We Hear You
A Message to the Gay & Sober Community: We're Already Building GSM+2027
Hey everyone - we've heard from so many of you, and we're bummed right alongside you. We worked our tails off, and even though we didn't sell out registration this year, what we brought in only covers part of what it takes to run Gay & Sober. The truth is, federal budget cuts, a big drop in donations, and fewer registrations from our friends traveling in from outside the U.S. all hit at once. Supporting LGBTQ+ causes and sober spaces just isn't top of mind for a lot of funders right now.
Could the team have announced the postponement a little earlier? Yes. Together, we made the decision to wait on Hail Mary donations that could push us ahead and they didn't happen. We all know we can't control the outcome of anything. We are devastated like you all are. We are sorry.
But here's what hasn't changed: we are STILL showing our sober pride at the biggest, BEST Pride in the world — NYC Pride in New York City — and we are STILL dancing our asses off at the best sober Pride event anywhere — The Dance on the River, our Gay & Sober Pride cruise on the Hudson, Sunday, June 28, 2026. That's where we are for 2026, and we're proud of it. DJ Syimone spun last year — she's back, and she comes to slay.
If it isn't obvious, postponement of the Gay & Sober conference doesn't mean cancellation of the NYC Pride March or The Dance on the River sober Pride cruise. We want you here. So does Virgin Hotels New York, and they will honor or reinstate your reservation. The Knicks just won the NBA championship, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is in town, Broadway is on-fire with hits. If you can, get here, conference or not. We will be here with you.
Once we all get home from the boat, rub our feet and eat some carbs, we get right to work building Gay & Sober 2027 (GSM+2027) back into a full four-day conference here in NYC. We'll be asking for your help in the coming months — because asking for help is how we stay sober, and getting next year fully realized is something we do together. Everyone named below put their heart into GSM+2026 and is committed to GSM+2027.
LOVE,
The Entire Committee
Gay & Sober, Inc. · gayandsober.org · @gayandsober
CLARIFICATION. PLEASE READ.
The event is not cancelled. Only the workshop and meetings portion needed to be postponed. Our largest components of the March and Dance on the River cruise are still happening. Lots of participants are still coming and we hope you join them.
General Details:
1. All 2026 Participants automatically get a voucher credit for 2027.
2. The biggest part of the typical conference experience are the events that happen on Pride Sunday. And that’s still happening.
People may still choose to come. Some people have chosen to cancel their vacation. People have the option of shortening their stay at the Virgin. People still get the discounted rate. The Virgin is happy to reinstate any cancelled reservation and honor the discounted rate. Even airline trips can be modified or will offer a future airline credit.
3. All ticket holders agreed to the terms and conditions (see below) when purchasing that said
a) agenda items are subject to change
and b) that there are no refunds.
4. New York State Charities Law is very clear about this. A nonprofit may postpone an event and stand by their policy on refunds. Only if an event is cancelled, are they required to issue refunds. This is from the Attorney General’s office. Can you imagine how we’d be impacted by issuing over 300 refunds? That would be really bad and then no one could benefit from what we do and what people have gotten to experience for the past 15 years.
POSTPONEMENT
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Gay & Sober Announces the Postponement of the Annual GSM+ Conference to June 2027.
Pride Sunday 2026 Events which Include the “NYC Pride March” and the “Dance on the River” Cruise will proceed as scheduled.
**NEW YORK, NY** —
Today, the leadership team and Board of Directors of Gay & Sober, Inc. (G&S) announced the difficult yet strategic decision to postpone the GSM+ (Gay & Sober) Conference, originally scheduled for this month, June 25th to 27th 2026 in New York City, and to continue to hold the NYC Pride March and Dance on The River Cruise held on NYC Pride Sunday (June 28th 2026). The 4 Day GSM+ Conference, the premier global gathering for the LGBTQ+ recovery community will return next year, fully realized, in June of 2027.
This decision comes at a time when the entire nonprofit sector is facing unprecedented headwinds. Over the past year, there has been a drastic, nationwide decline in charitable donations and foundation/corporate giving directed toward LGBTQ+ initiatives. This landscape is a direct result of the current administration’s aggressive anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, which have chilled corporate sponsorships and restricted philanthropic pipelines across the country. As a 100% volunteer-led organization that relies entirely on the generosity of independent donors, Gay & Sober has not been immune to these systemic funding shortages.
Gay & Sober has always set an exceptionally high bar for its programming. For over 15 years, the GSM+ Conference has stood as a world-class, highly produced experience featuring top-tier entertainment, vital health and wellness workshops, and unparalleled fellowship. It is a lifeline that proves a sober life in the LGBTQ+ community is not just possible, but incredibly vibrant and fun.
"We refuse to compromise on the quality of the experience we deliver to our community," said Kevin Michael, Chief Operations Officer. "Our members, alumni, and attendees expect and deserve an exceptional event that exceeds expectations. If the current financial climate prevents us from delivering the world-class production values and scope of programming that Gay & Sober is known for, we would rather proceed with our Pride Sunday (June 28th 2026) events, and pause and return in 2027 with our 4 day GSM+ Conference experience at full strength. We owe it to our community to only put out our absolute best."
Gay & Sober wants to reassure its global membership that this is only a temporary postponement, not a closure or cancellation. The organization will continue with the NYC Pride March and the Dance on The River Cruise this Pride Sunday (June 28th 2026) providing vital, year-round recovery resources, support networks, and localized events.
Plans are already underway to ensure that June 2027 marks the most powerful, inspiring, and impactful GSM+ Conference in the organization’s history. The simple truth is, in order to do what Gay & Sober does best, the team needs more than just a year of fundraising - especially in this economic and political climate.
The good news for our participants and especially the scholarship recipients that were planning on attending the conference portion of the weekend, is that they now have more time to save up so they can have an amazing time in New York City, and are encouraged to still join us on Pride Sunday for the Pride March and Dance on the River Cruise! Gay & Sober also realizes that many of their participants will be disappointed in this news. However, all of the participants are an extension of the Gay & Sober family and hope they will accept the news with understanding, patience, and grace.
Gay & Sober looks forward to welcoming everyone this year at The NYC PRIDE MARCH and aboard The LOVE BOAT for the DANCE ON THE RIVER CRUISE on June 28th, 2026 Pride Sunday, and everyone in the LGBTQ+ community back to the GSM+ 4 Day Conference during NYC Pride weekend in June 2027.
Information regarding ticket/registration rollovers, ongoing recovery programming and monthly events will be sent directly to registered attendees and can be found at www.gayandsober.org/events. *For those that purchased refund protection, please explore your options through the Sickening Events ticketing platform.
Please Note: Those that reserved a room at the host hotel should contact the hotel directly to modify their existing reservation.
Facts: Anyone that purchased a ticket agreed to the terms and conditions which clearly state that a) agenda items are subject to change and b) that there are no refunds. Additionally, New York State charity law is very clear about how Gay & Sober can uphold it's policy on refunds. A nonprofit may postpone an event and stand by their policy on refunds. ONLY if an event is cancelled, are they required to issue refunds. There is a difference between something being postponed and something being cancelled. This is from the NY Attorney General's office.
**About Gay & Sober, Inc.** Founded in 2009, Gay & Sober, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping community members get and stay sober, find lasting recovery, and discover a life beyond drugs and alcohol. Operated entirely by volunteers, G&S provides community events, peer support, and resources 365 days a year.
Gay & Sober, Inc.
