Is it just us, or has 2019’s Pride seemed a little louder and prouder than in years past? We look forward to June all year long (something about the ROYGVIB flying high and the outpouring of community support makes our salty hearts soar), but this year we’ve been positively floored. Perhaps it’s the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, but it seems that more folks than ever before are championing in the name of “true colors” and equality for all. And we can’t say we’re mad about it.
There’s been progress made in spades, but the fight’s not yet won. Thankfully, there’s no rest for the HRC.
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights organization, and each year they hold a smashing gala for raising funds and furthering the cause (see: liberty and justice for all). With a nationwide force of more than three million members and supporters, the HRC serves as “America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality”. The cherry on top of a year’s worth of fighting the good fight is the annual HRC Gala—and this year marks the organization’s 15th!
The bash is a smash year after year, and 2019’s is shaping up to be more of the fabulous same. Along with the cocktail reception, dinner, and silent auction, SLC native (and star of The OA) Ian Alexander is set to receive the Visibility Award, Seth Owen will make a special guest appearance, and Shea Diamond and DJ Nhandi will foster the loosening of ties and kicking up of heels (we'll meet you on the dancefloor). Additionally, Westminster has been chosen as an honoree, thanks in large part to a their impressive efforts in fostering an inclusive campus (case in point: they provide regular training on pronoun-use for their students, parents, and staff.)
The theme this year is "Share Your Story: Speak, Listen, Act". Says dinner co-chair, Alli Martin, "We were inspired by our collective experience speaking with congressional representatives in DC during the HRC Equality Convention. We found that we were most persuasive when we told our stories and explained why we choose to be a part of HRC and what it means to us to be a part of the LGBTQ community. We hope to inspire our dinner guests to bravely share their own stories and, in doing so, to help others in Utah understand the importance of equality and the experiences of their friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family." Proceeds from the night will go toward funding the HRC's ongoing campaign for equality.
Dinner, dancing, and a damn-good cause. Sounds like a fabulous Saturday night.
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