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Compiled By GayToday
Dennis and Judy Shepard being interviewed on Dateline NBC after their son's murder last October
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Washington, D.C.--The Human Rights Campaign's third annual National Dinner, featuring the theme "Honoring Our Families", will be held on Saturday, October 9 at the Washington Hilton and Towers. The 6 p.m. Black-tie gala will include Judy and Dennis Shepard -- the parents of slain University of Wyoming hate crime victim Matthew Shepard – and Stella Byrd, James Byrd Sr. and Darrell Verrett – family members of murdered Texas hate crime victim James Byrd Jr. |
"The Byrd and Shepard families have shown extraordinary valor and perseverance in the face of unthinkable tragedy," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. "Both families have emerged as powerful voices with a remarkable commitment to combating hate motivated violence."
The gala will feature the East Coast debut of HRC's two new public service announcements (PSA's) featuring Judy Shepard. The tag-line of the campaign is "Choose to Understand.
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In one of the ads titled "Parenthood", a home video of Matthew plays on-screen as Judy says: "In a perfect world because your child is gay you don't worry about their safety. You just worry about them being happy. I loved Matt just the way he was. Just the way he was." The ads have been distributed to every television station in the country that airs PSA's.
Attorney General Janet Reno has been invited to give the keynote address. The event will include entertainers Nathan Lane and Michael Feinstein. HRC will present its National Civil Rights Award to Betty DeGeneres – Ellen DeGeneres, Anne Heche and Betty's son Vance will be on-hand for the ceremony.
HRC will also present its National Equality Award to tennis legend Martina Navratilova.
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
President Acts Swiftly--Condemns Wyoming Hate/Torture Murder
U.S. Vice President Addresses Gay America
Complete Transcript of Remarks by the President
Related Sites:
Dateline NBC interview with the Shepards
Human Rights Campaign
GayToday does not endorse related sites.
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HRC National Corporate sponsors for the dinner are: American Airlines, Subaru, gfn.com, G&L bank, RIAA, Bell Atlantic, IBM, OUT, Time Warner, Viacom, Ovations and Shell.
Two years ago, President Clinton made history by becoming the first president to attend a gay and lesbian event. Last year, Al Gore became the first vice president to attend such a function. Up to the minute information and news about the National Dinner can be obtained by calling 202-628-4160.
Tickets can be ordered at Box Office Tickets: 800-494-TIXS (8497).
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