On Saturday night, September 7th, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, hosted its annual National Dinner in Washington, D.C., bringing together LGBTQ+ advocates and activists from across the country.
This year’s event featured keynote remarks from Minnesota Governor and Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz, who vowed that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would work tirelessly to pass the Equality Act and secure anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.
Among the special guests were Tony, Grammy, and Emmy award-winning actor Cynthia Erivo, who received the HRC National Equality Award, and Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer Leslie Odom, Jr.
HRC President Kelley Robinson also delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the power of queer joy and the stakes for the LGBTQ+ community in the upcoming presidential election.
In his keynote address, Governor Walz underscored the significance of the election, stating, “What this election boils down to, in a lot of ways, it’s fundamentally about freedom… Donald Trump and JD Vance, their idea of freedom is that the government should be free to invade every corner of our lives—our bedrooms, our kid’s schools, even our doctor’s office… When it comes to personal things, bodily autonomy, your gender identity, when to start a family, marrying who you love… I think we just need to be really good neighbors. Everyone just deserves to be treated with respect—freedom to make that choice.”
The event served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the commitment of key figures to advancing equality and respect for all individuals.
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