SC Equality announces inaugural Equality Royale casino night, "Don't Gamble Your Rights Away"

Black tie preferred fundraiser set for Oct. 9 at Vino Sabor in Columbia

COLUMBIA, S.C. South Carolina Equality (SC Equality), the state's longest-standing LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, is inviting South Carolinians to an evening of cards, cocktails, and community at Equality Royale, a casino night themed fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.

The event runs from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Vino Sabor, 1310 Lady Street in Columbia. Black tie is preferred. Equality Royale is the first event of its kind for the organization, and proceeds will support SC Equality's year-round advocacy work.

A theme with a message

The playing card look is deliberate. The event's tagline, "Don't Gamble Your Rights Away," speaks to the stakes LGBTQ+ South Carolinians face when their rights are treated as something to be voted on, debated, or put back on the table.

This spring, 12 members of the South Carolina House filed H.5501, a resolution calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision that established marriage equality nationwide. As a concurrent resolution, H.5501 has no binding legal force. It does, however, signal a political appetite to revisit that ruling. South Carolina's statutory ban on same-sex marriage remains on the books, dormant but never repealed.

Equality Royale is SC Equality's answer to that uncertainty. The organization is not waiting for a headline to act. It is building the resources to stay in the room.

What the evening is

Guests can expect a night built around the casino theme, set in one of downtown Columbia's gathering spots. It is designed to be a good time first: a chance to dress up, meet new people, and celebrate a community that has shown up for one another for decades.

Every guest who buys in is also backing the work behind the night. Proceeds from Equality Royale support:

• Advocacy at the State House, including bill tracking and legislative engagement

• Coalition building with partner organizations across South Carolina

• Community events that give LGBTQ+ South Carolinians places to gather and be seen

• Communications that keep people informed and connected year-round

Why it matters now

SC Equality was founded in 2002 and has spent more than two decades working for full equality and dignity for every LGBTQ+ South Carolinian. Its approach centers on organizing people, not just coordinating organizations, and that work takes steady funding and a steady presence.

"South Carolinians shouldn't have to wonder whether their rights will survive the next legislative session. Equality Royale is a night to celebrate this community, and it's also how we make sure SC Equality has the resources to be at the State House every week, not just when there's a crisis." James Agens, executive director, South Carolina Equality

How to take part

Tickets and buy-in are available now at scequality.salsalabs.org/equalityroyale. Those who cannot attend can still support the event through the same page.

To get event updates and other ways to take action across the state, join the SC Equality network.

Event details

• What Equality Royale, "Don't Gamble Your Rights Away"

• When Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

• Where Vino Sabor, 1310 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201

• Dress Black tie preferred

• Presented by South Carolina Equality

About SC Equality

South Carolina Equality is South Carolina's longest-standing LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. Founded in 2002, SC Equality works on civil rights advocacy, legislative engagement, community visibility, and coalition building across the state. Learn more at scequality.org.

Equal means everyone.