COLUMBUS DINNER
HOMETOWN
SUPPORTING
BENEFACTOR
PATRON
*Updated as of 6/26/25
of 5/16/25
A MESSAGE FROM THE DINNER CO-CHAIRS
Since 1983, the Human Rights Campaign Columbus Dinner has stood as a beacon of hope and determination in our fight for equality. This year marks a truly special milestone – our 40th anniversary – making us one of the longest-running HRC dinners in the nation. For four decades, we have gathered as a community to celebrate our victories, acknowledge our challenges, and recommit ourselves to the vital work that lies ahead.
What began with a small group of courageous visionaries has grown into a powerful force for change. Over these 40 years, we have witnessed extraordinary progress: marriage equality, workplace protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, and rising acceptance across our nation. We have seen our community emerge from the shadows to live openly and authentically, building families, pursuing careers, and contributing to every facet of society.
Yet as we celebrate this remarkable journey, we cannot ignore the harsh reality of our current moment. The progress we have fought so hard to achieve is under unprecedented attack. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is being introduced at alarming rates across the country. Our transgender community members face particular scrutiny and danger. Book bans, drag show restrictions, and attacks on diversity programs threaten the very foundation of the inclusive society we’ve worked to build.
In these difficult times, your presence here tonight means everything. Your commitment to equality, your financial support, and your unwavering solidarity remind us that we are not alone in this fight. The funds we raise this evening are more crucial than ever – they fuel HRC’s advocacy efforts, support legal challenges to discriminatory laws, and provide resources to those on the front lines of this battle.
Tonight, as we mark 40 years of the Columbus Dinner, we are reminded that our strength has always come from community. The hundreds of supporters gathering here – LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, families, organizations, and businesses – represent the beautiful diversity that makes our movement so powerful. You are living proof that love, acceptance, and equality will always triumph over fear and hatred.
As we look around this room, we see not just dinner guests, but champions of justice. We see people who refuse to let progress be rolled back. We see a community that stands together, especially when the going gets tough.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for your unwavering support during these challenging times. Thank you for proving, year after year for four decades, that Columbus stands firmly on the right side of history.
Tonight we celebrate our resilience, our community, and our shared commitment to equality. Tomorrow, we continue the fight – stronger and more united than ever.
Yours In Community and Gratitude,
1983 Americana Apartments
From 1983-1988, this groundbreaking local dinner was organized by a small group of courageous activists that included Steve Shellabarger, Neil Cavanaugh, Michael Gelpi, and Steve Marquis. A committee structure and co-chairs replaced them beginning in 1989.
1985 Center’s Interior Design Center
1986 Home of Michael Gelpi
1987 Player’s Theater
1988 Ohio Theater
1989
1990
1991
The Hyatt on Capital Square
The Hyatt on Capital Square
The Hyatt on Capital Square
1992 The Riffe Center
1993 The Wexner Center for the Arts
1994 New Albany Country Club
1995 The Riffe Center
1996 The Greater Columbus Convention Center
1997 The Adams Mark
1998 The Hyatt on Capital Square
1999 The Hyatt on Capital Square
2000
The Hyatt on Capital Square
2001 The Hyatt on Capital Square
2002 The Hyatt on Capital Square
2003
The Hyatt on Capital Square
2004 The Hyatt on Capital Square
2005
2006
The Hyatt on Capital Square
The Hyatt on Capital Square
2007 The Hyatt on Capital Square
2008 The Hyatt on Capital Square
Lynn Greer & Robb Von Order
Susan McCosker, Jeanne Heald & Dennis Cox
Susan McCosker, Jeanne Heald & Dennis Cox
Marshall Brown, Sue Blanchard, Steve Shellabarger & Sue Mayer
Sue Mayer & Michael Council
Sue Mayer & Michael Council
William Mains & Jo Hickman
Joseph Bodine Jr., Mary Jo Hudson, Jeff Smith & Barbara Havens
Jeff Smith & Mollie Levin
Jay Dascenzo & Sue Mayer
Mark Morrow, Lyle Reinhard, Carol Zimmer, & Mary Jo Hudson
Paul Cianelli, Bruce Dooley, Jeff Jones & Julia McDevitt
Chuck Kelley, Bruce Shalter & Susan McManus
Lynne Bowman, Doug Kauffman & Mario Pinardi
Lynne Bowman & Chris Stenger
Jon Shaffer, Lisa Zellner & Chad McCoury
Anne Boninsegna & Chad McCoury
Anne Boninsegna, Chuck Kelley & Robert Podlogar
Mollie Levin, Rob Pettit & Chris Stenger
Ryan Fournier & Mollie Levin
2009 The Hyatt on Capital Square M Mason & Joel Diaz
2010 The Hyatt on Capital Square
2011 The Ohio Union
2012 The Ohio Union
2013 The Ohio Union
2014 The Ohio Union
2015 The Ohio Union
2016 The Ohio Union
2017 The Ohio Union
2018 The Ohio Union
2019 The Ohio Union
2022 The Ohio Union
2023 The Ohio Union
2024 The Ohio Union
2025 The Hyatt Regency
M Mason & Brock Leonti
Brock Leonti & Libby Villavicencio
Liz Shirey & Zac Branstool
Dee Reller & Rick Straits
Anjali Chavan & Rick Straits
Anjali Chavan & Craig Diaz
Craig Diaz & Brooke Bishop
Brooke Bishop & Jen Bowden
Jen Bowden & George Schein
Brooke Bishop, Densil Porteous & George Schein
Lucy Little & Tim Wilson
Craig Diaz, Lucy Little & K Terry Smith
Brooke Bishop, Andy Gammill & Lucy Little
Andy Gammill, Melissa McClaren & Geno Wilson
NIK HARRIS
HRC SPEAKER
Shenika “Nik” Harris (she/they), is a queer gender non-conforming attorney, activist, and speaker. She is a native of Tallahassee, Florida and obtained her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Florida A&M University and her law degree from Florida State University. She is licensed to practice law in Florida and Washington DC.
Nik currently serves as the Vice President, Strategic Outreach & Engagement for the Human Rights Campaign and previously served as the LGBTQ Consumer Advocate for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This position was appointed by Commissioner Nikki Fried and was the fi rst LGBTQ position to a member of the Florida Cabinet. Prior to this appointment, Nik served as Senior Attorney at the Florida Department of Transportation and as a prosecutor at the Florida Department of Health. Nik conducts training on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is certi fi ed by Cornell University in Diversity & Inclusion.
She was the fi rst Black woman elected to serve as Vice-Chair of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Board of Governors. She serves on the boards of Ruth’s List and IGNITE Women’s Services, is Vice-President of the Dolphin Democrats (Broward County’s LGBTQ Democratic Caucus), Vice-President of the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus, serves on the Broward County Sheriff’s Social Justice Task Force, the Broward State Attorney’s Advisory Council and is a BIG in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Pride Program. In 2020 she was selected as a Victory Empowerment Fellow, one of eight people selected from across the country. She was elected as a Biden Presidential delegate in 2020 representing Florida’s 22nd Congressional District.
One of her proudest achievements is the founding of “Thou Art Woman”, a signature open mic event, with her friend and fellow attorney Ghenete “G” Wright. The event series celebrates LGBTQ women and their allies through performance and visual art. Attorney Harris has been the recipient of countless awards, including the 2019 Ruth’s List: Women Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award; and the 2020 recipient of the LGBTQ Leadership Award by the Florida Diversity Council. She is an awardwinning Toastmaster and speaks across the country in support of equality.
photos by Rachael Jones (www.rachaelajones.com)
ALEX NEWELL VISIBILITY AWARD
Alex Newell recently made history with their Tony Award win for the hit musical SHUCKED, which has received glowing reviews and praise with Alex’s performance of the song “Independently Owned” being called a showstopper. Their performances have also granted them the Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical. Prior to this, Alex starred as the God ‘Asaka’ (female role) in the Broadway revival of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. This show granted Alex a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album, and the show was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 2018, won Best Revival and featured Alex’s song which they performed live at the Tonys.
Alex has been named in this year’s Variety New Power of New York List, and they are also featured in the 2023 TIME 100 Next list. The TIME’s annual list consists of 100 individuals who are shaping the future of their fields and defining the next generation of leadership. Alex’s piece was written by Academy Award winning actress Mary Steenburgen, and they were honored at their gala in October as well. Alex was additionally named the 2023 Breakthrough of the Year by TIME Magazine, a brandnew exciting position which is part of the annual Person of the Year.
Alex can now be seen in Amazon film SIMPLE FAVOR 2 for Paul Feig.
Along life’s journey, let’s travel together.
American Airlines is a longstanding partner of the Human Rights Campaign.
American is a proud advocate for LGBTQ rights in Washington DC and beyond.
SAWAUN BLAKELY EQUALITY AWARD SPECIAL GUEST
Sawaun Blakely, a native of Columbus, OH, has been deeply involved in community outreach from a young age. Growing up, he accompanied his mother, who ran the Favor Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to various forms of community service, including prison ministry, food pantry operations, feeding the homeless, and community give-back initiatives. Sawaun’s firsthand experience with homelessness and food insecurity fueled his passion for helping others.
Sawaun Blakely is a dynamic leader, community advocate, and creative visionary with a deep-rooted passion for health equity, LGBTQ+ empowerment, and the arts. As the Volunteer Manager at Equitas Health, he cultivates inclusive spaces that foster connection, education, and activism across Ohio and beyond.
Sawaun is the founder and producer of Shades of Red, an impactful annual event that raises awareness around HIV prevention and uplifts voices from the LGBTQ+ community.
Inspired by his journey and driven by a desire to commemorate World AIDS Day, Sawaun conceived Shades of Red on December 1st, 2022. Having lived with HIV for over a decade and witnessed the loss of many peers to the virus, he envisioned an event that would honor those who succumbed to HIV/AIDS complications while celebrating the resilience of those living with the virus. Shades of Red has become more than just a fundraiser; it is a platform that challenges stereotypes, fosters unity, and actively contributes to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Proceeds from the event are reinvested into the community to support HIV prevention efforts, furthering Sawaun’s commitment to making a tangible difference.
In Sawaun’s eyes, Shades of Red is not merely an event but a call to action, a chance for individuals to come together, make a meaningful impact, and celebrate the strength and resilience of those affected by HIV/AIDS. It stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to carrying on his mother’s legacy and making a positive difference in the world.
With years of experience in event production, community engagement, and advocacy, Sawaun brings a distinctive blend of strategy and soul to every project he leads. Beyond his advocacy work, he is a talented wardrobe stylist known for helping individuals express their authentic selves through fashion. He is also a proud father, channeling his passion for justice and joy into everything he does both professionally and personally.
Sawaun’s commitment to service extends far beyond his professional role. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, he organizes efforts to feed the homeless, staying rooted in the belief that dignity and compassion are basic human rights. His dedication has earned him numerous honors, including the 2024 Transforming Care Trailblazing Community Advocate Award, Brothers in Unity Infinite Elegance Award, and Columbus Urban League Young Professional on the Rise Award. In 2024, he was further recognized with a Resolution of Appreciation from the Columbus City Council, honoring World AIDS Day and his ongoing contributions to the community.
One of my favorite quotes: You have to establish who YOU want to be in this life. Don’t be who THEY tell you, YOU should be!
Google is proud to support the Human Rights Campaign in a shared pursuit of building a world where everyone belongs.
DISTRICT WEST
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
In just five years since it opened, District West has made itself indispensable not only as a gathering place and popular drag bar but also as a unique advocate and fundraiser for LGBTQ+ organizations with owners and queens always willing to step up. The home of the West Family, District West is particularly noticeable for its inclusivity as a drag bar, including performers of color, trans performers, and drag kings, as well as queens.
SHEA DIAMOND SPECIAL GUEST
The struggle looks different for different people. But this music is for everyone.” So testifies Shea Diamond , who, with a gritty mix of sounds that digs into everything from R&B, rock and hip-hop to blues, folk and gospel, makes music that speaks to the universal experience while sharing from her very personal one.
Shea (pronounced she-uh) has always had to fight to live her truth. Indeed, she has fought to live her very she-ness. As a black transgender woman, that’s just what she does every time she walks out into the world--representing herself and amplifying the voices and experiences of her community. But now after all of her struggle, this game-changing new singer-songwriter is living her dream with Seen It All, her soulful and soul-baring debut EP (Asylum Records) that was executive-produced by hit songwriter Justin Tranter.
On Seen It All, Shea—who is now calling Los Angeles home as she sets out to conquer the music world—bravely tells her truth to a world that hasn’t always wanted to really see her. “I’m the flame that you can’t un-see,” she announces with unapologetic honesty on the haunting opener “American Pie.”
The guitar-greased centerpiece of Seen It All is “I Am Her,” an empowering trans anthem on which Shea defiantly belts, “Never asked for no one’s philosophy/It’s obvious I’m proud of me.” “It is a compilation of my life experiences,” she explains. “It speaks on the rejection from religion, the rejection from family, and having to be all right by yourself, you know what I mean? After the world has shunned you and said, ‘Look, we don’twant you,’ you have to want yourself. I contemplated suicide several times as a youth because nobody wanted me.”
Shea—who was born in Little Rock, Arkansas before moving to Memphis and then Flint, Michigan as a child—says that “as early as I can remember, I always identified as being a girl. It was hard work to pretend to be a gender that you’re not. I should have gotten an Oscar, really. I had so much pressure on me as child to be masculine. Even when I was the choir director for our church, my mother would still whisper in my ear that I was singing too high. Growing up trans takes a lot of guts.”
While the music of childhood idols like Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Dolly Parton (“She was pure magic to me”) provided some relief, Shea was unable to cope with the pressures at home and ran away at 14. Entering the foster care system as a ward of the state, she eventually became emancipated at 17. Then in 1999, desperate to get money for sex reassignment surgery, she committed armed robbery and consequently served about 10 years in the men’s prison system, getting shuffled around “because I was too feminine.” During her incarceration, though, she found her voice
as an artist, singing and writing songs like “I Am Her.” Shea’s fellow inmates even became fans: “The guys used to be singing ‘I Am Her.’”
After being released in November 2009, Shea moved to New York City and was introduced to the trans activism world. It was her a cappella performance of “I Am Her” at a Black Trans Lives Matter event that caught the attention of Justin Tranter, the former leader singer of Semi Precious Weapons who is now a sought-after songwriter for artists like Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani. “A friend sent me a video of her singing,” recalls Tranter. “I just kind of lost my mind and was like, ‘Who is this? Why is this song so good? How have I never heard of this person?’ From there I tracked her down.”
Shea immediately impressed Tranter with her talent. “When I brought her out to L.A. to work together, I was blown away within the first couple minutes,” he says. “It was her first time ever in a proper recording studio situation, and she just jumps on the mic and starts singing her ass off like she’s been in the studio her entire life. It was just amazing. Not only does this woman have a very beautiful, powerful story to tell, she can back it up as a musician. Vocally, her tone is magical; it’s so rich and so beautiful. Every time she opens her mouth to sing, you believe every word. And in terms of songwriting, she’s a real storyteller.”
Shea and Tranter co-wrote three songs on Seen It All: “Keisha Complexion,” “Good Pressure” and “American Pie.” “Keisha Complexion” addresses colorism, with Shea singing about feeling herself more after finding a man who loves her dark skin. Meanwhile, “Good Pressure” is about getting relief from fighting the good fight. “We’re always fighting for these rights,” Shea says, “but we have lives at the end of the day and we’re supposed to be able to take the hat off every now and again.” And the title tune reflects on Shea’s long journey to finally being “the girl I always dreamed I was.” Having won the battle against the struggle, she sings, “Now I’m living the best-case scenario.” Amen, sister.
Lyft supports safer spaces, and all the humans who inhabit them.
That’s
We believe that embracing inclusivity and authenticity changes the narrative for everyone.
That's why we've been proudly supporting the Human Rights Campaign since 2009.
macysinc.com/purpose
The most impactful way to support H RC is through a monthly gift, because you will help fuel HRC’s fight for FULL equality all year long.
Your ongoing monthly support will provide critical resources to fight back against anti-LG BTQ+ bills, expand and protect our pro-equality Congress, invest more deeply in our grassroots efforts with strategic organizing in key districts, keep pressure to pass the Equality Act in Congress and continue to show up and fight for the multiply marginalized in our community and country.
Thank you for supporting H RC and for staying with us in the fight. Together, we are an unstoppable force for change!
pfizer.com/about/responsibility/human-rights
Transgender and non-binary people are your neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends. And when you or your friends and family are the targets of hate, violence and discrimination, you act.
The Human Rights Campaign is actively working to advocate for the rights and lives of the transgender and non-binary community–but we all must do more–can we count you in?
As LGBTQ+ people and allies, we have a responsibility to fight for EVERYONE in our movement. Now is the time to get loud, get visible, and spread awareness on behalf of transgender and non-binary people. So please take the actions below–but don’t stop there.
The more people who show they care, including allies and trans and non-binary people who speak up for the most marginalized in our community, the more hearts and minds we will change.
Sign the Pledge and Impact Change
The first step in voicing your support for the trans and non-binary community is to sign your name to the Count Me In pledge. By taking this action, you’re sending a message that you vow to go out of your way to raise awareness and uplift the lives of our trans and non-binary friends and family.
Provide Inclusive Books to an At-Need Library
Your contribution will provide a set of three books to a Title 1 school or community library serving multiply marginalized populations across the country.
Contact State Legislators
State legislatures are attacking LGBTQ+ folks, particularly trans people, left and right. Show antiequality legislators that we won’t tolerate any more bullying and discrimination.
Request and Show Off Your Sticker
Display your special edition HRC sticker on your car, laptop, water bottle — no matter where you put it, you’ll be saying you support our trans community.
Spread the Word On Social Media
Post these image shares on your social media channels and update your profile photos and let your networks know you believe in a more just and equitable world for trans folks — full stop.
Share a Voice Message of Support
State legislatures are targeting trans kids. Text HEART to 472-472 to share a public message of support for trans youth and show you’re fighting for them.
(Msg&dataratesmayapply. Recurring msgs. TxtSTOP2quit. HELP4info.)
Let Kids Play
Rebekah is a 14-year-old girl who loves school, reading, hanging out with her friends and playing field hockey. But lawmakers across the country are trying to pass laws that would prohibit Rebekah from playing sports with other girls.
Wear Your Support
From T-shirts to pins to socks to masks, you can show off your support for trans equality no matter where you are, who you’re with or what you’re doing.
Transgender Justice eNewsletter
Stay up to date on our Transgender Justice Initiative and what we’re doing to dismantle stigma and end the epidemic of violence against trans and gender non-conforming people.
Count Me In
Speak Out
Request A Sticker
Donate Now
Meet Rebekah
TRANSGENDER INCLUSION
IN THE WORKPLACE
OF THOSE RATED ON HRC FOUNDATION’S
99%
49% of CEI-rated employers allow employees the option to selfidentify as LGBTQ+ in anonymous employee engagement surveys or as part of data collection on confidential employee forms or in the HRIS system.
94 %
2021 CEI… major employers have adopted workplace gender transition guidelines.
87% of CEI-rated employers explicitly include gender identity as a part of their non-discrimination policy.
OF FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES have non-discrimination protections that include gender identity, UP FROM 3% IN 2002.
Over its 19-year history, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index has been the driving force for the adoption of equitable workplace policies, practices and benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the United States and beyond. Participating companies know that building an LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace is not just the right thing to do, it is also the best business decision and allows companies to attract, retain and engage top talent. Their commitment to building inclusion has only strengthened over the past year, with a re
of c
91%
of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgenderinclusive health insurance coverage, up from 0 in 2002 and 22 times as many businesses as 12 years ago.
600+ of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage while also eliminating blanket exclusions for medically necessary care in all other employer-sponsored plans.
GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY
This year, celebrate your loved ones, holidays or other special occasions by giving the gift of equality! Gift a membership to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, host a fundraiser to benefit our work, sign up for our wedding registry or donate in someone’s memory! Each donation includes an HRC membership and furthers the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.
GIVE A MEMBERSHIP GOAL HRC MEMBER
HOST A FUNDRAISER FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, PRIDE OR MO RE .. .
DONATE YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY
GIV E TH E GIF
FLY A FLAG
FOR HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIO NS
DONATE IN HONOR OR ME MO RY O F SOMEONE
Celebrating a special occasion and looking to further LGBTQ+ equality? Join our over 3 million supporters today by giving the gift of membership, hosting a fundraiser, donating your wedding registry to HRC and more!
ACLU
ADM
ADOBE
AIRBNB
AIRBUS
ALBERTSONS
AMAZON
ANONYMOUS
ASSURANT
BAKER HUGES
BANK OF AMERICA
BLACK TIE DINNER, INC
BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIALS
CARMAX
CENTENE
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC
COCA-COLA FOUNDATION, THE COMIC RELIEF
COLLINGWOOD FOUNDATION
CVS HEALTH
DANAHER FOUNDATION
DAVID BOHNETT FOUNDATION
ENOVA INTERNATIONAL
EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY
FORTIVE FOUNDATION
FRED SAYS
GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
JPMORGAN CHASE
KORS LE PERE FOUNDATION, THE KROLL
LEGO
LEVI STRAUSS & CO.
LYFT, INC
MARSH & MCLENNAN AGENCY
MCDONALDS
MORNINGSTAR FOUNDATION, THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION
NESTLE
NIKE
PEPSICO FOUNDATION, THE PFIZER
PhRMA
PRETIUM
PRONOUN
PwC
RESET TECH
RTX
S&P GLOBAL
SEMPRA
SPRINGPOINT
PARTNERS
TJX COMPANIES
THE HOME DEPOT
T-MOBILE
TOYOTA
UNITED AIRLINES
UPS FOUNDATION
US BANK
USAA
VANGUARD
VERIZON
VIIV HEALTHCARE
WALT DISNEY COMPANY
WELLS FARGO
WELLSPRING
WORKDAY FOUNDATION
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to care for their families, earn a living and live open, honest and safe lives at home, at work and in the community. The HRC Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
WHAT WE DO
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. Since 1980, we have been fighting for a better future for LGBTQ+ Americans. We are now working tirelessly to pass the Equality Act, which will soon head to the U.S. Senate for consideration, fight back against a multitude of anti-LGBTQ+ legis-lation in states nationwide and ensure everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. While our opponents are emboldened and on the attack, the Human Rights Campaign and our grass-roots army of more than 3.2 million members and supporters are energetically defending the rights we’ve gained and ramping up our fight for full equality across the board.
ANTI-EQUALITY LEADERS AND LEGISLATION
The alarming spate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country in 2020 has continued to surge in 2021. These include bills that would prohibit transgender youth from receiving genderaffirming care and bills that would prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports. This wave of anti-transgender legislation harkens back to the surge of anti-transgender bathroom bills that hit state legislatures in 2016, including North Carolina’s HB2. We remain committed to aggressively fighting these threats to equality by those who seek to undermine our rights. HRC will do whatever it takes to protect the rights and fundamental equality of every LGBTQ+ person in this country.
B U IL DING A ND DEM ONS TR AT ING POLITICAL P OWER
HRC’s decades-long work to build political power has uniquely positioned us to reach LGBTQ+ and ally voters who prioritize equality on the ballot, also known as Equality Voters. HRC has identified 57 million Equality Voters nationwide who, if they turn out to vote, will support pro-equality candidates. HRC’s early and sustained year-round engagement in battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin bolstered historic turnout in 2018 and 2020 producing pro-equality outcomes at every level of government. In 2019, HRC’s mobilization of Equality Voters in Virginia, where lawmakers had repeatedly blocked proequality bills over many years, produced groundbreaking progress for LGBTQ+ Americans in the South. These victories led to the Virginia Values Act becoming law, making Virginia the first state in the South to advance statewide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
ADVANCING EQUALITY IN OUR DAILY LIVES
The HRC Foundation improves the lives LGBTQ+ people by building understanding and shaping the public debate of LGBTQ+ people and the challenges they face through innovative research and public education campaigns. We also change the policies and practices in the institutions that shape our everyday lives (hospitals, schools, workplaces, and more) and empower strategic partners, community advocates, and allies through convenings and capacity-building. Guided by these theories of change and seeking to prioritize work impacting those who are multiply marginalized, we have 11 cuttingedge programs advancing equality in the U.S. and beyond.
All Children - All Families is the only national program dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion in child welfare (foster care and adoption agencies) that provides resource development, technical assistance and training.
Public Education & Research produces written resources and conducts original quantitative and qualitative research exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people.
Global Partnerships provides capacity-building and leadership development opportunities to LGBTQ+ advocates from around the world to strengthen movements and advance global LGBTQ+ equality.
HBCU Program is the only national project that partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities on establishing an LGBTQ+-inclusive campus climate.
Health & Aging provides resources and training to help thousands of healthcare facilities adopt inclusive policies and practices to better serve LGBTQ+ patients and employees.
HIV & Health Equity develops public education and capacitybuilding programs to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black and Latinx communities.
Religion & Faith provides faith leaders with opportunities and tools to stand up for equality even as opponents attempt to weaponize faith against LGBTQ+ people.
Transgender Justice Initiative leads economic empowerment programs, capacity-building initiatives, community engagement efforts, and public safety education campaigns that combat the discrimination faced by transgender people.
Welcoming Schools is the only bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+-specific training and resources with an intersectional lens, developed for use in elementary schools.
Workplace Equality advances equality for LGBTQ+ workers through the adoption and implementation of inclusive policies, practices, and benefits in the U.S. and beyond.
Youth Well-Being provides professional development to over 5,000 youth-serving professionals annually, through the annual Time to THRIVE conference, webinars, participation at major national convenings, and by amplifying the stories of HRC Youth Ambassadors. The program also convenes HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council.
“Welcome to all” is our open invitation to anyone seeking financial success—however they might define it.
So come as you are to Huntington, and experience appreciation. Acceptance. Respect. And, most importantly, care.
Green Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum is pleased to announce the opening of a LGBTQ+ Community Garden – an innovative new cemetery section where LGBTQ+ persons, friends, and family can be lovingly interred and remembered.
Our new LGBTQ+ cemetery section represents a continuum of care for the LGBTQ+ community. A place where lives are celebrated and artistic memorialization is encouraged.
Responding to a genuine need for an inclusive, positive space – and inspired by “Gay Corner” in Congressional Cemetery in
Washington DC – Green Lawn’s new LGBTQ+ Community Garden is believed to be the first dedicated LGBTQ+ cemetery section in the country. It has over 500 burial spaces allowing for traditional burial or cremation. It will also feature a commissioned central art feature that the community will help select.
For more information call or visit: 614-444-1123 GreenLawnCemetery.org
