HRC Cincinnati Gala 2016 Program Book

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Everyone needs a good wingman. American Airlines is proud to support the Human Rights Campaign.

American Airlines, aa.com and the Flight Symbol logo are marks of American Airlines, Inc. Š 2016 American Airlines, Inc. All rights reserved.


A Message from HRC’s President Dear Friends,

Today, we face new and unforeseen challenges -- a crucial Presidential election in the fall; an onslaught of anti-LGBT legislation in cities and states across the nation; an epidemic of anti-transgender violence; and growing threats to LGBT people abroad. That means we can’t afford to let up. Now -more than ever -- we are ready to fight for the equal rights and fundamental dignity that all LGBT people deserve. And thanks to you, the Human Rights Campaign is committed to leading the way forward. HRC is at the forefront of the fight in Congress for the Equality Act -- historic federal legislation that would finally end the unacceptable patchwork of non-discrimination laws across this country that threaten the livelihoods of LGBT Americans. Many of the same couples who fought long and hard to have their marriages recognized remain vulnerable due to inadequate protections in their home states. This is fundamentally unacceptable, and we must change it. When it comes to employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and other areas of everyday life, LGBT Americans deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else. And, a growing majority of Americans agree that the time has come in our nation for full, federal equality -- nothing more, nothing less. But we’re not just fighting for our rights, we’re also fighting to protect our rights. As our opponents work to pass state legislation targeting LGBT people, we’re fighting to defeat anti-LGBT bills in states across this country that seek to write discrimination into the law and undermine our hard-won gains. We’re mobilizing and organizing the untapped LGBT electorate in this country like never before to ensure that we not only elect another pro-equality champion to the White House in 2016, but that we defeat candidates at every level who continue to cement their feet on the side of discrimination. And as our opponents continue to lose at home, we’re exposing their attempts to export hate abroad to areas of the world where LGBT people still face abhorrent levels of persecution, discrimination and state-sanctioned violence. We’re also building partnerships with our allies abroad to strengthen the global equality movement. HRC is taking the lead in making equality a reality for everyone in small towns and big cities alike.

Photo: Washington Post / Getty Images

2015 was a year defined by unprecedented momentum for LGBT equality. From our nation’s marriage equality victory at the U.S. Supreme Court, to increased visibility for transgender Americans, the past year made clear that momentum is on our side. But even as our victories have mounted, we’ve never lost sight of the challenges that remain ahead of us in the fight for full LGBT equality.

That’s why we launched Project One America in 2014, a multi-million dollar campaign dedicated to moving equality forward in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas -- states in the Deep South where we’ve already seen our efforts translate into victories for equality. We’re also expanding the groundbreaking work of the HRC Foundation -- which educates and helps build better, more inclusive communities for LGBT people in workplaces, classrooms, hospitals and churches -- everywhere from the town hall to the corporate board room. We have a lot of work to do in the years ahead. As we continue to fight to expand the map for LGBT equality, we must ensure HRC’s message reaches more people than ever before. Our army of volunteers and supporters in every state – more than 1.5 million strong – has shown that equality is a powerful force and justice cannot be halted. In 2015, our community proved that love wins. In 2016, it’s our job to keep going. It’s up to us to maintain our resolve and work harder than ever before. Our history shows us that we can accomplish the impossible, and we must do it together. Sincerely,

Chad Griffin President, Human Rights Campaign



A Word from your Gala Co-Chairs Dearest Family Members, Friends and Colleagues,

The Seventh Annual Human Rights Campaign Greater Cincinnati gala co-chairs warmly welcome you to what we know will be another fun, inspiring, and memorable evening. We are excited to welcome so many friends, family members, and sponsors to join together to celebrate the amazing work that is done every day by the Human Rights Campaign on behalf of our community. We are even more excited to welcome our marriage equality plaintiffs from Greater Cincinnati & beyond, plus our special honorees for tonight from Lighthouse Youth Services, General Electric, and Fifth Third Bank. The amazing progress that we are experiencing is greatly due to the efforts of the Human Rights Campaign and the support that YOU provide. HRC has helped pass the laws, change the mind-set of the public, and move this country toward full equality for all. Despite these advances, there is still much work to be done. Let us not forget those in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana who can still be fired or evicted just on the basis of their sexual orientation, or gender identity, and those who still live under the cloud of oppression. These people, communities, and states, need our support. Our fight for social justice continues despite winning marriage equality. Momentum and history are on our side, however, those who would oppose progress and fairness are fighting daily with a fervor and are employing underhanded tactics, mostly targeting our LGBT youth. Only together, will we become stronger. We also wish to extend a huge “Thank You� to the gala committee for all you have done to make tonight possible! Your time, effort, and dedication have helped to create a dynamic energy that made this evening possible. Our volunteers give countless hours, and for that we are extremely grateful. Finally, we are grateful to our corporate sponsors, Table Captains, the Federal Club, Federal Club Council, auction donors, advertisers, and attendees who have all contributed to the gala and the crucial work of HRC. On behalf of the gala team, our honorees, HRC Staff, and volunteers thank you for being here to make this a successful and exciting evening for all. Yours in Equality, Karen Morgan & Scott Farmer

Your Gala Committee Karen Morgan Scott Farmer Jon Groppe Michael Moore Steve Newsome Rick Chizmadia Karen Aronoff Cathy Sarky Vicky Herrin Rhonda Riedl Shannon Bannerman Jeff Geoberti Alec Lucke Jennifer McKettrick Mary McFarland Nancy Gack Robin Lyons Jen Heather Jack Harrison

Federal Club Committee Rick Chizmadia Chase Rickey Derek Hoening Aaron Weiner Steve Sendlebeck Joseph Previte


A little thank-you for your passion Nationwide® appreciates your commitment to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Thanks to HRC members like you, marriage equality is now a constitutional right in all 50 states! We’re passionate about making a difference, too. Working with HRC is just one way we prove that we’re more than a business. Another way is helping HRC members save money on their car insurance.

Learn more about our relationship with HRC and special discounts for members.

Nationwide Insurance has made a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2016 Nationwide AFR-0212AO.1 (12/15)

nationwide.com/HRC |

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This Year’s Honorees

General Electric & Fifth Third Bank | Corporate Equality Award recipients HRC is proud to honor the commitment and work of Cincinnati’s business community around LGBT rights. This year we are excited to honor two outstanding corporate citizens in GE and Fifth Third Bank. GE is a long standing supporter of LGBT equality and first earned a 100% rating on the Corporate Equality Index in 2014. Among the actions taken by their company, GE signed on to support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in Congress and GE’s CEO sent Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana a letter protesting the passage of Indiana’s discriminatory Religious Freedom & Resorting Act, which sparked the #BoycottIndiana campaign. We are equally excited to honor Fifth Bank at this year’s gala for their incredible work inside and outside of their business. Fifth Third scored a 100% rating on the CEI in 2016 for the first time and offers 10 business resource groups, which are active in the LGBT community in 16 of their markets. Furthermore, Fifth Third’s global headquarters in Cincinnati maintains over 18,000 jobs in our region. We are truly thankful to count GE and Fifth Third as allies of the LGBT community and leaders in Cincinnati.

Lighthouse Youth Services | David C. Crowley Leadership Award recipient Congratulations to Lighthouse Youth Services, the 2016 David C. Crowley Leadership Award recipient! HRC is proud to honor the work done by Lighthouse on behalf of homeless LGBT youth. Their commitment to ending homelessness in youth, especially when LGBT youth experience homelessness at a much higher rate than others, is a mission that is critical to making Cincinnati a welcoming city for all people. Their leadership and innovation lead to a pilot program along with HRC and the Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement the “Safe and Supported Community Plan.”

HRC Greater Cincinnati Steering Committee Karen Morgan Board of Governor/Steering Committee Co-Chair/Gala CoChair Michael Moore Board of Governor/Steering Committee Co-Chair Jon Groppe Board of Governor/Political Aaron Weiner Board of Governor Scott Farmer Gala Rick Chizmadia Federal Club Steve Newsome Marketing

David Martin Marketing Kesse Hodge Marketing Adam Workplace Equality Karen Aronoff Political Chris Bolling Community Engagement Callie Wright Community Engagement Jennifer Phillips Community Engagement


We’re proud of our differences. All 65,000 of them. We support The Human Rights Campaign in the fight for equality for everyone and applaud the amazing work that has been accomplished. Northrop Grumman – Committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment.


HRC Program Participants

Dana Goldberg | Emcee/Comedienne/Auctioneer Raised by a wild pack of Jews, otherwise known as her mother and two siblings, Dana Goldberg is a force of nature on stage. She sets the standard for smart comedy, and her tongue-in-cheek edginess is why she continues to collect loyal fans in cities all over the world. Dana’s comedy has been seen by thousands of people in 25 states and 7 countries across the globe. She has performed at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, The Comedy Festival in Las Vegas produced by TBS and HBO, The San Francisco International comedy competition, and the Gay and Lesbian Comedy Festi-val in Dearborn Michigan. Dana performs at colleges, Universities, theaters and festival and can be found headlining at clubs like The Improv, The Laugh Factory and the World Famous Comedy Store.

Dana recorded her comedy special “One Night Stand Up” for LOGO at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, and she was voted “One of the Top Five Funniest Lesbians in America,” by CURVE Magazine, the nation’s number one selling lesbian magazine. Apart from her hilarious stand-up performances, Dana has also helped to raise over $200,000 for the Human Rights Campaign in the fight for LGBT equality and has raised over $50,000 for HIV/ AIDS organizations across the country to help support education and prevention. Dana has shared the national stage with President Barack Obama, Jane Lynch and the cast of GLEE, Lady Gaga, Kathy Griffin, Portia de Rossi, Judy Gold, David Brenner and Kathy Najimy. As the youngest child in a single parent household run by a Jewish mother in which two of three kids are gay, she helps keep most of the comedy venues and half of the psychotherapists in the country in business.

The Young Lions Sponsored by: Julia Wesselkamper - Coldwell Banker West Shell


It’s a celebration And everyone’s included

Employees of Bank of America are bringing the message of equality to people everywhere. Join us as we work to overcome every obstacle and celebrate every success. bankofamerica.com/diversity

©2016 Bank of America Corporation. | AD-11-15-0729.B | ARP5GWWY

Photo credit: Wayne White Photography


Syesha Mercado To witness Syesha Mercado’s rendition of Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “One Rock and Roll Too Many” from Starlight Express on American Idol was such a defining moment. That performance brought the audience to its feet and elicited rapturous praise from judges Randy Jackson (“you will be a huge Broadway star”), Paula Abdul (“you brought the house down!”) and even generally sour Simon Cowell (“as sexy as Michelle Pfieffer - one of your strongest performances!”) “When I was young, I was exposed to many kinds of music in my home,” Syesha explained. “I loved everything from gospel legend Yolanda Adams to Lauryn Hill. My sister had For my sixteenth birthday, my mom bought me my first Alicia Keys CD, which was a major influence.” Encouraging their talented daughter, her parents enrolled Syesha at theManatee School for the Arts, a charter middle school. “I was exposed to so much there -visual art, acting, dance, and, of course, singing.” She began pursuing on-camera acting, resulting in booking national spots for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Ford Motors, Winn Dixie and many others. She also added modeling to her resume during this period, something she still enjoys, having appeared over the last few years in the pages of many periodicals, from ELLE to Okay! In 2008, Syesha audition for the 7th season of American Idol, Fox’s phenomenally popular show and one of the top-rated programs in the country. That season saw a record turn out of over 100,000 hopefuls, but Mercado breezed through the audition process, nailing Aretha Franklin’s “Think” with the confidence and poise of a skilled veteran. Syesha’s American Idol experience in Hollywood found her rubbing elbows with legends like Dolly Parton, Donna Summer, Seal, and Mariah Carey, and winning the hearts of millions of fans who responded to her warmth, beauty and stylistic range. Ultimately, Syesha ended the season as second runnerup (and the last female standing), creating many memorable moments, like her stirring rendition of the classic “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Syesha’s success on American Idol resulted in a windfall of accolades and professional opportunities. In addition to being awarded the keys to the city of former hometowns Bradenton, Florida and Bridgeport, Connecticut, she participated in the American Idol LIVE Tour 2008, performing 53 concerts in 49 cities both in the United States and Canada and garnering a slew of positive reviews that singled her out. Mercado earned the night’s first (and only real) standing ovation for her rendition of the “Dreamgirls” tune ‘Listen.’ Nature gave Mercado her undeniable beauty, but poise, vocal showmanship, style, and persona, established Mercado as the tour’s leader by far.” As fate would have it, her rendition of the song landed her a lead role in the national touring production of “Dreamgirls.” Mercado has been touring the US and Japan in the role of Deena Jones since the newly conceived production of the stage musical opened at the Apollo Theater in Harlem in November 2009. In 2013 Syesha was cast to star in the role of “Nabulungi” in the smash hit musical “Book of Mormon.” Whether it is modeling, acting, recording, live performances, or charitable work, Syesha Mercado approaches each new endeavor with grace, humility, enormous talent, and a work ethic that is rare for a young performer. There is no doubt that for Syesha Mercado, the future is paved with gold.

Syesha lives in New York.


List current as of 3/1/16


our mission is clear

MAKING THE WORLD A M O R E C O M F O RTA B L E P L A C E : FOR EVERYONE.

800.789.5401

MGBWHOME.COM


At Cox, we believe the strength of our company lies in our commitment to equality. We embrace diversity through our people, communities, customers and suppliers. Together, we are united as one.

For more information on Cox Enterprises’ corporate responsibility programs please visit: www.coxinc.com


Igniting change The world’s workforce is evolving, and so is our understanding of inclusion. At Deloitte, we are leading from the front with our inclusive culture. It’s a source of opportunity, enrichment, and new thinking. And, it’s central to our lasting success.

www.deloitte.com/us/inclusion

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Copyright © 2016 Deloitte Development LLC. All rights reserved. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited


BRINGING GOODNESS TO EVERYONE

hersheycompany.com @hersheycompany


Business Advisory Council The HRC Business Council was founded in 1997 to support the Human Rights Campaign’s goal of creating an America where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are ensured of basic equal rights — and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. While not necessarily serving as official representatives of their companies, members provide expert advice and counsel on LGBT workplace issues based on their business experience and knowledge. Mostafa Abdelguelil (2015) Manager, Global Diversity & Inclusion Hyatt Hotels Corp.

Susan (Sue) McManus (2003) Vice President, Marketing Nationwide Insurance

Elizabeth (Betty) Amend (2013) Vice President, Human Resources UPS

Michelle Phillips (2014) Partner Jackson Lewis PC

John Barry (2004) Vice President & Relationship Manager Global Funds Services Northern Trust Corp.

Scott Sapperstein (2013) Assistant Vice President, Public Affairs AT&T

Wyndolyn (Wendy) C. Bell (2014) Senior Medical Director & Vice President, Health Care Strategies United Healthcare Kenneth (Ken) Charles (2014) Vice President, Global Inclusion & Staffing General Mills Richard Clark (2006) Chief Accounting Officer Accenture Ltd. Elaine DeCanio (2006) Region Manager Shell Oil Co. Rosanna Durruthy (2014) Chief Diversity Officer Cigna Lori Fox (2014) President & Founder Lori Fox Diversity Consulting Jeff Gabardi (2012) General Counsel DC Health Benefit Exchange Lanaya Irvin (2014) Director, Global Transaction Services Bank of America Michael Lopez (2015) Director, International Relations, PAC & State Government Relations Alcoa Inc.

Andrew (Andy) Sendall (2013) Director, Continuity of Business Citigroup Kurt Serrano (2015) Vice President, Human Resources Biogen Idec Corey Smith (2015) Manager of Corporate Compensation PetSmart Inc. Meghan Stabler (2008) Sr. Director/Advisor, Business Management, Marketing & Communications CA Technologies Charles (Chuck) Stephens (2007) Associate Director, Global Diversity & Inclusion Barclays Ed Westreicher (2013) (retired) The Coca-Cola Company



Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s proudly support The Human Rights Campaign and their mission of equality for all.

Love

Grow

E v o lv e


Board of Directors Lacey All Ian Barrett Bruce Bastian Vanessa Benavides Michael Berman Scott Bishop Chris Boone Paul Boskind Ken Britt Todd Canon Chris Carolan Bill Donius Patty Ellis Christopher Flynn Chad Griffin Kirk Hamill Suzanne Hamilton

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Foundation Board of Directors Gwen Baba Bruce Bastian Jay Biles Scott Bishop Todd Canon Edie Cofrin Bill Donius Patty Ellis Anne Fay Charlie Frew Chad Griffin Suzanne Hamilton Britt Kornmann Tom Kovach Joan Lau Andy Linsky

CA UT NC NC TX GA MO PA TX GA DC OH TX NV PA CA

Board of Governors Marilyn Abalos John Affuso Jack Albers Steve Amend Tal Anderson Debra Bacchi Jennifer Bajorek Greg Battaglia Andrew Beaudoin Christa Berry Brittany Binler Brooke Bishop Angel Boord Stefani Borg Blake Brockway Linda Brown K Jason Bryan Brian Buzby Rory Cahn

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James Harrison S. Kelly Herrick Tom Knabel Chris Labonte Ryan Levy DyShaun Muhammad Robert Newhart Bryan Parsons Lester Perryman Cat Reid Cheryl Rose Linda Scaparotti Ames Simmons Steve Sorenson Meghan Stabler Ben Waldman

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Joshua Miller Bryan Parsons Cheryl Rose John Ruffier Cathi Scalise Judy Shepard Ames Simmons Ashley Smith Michael Smithson Steve Sorenson Deb Taft Faye Tate Rebecca Tillet Paul Thompson Robb Webb

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Jeremy Carter Blaise Caudill Steven Cayton Angie Cottrell Dolores Covrigaru Thomas Cowley June Crenshaw Lynn Currie Lance Demaline Brad DiFiore Cristina DiGoia Jaime Duggan Ann Dyste Cate Eble Cordy Elkins Alex Ernst Xavier Esters Melanie Falls Chris Fasser

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Board of Governors Maria Fasulo Michael Fifield Gabe Fischer Taylor Fiscus Jenny Ford Ashley Fowler Sarah Garber Matt Garrett Ben Gibbs Melinda Greene Jon Groppe Anne Groth Lisa Guillory Erin Gurak Randall Hance Matt Hendry Gary Hilbert Ann Hooper Lon Hurst Bob Jacobson Alyssa Jones Korrine Johnson Ann Kaner-Roth Clayton Katz Dean Keppler Champ Knecht Kevin Knoblock Keith Laepple David Lahti Andrew Land Jason Laney Duane Lefevre Christine Lehtonen Luigi Lewin Victor Lim Alex Lindquist Chris Lindsey Anna Lineback Michael Long Thomas Macias Lisa Marchbanks Cody Martin David Martinez, III Dan Mauney Colette Melancon Rich Meyers Michael Moore Earnest Morgan Karen Morgan Missy Morgan Chris New Khoa Nguyen Roger Nyhus Derek Osterman Tonya Pachetti-Perkins Brandon Patterson Byron Pelt

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Angela Pisecco TX Densil Porteous OH Kaitlin Porter GA Ron Quinn NV Layne Rackley CA Victor Ravago CA Catherine Reid WA Brandie Reiner AZ Barry Robertson TX Marvin Rocha PA Geri Rochino CA Mario Rodas MA Liz Rodriguez TX Christian Rogers LA Andrea Rubin LA Brigid Scarbrough GA Paul Schiminsky NV Elizabeth Schlesinger MO Shelly Schoenfeld NC Dustin Schrecengost UT Alicia Schwarz MN Candice Shapiro MA Dan Slater CA Matt Smith TX Neil Smith NC Michael Smithson OH Greg Snow MA Katherine Sprissler-Klein PA Rick Straits OH Jeff Strater TX Rick Taylor OH Julian Tovar TX Bonnie Uphold CA Sean VanGorder NV Lauren Verrusio NY Melissa Vivanco TX Lou Weaver TX Jamaul Webster NY Aaron Weiner OH Amy White WA Andrew Winters MD Phillip Wright TX


Federal Club Council The Federal Club Council is comprised of donors making annual gifts starting at $5,000. Federal Club Council members (also known as HRC’s major donors) have the option of designating their gifts to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. As the HRC Foundation is a nonprofit 501 c3 charity, gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the full extend of the law. Through their generous giving, Federal Club Council members help fund the important work that empowers a wide variety of programs in educational outreach, informational services, and community events in our pursuit of fundamental fairness and equality for all. The Federal Club Council provides HRC members with the opportunity to demonstrate extraordinary support for the Human Rights Campaign’s mission of fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. HRC’s major donors provide the leadership, vision and resources that are critical to our work and mission. Make a powerful, personal statement in the fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equal rights – join or renew your membership in the Federal Club Council today!

House Council ($5,000 to $9,999) Ronny & Dave Beck Christopher Bolling & Stephen Peterson Borcherding Family Fund Dr. Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Ray Brown & Gene Barber Jeffrey Caywood & Robert Neel Richard A. Chizmadia & Richard A. Hobson John Fowler & Peter Laffoon Manuel Hernandez & Richard Postler Charles Knippen & Nate Moster Roger Henry LaGreca Joe Mendelsohn III Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Jim Obergefell

*Members as of 1/29/16


GE is proud to once again sponsor the Human Rights Campaign Greater Cincinnati Gala and is honored to receive the 2016 Corporate Equality Award. ge.com/glbta


CINCINNATI OPERA 2016 SEASON AT THE ARONOFF CENTER

Johann Strauss, Jr.

Die Fledermaus June 16 & 18 WORLD PREMIERE!

Gregory Spears & Greg Pierce

Fellow Travelers June 17–July 10 Ludwig van Beethoven

Fidelio

July 7 & 9 Giacomo Puccini

Tosca

July 23, 27 & 29

Subscriptions now on sale!

(513) 241-2742 cincinnatiopera.org Season Presenting Sponsor

Season Funder

Additional Support

The Corbett Foundation Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust


Congratulations to the

Cincinnati Men’sChorus celebrating Years of Song

25

See Them In Concert

April 2-3, 2016

Christ Church Cathedral

cincinnatimenschorus.org


THE NEED FOR

FULL FEDERAL LGBT EQUALITY IT’S TIME FOR A COMPREHENSIVE FEDERAL LGBT NON-DISCRIMINATION LAW. IT’S TIME FOR THE EQUALITY ACT.

THE PATCHWORK OF CURRENT LGBT LEGAL PROTECTIONS LEAVES MILLIONS SUBJECT TO UNCERTAINTY AND POTENTIAL DISCRIMINATION THAT IMPACTS THEIR SAFETY, THEIR FAMILY AND THEIR WAY OF LIFE.

Over 50% of LGBT Americans live in states where they risk being fired, denied housing or refused service because of who they are or whom they love.

EDUCATION Only 14 states + D.C. explicitly address discrimination against students based on sexual orientation and gender identity. WA MT

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Nearly two-thirds of LGBT Americans report having experienced discrimination in their personal lives.

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LGBT Americans who are creditworthy still risk being denied home or school loans, car leases or access to credit cards based on sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination.

There are no explicit protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity for jury discrimination at the federal level.

FEDERAL FUNDING LGBT people trying to access federally funded services risk discrimination or being denied service all together.

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EMPLOYMENT

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3 additional states explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation only.

Only 19 states + D.C. explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Of the LGBT Americans who have experienced discrimination, 47 percent report experiencing discrimination in the workplace.

47%

HOUSING

SERVICES & PUBLIC SPACES

Only 19 states + D.C. explicitly prohibit discrimination in housing based on sexual orientation and gender identity. WA MT

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Because there are no federal protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBT Americans can be denied service at restaurants, shops and hotels.

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40%

Up to 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Older LGBT adults are more likely to live in poverty and have fewer support systems in place than their non-LGBT counterparts.

73%

73 percent of LGBT people are worried about housing discrimination.

HRC.ORG/EQUALITYFORWARD | #EQUALITYFORWARD


join us in our fight for

equality WORKING FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER EQUAL RIGHTS

WWW.HRC.ORG



What it means to support the Human Rights Campaign’s movement for Equality as a member of the Federal Club The HRC Federal Club is a very important, long-term giving program that starts at a minimum of $100 a month and above. Your sustaining commitment ensures the Human Rights Campaign has the resources to fund our initiatives to elect fair-minded candidates, advance our community’s health and safety, protect and care for our families and create a fair and equitable workplace. Federal Club support ensures our political strength and ability to defend against the discriminatory radical right attacks that are happening on Capitol Hill and all across the country and to leverage the federal and state legislative opportunities in front of us. We hope you will consider what motivated you to be here tonight, and think about what more you can do to help achieve equality. If you are not a Federal Club member, we are asking you to become a member now! To our current dedicated Federal Club members – THANK YOU for your generous support! Our civil rights movement would not be where it is today without the decades of personal support from our Federal Club members. We hope you will consider renewing your commitment and increase your monthly pledge this evening. To members of our families, our friends and straight allies – we ask you to join with us tonight in expanding and diversifying our Federal Club membership. There will never be a better time to join us than right now. Federal Club members are the principle stakeholders and national leaders in the Human Rights Campaign’s fight for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. Join this extraordinary group whose generous support ensures HRC is a major force for equality! You can contact us at FedClub@hrc.org or use our convenient secure online site to become a Federal Club member at www.hrc.org/FCJoin Congressional Circle ($1,200 to $2,399) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Anonymous Victor Abler & Darrick Beekman Alejandro Aguirre Michael Alain & Charles McCombs Scott A. Allgyer & William A. Chappie Sarah Anne Amyotte & Laurie Leigh Benedum Christopher C. Andreae Laurie Bankston & Louise Snyder Gregory F. Berger Colin Beynon Robert M. Brockman Cliff Brown Lisa Butler & Datha Harrison Richard Cooke & Martin Wagner Michael Crandall & Richard Schnipke Wes Daughtry & Steve Kratzer Thomas & Florence DeWitt Scott Ditto & James Maschinot Tracey DuEst Julie Eddleman & Diane Cummins Stan Elliott & Jay Shatz Deborah Finlay Victor Gaffin & James Hart Jonathan Garrison & James Krumme Bruce Giffin & Joe Kiesler Nico Gonzalez & Derek Hoening Bill Gracie & Dan Fairbanks Stephen Haas & Dan Braunm Barbara J. Hammel & Sandra G. Smith

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Arthur Hasinski & Alan Kastner Brad Higginbotham Theresa Hirschauer Joshua & Melissa Hisle Donald Imwalle Julie Johnson & Julia Wesselkamper Rick Kay & Jim Kelly Mark & Betsy Kline M. Michelle Knight & Nicole Levandusky Thomas Knott Scott Knox & Ray Pater Eric Koren & Mark Wilson John R. Lafferty David Leonard & Joseph Danyluk Maureen Li & Karen Aronoff Natalie MacDonald & Mary Martini Michele McNamara Ryan Messer & James Musuraca Patrick & Brenda Mitchell Michael Moore Dr. Paul D. Moyer Anne E. Mulder & Rebecca M. Gibbs Phillip Nuxhall Dr. James Otworth Robert Przygoda & Allen Wynn Chase Rickey & Eric Anderson Trina Rigdon & Denise Mikolainis James T. Riley D. Scott Ruck Cathy Sarky Steve Sendelbeck & Darren Turner Ioannis (Yannis) Skoufalos

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Dr. Charles R. Sowder Pamela & Craig Stimmel Brett Stover & Christopher Hasall Scott R. Swan Scott Taylor & Chad Nielson Sherman Taylor Lisa Thal & Olivia Birkenhauer Sara M. & Michelle Vance Waddell Eugene VanLeeuwen & Jeff Amend Joni Vest, M.D. & Leah Abla Monica Weakley & Sharon McCormick Aaron Weiner


“It’s IN to be OUT at Kroger!”

425,000 Employees, 8 Million Daily Customers,

One HRC Affinity Group

of the year Award

RP

AN

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S

&

M

O RAT E B RAN

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U FA C T U R I

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Human Rights Campaign Staff • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ajay Abraham, Executive Assistant to the President Hyacinth Alvaran, Senior Diversity Program Manager Sam Anderson, Foundation Assistant Florence Areke, Staff Accountant Tim Bahr, Director of Major Gifts & Foundation Giving Beck Bailey, Deputy Director, Employee Engagement Programs Jennifer Bailey, Senior Public Policy Advocate Daniel Ball, Mississippi Faith Organizer Sandee Barnes-Loveday, Finance Manager Evelyn Barouch, Sales Associate Sarah Beeson, Online Strategy Writer Sarah Birnie, Deputy Director, Analytics & Strategy Lynne Bowman, Regional Field Director Jason Bricker, Director of Corporate Development Kerry Brodie, Press Secretary, Global Engagement Jay Brown, Director of Research & Public Education Michael Burke, Project One America Program Manager Alex Burks, Staff Accountant Bonnie Casillas, Executive Board Relations Temp Trevor Chandler, Associate Regional Field Director Steven Churchill, Director of Technology Lindsey Clark, Regional Field Organizer Kevin Clift, Federal Club Director Jane Coaston, Writer Ty Cobb, Director of Global Engagement Liz Cooper, Associate Director, Corporate Equality Programs Ann Crowley, Vice President, Membership & Online Strategy Tony Cuffey, Computer Support Specialist Olivia Alair Dalton, Senior Vice President, Communications & Marketing Jordan Dashow, Policy Assistant Justin Davis, Religion & Faith Program Assistant Steffan DeClue, Associate Director of Foundation Relations Alison Delpercio, Deputy Director, Children, Youth & Families Program Denise Donnell, Arkansas Faith Organizer Amy Driver, Associate Director of Events Operations Johanna Eager, Welcoming Schools Director Maurice Eckstein, Communities & Volunteer Relations Manager Matt Eppright, Membership Outreach Manager Rob Falk, General Counsel Deena Fidas, Director, Workplace Equality Program Macarthur Flournoy, Director of Faith Partnerships & Mobilization Ashley Fowler, Global Coordinator Jean Freedberg, Deputy Director of Global Engagement Lesley Frohling, Associate Director, Member Services & Canvass Richard Gagliano, Deputy Director of Events Marcos Garcia, Senior Manager, Health & Aging Program Justin Giaquinto, Associate Director, Corporate Development

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Alison Gill, Senior Legislative Counsel Candace Gingrich, Associate Director, Campus Engagement & Internship Program Charles Girard, Welcoming Schools Coordinator Noel Gordon, Senior Specialist For HIV Prevention & Health Equity Carl Graci, Operations Coordinator Dane Grams, Director, Direct Response & Monthly Giving Andrea Green, Finance Director Remington Gregg, Legislative Counsel Chad Griffin, President Liz Halloran, Press Secretary, Public Education Tari Hanneman, Deputy Director, Health & Aging Program Zack Hasychak, Associate Director, Membership Outreach & Community Events Harry Hawkins, Mississippi Field Organizer Hillary Hearn, Staff Accountant Lauren Heasley, Field Coordinator Kristen Hildreth, Legal Coordinator Rob Hill, Mississippi State Director, Project One America Ted Holmquist, Senior Manager, Communities & Volunteer Relations Nancy Hooper, Partners Monthly Giving Coordinator Kristian Hoysradt, Policy & Political Affairs Manager Janice Hughes, Director of Publications Darrin Hurwitz, Deputy General Counsel Valerie Jackson, Revenue Specialist Allison Jaslow, Presidential Equality Initiative Director Kaela Jeffers, Multimedia Coordinator Ashley Jeffrey, Foundation Coordinator Kendra Johnson, Arkansas State Director, Project One America Mitch Johnson, Board Relations Manager Christal Jones, Senior Manager, Database Operations Jeremy Kadden, Senior International Policy Advocate Ellen Kahn, Director, Children, Youth & Families Program Cassidy Karakorn, Deputy Director, Consumer Marketing Anastasia Khoo, Chief Marketing Officer Don Kiser, Creative Director Collen Kutney, Legal Department Program Manager Ken Labombard, Deputy Director, Development & Membership Operations Marcus Lee, Email Campaign Manager Andrea Levario, Senior Public Policy Advocate Mollie Levin, Director of Events Jordan Long, Associate Director, Global Brandon Lorenz, Communications Campaign Director Jason Lott, Deputy Director, Direct Response & Monthly Giving Ana Ma, Chief Operating Officer & Chief of Staff Sawyeh Maghsoodloo, Canvass Operations Assistant Steffi Mangelsdorf, Communities And Volunteer Relations Assistant Robin Maril, Senior Legislative Counsel Adam Marquez, Associate Director, Corporate Development


Around here, being yourself is a job requirement. When we encourage Googlers to express themselves, we really mean it. In fact, we count on it. Intellectual curiosity and diverse perspectives drive our policies, our work environment, our perks, and our profits. At Google, we don’t just accept difference -- we thrive on it. We celebrate it. And support it, for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. We are proud that Google’s spirit of inclusion has been recognized with a 100% HRC Corporate Equality Index rating for seven years in a row. We congratulate HRC for all of its work furthering equal rights for the LGBT community and look forward to our continued partnership.

www.google.com/diversity


Human Rights Campaign Staff (continued) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Shane Martin, General Manager, San Francisco Action Center & Store Issac Mason, Senior Major Gifts Operations Manager Rose Matias, Data Coordinator Bradley Mayer, Associate Director, Consumer Marketing Maureen McCarty, Deputy Director, Marketing Lisbeth Melendez Rivera, Director of Latino & Catholic Initiatives Ianthe Metzger, Communications Coordinator Erin Miller, Associate Director, Communities & Volunteer Relations Hayley Miller, Senior Digital Media Associate Mike Mings, PAC Director Mayra Molina, Operations Coordinator Laya Monarez, Membership Events & Operations Coordinator Shveta Mukherjee, Accounting & Payroll Manager Denis Munoz, Systems Administrator Gabe Murchison, Senior Research Manager Ben Needham, Project One America Director Cathy Nelson, Senior Vice President, Development & Membership Frank November, Director, Volunteer Leadership & Strategic Development Cathryn Oakley, Senior Legislative Counsel Susan Paine, Director, Analytics & Strategy Rashika Pedris, Development Coordinator Rena Peng, Workplace Equality Program Coordinator Xavier Persad, Junior Legislative Counsel Stephen Peters, National Press Secretary Jeremy Pittman, Deputy Field Director Kyser Pogue, Computer Support Specialist Vincent Pompei, Director, Youth Well-Being Project & Time to Thrive Sam Putnam, Senior Data Analyst Denisha Queen, Federal Club Coordinator Karin Quimby, Deputy Director, Project One America Jason Rahlan, Communications Director Hector Ranero, Membership Services Coordinator Catherine Ratelle, Membership Outreach Coordinator James Rector, Arkansas Field Organizer Wendy Reed, Deputy Director, Federal Club Casey Reever Whiting, Associate Director, Federal Club Jean-Phillipe Regis, Manager, Children, Youth & Families Program Cathy Reno, Senior General Manager, Provincetown Action Center & Store Josh Rentschler, Consumer Marketing Coordinator Kirk Rice, Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts Kyle Richardson, Staff Accountant Jim Rinefierd, Vice President, Operations & Finance Margot Rosen, Director, Membership Outreach Rebecca Ross, Director, Human Resources Marty Rouse, National Field Director Ryan Rowe, Associate Regional Field Director David Salisbury, Online Communications Manager Susanne Salkind, Vice President, Human Resources & Leadership Development

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

John Sapienza, Systems Administrator Joe Saunders, Regional Field Director Jon Schadt, Human Resources Coordinator James Servino, Associate Director, Online Fundraising & Advocacy Ben Shallenberger, Senior Multimedia Manager Jessie Sheffield, Marketing Coordinator Beth Sherouse, Senior Content Manager Kyle Shumard, Sales Associate, San Francisco Action Center & Store Christopher Silvia, Development Operations Coordinator Emily Simeral, Digital Media Coordinator Carolyn Simon, Deputy Director, Digital Media Tori Sisson, Alabama Field Organizer Julie Sledjeski, Direct Response Coordinator Paul Smith, Controller Justin Snow, Senior Writer Chris Speron, Vice President, Development David Stacy, Government Affairs Director Erika Starr, Opposition Research Manager Baraq Stein, Events Manager Sarah Streyle, Associate Director of Design Adam Swaim, Director, Estate Planning David Swanson, Senior Staff Accountant Joseph Tapp, Senior Major Gifts Officer Marvell Terry, HIV & Aids Project Fellow Saurav Jung Thapa, Associate Director, Global Research Cassandra Thomas, Associate Director of Federal Club Operations Alec Thomson, Regional Field Organizer Monchai Thongsawai, Operations Events Manager Patricia Todd, Alabama State Director, Project One America Michael Toumayan, Religion & Faith Program Manager Meg Tsuda, Workplace Equality Program Assistant Lindsey Twombly, Deputy Director of Social Media & Online Strategy Nick Veach, Campaign & Candidate Fundraiser Bob Villaflor, Design Director Eva Walton, Alabama Faith Organizer Sarah Warbelow, Legal Director Mike Wilkinson, Associate Director of Events Ryan Wilson, Senior Regional Field Organizer John Winter, Operations Manager, San Francisco Action Center & Store JoDee Winterhof, Senior Vice President, Policy & Political Affairs Hope Wisneski, Regional Field Director Ken Woodhouse, Major Gifts Stewardship Manager Monique Wright, Senior Payroll Specialist David Yu, Senior Major Gifts Officer


Frost Brown Todd proudly supports HRC Greater Cincinnati and its commitment to ending discrimination against the LGBT community and achieving

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HRC Board Alumni

We are grateful to the former members of the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Boards of Directors for their dedicated service.

HRC Emeritus Council The HRC Emeritus Council -- comprised entirely of HRC board alumni -- provides leadership in the engagement of former HRC and HRCF Board members, serves as an ambassador for HRC at both the local and national level, and assists in the orientation and mentoring of new board members. David Beckwith Ken Britt Lawrie Demorest Tim Downing Mike Holloman Barry Karas Joni Madison Lucilo Pe単a Dana Perlman John Sullivan Rebecca Tillet

CA GA GA OH TX DC NC TX CA MN PA

HRC Board Alumni Over 100 former board members of HRC and HRCF remain actively engaged in the life of the organization through various volunteer efforts and stewardship at both the local and national level. Diane Abbitt Kimberly Allman Laura Altschul Virginia Apuzzo Michael Armentrout Steve Atkinson Elena Baca Desi Bailey Joe Barrows John Barry Vic Basile Kevin Bass Les Bendtsen Betsy Billard Tammy Billik Linda Blackmore Joseph Blount Tim Boggs Jeanne Branson Mary Breslauer Wally Brewster Tom Buche Philip Burgess Deiadra Burns Blake Byrne Lee Carter Marjorie Chorlins Daniel Cochran Richard Colbert Dennis Coleman

Stampp Corbin Rebecca Covell Jane Daroff Fiona Dawson Curt Decker Q. Todd Dickinson Michael Duffy Ingrid Duran Clint Eddy Linda Elliott Amy Errett Kate Falberg Julia Fitz-Randolph Mark French Lois Galgay-Reckitt Jody Gates Michael Gelpi Giberto Gerald Stephen Gilhooly Stephen Glassman Mitchell Gold Antoinette Grabler-Jaffe Michael Grossman Steve Gunderson Carolyn Hall Everett Hamilton Nancy Hamilton Stephanie Hart Sandra Hartness Fred Hochberg

Ray Hom Mary Jo Hudson John Isa Leeann Jones Ayse Kenmore Garry Kief Paul Kuntzler Marty Lieberman Jani Lopez Anton Mack Candy Marcum Lory Masters Vincent McCarthy David Medina David Mixner David Muck Stosh Ostrow Michael Palmer Terry Penrod Tina Podlodowski Trevor Potter Nicole Ramirez Victoria Raymont Steven Reid Karla Rikansrud Gov. Barbara Roberts Henry Robin Henry Rosales Hilary Rosen George Rosenfield

Worth Ross Abby Rubenfeld Jeff Sachse Maria Salas Daniel Salera Craig Sannum Andrea Sharrin Steven Shellabarger Lisa Sherman Mary Snider David Stainton Jill Stauffer Jessica Stevens Gary Teixeira Andrew Tobias Jeff Trammell Jeff Trandahl Richard Turner Alan Uphold Anthony Verona Janis Verruso Jerry Weller Brad White David Wilson Frank Woo Kerry Woodward Mary Kay Wright



We are proud to support The Human Rights Campaign. The Hansen Group Andrew Cencula Financial Advisor 513.579.3601 • andrew.cencula@ml.com 425 Walnut Street, Suite 2500 Cincinnati, OH 45202 fa.ml.com/paul_hansen

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Building healthier communities together. TriHealth is proud to sponsor the 7th Annual Human Rights Campaign of Greater Cincinnati’s ‘Cincinnati Stronger Together' Gala Dinner. We’re dedicated to helping you improve the quality of your life. That’s why our unified system of physicians, hospitals and communities work together to help you live better. We know that by working with organizations like the Human Rights Campaign our communities will continue to grow strong and flourish.

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United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 75 is a union of 30,000 working people united to improve our industries and our communities. We’re standing together for good jobs, strong communities, and a better future for all working people, because when workers win, we all win. UFCW Local 75 877-665-0075 ufcw75.org facebook.com/ufcw75 @ufcw75


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We believe in equality, community and a place to call home. Coldwell Banker West Shell is proud to support the Human Rights Campaign.

ColdwellBankerHomes.com Š2016 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker West Shell fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker West Shell are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker West Shell.


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Not every story ends happily ever after. Mills James is committed to doing what we can to change that. We’re proud to support the Human Rights Campaign and its vision to achieve equal rights for LGBT Americans. It’s a story that deserves a happy ending. Mills James. The official sponsor of happily ever after.

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At Huntington, we believe that the strongest communities are the ones in which every voice is heard. Because a diversity of perspective, experience and ideas just leads to better all-around outcomes for everyone. That’s why we’re proud to support the LGBT community and their allies. And that’s why we say to every customer and colleague who walks through our doors, Welcome.

Member FDIC. ® and Huntington® are federally registered service marks of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. Huntington® Welcome.™ is a service mark of Huntington Bancshares Incorporated. © 2016 Huntington Bancshares Incorporated.


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WHAT WE DO The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. Since 1980, we have been fighting for a better future for LGBT Americans. Today, we’re facing our biggest challenges yet. After a series of historic victories for LGBT people, this country remains divided into two Americas: one America increasingly equal, the other still lacking the most basic measures of equality, including full state and federal protections. With a grassroots force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide, HRC is working every day for full federal equality for LGBT Americans, uniting this country under a single banner of fairness.

MARRIAGE In June, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed — at long last — that every American has a fundamental right to marry the person they love, no matter who they are or where they happen to live. The Court’s Obergefell decision was decades in the making, and HRC is proud to have helped build momentum for marriage equality by changing hearts and minds, securing legislative and ballot measure wins, engaging businesses and faith communities, and electing pro-equality candidates. And we’re continuing to work to ensure the decision is fully implemented everywhere.

ANTI-LGBT LEGISLATION Earlier this year, legislative challenges to LGBT equality emerged in nearly 30 states. These included so-called “religious freedom” bills aimed at permitting discrimination based on personal religious beliefs and legislation that puts transgender and gender-nonconforming people at risk. In 2015, HRC worked to battle back more than a hundred negative pieces of legislation aimed at harming the LGBT community, and is committed to aggressively fighting these threats to equality from those who seek to undermine our hard-earned victories. And we’re leading the opposition to similar measures in Congress.

FULL FEDERAL EQUALITY HRC is leading the charge for the Equality Act, a federal non-discrimination bill that would ensure that LGBT Americans have explicit protections in employment, housing, public services and spaces, and other important areas of their daily lives. The time has come for this nation’s laws to catch up to the values of its people. No transgender person should worry about being evicted from their apartment simply because of who they are. No gay person should fear being fired simply for marrying the person that they love. And HRC is mounting an unprecedented campaign to guarantee a national resolution to anti-LGBT discrimination.

ENGAGING THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION HRC is working closely with the Obama Administration to expand LGBT equality by instituting much-needed policy changes that will not require congressional action. HRC has made significant progress towards ending the outdated policy banning transgender people from serving in our nation’s military, while continuing to ensure that federal hate crimes protections are fully enforced. HRC is pushing to eliminate discrimination in our healthcare system, fighting to ensure that LGBT students are safe and supported in schools, and working to prohibit any program receiving federal funding from being able to discriminate against LGBT people.

ELECTING A PRO-EQUALITY PRESIDENT In February, the Human Rights Campaign released early research and polling on the 2016 candidates, which TIME Magazine called an early “first shot” at the Republican field of candidates who oppose LGBT equality. Since then, HRC has led the way in educating campaign reporters and the public about what’s at stake in this election — whether it’s holding Scott Walker accountable for saying he doesn’t know whether being LGBT is a choice, Marco Rubio for supporting dangerous conversion therapy, John Kasich for refusing to support non-discrimination protections in Ohio, or Jeb Bush and Rand Paul for supporting Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis and her efforts to discriminate against LGBT people.

EQUALITY AT THE CITY AND STATE LEVEL By working at the grassroots level with advocacy groups and fair-minded lawmakers, we are working toward equality in every town, in every state. HRC’s field and legal teams closely monitor state and municipal legislation and provide strategy, technical and financial support, and staff to elected officials and our coalition partners throughout the country, ensuring our commitment to equality on the ground level. Entering its fourth year, our Municipal Equality Index (MEI) has helped cities and towns from the heartland to the coasts enact laws, ordinances and policies that improve the lives of LGBT people. In addition, this year we premiered our State Equality Index (SEI) to provide a roadmap for states in enacting full legal equality.

A FIRM FOUNDATION Over the past two decades, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation has helped lead a quiet revolution in this country. The Corporate Equality Index has transformed how employers embrace LGBT employees — and helped Corporate America become one of equality’s greatest champions. The Healthcare Equality Index has dramatically expanded the number of healthcare facilities that guarantee top-notch

care for LGBT patients. Our Welcoming Schools trainings have cultivated more inclusive classrooms for tens of thousands of students. And our Religion & Faith Program has opened hearts, minds, and entire congregations to LGBT people and families. Today, we’re committed to reaching millions more.

TRANSGENDER EQUALITY While we are in an unprecedented time of visibility for transgender Americans, harassment, discrimination and violence persist. HRC works to educate the public, increase awareness and provide a range of resources on challenges facing the transgender community. From our work in corporate America bringing transgenderinclusive health care policies to millions of employees, to our expanding efforts supporting transgender youth and their parents, teachers and healthcare providers, HRC is working are working to eliminate barriers facing transgender people in their lives each and every day.

PROJECT ONE AMERICA In 2014, HRC launched Project One America — an unprecedented, $8.5 million campaign to advance equality in the Deep South. Through permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas, Project One America is bringing HRC’s work to more LGBT people and allies than ever before. With more than a dozen full-time staff and dedicated offices in each of the three states, this is an all-out grassroots campaign at a decisive moment in this movement.

GLOBAL EQUALITY In 2011, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared before the United Nations in Geneva that “LGBT rights are human rights.” That same year, President Obama told the nation that the “struggle to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States’ commitment to promoting human rights.” These fundamental truths are the core principles of HRC Global, a major effort to strengthen the global equality movement and counter American extremists attempting to export antiLGBT laws and sentiments around the world. As dangerous new anti-LGBT laws emerge across the globe from Russia to Nigeria, HRC Global is fighting to call out American organizations that export hate abroad and ensure that American foreign policy protects the human rights of LGBT people — strengthening the global equality movement through partnerships and fellowships with LGBT organizations and advocates around the world.

FAIR-MINDED REPRESENTATION HRC’s Political Action Committee has been among the National Journal’s toprated PACs in the past, with more than 85 percent of our endorsees winning their elections. Since 1980, we have helped elect fair-minded candidates across the country, ensuring that the voice of equality is heard in statehouses and on Capitol Hill. HRC provides a range of support, including staff time, messaging development, fundraising and volunteers.

HIV AND AIDS With new advocacy, treatment options and preventative measures revolutionizing the conversation around HIV/AIDS, HRC continues to fight for a robust national response to HIV and AIDS, which still disproportionately affects the LGBT community. HRC is proud to help tackle stigma and to lobby for the full funding of critical prevention, treatment and research programs grounded in sound science, not narrow ideology. In the last year alone, we’ve reached more than 5.5 million people delivering new resources and important messages around HIV prevention, care and treatment.

IN THE COMMUNITY HRC is committed to making sure that our outreach efforts reflect the diversity of our movement and the communities where we work and live. Through diverse programs — such as the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program and our Welcoming Schools program — we are working to provide LGBT people of color and allies with tools and support to better address the challenges they face at the intersections of racial and anti-LGBT discrimination. We also partner with organizations that work specifically with people of color to educate the public on the heightened disparities faced by LGBT people of color — such as the crisis of anti-transgender violence. And as we continue our efforts on HIV and AIDS, we are producing educational resources in both English and Spanish, and elevating the voices of LGBT people of color, who continue to be disproportionately affected.



ABOUT

T

he Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest organization working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. Our vision of a fair and equal world starts with the most basic aspects of daily life — family, work and the community. HRC represents a grassroots force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters working every day to make LGBT equality a reality. This year, HRC is taking on our most ambitious agenda ever.

GOALS

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• Mobilizing support in the states to pass local and statewide measures protecting LGBT people, same-sex couples and their families; • Ensuring LGBT patients and their families are treated equally when accessing healthcare; • Ensuring that healthcare providers give culturally competent care to LGBT people, and educating the public and providers about HIV prevention, treatment and care strategies; • Building diverse coalitions of religious leaders who are LGBT-supportive and empowering people of faith to advocate on behalf of transgender people; • Continuing to lead corporate America to institute equal workplace policies;

Free with Membership!

THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN Get the country’s largest-circulation LGBT magazine! Equality magazine is free with HRC membership. Get Equality and read our in-depth interviews with LGBT people and allies on Capitol Hill, in Hollywood and across the country. Get special updates, photos and calls to action. Visit www.hrc.org/join and join the hundreds of thousands who get Equality four times a year!

• Passing a comprehensive federal nondiscrimination bill ensuring individuals cannot be fired, denied housing or refused service based on their sexual orientation and gender identity; • Collaborating with LGBT movements and leaders across the globe to support their work, and exposing the efforts of American exporters of hate; • Finding permanent families for children by helping child welfare professionals implement a program to promote fairness for LGBT foster and adoptive parents; and • Reducing bullying through passing federal legislation addressing anti-LGBT bullying and discrimination, and getting at the root of bullying with our Welcoming Schools program’s tools for elementary schools.

For as little as $35, you can become an HRC member… Join us in the fight for LGBT equality! Make your contribution today — for as little as $35 a year. Or join Partners with a monthly gift automatically charged to your credit card. Just visit www.hrc.org/join.

To get HRC’s publications online, visit www.hrc.org/publications.


Her will provides for her wife, her niece and a future when everyone, everywhere, enjoys full equality.

Make your dreams for the future a reality by leaving a gift for HRC in your will or trust. Including HRC as a beneficiary is the best way to ensure that your values live on for future generations. For more information, contact Adam Swaim, director of estate planning, at 866-772-9499, adam.swaim@hrc.org, or visit hrc.org/legacy.

Leave a gift for HRC in your will or trust.


HRC Equality Circle Ensuring the Future of Equality We gratefully acknowledge the following individuals from Greater Cincinnati and surrounding communities for thoughtfully expressing their long-term commitment to the work of the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation through legacy gifts in their estate plans. For more information on the HRC Equality Circle or to make additions and corrections to this list, please visit www.hrc.org/legacy or contact Adam Swaim, Director of Estate Planning, at adam.swaim@hrc.org or 202-216-1563 HRC is honored to be a part of their legacy of equality Anonymous Richard Allen Matthew L. Arnold Robert J. Auth* Dr. Robert B. Benyo* Claudia Bjerre Eric Cejer Richard A. Chizmadia Carol Cosler Jane Daroff Robert B. Daroff Sr. Robert Dean Daniel A. Dietz* Timothy J. Downing David Ellis Christopher J. Forst Dr. Howard R. Fradkin John Frase Alena V. Hagedorn Dennis L. Hamilton Suzanne Hamilton Barbara Havens Bo Headlam Paul Hixon Richard A. Hobson Anne C. Huntington Harry E. Jackson Pepe N. Johnson Douglas L. Kauffman Peter Kengeter

*Deceased As of Feb. 2, 2016

Kathy Lieske Charlene Ligo Jeffrey Mackey Debra L. Matesich Jerrie Metz Lisa K. Mitchell Sherrie Moore Stacey Parker Terry W. Penrod William R. Phillips* Densil Porteous Brett W. Porter James M. Rampe* Cheryl Richey Cheryl Rose Peter L. Schofield Jon Shaffer J. Shamp Steven M. Shellabarger Dr. Bernadette C. Vankeerbergen William West Tom Wilson Michael Wojtanowski Raymond J. Wolf* David A. Worthington Josh Worthington James B. Wozniak* Lisa K. Zellner Mary Rose J. Zink


THANK YOU

THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION salutes our Foundation Partners with our heartfelt thanks. American Council Of Learned Societies Anonymous AT&T Awearness, The Kenneth Cole Foundation Bank Of America Foundation BBVA Compass Foundation Black Tie Dinner, Inc. David Bohnett Foundation Brown-Forman E. Rhodes And Leona B. Carpenter Foundation The Coca-Cola Foundation Collinwood Foundation Google Elton John AIDS Foundation The John C. Kish Foundation JP Morgan Chase Foundation The Kors-Lepere Foundation Levi Strauss Foundation Margaret And Daniel Loeb — Third Point Foundation Metlife Foundation Microsoft The Morningstar Foundation National Education Association Nike The Paul E. Singer Foundation Pepsico Foundation Pfizer, Inc. PhRMA The Sherwood Foundation Tie The Knot Time Warner UPS Foundation, Inc. Wells Fargo Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to care for their families, earn a living and live open, honest and safe lives at home, at work and in the community. The HRC Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. For more information about our work, visit www.hrc.org/foundation Current as of January 1, 2016.



Equality and diversity make us stronger. Apple is proud to support HRC and its mission of equality. We believe that inclusion inspires innovation.


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