(Palm Springs, CA, March 14, 2016)—One of the nation’s leading lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender legal organizations—which has been at the forefront of the fight to achieve LGBTQ equality for nearly four decades and helped win marriage equality nationally—will host its annual Palm Springs Garden Party on April 2nd during Dinah weekend.
The National Center for Lesbian Rights’ Garden Party, which attracts more than 300 people each year, will celebrate the progress that’s been made so far to secure LGBTQ equality and will honor two pioneers who have played significant roles in our community’s liberation:
- California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who made history as San Francisco’s mayor in 2004 by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and is a staunch LGBTQ equality ally, will be honored with the Champion Award for his long-time LGBTQ support.
- Salt Lake City’s Mayor Jackie Biskupski, who made history as Salt Lake City’s first openly LGBTQ mayor, will be honored with the Trailblazer Award for paving the way for others who would like to pursue elected office.
“Our honorees have taken risks that have propelled our movement forward. These are visionaries who see injustice and strive to right it,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, who will speak at the event with NCLR Legislative Policy Director and Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors. “We applaud their commitment to fulfilling the promise of equality and justice for all members of our community. Their leadership gives us great hope for our future.
Over the last year, we have secured tremendous victories in our effort to bring equality and justice to the LGBTQ community and we know there is even more work ahead to fight the backlash of discriminatory laws, legislation, and policies targeting the most vulnerable members of our community and even our very existence. But rest assured, we won’t back down. And with elected officials like Gavin and Jackie, we can’t lose.”
NCLR has been a leader in the movement furthering the civil and human rights of the LGBTQ community since its start in 1977. It was the first organization in the country to launch projects advancing parent, youth, immigrant, and transgender rights, and many others.
It continues to shape the legal landscape for all LGBTQ people and families across the country through its precedent-setting litigation, legislation, policy, and public education. NCLR helped bring marriage equality to California in 2008 and made history again last year when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality nationwide after hearing its Tennessee marriage case and cases from three other states.
Event Details
The Garden Party will be held on April 2nd at Houston South, the Las Palmas Estate of Philanthropist James R. Houston, with a VIP champagne reception beginning at 5 p.m. and the party starting at 5:30 p.m.
Individual tickets are $75 and sponsorship packages start at $250. Learn more at www.NCLRights.org/GardenParty.
Event Media Coverage
To cover the event, please contact NCLR Director of Communications Erik Olvera at 415-365-1324 or EOlvera@NCLRights.org