The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Brad Luna 202/216.1514
Trevor Thomas 202/216.1547

President Barack Obama to Deliver Keynote Address at the 13th Annual Human Rights Campaign Dinner

U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy will also present first Edward M. Kennedy National Leadership Award to Judy and Dennis Shepard

WASHINGTON

The
Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender civil rights organization, announced today that President
Barack Obama will deliver the keynote address at the 13th Annual
National Dinner on Saturday, October 10th, in Washington, D.C. U.S.
Rep. Patrick Kennedy will also present the first-ever Edward M. Kennedy
National Leadership Award to Judy and Dennis Shepard. The award is
named in honor of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), a champion
in the fight for LGBT equality.

"We
are honored to share this night with President Obama, who has called
upon our nation to embrace LGBT people as brothers and sisters," said
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "It is fitting that he
will speak to our community on the night that we pay tribute to his
friend and mentor Senator Edward Kennedy, who knew that as president,
Barack Obama would take on the unfinished business of this nation -
equal rights for the LGBT community, and for every person who believes
in liberty and justice for all."

The
event will begin at 7 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention
Center in Washington, D.C. All media planning to attend the Human
Rights Campaign National Dinner must pre-register by Thursday, October
8. To request credentials please contact Trevor Thomas at trevor.thomas@hrc.org.

The Human Rights Campaign represents a grassroots force of over 750,000 members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, HRC envisions an America where LGBT people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.