2008 Woodie Awards
Human Rights Campaign gala successful despite RHA protest
Parice Grant
Issue date: 3/12/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
On a peculiar Saturday evening, the Human Rights Committee (HRC) sponsored a highbrow fundraising gala at the Hilton Grand Ballroom in Midtown. The upper crust supporters of the gay community crowded into the sizable ballroom with crystal ceilings for the chance to rub elbows with the highly celebrated guests of honor Vanessa Williams and Idina Menzel. As protesters chanted outside, Mantryx, the aerial performers, took the stage to kickoff one of the biggest events on the LGBT calendar.
HRC head Joe Solmonese gave a moving speech outlining the HRC's agenda for the next calendar year. In a broad sense, they hope to achieve equal rights for all, but for now they are concentrating on strengthening the LGBT cause. "Fighting for your rights feels like hell," said Solmonese, then aptly quoting Winston Churchill, he added, "When it feels like hell, just keep going."
The Solmonese speech was vehemently interrupted by a renegade protester from the Radical Homosexual Agenda (RHA). The female representative held a sign that read "You can't spell LGBT with HRC" with a large pink middle finger imprinted beneath the accusatory line. Apparently, this type of protesting is nothing new for the committee. HRC receives funds from many large corporations, proven by large screens flashing too many corporate logos to count. The protester was politely, yet forcefully, ejected from the event.
In light of this fiasco, the Committee said they hope the coming election will bring in friends for the LGBT community to move forward with legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states. Solmonese asked the audience to take responsibility for their rights because every individual has the power to produce change.
The fundraising event honored many contributors to the cause including ERNST and Young. The investment bank is known for their parity policies in the workplace. Employees are able to be out and comfortable as ERNST and Young workers.
Soon after, Peppermint, a well-known drag queen, took the stage as an impromptu host for an auction of epic proportions. "There's a street value for my hugs, but we won't talk about that," Peppermint said as she sauntered through the crowd to rouse bidders. The auction items included a six night stay at the Caesar's in Atlantic City, a limo ride around the city and a shopping spree. This amazing package went to Williams for $3,500.
HRC head Joe Solmonese gave a moving speech outlining the HRC's agenda for the next calendar year. In a broad sense, they hope to achieve equal rights for all, but for now they are concentrating on strengthening the LGBT cause. "Fighting for your rights feels like hell," said Solmonese, then aptly quoting Winston Churchill, he added, "When it feels like hell, just keep going."
The Solmonese speech was vehemently interrupted by a renegade protester from the Radical Homosexual Agenda (RHA). The female representative held a sign that read "You can't spell LGBT with HRC" with a large pink middle finger imprinted beneath the accusatory line. Apparently, this type of protesting is nothing new for the committee. HRC receives funds from many large corporations, proven by large screens flashing too many corporate logos to count. The protester was politely, yet forcefully, ejected from the event.
In light of this fiasco, the Committee said they hope the coming election will bring in friends for the LGBT community to move forward with legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states. Solmonese asked the audience to take responsibility for their rights because every individual has the power to produce change.
The fundraising event honored many contributors to the cause including ERNST and Young. The investment bank is known for their parity policies in the workplace. Employees are able to be out and comfortable as ERNST and Young workers.
Soon after, Peppermint, a well-known drag queen, took the stage as an impromptu host for an auction of epic proportions. "There's a street value for my hugs, but we won't talk about that," Peppermint said as she sauntered through the crowd to rouse bidders. The auction items included a six night stay at the Caesar's in Atlantic City, a limo ride around the city and a shopping spree. This amazing package went to Williams for $3,500.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Charlotte
posted 3/13/08 @ 3:51 PM EST
Marriage is a basic civil right that should be attainable by all Americans if they choose. For the truth about gay marriage check out our trailer. Produced to educate & defuse the controversy it has a way of opening closed minds & provides some sanity on the issue: www. (Continued…)
Former Staffer
posted 3/28/08 @ 4:22 PM EST
The title of this article has the correct meaning of the acronym HRC. However, the journalist repeatedly confuses and skews the title throughout the article. (Continued…)
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