FEBRUARY 8, 2025
PRESENTING
DIAMOND
PLATINUM
IN-KIND
as of 2/6/25
SILVER
BRONZE
FENIX
FENIX
FENIX
FENIX
FENIX
as of 1/22/25
WELCOME LETTER
Thank you for joining us for the 2025 HRC North Carolina Dinner. Tonight is an evening to celebrate our accomplishments and support our work to ensure equality. As we look ahead, let’s also reflect on where we have been.
Unfortunately, as we are so frequently reminded, those who wish to do harm in our community will continue to do so no matter who is in office. Over the past two years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country. We have seen over 400 bills directed to hurt our community in multiple states including North Carolina. Even in 2025, many states still do not have nondiscriminatory policies in place to protect our community within the health, employment, and housing sectors. Hate crimes and murders against our transgender community, and specifically trans women of color are exponentially higher today than at any other point in our history.
We must fight back to send a message that hateful measures taken against our community will not stand. An injustice against one of us is an injustice against all of us. We cannot be distracted as we approach another pivotal election. The time to act is now. And this is why we are here tonight: to take action.
This evening you will hear from changemakers that reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ movement for Equality. We hope you listen carefully to their stories and use their message to energize, empower and engage. There continues to be has never been a more important moment in history for us to work harder than ever before.
Thank you for joining us for this evening of action.
SARAH CASTLEMAN AND DAN CARY
HRC North Carolina Dinner Co-Chairs
KELLEY ROBINSON HRC PRESIDENT
Kelley Robinson is the ninth president of the Human Rights Campaign — the first Black, Queer woman to lead the organization. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality and liberation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. Robinson — widely respected for her work over the last 15 years creating and leading winning campaigns and programs — stepped into her new role at HRC after serving as Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. From community organizer to progressive leader, Robinson has been at the forefront in the fight for bodily autonomy and racial and gender equity, with a focus on lifting up marginalized communities and building political power. Robinson will lead HRC — and its more than 3 million member advocates — as the organization fulfills its mission to realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
QUEEN CITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
DAN MAUNEY EQUALITY AWARD
Located just outside of Uptown Charlotte, Queen City Animal Hospital has been a trusted part of the community since 2019. Nestled between Plaza Midwood and NoDa, it remains one of the few truly local, independently owned veterinary hospitals in the city.
Queen City Animal Hospital was founded on a commitment to excellence in veterinary care while fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. As a gay, lesbian, and ally-owned practice, the hospital lives loud and proud in its values—championing diversity, compassion, and community. From the beginning, creating a supportive and empowering workplace for its diverse team has been just as important as providing top-tier pet care. The leadership team is dedicated to advocating for their staff’s well-being, both in and out of the workplace, ensuring they have the resources, respect, and balance needed to thrive in a demanding industry and world.
Beyond the hospital walls, the team at Queen City Animal Hospital is deeply involved in advocacy and outreach efforts throughout Charlotte. Whether it’s supporting local LGBTQ+ initiatives or partnering with rescue organizations, the hospital is committed to making a positive impact. The team believes in standing up for both pets and people, fostering a stronger, more inclusive community.
Over the past five years, Queen City Animal Hospital has worked diligently to achieve multiple accreditations and certifications to ensure the highest standard of pet care. As a Fear Free Certified, AAHA Accredited, and Cat-Friendly Gold Practice, they prioritize both the emotional and physical well-being of their patients, making veterinary visits as stress-free as possible. The hospital offers expert care for a wide range of species, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rodents, small mammals, and aquatic pets.
More than just a veterinary clinic, Queen City Animal Hospital is a true community-driven practice—a place where pets receive outstanding medical care, pet owners feel valued, and veterinary professionals are supported. The hospital is honored to serve Charlotte’s pets and the people who love them.
Along life’s journey, let’s travel together.
American Airlines is a longstanding partner of the Human Rights Campaign.
American is a proud advocate for LGBTQ rights in Washington DC and beyond.
KIMBERLY LOCKE SPECIAL GUEST
Kimberley Locke’s career took off after being the last girl standing on Season 2 of American Idol and has since continued to work in the entertainment industry in various capacities. While singing continues to be her anchor, she’s also a motivational speaker & coach, and she loves to cook. You can catch her online cooking show, “What’s Cooking with Kimberley” on YouTube. Over the last few years, she’s been whipping up some delicious recipes as the co-host with the legendary Chef Emeril Lagasse on “Everyday Emeril.”
This past year Kimberley released 2 music projects, a lullaby album titled, “You’re My Baby” and a new Christmas album titled, “Christmas Is Here.” Kimberley’s last Christmas album was released in 2005 and had three #1 songs on the charts which lead Billboard Magazine to coin her as “The Queen of Christmas.” The title single from the new album “Christmas Is Here” is a cover originally performed by the late great Donna Summer. The album is comprised of some fun and obscure holiday covers as well as a few originals. This album has a bit of a retro, funky feel which can be attributed to the band EMP3 out of Brooklyn, NY. Kimberley and the band are giving you up beat holiday music that will lift your spirits and make your season bright!
In 2011 Kimberley created I AM Entertainment, a company created for artists by artists where she consults with other aspiring and established artist to grow their brand and help them cultivate and tell their stories to a broader audience. It’s a very exciting time for I AM Entertainment as they are currently expanding, offering services to other businesses and non-profits alike.
Google is proud to support the Human Rights Campaign in a shared pursuit of building a world where everyone belongs.
DANA GOLDBERG
COMEDIAN
As seen on TBS, ABC, LOGO, and Last Comic Standing, veteran comedian Dana Goldberg is a force of nature on stage. With performances at the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, The Comedy Festival produced by TBS and HBO, and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland; her quick wit and playful stage presence have her earning loyal fans across the country and abroad.
A crowd favorite, Goldberg has become a triple threat combining her comedy, hosting, and live auction talents to become one of the most sought after entertainers on the circuit. Voted one of the “Top Five Funniest Lesbians In America,” Curve magazine raves, “Goldberg is one of the brightest lights in a stellar comedy landscape.” Advocate.com named Goldberg one of the top three LGBT comedians in the nation.
In addition to headlining clubs, theaters and festivals around the country, Goldberg has performed at and emceed dozens of high profile events and has shared the national stage with luminaries such as President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, former President Bill Clinton, Meryl Streep, Katy Perry, Kerry Washington, Jennifer Lopez, Carol Burnett, Sir Elton John, Mariah Carey, Shonda Rhimes, and many more.
Combining her gift of humor with humanitarian efforts, Goldberg has raised over 20 million dollars for non-profits around the country in the fight for marriage equality, LGBT rights, women’s health, and HIV and AIDS education and prevention. As the youngest child in a single parent household run by a Jewish mother in which two of three kids are gay, Goldberg helps keep most of the comedy venues and half of the psychotherapists in the country in business.
For more information on Dana Goldberg visit www.danagoldberg.com
T H E H U M A N R I G H T S
CA M PA I G N F O U N DAT I O N salutes our Foundation Partners with our heartfelt thanks.
ACLU
ADM
Albertsons
Amazon
Anonymous
Assurant
Baker Hughes
Bank of America
Bath and Body Works
Black Tie Dinner, Inc.
Bloomingdales
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Collingwood Foundation
Comic Relief
CVS Health
Danaher Foundation
David Bohnett Foundation
Enova International
Everytown for Gun Safety
Fortive Foundation
Fred Says
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
Kors Le Pere Foundation, The
Kroll
LEGO
Levi Strauss & Co.
Luminate
Lyft, Inc.
Marsh & McLennan Agency
McDonald’s
Morningstar Foundation, The
National Education Association
Neiman Marcus
Nestlé
Nike
PepsiCo Foundation, The Pfizer
PhRMA
Pretium
Pronoun
PwC
Raymond James Financial Inc.
RTX
Sempra
S&P Global
Spring Point Partners
TJX Companies
T-Mobile
Toyota
United Airlines
UPS Foundation
USAA
Vanguard
Verizon
ViiV Healthcare
Walt Disney Company
Wells Fargo Foundation
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund
Workday 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 H RC Foundation is a non-profit t ax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information about our work, visit www.hrc.org/Foundation
Lyft supports safer spaces, and all the humans who inhabit them.
Course is FREE
Participants are paid $500 stipend ($50/week)
For LGBTQ+ Black & Brown and trans & non-binary young adults ages 18-30
Meets weekly for 10 weeks via ZOOM
Includes resume writing and job application support
Covers computer skills and digital literacy
Helps you SET GOALS and go to the Next Level
That's why we've been proudly supporting the Human Rights Campaign since 2009.
macysinc.com/purpose
The most impactful way to support H RC is through a monthly gift, because you will help fuel HRC’s fight for FULL equality all year long.
Your ongoing monthly support will provide critical resources to fight back against anti-LG BTQ+ bills, expand and protect our pro-equality Congress, invest more deeply in our grassroots efforts with strategic organizing in key districts, keep pressure to pass the Equality Act in Congress and continue to show up and fight for the multiply marginalized in our community and country.
Thank you for supporting H RC and for staying with us in the fight. Together, we are an unstoppable force for change!
Transgender and non-binary people are your neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends. And when you or your friends and family are the targets of hate, violence and discrimination, you act.
The Human Rights Campaign is actively working to advocate for the rights and lives of the transgender and non-binary community–but we all must do more–can we count you in?
As LGBTQ+ people and allies, we have a responsibility to fight for EVERYONE in our movement. Now is the time to get loud, get visible, and spread awareness on behalf of transgender and non-binary people. So please take the actions below–but don’t stop there.
The more people who show they care, including allies and trans and non-binary people who speak up for the most marginalized in our community, the more hearts and minds we will change.
Sign the Pledge and Impact Change
The first step in voicing your support for the trans and non-binary community is to sign your name to the Count Me In pledge. By taking this action, you’re sending a message that you vow to go out of your way to raise awareness and uplift the lives of our trans and non-binary friends and family.
Provide Inclusive Books to an At-Need Library
Your contribution will provide a set of three books to a Title 1 school or community library serving multiply marginalized populations across the country.
Contact State Legislators
State legislatures are attacking LGBTQ+ folks, particularly trans people, left and right. Show antiequality legislators that we won’t tolerate any more bullying and discrimination.
Request and Show Off Your Sticker
Display your special edition HRC sticker on your car, laptop, water bottle — no matter where you put it, you’ll be saying you support our trans community.
Spread the Word On Social Media
Post these image shares on your social media channels and update your profile photos and let your networks know you believe in a more just and equitable world for trans folks — full stop.
Share a Voice Message of Support
State legislatures are targeting trans kids. Text HEART to 472-472 to share a public message of support for trans youth and show you’re fighting for them.
(Msg&dataratesmayapply. Recurring msgs. TxtSTOP2quit. HELP4info.)
Let Kids Play
Rebekah is a 14-year-old girl who loves school, reading, hanging out with her friends and playing field hockey. But lawmakers across the country are trying to pass laws that would prohibit Rebekah from playing sports with other girls.
Wear Your Support
From T-shirts to pins to socks to masks, you can show off your support for trans equality no matter where you are, who you’re with or what you’re doing.
Transgender Justice eNewsletter
Stay up to date on our Transgender Justice Initiative and what we’re doing to dismantle stigma and end the epidemic of violence against trans and gender non-conforming people.
Count Me In
Speak Out
Request A Sticker
Donate Now
Meet Rebekah
TRANSGENDER INCLUSION
IN THE WORKPLACE
OF THOSE RATED ON HRC FOUNDATION’S
99%
49% of CEI-rated employers allow employees the option to selfidentify as LGBTQ+ in anonymous employee engagement surveys or as part of data collection on confidential employee forms or in the HRIS system.
94 %
2021 CEI… major employers have adopted workplace gender transition guidelines.
87% of CEI-rated employers explicitly include gender identity as a part of their non-discrimination policy.
OF FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES have non-discrimination protections that include gender identity, UP FROM 3% IN 2002.
Over its 19-year history, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index has been the driving force for the adoption of equitable workplace policies, practices and benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the United States and beyond. Participating companies know that building an LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace is not just the right thing to do, it is also the best business decision and allows companies to attract, retain and engage top talent. Their commitment to building inclusion has only strengthened over the past year, with a re
of c
91%
of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgenderinclusive health insurance coverage, up from 0 in 2002 and 22 times as many businesses as 12 years ago.
600+ of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage while also eliminating blanket exclusions for medically necessary care in all other employer-sponsored plans.
GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY
This year, celebrate your loved ones, holidays or other special occasions by giving the gift of equality! Gift a membership to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, host a fundraiser to benefit our work, sign up for our wedding registry or donate in someone’s memory! Each donation includes an HRC membership and furthers the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.
GIVE A MEMBERSHIP GOAL HRC MEMBER
HOST A FUNDRAISER FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, PRIDE OR MO RE .. .
DONATE YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY
GIV E TH E GIF
FLY A FLAG
FOR HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIO NS
DONATE IN HONOR OR ME MO RY O F SOMEONE
Celebrating a special occasion and looking to further LGBTQ+ equality? Join our over 3 million supporters today by giving the gift of membership, hosting a fundraiser, donating your wedding registry to HRC and more!
WHAT WE DO
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. Since 1980, we have been fighting for a better future for LGBTQ+ Americans. We are now working tirelessly to pass the Equality Act, which will soon head to the U.S. Senate for consideration, fight back against a multitude of anti-LGBTQ+ legis-lation in states nationwide and ensure everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. While our opponents are emboldened and on the attack, the Human Rights Campaign and our grass-roots army of more than 3.2 million members and supporters are energetically defending the rights we’ve gained and ramping up our fight for full equality across the board.
ANTI-EQUALITY LEADERS AND LEGISLATION
The alarming spate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country in 2020 has continued to surge in 2021. These include bills that would prohibit transgender youth from receiving genderaffirming care and bills that would prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports. This wave of anti-transgender legislation harkens back to the surge of anti-transgender bathroom bills that hit state legislatures in 2016, including North Carolina’s HB2. We remain committed to aggressively fighting these threats to equality by those who seek to undermine our rights. HRC will do whatever it takes to protect the rights and fundamental equality of every LGBTQ+ person in this country.
B U IL DING A ND DEM ONS TR AT ING POLITICAL P OWER
HRC’s decades-long work to build political power has uniquely positioned us to reach LGBTQ+ and ally voters who prioritize equality on the ballot, also known as Equality Voters. HRC has identified 57 million Equality Voters nationwide who, if they turn out to vote, will support pro-equality candidates. HRC’s early and sustained year-round engagement in battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin bolstered historic turnout in 2018 and 2020 producing pro-equality outcomes at every level of government. In 2019, HRC’s mobilization of Equality Voters in Virginia, where lawmakers had repeatedly blocked proequality bills over many years, produced groundbreaking progress for LGBTQ+ Americans in the South. These victories led to the Virginia Values Act becoming law, making Virginia the first state in the South to advance statewide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.
ADVANCING EQUALITY IN OUR DAILY LIVES
The HRC Foundation improves the lives LGBTQ+ people by building understanding and shaping the public debate of LGBTQ+ people and the challenges they face through innovative research and public education campaigns. We also change the policies and practices in the institutions that shape our everyday lives (hospitals, schools, workplaces, and more) and empower strategic partners, community advocates, and allies through convenings and capacity-building. Guided by these theories of change and seeking to prioritize work impacting those who are multiply marginalized, we have 11 cuttingedge programs advancing equality in the U.S. and beyond.
All Children - All Families is the only national program dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion in child welfare (foster care and adoption agencies) that provides resource development, technical assistance and training.
Public Education & Research produces written resources and conducts original quantitative and qualitative research exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people.
Global Partnerships provides capacity-building and leadership development opportunities to LGBTQ+ advocates from around the world to strengthen movements and advance global LGBTQ+ equality.
HBCU Program is the only national project that partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities on establishing an LGBTQ+-inclusive campus climate.
Health & Aging provides resources and training to help thousands of healthcare facilities adopt inclusive policies and practices to better serve LGBTQ+ patients and employees.
HIV & Health Equity develops public education and capacitybuilding programs to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black and Latinx communities.
Religion & Faith provides faith leaders with opportunities and tools to stand up for equality even as opponents attempt to weaponize faith against LGBTQ+ people.
Transgender Justice Initiative leads economic empowerment programs, capacity-building initiatives, community engagement efforts, and public safety education campaigns that combat the discrimination faced by transgender people.
Welcoming Schools is the only bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+-specific training and resources with an intersectional lens, developed for use in elementary schools.
Workplace Equality advances equality for LGBTQ+ workers through the adoption and implementation of inclusive policies, practices, and benefits in the U.S. and beyond.
Youth Well-Being provides professional development to over 5,000 youth-serving professionals annually, through the annual Time to THRIVE conference, webinars, participation at major national convenings, and by amplifying the stories of HRC Youth Ambassadors. The program also convenes HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council.
pfizer.com/about/responsibility/human-rights
You belong. You have all along.
We are LGBTQ+. We are Salesforce. And we won’t rest until there is #EqualityForAll.
He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They be belong. He belongs. She belongs. They be She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs. She belongs. They belong. He belongs.
LOVE OUT LOUD
FOCUSED ON WHAT MATTERS
MGM Resorts International has a longstanding commitment of supporting the LBGTQ+ community. Through Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts in our workplace, policies and operations, MGM Resorts is proud to be the first in the gaming and hospitality industry to offer same-sex health benefits and has expanded supplier relationships to include LGBTQ+-owned businesses. From the casino floor to corporate headquarters, MGM Resorts strives to stand out as one of the leading companies for workplace equality and has pledged a corporate responsibility to providing resources for EVERYONE to live and thrive as their authentic selves. MGM Resorts proudly supports the Human Rights Campaign.
Together, we make a difference.
Premier is dedicated to cultivating a culture where innovation thrives and every individual has the chance to grow, contribute and lead. As a proud sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign, we are committed to advancing equality for all.
Join us in shaping a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Explore career opportunities with Premier and learn how you can make an impact in enabling providers to make healthcare better, smarter and faster.
premierinc.com/careers
The HUMAN
RIGHTS
CAMPAIGN salutes our National Partners based in the CHARLOTTE area.
THANK YOU
