by Shaun Knittel - SGN Associate Editor

On September 25, 620 community members attended the 25th annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Seattle Gala: AsOne.

Chris Boone and Kevin Moser, dinner program co-chairs and members of the HRC Board of Governors, told SGN that they do not yet have the exact amount for the total funds raised. HRC Seattle officials say that the national dinner programs raise money to support and elect fair-minded officials and lobby Congress to support pro-LGBT legislation.

'The HRC Gala in Seattle means community,' Boone told SGN. 'It means bringing people together to celebrate the past year and to look forward to the future.'

In the past, HRC has endorsed and contributed to countless candidates. 'HRC was the second-largest donor to Washington Families Standing Together in order to approve Referendum 71,' said Boone. 'We also had a full-time HRC staff member working with Washington Families Standing Together and organized countless phone banking sessions to Approve Referendum 71.'

HRC Seattle officials say that 2010 is a vital year for LGBT equality. 'Given the powerful political, corporate, and individual relationships HRC has built over the years, it is uniquely positioned to influence hundreds of national, regional, and local efforts,' the organization posted on the official HRC Gala website. 'Workplace equality, marriage equality, repealing DADT, and other pro-LGBT federal and state legislation all rest in our involvement.'

'Beyond making an impact on our future, the dinner is a fun and energizing event,' said HRC officials. 'The silent auction has wonderful items to bid on, including travel, artwork, and one-of-a-kind experiences. The people at your table and throughout the event are great company. And you table mates walk away from the evening knowing they've made an impact on LGBT equality.'

The 2010 HRC Seattle Gala guest speaker was Johnny Weir, who was also presented with the Visibility Award. Weir is a three-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian for figure skating. Weir is openly Gay and is known around the globe as the 'people's skater,' and continues to win the hearts of new fans with every appearance.

Janice Langbehn was this year's Equality Award Recipient for her work and activism surround LGBT equality after her partner Lisa fell ill and passed away and Janice and her children were not allowed to be by her side. Since 2007, Janice has spoken out to groups large and small to change policies at hospitals so that no other family has to face the homophobia they did.

'Thank you to our donors, volunteers, attendees, and our partners,' said Boone. 'Kevin and I spend a lot of time working on this dinner and our partners are very patient and allow us to be away from them a lot for this.'

The local Seattle volunteer committee of the HRC works each and every day to bring the mission of HRC to the LGBT community here. Through various community events, participation in Pride, town halls, and partnering with other organizations, HRC Seattle is working hard to play a part in the fight for equality. For more information, visit them online at www.seattle.hrc.org.

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