WELCOME LETTER

Welcome to the 2023 HRC North Carolina Equality Dinner!

Thank you for joining us for the 2023 HRC North Carolina Dinner. Tonight is an evening to celebrate our accomplishments and support our work to ensure that all are equal under federal law. Our tireless efforts have brought the Equality Act the closest it’s ever been to reality. So much is riding on the actions we take after we leave this ballroom tonight. As we look ahead, let’s also reflect on where we have been.

When COVID changed the world, we were preparing and organizing for the most consequential presidential election of our lifetime. So much of our movement depended on in-person interactions to change hearts and minds. When that was no longer a viable or safe option, we went digital with our organizing. Unsure of this familiar yet new digital advocacy, we knew the lives of so many depended on us to get it right, and we did - because of you. With your help, we elected the most pro-Equality ticket in history to the White House, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Unfortunately, as we are so frequently reminded, those who wish to do our community harm 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 almost 400 bills directed to hurt our community in multiple states including North Carolina. Even in 2023, 29 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 the midterm 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 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 and also celebration. Together there is Power in Action.