Edie Windsor’s 2023 Backyard Barbecue Fundraiser

Dr. Eric Lella, Vicki SchnepsBruce Mermelstein

Deborah Kooperstein, Ken Greenstein, Rebecca Seawright, Deputy Dir. Constituency Affairs of NYS Governor Matthew McMorrowBruce Mermelstein

Jacqueline Moore, Nathaniel Torto, Elizabeth Moore, WHB Mayor Maria Moore, Vicki Schneps, Thomas MooreBruce Mermelstein

Jean Shafiroff, Joy Pak, Rebecca Seawright, Mark MasoneBruce Mermelstein

Judith Windsor-Kasen, Mark Masone, Andrew Comolli, Anthony GallowayBruce Mermelstein

Maria Moore, SH Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, Suffolk County Legislature Catherine KentBruce Mermelstein

Adam Grossman, Gordon Herr, Vanessa and Matt ParsonsBruce Mermelstein

Carlos Perez, Michael FlanaganBruce Mermelstein

Lee Lodes, Timothy Bruns, Steve Markov, Jeff Meleski, Gino Carolini, Jason NobleBruce Mermelstein

Rafael Toledo, Emily Scheiner, Anthony Galloway, Andrew Comolli, Myka CainBruce Mermelstein

Victoria FallsBruce Mermelstein

The late Edie Windsor, a renowned activist, advocate, and trailblazer, continues to be celebrated as a true hero within the LGBTQ community and among those who champion civil rights. Windsor not only made history with her landmark Supreme Court case in 2013, which granted federal recognition and marriage equality to same-sex couples, but she also hosted a beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition—a barbecue in her Southampton backyard.

This year, the cherished tradition lives on with Edie’s Backyard BBQ, hosted by Windsor’s spouse, Judith Kasen-Windsor. Benefiting the Edie Windsor Healthcare Center at Stony Brook Southampton Hospital whose mission was aimed to provide compassionate and accessible healthcare for all LGBTQ+ members, this event was highly anticipated. Having been passed the torch, Kasen-Windsor, an esteemed activist in her own right, carries on her late wife’s legacy.

The event featured food and drink from a hotdog truck, ice cream truck, an open bar and Wolffer Estate’s renowned rosé, a silent auction, and a captivating performance by the talented drag queen Victoria Falls. T-Shirts were given to all those in attendance with Windsor’s inspirational words to live by scrawled across the back “Don’t Postpone Joy”.

Edie’s Backyard BBQ not only celebrated Windsor’s remarkable contributions but also set the stage once more for attendees to continue to support LGBTQ+ causes and the ongoing efforts in honor of Windsor’s remarkable legacy.