New York, NY – [May 12, 2026] – Ilegal Mezcal announces its partnership with the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) as part of its sixth annual Celebrating YOU campaign, running May through July 2026. This year’s program expands the brand’s ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on empowerment and education.
Through this collaboration, Ilegal will work alongside SIGBI—the official and only nonprofit of the historic Stonewall Inn—to support grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations through funding, education, and advocacy. Since launching in 2021, Celebrating YOU has grown into a nationwide initiative spanning nearly 300 bar and restaurant partners across 25 cities, raising more than $170,000 via its on-premise cocktail program.
Building on that momentum, this year’s campaign will also fund Safe Spaces Certification for participating venues. Developed by SIGBI, the program provides training and resources to help create inclusive, respectful environments for LGBTQ+ guests and staff.
“Community has always been at the heart of everything Ilegal Mezcal does,” said Kaylan Rexer of Ilegal Mezcal. “Partnering with SIGBI allows us to expand the reach of our annual Celebrating YOU campaign and directly support organizations and accounts creating meaningful change for LGBTQ+ individuals.”
The partnership brings together Ilegal’s national platform and SIGBI’s on-the-ground work supporting LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
“It is an honor to partner with Ilegal Mezcal for the annual Celebrating YOU campaign,” said Kurt Kelly, Stonewall Inn owner and co-founder of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. “Together, we are advancing a shared mission to create safer, more inclusive spaces and drive meaningful progress for LGBTQ+ communities globally.”
The collaboration will feature a series of activations, including an open-to-the-public kickoff event at The Stonewall Inn on May 21, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM, featuring live DJs, Ilegal cocktails and flash tattoos, karaoke programming, and a drag show. RSVP is required; guests can sign up here. The campaign will continue with two fundraisers at Ilegal’s showroom (96 West St, Brooklyn, NY 11222): a June 17 event featuring music by Kat Cunning and a July 30 event featuring Mannequin Pussy, both paired with tattoo activations.
Celebrating YOU honors the joy, resilience, and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community while creating tangible support systems that extend far beyond Pride season. Visit ilegalmezcal.com/pride for more, including interactive maps highlighting participating venues near you and Certified Safe Spaces.
For more information, visit ilegalmezcal.com or follow @ilegalmezcal on social media.
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About Ilegal Mezcal
Founded in 2006, Ilegal Mezcal is one of the leading artesanal mezcals in the world. Ilegal Mezcal is sold in over 40 countries and has won numerous awards for both quality and branding, including a Gold Honor Shorty Award for Brand Identity and a Double Gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Produced and bottled in Oaxaca, the mezcal production is 100% artisanal, using ripe Espadín agave, pit ovens, tahona mills, and small copper stills.
About Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative
The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative (SIGBI) is the official and only nonprofit of The Stonewall Inn.
Founded in New York City at the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, SIGBI is a nonprofit committed to eliminating the social intolerance that impacts LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting communities around the globe through awareness campaigns, educational programming, fundraising, and candid public dialogue.
Learn more at stonewallinitiative.org
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