HRC New England Dinner 2026

I have been a member of the Human Rights Campaign for several years, donating as I was able. Last year, I stepped forward and volunteered at the New England Dinner, which I wrote a post for even though I was in male mode. It was such a meaningful event, I wanted to be sure to sign up again in 2026. When the date was announced, I hoped that I would be able to volunteer as Tina. While I registered using my male name, I asked the volunteer chair if I could come dressed, and she was completely supportive.

On March 14, 2026, I went to the nail salon as my nails needed a manicure. Usually, I only get a clear topcoat, as it doesn’t stand out. This time, I brought a very pale pink polish with me for them to apply. It looked great and subtle, unless you knew it was a color it wouldn’t be noticed. I went home and cleaned up before leaving for the event. I had put a bag with my clothes, shoes, wig, and makeup in the car the previous day, as my wife is not supportive. Normally, I wouldn’t change in the car, but this night was an exception. I drove to a local office garage and changed, then did my makeup and put my wig on before driving to the event location in Boston. I had bought a new black evening purse and a light blue wallet to carry things, although I did put my phone in my pants pocket.

I arrived and found the volunteer check-in, where the chair quickly wrote down Tina in place of my male name. As we waited for our quick training, I took a few selfies with my coat on. I was wearing a black top that had a shimmery threading over black pants and my low snake print heels. I was happy to see that another volunteer had a very similar outfit on, although her top was even more sparkly. I complimented it, and a second woman said she had done the same. The first woman told me she was unsure of herself as she was going through some personal issues and thanked me for the compliment.

I raised my hand when we were asked who wanted to scan tickets. This would allow me to be highly visible to everyone who came to the event. Four of us were given phones with the scanning app set up, and we were positioned between the coat racks and the metal detectors. I introduced myself to the woman next to me (the second woman above), and she said her name was Tara. The volunteers had come from other New England states as well as Massachusetts. She and the sparkly top woman (whose name I never heard) were from New Hampshire. Just before the first guests started to arrive, I asked if she could take my picture with the welcoming banner. She was happy to do so, even making sure I was not blocking the banner!

We worked quickly to admit the arriving guests, occasionally commenting on the wonderful dresses and colorful clothes worn by both men and women. Several people were truly memorable and thanked me for my supportive words. Once the seating for dinner was announced, we got a break to get some food ourselves in an upstairs room for the volunteers. I took my plate and sat with another group  from Rhode Island, chatting with them about the event and other things. Everyone was so nice, and I felt comfortable talking with them – a bit different from my usual introverted self. Nicole even ended up giving me her card if I wanted to keep in touch!

We were given glow sticks to take part in the fundraising portion of the night. After the speeches by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and HRC National Press Secretary Brandon Wolf, we walked among the tables, collecting any written pledges of support for the organization. I noticed that the sparkly top woman had switched from her heels to sneakers and felt strangely proud that I still had my heels on, even though they are only 2½ inches high. I did get a couple of compliments on them, which made me feel good all night.

As the evening continued, I took one more break to sit upstairs, where I snapped a few more photos. Then it was time for cleanup, so I helped clear the HRC items from tables and stack the chairs and tables for the rental company. At this point, I had to get my other shoes from my car and put the heels away. I guess I should have brought a more feminine pair of flats – I’ll remember them for next year!

Once we finished with all the tables and chairs, including those upstairs in our break area, we were done for the night. I said goodbye to the group, retrieved my coat and purse, and got into my car to drive home. I stopped at the same garage to change back to male mode, cleaning off the makeup but leaving the nail polish on. I managed to go the whole next week with no one saying anything, but I did take it off before going on a short trip with my wife the next weekend.

I was able to maneuver around and keep my things out of sight, even adding items to the laundry (which I take care of regularly) and getting them clean. At the time I’m writing this, I only have to wash my hosiery from that night and from my January trip to St. Louis. That will happen during the next laundry day, and then I will put everything back into my safe location.

The HRC New England dinner was a fantastic evening, and I am so happy that I got dressed and went as Tina. It was important to me to be visible and confident (thanks Kandi!), and the people I met were lovely and caring. While I wish that I had more opportunity to be an active part of the organization, giving of myself for this night was meaningful as a way to stand up for the community.

Hugs, Tina