2024 HRC Austin Dinner Program Book

WELCOME LETTER

Dear HRC friend,

On behalf of all of us at the Human Rights Campaign - Austin, we know Thank You doesn’t cut the immense presence and energy you’ve brought to our dinner, but we believe it’s a good start. We’d like to thank you for joining us at the 27th Annual HRC Austin Dinner & Auction at The Fairmont Austin. The Annual Dinner is a cornerstone event for HRC, bringing together passionate individuals and businesses committed to fostering inclusivity and promoting equality for all, without exceptions. Together - we can achieve freedom and liberation for all.

To make this evening truly special and impactful, we couldn’t do this alone! As your dinner co-chairs this year, we’ve been working hard alongside a team of outstanding committee members to bring you an unforgettable and transformative evening! Special thanks to our corporate sponsors, table captains, Fed Club, Major Donors, volunteers, keynote speakers, and HRC staff for being a part and helping us progress our community forward.

It’s a big election year and we’re ready to fight alongside all of you, because we know the opposing side won’t back down easily. We have a long road ahead and the work isn’t done yet. Many opportunities lie ahead, including priorities like passing the Equality Act, endorsing local pro-equality legislators, and setting the stage for the next Presidential election. When we work together, we create significant and lasting change that will improve our world and communities.

To learn more about what we’re up to or about Human Rights Campaign Austin and how to get involved, check out our Volunteer page. www.hrc.im/volunteerAustin

Share your photos and videos with us from Dinner! Anything you share will be used for our socials and highlights. Add your pics and videos here.

We’re thrilled to share this special night with you. Let us know if you have any questions and thank you for supporting the Human Rights Campaign - Austin!

Sincerely,

John Aquino (he/him) & Christina Hernandez (she/her)

HRC Austin Dinner Co-Chairs

Kelley Robinson

HRC SPEAKER

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.

Denise Rodgers

2024 RISING STAR AWARD

Growing up in South Texas, Denise has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community since the late 90’s. In May 2020, she planted the seed for Williamson County’s first Pride evetn by creating a Taylor LGBTQ+ Facebook group. In this safe space, local Taylor LGBTQ+ community members and allies could find and support each other. This seed would rapidly blossom into Taylor Pride (est. 2020), as well as become the blueprint for Round Rock, Pflugerville, and Cedar Park/Leander Pride events. Denise embodies HRC’s mission in her work and home life as the Pride ERG Co-Chair at her company, Taylor Pride President, and the Matriarch of an LGBTQ+ family.

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.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE

SPECIAL GUEST Colin Allred

Congressman Colin Allred was born and raised in North Texas by a single mom who was a public school teacher, and thanks to those same public schools, his coaches, teachers and the folks at the YMCA, Allred succeeded as a standout athlete. He earned a full-ride football scholarship to Baylor University, and after college, he deferred his acceptance to law school to play in the NFL where he was a linebacker for five seasons. A career-ending injury then opened the door for him to fulfill his other dream -- becoming a civil rights attorney.

After law school, Allred worked in voting rights across the country and in Texas to combat voter suppression and make sure that no eligible voters were denied access to the ballot box.

After serving in President Obama’s Administration at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Allred moved home to Dallas to run for Congress. He then assembled a diverse, grassroots campaign to defeat an entrenched Republican incumbent and now represents Texas’ 32nd District, where he and his wife are raising their two children. Allred’s work in Congress is guided by his dedication to helping hardworking families gain the same opportunities he had to chase his version of the American dream.

Everybody.

At Apple, we’re committed to using our voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ people and the freedoms they deser ve. Because we believe ever ybody should have the right to be free from discrimination

We proudly suppor t the Human Rights Campaign and stand with you to build a better future

COMEDIAN Dana Goldberg

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

Join Smirnoff in support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and toast to a more colorful and inclusive future for all!

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!

Google is proud to support the Human Rights Campaign in a shared pursuit of building a world where everyone belongs.

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.

Donate Now

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.

Speak Out

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.)

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.

Request A Sticker

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.

Download Now

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.

Meet Rebekah

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.

Visit HRC.org/Shop

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.

Subscribe Now

Lyft supports safer spaces, and all the humans who inhabit them.

That’s

TRANSGENDER INCLUSION

IN THE WORKPLACE

99%

of CEI-rated employers explicitly include gender identity as a part of their non-discrimination policy.

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 %

600+

OF THOSE RATED ON HRC FOUNDATION’S 2021 CEI… major employers have adopted workplace gender transition guidelines.

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 record-breaking number of corporations achieving top marks

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.

OF FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES have non-discrimination protections that include gender identity, UP FROM 3% IN 2002.

87%

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.

We believe that embracing inclusivity and authenticity changes the narrative for everyone.

That's why we've been proudly supporting the Human Rights Campaign since 2009.

Our commitment to create brighter futures with bold representation for all. macysinc.com/purpose

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.

GOAL HRC MEMBER

HOST A FUNDRAISER FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, PRIDE OR MO RE .. .

DONATE YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY

FLY A FLAG

GIVE A MEMBERSHIP

FOR HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIO NS

DONATE IN HONOR OR ME MO RY O F SOMEONE

GIV E TH E GIF T OF EQUALIT Y TODAY

hrc.im/WaysToGive

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!

ACLU

ADM

ADOBE

T H E HU MA N R I G H T S

CA M PA I G N F O UN DAT I ON

salutes our Foundation Partners with our heartfelt thanks.

AIRBNB AIRBUS ALBERTSONS

AMAZON

ANONYMOUS ASSURANT

BAKER HUGES

BANK OF AMERICA

BLACK TIE DINNER, INC

BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIALS

CARMAX

CENTENE

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC

COCA-COLA FOUNDATION, THE COMIC RELIEF

COLLINGWOOD FOUNDATION

CVS HEALTH

DANAHER FOUNDATION

DAVID BOHNETT FOUNDATION

ENOVA INTERNATIONAL

EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY

FORTIVE FOUNDATION

FRED SAYS

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. GOOGLE

JPMORGAN CHASE

KORS LE PERE FOUNDATION, THE KROLL

LEGO

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. LYFT, INC

MARSH & MCLENNAN AGENCY

MCDONALDS

MORNINGSTAR FOUNDATION, THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

NESTLE

NIKE

PEPSICO FOUNDATION, THE PFIZER

PhRMA

PRETIUM

PRONOUN

PwC

RESET TECH

RTX

S&P GLOBAL

SEMPRA

SPRINGPOINT PARTNERS

TJX COMPANIES

THE HOME DEPOT

T-MOBILE

TOYOTA

UNITED AIRLINES

UPS FOUNDATION

US BANK

USAA

VANGUARD

VERIZON

VIIV HEALTHCARE

WALT DISNEY COMPANY

WELLS FARGO

WELLSPRING

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 HRC Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information about our work, visit www.hrc.org/Foundation

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.

Morgan Stanley is proud to support

Human Rights Campaign

At Morgan Stanley, diversity is an opportunity for clients, employees and the firm. Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is fundamental to our role as a global leader striving for excellence in all that we do. By valuing diverse perspectives, we continue to expand our inclusive culture, focus on our people and deliver innovative solutions to the communities where we live and work.

Learn more at morganstanley.com/aboutus /diversit y

For

Covers

Helps

LEADING WITH LOVE FOR ALL

As one of the few large corporations in the United States with LGBTQ+ leadership, Neiman Marcus Group is proud to be recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.

We are committed to our HRC Platinum-level partnership and to leading meaningful initiatives that benefit all employees.

Target is proud to sponsor HRC in continuing our shared mission of creating inclusive and equitable spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community.

THE

TO

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.

OUR PRIDE FLIES NONSTOP.

At Alaska, we are longtime supporters of the LGBTQ+ community and remain committed to a more equitable society.

We all have ambitions. And working together, valuing each other and respecting our uniqueness creates the best environment for us to achieve them.

Our ambition is bold, to help the world get to net zero by 2050 or sooner. That’s why we value diversity and put being inclusive at the heart of how we operate. It’s also why we’re recognized as a top employer by the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.

If that sounds like a culture you would thrive in, explore bp.com/careers

Diversity makes us stronger.

Different perspectives bring different strengths. At Chevron, our diverse and inclusive work environment helps us find better options, make better decisions, and reach better solutions in everything we do. Whether our employees or our partners, diversity and inclusion are at the core of who we are and how we do business. Learn more at chevron.com

Chevron is proud to be recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

Celebrating everyone’s unique magic.

At Cox, inclusion is much more than a word. It’s at the very core of our values. We thrive on what makes us different, empowering our people, clients and communities to build a better future for the next generation. No two employees look or think the same. And we prefer it that way!

Make your mark

Learn how we’re united by our uniqueness at coxenterprises.com/inclusion.

PRIDE AT

Jacinta Jones Watson, Cox Enterprises

For change to happen, someone must challenge the status quo. We’re proud to support the work of the Human Rights Campaign and use our voice to uplift those left behind and those on their way, ensuring everyone has the right and advantage to fully participate in the global economy.

TOGETHER WE ARE MOVING TOWARD EQUALITY AND EXCELLENCE

From its inception, the Human Rights Campaign has been a fundamental, proactive force raising the standards of equality and opportunity for LGBTQ individuals. Shell has long recognized that a fully inclusive workplace allows our employees and our business to flourish. That’s why we’re a longtime National Corporate Partner of the HRC.

www.shell.us/getconnected

Underwriting Equality Through Action:

• Signing amici curiae in support of LGBTQ+ rights for workers

• Partnering with HRC to share stories, experiences, and resources

• Maintaining top scores on the Corporate Equality Index, the HRC Foundation’s annual scorecard assessing LGBTQ+ workplace equality, for the third year in a row

• Providing financial support to organizations promoting equality, including the National Black Justice Coalition and the Transgender Law Center

• Promoting diversity across our own ecosystem through a dedicated effort to increase gender representation on our portfolio companies’ boards

• Creating an inclusive environment through signage in our offices that encourages employees and guests to use the restroom that bests fits their gender expression

Opportunity for all.

When we work to facilitate a diverse, inclusive workforce, we unlock our creative spirit and create the tomorrow we wish to see. For everyone.

Everybody.

At Apple, we’re committed to using our voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ people and the freedoms they deser ve. Because we believe ever ybody should have the right to be free from discrimination

We proudly suppor t the Human Rights Campaign and stand with you to build a better future

MAKE THE OUR Differences

DIFFERENCE

As a born-and-bred Texas company, H-E-B is committed to fostering a culture of diversity & inclusion in Texas, both in our workplaces and the communities we serve. Celebrating the differences and similarities of all Texans is integral to everything H-E-B does, every day, from employee recruitment to supplier registration, store locations to in-store product selection.