The Imperial Court of New York and T.M.I.S.M. Emperor XXI Ritz Kraka & Empress XXVI Witti Repartee Presents

27th Annual Night of a Thousand Gowns All-Star Gala Fundraiser

Elvis Duran to Receive Imperial Diamond Award; GLAAD's Wilson Cruz and GMHC's Dr. Marjorie Hill to be Knighted

Singer Taylor Dayne to headline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Jim McGinnis, ICNY | 917.742.4067

NEW YORK, NY— Gary Cosgrove, President of the Imperial Court of New York (ICNY), announced this year's honorees and singer/songwriter/actress, Taylor Dayne as the headliner of the 27th annual Night of a Thousand Gowns to be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Hilton New York. Radio host Elvis Duran will receive the Imperial Diamond Award during the event. GLAAD's National Spokesperson Wilson Cruz and GMHC’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Marjorie Hill will also receive honors during the event. GLAAD and GMHC will be this year's beneficiaries. Additional special guests include: RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race winner Chad Michaels; Broadway performers Karen Mason, Marty Thomas and Diva; and recording artist Daniel Patrick Ellis.

Gary Cosgrove commented: "We are thrilled to be able to have such amazing talent appearing at this year’s event! It is so important for the Court to make a difference in fighting homophobia, stigma, HIV/AIDS and other social injustices, while empowering youth who are our next leaders.”

For close to three decades, the ICNY has raised millions of dollars for LGBT, HIV/AIDS and youth-enrichment organizations. The Night of a Thousand Gowns is more than just a dazzling display of regal glamour, it is an opportunity to celebrate the LGBT community, and in particular, the colorful cross-dressing segment of that community. Last year’s event was attended by close to 1,000 attendees and raised a substantial amount for the beneficiaries. This year’s beneficiaries are Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and GLAAD. The event has been profiled in The New York Times, OUT, Time Out New York, and Metrosource, among others.

“Thanks to the dedication, talents and creativity of the members of the Imperial Court of New York, the Night of a Thousand Gowns has become one of the most entertaining LGBT events in New York City,” said GLAAD's spokesperson Wilson Cruz. “The ICNY not only raises critical funds for advocacy organizations, but sparks positive change throughout the year and we are proud and honored to be a part of this year’s annual gala.”

"The LGBT community benefits every day from the outstanding work of the Imperial Court of New York," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, GMHC’s Chief Executive Officer. "This is not our first opportunity to work with the Court and we are royally thrilled with being named as one of the two beneficiaries of the Nigh of 1,000 Gowns. The Court has a long and distinguished history supporting GMHC, from AIDS Walk New York to the Latex Ball, and they recognize the importance of HIV and AIDS services."

Interviews and photo opportunities will be available with the ICNY monarchy, celebrity performers and guests from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

About The Imperial Court of New York
The Imperial Court of New York, a 501(c)3 corporation, is New York's most regal fundraising organization serving the LGBT Community for the past 26 years. Part of a proud tradition, the Court has raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations including: ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America) LIFEbeat (Music Industry Fights AIDS), Children's Hope Foundation, Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, Bailey House, amFar's Treatment Register, Body Positive, and Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, among many others. For more information, visit  www.icny.org

About GLAAD
GLAAD amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, visit  www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

About GMHC
GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City. We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide. Our mission: GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected. For more information, please visit  www.gmhc.org