THE MISS MAJOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GALA - BIRDS OF PARADISE

On October 3, 2026, please join us for a fabulous evening in support of Miss Major Middle, our genderful, tuition-free school opening in Brooklyn in Fall 2027.

Tonight we are inspired by Birds of Paradise. We're the flower, the birds, the surprises, big and loud and subtle and small. An ecosystem for the evening.

Miss Major Middle opens tuition-free because of a landmark partnership with NYC Public Schools and District 13. And yet our minimum operational cost is $25,000 per student per year. In a moment when genderful youth need us most, your presence and generosity tonight help us welcome as many students as possible through our doors.

Miss Major Griffin-Gracy was expelled from school for being who she is. She dreamed of creating a safe and spectacular school for our children. We honor her legacy with this reminder: liberation begins with care, and young people flourish when they are truly seen. You can learn more about our mission and plans for the new school year here!

THIS YEAR'S THEME

Birds of Paradise. Colorful, vibrant, beautiful, exuberant, nuanced. Room to be still and quiet; room to surprise and show your colors in moments of performance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We will be featuring a talent showcase of stars (off + on Broadway), fabulous food offerings, and sparkly drinks. We will also host an iconic auction that includes an original costume from Wicked!

GALA EXPERIENCE

5:00PM to 6:00PM - An intimate live stage reading

6:00PM to 7:00PM - Cocktail Hour with Snacks and Live Performance

7:00PM to 10:00PM - More Food, Drinks, Performances, and our auction! With options to participate virtually.

10:00PM to 2:00AM - Our MMM Afterparty (Location TBA)

DRESS CODE

Can be fancy, messy, playful, accessible. Bright colors are welcome, characters too, and if you feel like you’re the soil or the sky or something in between - we welcome that too.

ACCESS NEEDS

For our neurodivergent friends and anyone just needing air, there is a quiet room in the basement of the venue, with windows and comfortable seating, and an ASL interpreter in the main gala room upstairs.

For our immunocompromised friends, the main floor has an open-air garden area.

For our friends with dietary restrictions, we will be sure to have gluten-free and vegan options available.

Our venue has an elevator as well as an entryway ramp.

The Miss Major Middle School Gala

A night of performances & community benefitting our genderful public school in Brooklyn, NY.

Team Members