Compiled By GayToday
| Washington, D.C.--Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Sen. Joseph
Lieberman, D-Conn., was the keynote speaker at the Human Rights
Campaign's annual National Dinner, helping HRC to celebrate its 20th
Anniversary and to usher in a new century of equality for gay and
lesbian Americans. |
 Sen. Joseph Lieberman with HRC's Executive Director
Elizabeth Birch at the HRC event
|
"This was a tremendous event that celebrated how far HRC has come,
while recognizing how much further we have to go to achieve equality in
America," said HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch.
Ms. Birch called the gathering "a potent mix of serious issues and
comic relief" forming "a powerful message in this crucial election year."
Vice-presidential candidate Lieberman told the assembled guests:
"We are all entitled to respect, we are all entitled to dignity, we
are all entitled to equality, black or white, man or woman, gay or
straight.
"Like every people, and every generation that suffered
discrimination before, gays and lesbians are simply asking for the right
to be treated like every other American."
The October 7 black-tie gala included several who received
prestigious HRC awards. HRC presented its National Civil Rights Award to
NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume.
| "The
fight against discrimination cannot be selective," said Mfume.
"This war against injustice is not one where we have the
luxury of choosing our fronts. All discrimination is wrong."
The National Equality Award was given to Will &
Grace Executive Producer and Creator Max Mutchnick who used
a mix of comedy and serious reflection to drive home his message.
Mutchnik personally gave HRC a $25,000 donation while onstage.
To the delight of the crowd, Will & Grace
star Eric McCormack introduced Mutchnik and joined him at the
podium. "They say the truth can set you free, and I am here to say
it can also make you a pretty penny in syndication," joked Mutchnik
at the dinner. |
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Related Sites:
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|
"HRC blew my universe wide open. They showed me that the struggle
is not just about one individual overcoming his or her own personal shame,
but about millions of people feeling and being equal in the eyes, hearts,
minds and law books of the country in which they live."
Washington Mayor Anthony Williams spoke at the event and stated his
dedication to treating gay and lesbian Washingtonians with equality,
dignity and respect.
"I am proud as the mayor of America's capital to be graced in our
community by the large number of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered
members of our community - they are strong, they are powerful, they have a
voice and they are recognized by this mayor," said Williams in his speech.
Birch focused on the importance of the upcoming elections during
her speech. With control of the House, Senate, presidency and Supreme
Court up for grabs, she said that the gay and lesbian vote was crucial to
the outcome of the November elections. Birch said that a Gore/Lieberman
victory is key in the fight to achieve full equality for all Americans.
"Let us not return to the stony silence--that is what we are
facing. We must do everything we can to elect Al Gore president of the
United States," said Birch.
HRC's Constituency Organizer Donna Payne introduced Mfume and spoke
on the importance of Congress passing hate crimes legislation.
"For me, the alliance between HRC and the NAACP completes a
personal circle. I am an African-American lesbian and I need double
protection," said Payne.
"We have stood side by side, arm in arm, in the shared pursuit of
one common goal - an America grounded in equality and an opportunity for
all our people. Together we call on the Republican leadership in Congress
to do their moral duty and pass the Hate Crimes Prevention Act."
Presenting Diamond Sponsors for HRC's National Dinner were America
Online and Time Warner.
Other dinner sponsors were: the National Education Association;
Activate; E*TRADE; the Recording Industry Association of America; Shell;
Viacom; General Systems Corporation; IBM; IKEA; ImageFIRST; Ovations;
Alignment Strategies; Blink Optical; Communications Workers of America;
Concord Partners; Democratic National Committee; Kinko's; Powell Goldstein
Frazer & Murphy, LLP; Omni Digital; Service Employees International
Union; Scudder Private Investment Counsel; The Staubach Company and the
United Auto Workers.
HRC's national corporate sponsors include American Airlines,
PlanetOut, Verizon, Gay.com and Working Assets.
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