The Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ youth homeless services organization, hosted its annual summer benefit, OASIS, at the Tribeca Rooftop 360 on July 24th, 2024. So.Gay team members attended the event including CEO Alex Hughes, Creative Director and Photographer Airik Prince, Publicist Matthew Cancel, and So.Gay The Hottest Ever cover stars David Christian and Linux.
In recognition of their dedication and service to The Ali Forney Center and in celebration of the brand’s 30th anniversary, Nasty Pig founders, Frederick Kearney and David Lauterstein, were honored during the event.
“We began supporting this incredible organization back in 2013, raising both money and awareness to help them support the most vulnerable members of our community,” said the Nasty Pig founders. “The AFC team members are tireless in their efforts to give these young people a fighting chance at living full lives. It is an honor to work with them, so for them to honor us at OASIS this summer is perhaps the greatest recognition Fred and I could ever receive.”
The first OASIS summer benefit was held in 2010, and in the years since, has become one of the largest fundraisers for AFC, raising more than $2 million since its inception. All of the money raised at OASIS goes directly to AFC services. Throughout the years, OASIS has played host to a bevy of LGBTQ+ talent as emcees, performers, and DJs including: Johnny Sibilly, Tomas Matos, Johnathan Groff & Murray Barlett, Kelan Allen, Alaska, Detox, Chad Michaels, Trinity K Bonet, Asia O’Hara, Nicki Doll, and more.
“We are facing the greatest attack on our community through the introduction of anti-LGBTQ bills fueled by homophobia and transphobia. Tragically, LGBTQ youth are the primary targets of these attacks. The only way we can endure these turbulent times is by building our community of supporters and engaging those who may not be aware of the plight of LGBTQ youth,” said Executive Director and President of AFC, Alex Roque. “Oasis is truly one of the greatest awareness-building community events we host. Honoring Fred, David, and Nasty Pig—a couple and brand that represents so much love and positivity in the LGBTQ community—helps to build a broader community. Above all, through this event and the support from the Nasty Pig Community, we can demonstrate to our kids that people care about them.”
OASIS 2024 was star-studded with Joel Kim Booster, RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15 finalist Luxx Noir London, and DJ Kevin Aviance keeping the vibes strong all evening.
OASIS broke all records this year, raising over $375,000 towards programs and services for queer homeless youth.
Check out all of the photos from the event below, and learn more about how you can support The Ali Forney Center on their website here.
