in Florida, to be uplifted right now.”
She added the Task Force has raised $3.8 million for local nonprofits through this and other events, partnering with groups like Our Fund and the Miami Foundation.
“We work with Our Fund and the Miami Foundation to know where the money would do the most good,” Renna said. “The values the Task Force has are about moving the whole movement forward.”
The night will feature performances by T.P. Lords, Joey Young, Athena Dion, Tayanna Love, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.
“The Be You Ball gives GMCSF the chance to do what we love most — share our voices and stories, celebrate authenticity, and spotlight the businesses and partners who proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community,” said Edward Otto Zielke, Director of Marketing & Sponsorship.
Tickets are $375. Click here for more info.
