FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | March 30, 2004

Actress Sharon Stone to Accept Spirit Award from San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom at the National Center for Lesbian Rights' 27th Anniversary Gala on April 24th

(San Francisco, CA, March 30, 2004) — The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), the nation's premier legal center with a primary commitment to advancing the rights and safety of lesbians and their families, announced today that actress Sharon Stone will accept the NCLR Spirit Award at the organization's 27th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 24th. The Spirit Award recognizes important contributions by allies of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Ms. Stone has long been active in her support and involvement with organizations that serve the lesbian, gay and HIV/AIDS community. Ms. Stone's award will be presented by another champion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. The fabulous and funny Kate Clinton returns by command performance as Emcee of the evening's festivities.

The Gala Dinner Dance, taking place at San Francisco's recently opened Moscone West 3rd Floor Ballroom, is NCLR's major annual fund-raising event and is expected to sell out to more than 2,500 supporters from across the United States. In addition to Sharon Stone, other Awardees include: long-time activist and artist Ronnie Gilbert-Founder's Award; award-winning filmmaker Cheryl Dunye-Community Vision Award; and NCLR client Andrea Zimbardi-Justice Award. Other special guests include former Minnesota Vikings lineman Esera Tuaolo, biographer and author Blanche Wiesen Cook, and lesbian health activist Doretha Williams-Flournoy. Special musical guest is Zakiya Hooker & Bluz 4 U. Rounding out the evening's entertainment will be dancing with DJ Tribal.

"NCLR's litigation and policy work to advance the legal rights of all in our community is of greater importance than ever before," says NCLR Executive Director and attorney, Kate Kendell, who will deliver a brief keynote address. "As we celebrate in grand style on April 24th, we are at the most critical moment in our history." The struggle for the right to marry and the legal fight to have LGBT relationships and families protected and recognized has been at the forefront of NCLR's work for many years. "Every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender person benefits when NCLR achieves a new breakthrough on marriage, adoption or custody, expands the legal definition of family, wins a political asylum or youth case, empowers our elders, or helps an athlete fight the homophobia in her sport. Proceeds raised at our 27th Anniversary Gala will help NCLR win important cases for our entire community, including the marriage cases where NCLR is lead counsel in California."

Presenting Sponsors of the Gala include AAA Travel; Elizabeth Cabraser, Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP; Kathy Levinson, Lesbian Equity Foundation of Silicon Valley; and Wells Fargo.