FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMRON HALL, BILLY EICHNER, AND NYC COUNCIL’S LGBTQIA+ CAUCUS TO BE HONORED AT THE 2025 EMERY AWARDS
Hetrick-Martin Institute Brings Its Annual Gala to Lincoln Center, Recognizing Leaders Advancing LGBTQIA+ Culture
New York, NY, November 13, 2025 – Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) today announced the honorees and special guests for its annual Emery Awards, being held for the first time at Lincoln Center. This year’s theme, Cabaret with a Cause, will shine a spotlight on influential voices shaping LGBTQIA+ culture and community. Their contributions have a profound impact on the queer and trans youth, primarily youth of color, who rely on HMI for support, affirmation, and care.
This year’s honorees—trailblazers in entertainment, advocacy, and public service—include two-time Emmy Award-winning TV host and New York Times bestselling author Tamron Hall; comedian, actor, and writer Billy Eichner; and the NYC Council LGBTQIA+ Caucus, represented by Council Members Erik Bottcher, Tiffany Cabán, and Crystal Hudson. Their leadership and ongoing commitment to uplifting LGBTQIA+ youth will be celebrated with an evening of performances by Wé Ani, High & Mighty Brass Band, and current and former HMI youth artists, set against an immersive cabaret-inspired backdrop that honors resilience, artistry, and joy.
This year’s event, envisioned by HMI’s creative partner Anthony Taccetta, who also serves as Event Co-Chair, will transform David Geffen Hall into a vivid cabaret-inspired experience that blends performance, fashion, and theatrical flair.
HMI Chief Executive Officer Amy Harclerode shared, “At a time of heightened uncertainty for LGBTQIA+ communities, this year’s Emery Awards creates a space filled with connection, joy, and celebration — an evening to exhale, experience the magic of coming together, and simply revel in community. The funds raised ensure that we can continue providing free, high-quality mental health supports and essential services that remain in extremely high demand among the young people we serve.”
Notable guests expected to attend include Dominique Jackson, Bevy Smith, Miss J. Alexander, Chef Lish Steiling, Lawrence Zarian, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Carole Radziwill, Dorinda Medley, Jamie Drake, John Hill, DJ Lina Bradford, Marti G. Cummings, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, and Chanel Lopez, among others.
HMI Board of Directors Vice Chair and Emery Awards Co-Chair Chris Wanlass, Vice President & General Manager of Nordstrom’s NYC Flagship, remarked, “We know the fall season is a busy time for events across our community, so our team—staff, volunteers, and partners—works tirelessly to create a benefit that feels inclusive, meaningful, and reflective of the extraordinary young people HMI serves. This year promises to be our most spectacular yet.”
The 2025 Emery Awards is nearly sold out, with limited tickets still available. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit emeryawards.com and follow the event at #emeryawards.
ABOUT HETRICK-MARTIN INSTITUTE
Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) is the nation’s oldest LGBTQIA+ youth organization serving queer and trans youth, primarily of color, between the ages of 13 and 24. Through a comprehensive package of direct services and referrals, the organization fosters healthy youth development. HMI’s staff promotes excellence in the delivery of youth services and uses its expertise to create innovative programs that other organizations may use as models. HMI serves a diverse community, the vast majority of whom identify as Black or people of color. The youth organization is dedicated to building its approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels, throughout its operations and functions.
###
Press Contact:
Gino Hawley
Marketing Communications
917-319-4078
ghawley@hmi.org