LGBT Center unveils LezLinq at 29th annual Women’s Event

This vibe at this year’s Women’s Event on Nov. 6 was electric in the aftermath of Tuesday’s Blue Wave, which saw a historic influx of women elected in congressional, gubernatorial, and other races across the country. Celebrating women in positions of leadership and influence was a central theme of the The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & … Read More

Nov 14, 2026 - 19:00

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LGBT Center unveils LezLinq at 29th annual Women’s Event

This vibe at this year’s Women’s Event on Nov. 6 was electric in the aftermath of Tuesday’s Blue Wave, which saw a historic influx of women elected in congressional, gubernatorial, and other races across the country. Celebrating women in positions of leadership and influence was a central theme of the The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center Women’s Event, now 29 years running. Honorees included fashion and lifestyle brand Theory, which partners with The Center to provide career mentorship and wardrobing workshops, and Wilson Sonsini CEO Megan Baier, for her commitment to driving change for the LGBTQ+ community at the corporate level. The first recognition of the evening was the Corporate Impact Award, which was presented to fashion and lifestyle brand Theory and accepted by Veronica Reagan, Director of Learning & Development and Retail Talent Acquisition. [caption id="attachment_65683" align="aligncenter" width="700"]

Veronica Reagan accepts an award on behalf of honoree Theory.Donna Aceto[/caption] “We believe that clothing has the power to transform lives,” Reagan said during her remarks. “That belief … connects two things that we care deeply about – supporting our community and taking responsibility for the clothes we put out into the world. Pieces designed to last can continue to be useful, valued, and worn.” Next in the program was Wilson Sonsini CEO Megan Baier, who was presented with the Visibility Award by WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Sue Bird. “In spaces like corporate boardrooms and major legal institutions, where LGBTQ+ women and leaders are far too rare, Megan doesn’t just hold a seat at the table — she makes room for others,” Bird said about her close friend and fellow advocate. The tide of the evening shifted when The Center's CEO, Dr. Carla Smith, now three years into her tenure, took to the stage to deliver special remarks. “Queer women, through tireless volunteering and fundraising, help create and maintain our building as a sanctuary,” Smith said, “But over time, events and programs centering them have slowly disappeared. “Well, everybody, tonight I am proud to say that queer women’s programming at The Center will no longer be tucked away. Tonight, we’re unveiling a brand new initiative: LezLinq.” [caption id="attachment_65682" align="aligncenter" width="700"]

Rev. Pat Martin with her wife, Paulette Martin, and The Center's CEO, Dr. Carla Smith.Donna Aceto[/caption] LezLinq will consist of a series of events and programs intended to bring together queer women at The Center through events catering to lesbians of color, lesbians over 50, and TGNC lesbians, among other social gatherings. Smith spoke with Gay City News about some of the changes The Center has made in the past year since the 2025 Women’s Event, which was keynoted by Laverne Cox. “Well, we’ve expanded programs to be responsive to the changing needs of our community,” Smith said. “We have a lot of people coming in for our survivor support programming now … We’re often seeing women and lesbian women in particular and trans-identified individuals who are victims and often not prioritized in terms of services.” The Center ultimately raised more than $150,000 on Friday night, with some contributors achieving LezLinq founding member status. See some more photos below: [caption id="attachment_65684" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Agnes Harley and wife Carmelyn Malalais chat with Sue Bird.

Agnes Harley and wife Carmelyn Malalais chat with Sue Bird.

Carmelyn Malalais and her girlfriend, Agnes Harley, chat with Sue Bird.Donna Aceto[/caption] [caption id="attachment_65685" align="aligncenter" width="700"]