Miss Peppermint is set to receive the Vanguard Award and perform at the 45th annual Black Tie Dinner in Dallas. The Broadway star and LGBTQ+ advocate brings a high-profile name to an evening celebrating community, creativity and fundraising, with the award recognising people who have helped advance LGBTQ+ progress.
Peppermint brings star power to Dallas
A Broadway trailblazer is joining one of Dallas's major LGBTQ+ events. Miss Peppermint will receive the Black Tie Dinner's Vanguard Award and take part in the 45th annual dinner at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. The recognition makes for a fitting spotlight on an artist whose work has reached well beyond the stage. [2], [3], [4]
Peppermint made history as the first openly transgender woman to originate a principal role on Broadway, playing Pythio in Head Over Heels. Her screen credits include Survival of the Thickest, Fire Island and RuPaul's Drag Race, where she finished as runner-up in season nine. [5], [6]
What the Vanguard Award recognises
The Vanguard Award honours people who have helped lead movements advancing LGBTQ+ progress. Peppermint's work as an artist and public advocate has brought visibility to transgender people and Black trans voices, making the award about more than a single career milestone. [4], [5], [7]
Previous recipients include actor Rafael L. Silva and performer Shangela. The award sits within a wider evening that celebrates achievement while supporting organisations serving LGBTQ+ communities in North Texas. [2], [3], [4]
A wider celebration of LGBTQ+ work
The 2026 dinner is themed "Renaissance", with organisers describing it as a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community's strength, creativity and resilience. The event also recognises other figures whose work spans media, visibility and community service. [2], [3]
The announced honourees include Benito Skinner, creator of Overcompensating, Cece Cox, retiring after 16 years as CEO of Resource Center, and DeeJay Johannessen, CEO of HELP Center for LGBTQ+ Health. Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign and its foundation, is also set to speak. [2], [3]
More than a night out
The Black Tie Dinner combines entertainment and recognition with fundraising for local LGBTQ+ organisations. That gives the evening a practical purpose as well as its red-carpet appeal: the money raised supports groups providing services to people across North Texas. [3]
For guests, it's a chance to see familiar names alongside community leaders and advocates. And with a theme as optimistic as "Renaissance", the night is set up to celebrate both the work already done and what still needs attention. [3], [4]
What to know before booking
The event is scheduled for Saturday, 14 November, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Organisers said tables and individual tickets were available through Black Tie Dinner's website, with sales due to close on Monday, 2 November. [2], [3]
If you're considering going, check the event site for the latest ticket details and programme information before making plans. It’s a useful way to confirm what’s included, especially for a large dinner where seating and table options can vary. [3]
It's a celebration with a purpose, and Peppermint's presence adds a memorable spotlight to the evening.
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