Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced that U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) will speak and Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winner Audra McDonald will be honored at the 2018 HRC Greater New York Gala on Saturday, February 3, in New York City. HRC also announced that Diageo will receive the organization’s Corporate Equality Award.
“Senator Gillibrand is on the front lines of the battle against the Trump-Pence administration’s politics of hate, fear, and discrimination,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “From fighting back against Trump’s transgender military ban to pushing for LGBTQ non-discrimination protections, Senator Gillibrand stands shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ community as a champion of equality. We are honored to welcome her to the 2018 HRC Greater New York Gala.”
A leader for LGBTQ equality in Congress, Senator Gillibrand has consistently scored a perfect 100 percent on the HRC Congressional Scorecard throughout her time in the Senate. In response to President Trump’s discriminatory attempt to implement a transgender military ban, Gillibrand announced bipartisan legislation to protect currently serving transgender troops from being discharged. She also recently spoke out against violence targeting LGBTQ Americans and the critical need for equality voters to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Audra McDonald will receive the HRC National Equality Award, recognizing her outstanding efforts in standing up for the LGBTQ community.
“From the Broadway stage to the silver screen, Audra McDonald has captivated and inspired audiences around the globe in a truly profound way,” said Griffin. “Most importantly, she uses her incredible talent to help make the world a better place by speaking out for the vulnerable and the oppressed. We are proud to recognize such a vocal advocate for LGBTQ equality at this year’s Greater New York Gala.”
Held for the first time at the New York Marriott Marquis, the Greater New York Gala is one of HRC’s most prestigious events of the year, attracting more than 1,000 of the organization’s most active leaders, supporters, and members. The event regularly draws political officials from federal, state, and local governments, as well as celebrity entertainers and leaders in the business community.
Purchase tickets for the event and learn more about ways to volunteer: www.HRCGreaterNY.org.