Equal Rights are Human Rights.

Being "for" or "not for" HRC these days is kinda like being "for" or "not for" the gentleman from Illinois running for his party's nomination- you really can't lose, but know you can do better. And of course, better is the Senator from NY. But I digress.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is our nation's largest GLBT lobbying organization and they talk lots about the great work they for their donors. But why is it that marriage is defined as "man and woman" in at least 40 states right now? Why is it still legal on the federal level to fire an employee simply for being gay or lesbian? Where were they on the recent "Day of Silence" sponsored by the ever-noble gay and straight school teacher's network (GLESN) to draw attention to the bully culture in so many schools? In my view, HRC does not get that politics is all about compromise and communication and education of its donors on the real issues. For all the criticism the Bill Clinton Administration weathers for the so-called "don't ask, don't tell" policy of the early -90s, future president Hillary Clinton explains that it was the best we could do at the time, and even then it was groundbreaking. Even as Melissa Etheridge threw Hillary under the bus, Senator Clinton stood firm as she explained that Washington is about compromise and playing within the system-- look back in history and you'll see that's how we change the world. Enough said.

I'm so very proud of my friend Pat for receiving the Paul Hunter Award for the inspiring work he does state-wide to advance the issues so important to humans, regardless of sexual orientation. Pat was my reason for participating in this year;s fundraising dinner and for renewing my faith in HRC during such an important time in our country's history of making sure the words equal and human go together with the word rights.

Pictured above is Pat accepting the award. Below is Pat and his delightful partner Dave and me.