Margaret Josephs has an alliance.
“Being an ally isn’t passive. It’s not just saying, ‘I love you all,'” the former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star tells Page Six’s “Virtual Reality” exclusively.
“It’s standing next to people when things are tough. It’s defending families when they’re under attack. It’s speaking out when someone is trying to make equality negotiable.”
Ms. Josephs’ powerful message set the tone for the glamorous Pride Soirée she recently hosted at New Jersey’s Allendale Social to benefit Family Equality, an organization dedicated to supporting and protecting LGBTQIA+ families.
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The reality TV star teamed up with Soiree, co-founded by Jamie Rizzo and his wife Lisa Rizzo of the Taylor Rusik Group and Lexi Barbuto, to bring together gay friends, allies, family, supporters and celebrity guests for a night centered around love, visibility and fundraising.
The gala brought together some familiar faces, including “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum Meghan King, former “RHONJ” personality and podcast host Kim DePaola (better known to fans as Kim D.), Josephs’ husband Joe Benigno, Simon & Schuster bestselling author and psychic Judith Turner, Jennifer Dilandro of the “Cats & Pudding” podcast, and celebrity glam experts Rosario Cannata and Jamal. Tadros and “Virtual Reali-Tea’s” own Danny Murphy.
Guests interacted throughout the evening as they learned about Family Equality’s mission to ensure all people have the freedom to find, form, and maintain a family. The nonprofit’s work includes advocacy, education, family formation support, and legal protection for LGBTQIA+ parents, children, foster and adoptive families, and families formed through infertility treatment, donor conception, and surrogacy.
Family Equality CEO Darra Gordon attended the celebration and gave an emotional speech about the importance of visibility and representation for LGBTQIA+ families.
According to those in attendance, Gordon said the New Jersey rally has become her favorite Pride event this year and will continue to be so. She reflected on how meaningful it would have been to witness such a celebration of LGBTQIA+ families while growing up in New Jersey herself.
Emily Jones also attended on behalf of Family Equality.
No Pride party is complete without a little sparkle. Drag performer Spectra Electra has done just that. The entertainer wowed guests with a high-energy performance set to the sounds of pop star Zara Larsson, adding even more glamor, joy and a spirit of pride to the celebration.
Meanwhile, attendees indulged in colorful desserts from The Royal Sweet Fairy, whose creations have been enjoyed by celebrities including Megan Thee Stallion, the Backstreet Boys, and several fan-favorite stars from the Real Housewives universe.
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A particularly touching moment was made possible courtesy of our sponsor TruGenetics. TruGenetics donated DNA health testing packages to Family Equality. This donation will be shared with families who could benefit from increased access to biological health information. This is a particularly meaningful contribution for families formed through adoption, foster care, donor conception, surrogacy, and other paths to parenthood.
Funds raised during the soiree will directly support Family Equality’s efforts to advocate for LGBTQIA+ families, help parents understand their rights, provide resources for people building families, and fight for protections related to adoption, foster care, custody, schools, reproductive freedom, and family recognition.
For Josephs, this event was more than just a great party, it was about getting involved in a community she is proud to support.
And judging by the loving atmosphere, meaningful fundraisers, and dazzling entertainment, the night accomplished just that.
