By: Seraphina Quinn

Jake Resnicow is an American promoter, socialite, and event producer known for his contributions to the entertainment industry and his philanthropic endeavors. As a co-founder of Vote Proud, a non-partisan voting initiative supported by personalities like Sharon Stone, Sir Elton John, and David Furnish, Resnicow has demonstrated his commitment to social advocacy. His influence extends beyond politics, as he is renowned for revolutionizing the nightlife scene in the United States through event concepts.

Jake Resnicow was born in Hollywood, Florida, and spent his beginning years in Newton, Massachusetts. His entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, as he established his own DJ business at the age of 16, hosting events like weddings and bar mitzvahs. He pursued higher education at Georgetown School in Washington, DC, where he obtained his B.A. degree.

Following his college graduation in 2008, Resnicow’s passion for politics led him to work on Capitol Hill, notably with the office of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. This experience later complemented his journey in event production and community advocacy.

Jake’s Career and Nightlife Innovation

After he stepped into politics, Jake began his career that blended his political expertise with his creativity. He initially ventured into the consulting industry before making further progress in his academic path. Resnicow’s passion for exploration led him to Spain, where he took a break from his professional life to gain new perspectives.

Upon returning to the United States, Resnicow settled in New York and delved into the corporate world as a human capital analyst at Deloitte. However, it was his fascination with the nightlife that ultimately guided him to his true calling. He kicked off his venture by leading the role of nightlife editor for Edge Magazine, a role that helped him reflect his passion for event production and promotion.

Resnicow’s name soon became synonymous with the Matinée brand in the U.S. He successfully introduced the Matinée dance party concept to the American audience, transforming venues like Governors Island, Universal Studios Orlando, Cowabunga Bay WaterPark, and Winter Party into dynamic hubs of entertainment. His event concepts elevated the nightlife experience, setting a new standard for entertainment in the country.

Leadership in the LGBTQ+ Community

While Jake’s influence in the entertainment industry was undeniable, his impact went beyond the realm of music and nightlife. He established himself as a committed advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, utilizing his platform to bring about meaningful change.

In 2019, Resnicow organized the New York City WorldPride event, a celebration that marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and raised over $500,000 for various LGBTQ+ organizations. This event showed Resnicow’s ability to merge his event production with his dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ rights.

One of his most significant contributions was the launch of the Utopia Festival, an idea that aimed to redefine the gay festival experience. By introducing renowned artists like Diplo, Purple Disco Machine, Galantis, SG Lewis, Sofi Tukker, and Kim Petras to the LGBTQ+ community, Resnicow created a space for celebration and pledged to donate a portion of each Utopia pass sold to provide grants for LGBTQ+ artists and nightlife workers in need.

Jake Resnicow has also achieved a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community by organizing the largest LGBTQ+ fashion week. The event was held at Central Park, New York, on September 09, 2023, and more than 3,000 people participated in it. Resnicow’s efforts made it possible to break the Guinness World Record for most attendees for a fashion show. 

Impactful Productions

Among his achievements is the Pride Festival Main Event at Javits Center, a grand celebration held in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. With over 13,500 attendees, the event captured the LGBTQ+ movement and showcased diversity.

Resnicow’s expertise extends across cities and continents. Over the last 12 years, he has produced 1,200 parties and multiple music festivals in locations such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Orlando, and San Diego. Notably, he played an important role in producing Europe’s largest AIDS fundraiser, the renowned LifeBall, which depicts his commitment to utilizing his expertise for philanthropic causes.

His fundraising efforts have raised over $30 million for organizations, including Life Ball, Trevor Project, Ali Forney Center, Lambda Legal, and It Gets Better. Jake’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the entertainment industry has earned him widespread recognition and accolades. In 2018, he was honored as one of OUT100’s Most Influential LGBTQ People of the Year, a testimony to his significant contributions and influence. His innovative event concepts, philanthropic endeavors, and commitment to promoting inclusivity have solidified his position as a leader in the field.

One of his most notable achievements is the record-breaking WorldPride event held at the Javits Center, which brought together thousands of individuals in celebration and collected over $500,000 for charitable causes. Resnicow’s ability to unite entertainment and activism on such a grand scale is an example of his unique ability to effect positive change.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jake Resnicow’s personal life orbits around bringing positive change and creating meaningful connections. His passion for engaging in both politics and entertainment is a part of his personality. His experiences working on Capitol Hill and his success in the nightlife industry portray his consistency and commitment.