HRC San Diego – A Rockin’ Black Tie Affair!

Many gathered on August 18, 2012 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for HRC San Diego’s – A Rockin’ Black Tie Affair! first annual dinner. Mayor Jerry Sanders, Councilmember Todd Gloria and Congressman Bob Filner were in attendance.

Alex Newell, known as Unique on the hit show, Glee, kicked off the evening, singing his heart out for a good cause and on his birthday.

Special guest Eric Alva, a retired Marine Staff Sergeant, was one of the speakers. A hero on the field and in the courts, he was at the first hearing to discuss repealing the military’s, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on July 23, 2008. There are still more barriers to tear down and we thank him for paving the way.

Mayor Jerry Sanders received an Equality Award for his dedication to the LGBT community. He was accompanied by his wife, Rana Sampson and daughter, Lisa Sanders.

Emmy nominated actress, Kellie Martin, recalled the heartbreaking moment that her dad didn’t send his usual newsletter to family and friends announcing her appearance on Army Wives’ because her character is a lesbian. At that moment she knew it was important for her to play the role for herself, her family, and all those struggling from discrimination.

To bring the inspirational night to an energetic close Niki Harris, Dance Diva, performed and encouraged audience members to get out of their seats and shake it. When there are struggles it’s always important to be thankful for the victories accomplished. There’s always time to dance!

To find out more about HRC and how you can donate, go to: http://www.hrc.org/steering-committees/san-diego/

About HRC

As the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than one million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC’s vision a reality.

Founded in 1980, HRC advocates on behalf of LGBT Americans, mobilizes grassroots actions in diverse communities, invests strategically to elect fair-minded individuals to office and educates the public about LGBT issues.