Margaret Josephs is putting allyship into action.
“Being an ally is not passive. It is not just saying, ‘I love everyone,’” the former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star exclusively tells Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea.”
“It is standing next to people when things get hard. It is defending families when they are under attack. It is speaking up when someone tries to make equality negotiable.”
Josephs’ powerful message set the tone for a glamorous Pride Soirée she recently hosted at New Jersey’s Allendale Social to benefit Family Equality, an organization dedicated to supporting and protecting LGBTQIA+ families.
The reality TV favorite teamed up with Jaimee Rizzo and her wife, Lisa Rizzo, of Taylor Lucyk Group and Soirée, which was co-founded by Lexi Barbuto, to bring together queer friends, allies, families, supporters and celebrity guests for an evening centered on love, visibility and fundraising.
The celebration drew a crowd of familiar faces, including “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum Meghan King, former “RHONJ” personality and podcast host Kim DePaola (better known to fans as Kim D.), Josephs’ husband, Joe Benigno, Simon & Schuster bestselling author and psychic Judith Turner, Jennifer DiLandro of the “Cats & Pudding” podcast, celebrity glam experts Rosario Cannata and Jamal Tadros and “Virtual Reali-Tea’s” own Danny Murphy.
Guests mingled throughout the evening while learning more about Family Equality’s mission to ensure every person has the freedom to find, form and sustain their family. The nonprofit’s work includes advocacy, education, family-building support and legal protections for LGBTQIA+ parents, children, foster youth and adoptive families, as well as families formed through fertility care, donor conception and surrogacy.
Family Equality CEO Darra Gordon was on hand for the festivities and delivered an emotional speech about the importance of LGBTQIA+ family visibility and representation.
According to attendees, Gordon shared that the New Jersey gathering had become — and would likely remain — one of her favorite Pride events of the year. She reflected on how meaningful it would have been to witness such a celebration of LGBTQIA+ families while growing up in New Jersey herself.
Emily Jones also attended on behalf of Family Equality.
No Pride party would be complete without a little sparkle, and drag performer The Spectra Electra delivered just that. The entertainer wowed guests with a high-energy performance — set to the sounds of pop star Zara Larsson — that added even more glamour, joy and Pride spirit to the celebration.
Meanwhile, attendees indulged in colorful desserts from The Royal Sweet Fairy, whose creations have previously been enjoyed by celebrities including Megan Thee Stallion, the Backstreet Boys and several fan-favorite stars from the “Real Housewives” universe.
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One particularly touching moment came courtesy of sponsor TruGenetics, which donated a DNA health testing package to Family Equality. The gift will be shared with a family who may benefit from increased access to biological health information — an especially meaningful contribution for families formed through adoption, foster care, donor conception, surrogacy and other paths to parenthood.
Funds raised during the soirée will directly support Family Equality’s efforts to advocate for LGBTQIA+ families, help parents understand their rights, provide resources for those building families and fight for protections related to adoption, foster care, parentage, schools, reproductive freedom and family recognition.
For Josephs, the event was about more than a fabulous party — it was about showing up for a community she proudly supports.
And judging by the love-filled atmosphere, meaningful fundraising and dazzling entertainment, the evening accomplished exactly that.
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