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New York, NY — The Latino Commission on AIDS proudly announces that acclaimed ballroom icon, advocate, and cultural trailblazer Honey Valentín Gonzales, whose stage name is Honey Balenciaga, will be honored as the NextGen Cultural Ambassador during the 2026 Cielo Gala, taking place Friday, June 5, 2026, at Cipriani Wall Street.
The annual Cielo Gala brings together leaders in public health, entertainment, government, advocacy, and community activism to celebrate transformative leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to uplift those advancing equity and wellness for Latino and LGBTQ+ communities.
The Cielo Galas’s ongoing theme, “Designing a World Without AIDS,” will reflect this year on the impact HIV and AIDS continue to have on a new generation while motivating emerging leaders, artists, advocates, and allies to carry the torch forward in helping end the epidemic. The evening will spotlight the importance of intergenerational leadership, cultural visibility, and continued investment in prevention, education, healthcare access, and advocacy.
As one of the most recognized figures in ballroom culture and a passionate advocate for visibility and inclusion, Honey Balenciaga will use her platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities while inspiring a new generation of changemakers in the mission towards ending HIV and achieving health equity. Her appointment as NextGen Cultural Ambassador reflects her ongoing commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and cultural leadership.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the NextGen Cultural Ambassador for the Latino Commission on AIDS,” said Honey. “Ballroom has always been more than performance — it is community, survival, healing, and activism. As someone whose life and career have been shaped by the resilience of the queer community, specifically Black and Latino queer individuals, I understand the weight it carries to use your voice and your platform to support one another. There is strength in numbers and I’m proud to stand alongside leaders and advocates who are committed to designing a world without AIDS and creating a future where the next generation can thrive unapologetically and without barriers.”
As part of the evening’s program, Honey Balenciaga will present a special ballroom performance choreographed by her and featuring dancers from the House of Balenciaga, celebrating the artistry, resilience, and cultural influence of the ballroom community. Award-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa will host the evening and entertainment throughout the evening will be provided by the iconic nightlife personality DJ Lina.
“The Cielo Gala is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and leadership,” said a Guillermo Chacon, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS and founder of the Hispanic Health Network. “Honey Balenciaga embodies the spirit of the next generation of advocates who are reshaping culture while advancing equity, dignity, and visibility for our communities.”
The 2026 Cielo Gala will also recognize distinguished leaders whose work continues to shape the future of HIV prevention, public policy, healthcare access, and community empowerment.
The evening’s honorees include:
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MISTR, with the Pioneer Award to be accepted by Tristan Schukraft, CEO
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Gregory Millett, MPH, Vice President and Director of Public Policy, amfAR, with the Dennis de Leon Voz de Compromiso (Voice of Commitment) Award
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Mario Perez, Director of the Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles County, with the Compañero (Partner) Award
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Helen Arteaga-Landaverde, Deputy Mayor, Health & Human Services, City of NY, with the Esperanza (Hope) Award
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Milagros Medina-Cerdeira, Broadway and Hollywood Make-up Artist, with the Creative Visionary Award
The 2026 Cielo Gala is expected to welcome influential voices from philanthropy, entertainment, healthcare, fashion, government, and advocacy for an unforgettable evening dedicated to impact, celebration, and continued action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
For ticket information, and additional event details, please visit www.cielolatino.org. For interviews and press credentials to cover the red-carpet ceremony or program, please contact:
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About the Cielo Gala
The Cielo Gala is an annual celebration uniting multisectoral artists, innovators, and changemakers in support of the missions and programs of the Latino Commission on AIDS and Hispanic Health Network. The event honors individuals and organizations whose leadership and creativity drive meaningful social impact toward ending HIV and reaching health equity for all.
About the Latino Commission on AIDS
The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to address HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis and STIs in Hispanic/Latino communities through education, prevention, and community mobilization. Established in 1990, the organization has worked tirelessly to address the health inequities that disproportionately affect Hispanic/Latinos. The Commission provides health education, health policy efforts, HIV prevention, capacity building, and health behavioral research that lead to community-based initiatives that aim to advance positive health outcomes and improve the quality of life in our diverse communities. For more information, visit www.latinoaids.org.
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