Dominique Jackson to Host National LGBTQ Task Force’s Inaugural “Be You Ball"

On September 5, 2025, the National LGBTQ Task Force announced the launch of its inaugural “Be You Ball,” appointing Dominique Jackson—an acclaimed actress, model, and transgender activist—as the event’s host, and naming David Jobin as the local honoree for his longstanding advocacy work within the LGBTQ+ community . The event is positioned as a flagship celebration for the organization, which has a storied history of advancing freedom, justice, and equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and non-binary people and their families.

Dominique Jackson, best known for her role on the groundbreaking series “Pose,” is recognized globally for her activism and her unapologetic representation of transgender women of color in media. Her selection as host underscores the Task Force’s commitment to centering the leadership and narratives of transgender people in the broader movement for queer rights .

David Jobin, the event’s local honoree, has been widely acknowledged for his leadership in queer philanthropy and community-building, particularly as the President and CEO of Our Fund Foundation, which focuses on advancing South Florida’s queer community through impactful grantmaking and partnerships .

The “Be You Ball," scheduled to coincide with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, is designed not only as a celebration, but as a platform for advocacy, visibility, and collective action. The event’s central themes include:

- Queer Visibility: Elevating the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ people, particularly those who have been historically marginalized within and beyond queer spaces .
- Community Empowerment: Building grassroots power and coalition among LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, with a focus on intersectionality and shared purpose .
- Celebration of Authenticity: Encouraging attendees to embrace and express their authentic selves in a space that affirms and uplifts diverse identities.

According to the Task Force, the Ball is part of a broader strategy to “defend, protect, and amplify queer and trans rights” at a time when legislative and social challenges to queer equality remain urgent across the United States . The organization’s leadership has emphasized that the event will serve as a rallying point for ongoing advocacy, including efforts to advance nondiscrimination protections and combat anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policy.

Dominique Jackson’s participation as host is especially significant given her history of using public platforms to address issues such as anti-transgender violence, employment discrimination, and the importance of representation in media. In previous interviews and public appearances, Jackson has emphasized the power of visibility and storytelling in challenging stigma and creating opportunities for solidarity . Her involvement is expected to draw widespread attention to the Be You Ball and to the broader goals of the National LGBTQ Task Force.

David Jobin, as the local honoree, brings decades of experience in queer philanthropy and organizational leadership. Under Jobin’s tenure, Our Fund Foundation has become a major force in supporting LGBTQ+ nonprofits in South Florida, with a focus on health, education, and social justice initiatives . His recognition at the Ball signals an alignment between national and local efforts to strengthen LGBTQ+ communities.

The announcement of the Be You Ball comes at a critical juncture for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. In 2025, advocates have faced a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in multiple states, including proposed and enacted laws targeting transgender youth, restrictions on LGBTQ+ inclusive education, and ongoing battles over workplace and healthcare protections . Events like the Be You Ball are seen as crucial for fostering resilience, solidarity, and visibility in the face of these challenges.

The National LGBTQ Task Force has a long history of mobilizing support for queer and trans rights, with initiatives that span policy advocacy, interfaith organizing, and coalition-building. The Be You Ball is intended to serve as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, reminding attendees and the wider public that the fight for equality is ongoing .

A defining feature of the Be You Ball is its explicit commitment to intersectionality—the recognition that LGBTQ+ people hold multiple identities and that effective advocacy must address the overlapping impacts of racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of oppression. The Task Force has stated that the event will spotlight diverse community voices, including those of transgender people, people of color, people living with disabilities, and individuals across the LGBTQ+ spectrum .

Jackson’s and Jobin’s roles as host and honoree further reinforce this approach. Jackson, a Black transgender woman, has frequently highlighted the importance of addressing the unique barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people of color, while Jobin’s philanthropic work has prioritized resource distribution to the most marginalized segments of the community .