Sometimes there are moments that come to us that are just too amazingly wonderful to share. I mean, we can talk about things, take pictures and Facebook ourselves into oblivion – but the personal deep down ‘Oh my God, did that actually just happen?’ thing – impossible to explain. Impossible.
It was my great pleasure to be a part of the 2012 Human Rights Campaign Gala this year in Chicago. It was a room full of prominent advocates and allies for Human Rights and equality and an atmosphere of positivity, hope and certainty of expectations. Beautiful men and handsome women filling the tables, Kat Fitzgerald doing her magic with the camera, a silent auction and entertainment provided by Alex Newell rounded out this annual event.
Folks from all over the country gathered to listen to some pretty impressive speakers talk about HRC, the importance of the upcoming elections and the need for all of us to rally fast and furious to assure we do not let go of this wave of momentum towards permanent change in this country for the LGBTQ community.
The Honorable John Berry was on hand to present Kraft Foods with the award for corporate equality. Little City was awarded the community equality honors from Representative Greg Harris. Marty Rouse, (HRC National Field Director), Wally Brewster (HRC Chicago Board Director) and Becca Sherril (Atlanta HRC Board Director), all spent time at the podium inspiring and enlightening those in attendance.
I guess this is the part where Tinker Bell buzzes around throwing fairy dust in the air, music plays, unicorns prance, lights twinkle and all my dreams really do come true. There I was – with a fresh haircut and a borrowed tux standing on the stage in front of old friends and new friends introducing Chicago’s Ally for Equality Honoree. Maybe it had to do with images of Flashdance and buttered lobster. Perhaps it was more about Bette Porter and power suits – or maybe it was just about me getting ready to officially come face to face with my oldest and most cherished crush of all time. I was pumped – I was ready – I had something to say and I needed to impress my girl….
The L Stop Crew
Jennifer Beals was not only the most stunningly beautiful woman I had ever met – but she was intuitive, kind, engaging, warm and most certainly moved by the night and all it meant. We had a perfect conversation back stage before I went to introduce her – and when she came on stage – she reached out her arms to embrace me all the while saying,” You made me cry…that was so beautiful”. I grinned and told her I only told the truth and I didn’t mean to make her cry. She smiled and looked me in the eye and thanked me with all the sincerity in the world. She took over the stage as I exited right – and with that blindingly brilliant smile – spoke eloquently and intentionally about her role as an ally in this fight for human rights.
HRC is an organization that continues to fight forward for each and every one of us. The gala last weekend was a reminder of the immeasurable strength that diversity, communication, hope and unification can create. And, at least for me, HRC even has the power to make dreams come true.
HRC CHICAGO GALA DINNER & AUCTION 2012 from Izabella West Photography/Video on Vimeo.
Jennifer Receives the HRC ‘Ally For Equality’ Award
For more information on HRC, visit: https://www.facebook.com/
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About K. Guzman
Kathy grew up all over the US - lots of east coast time. She is a surfer girl with an unabridged curiosity. A woman whose mid life awakening continues to bring her to the place she was meant to be. Her degree in Journalism/Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida is being yanked from the archives and put to good use. Her two kids are grown and rock stars in this wild world – her Harley is ready for some serious summer miles – and her heart remains open to life, women and the possibilities each day brings.
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[...] prowess as a strong ally for the LGBT community. Winning the HRC Ally for Equality award this year, The L Stop’s own Kathy Guzman had the honor of introducing her amazingly written and heartfelt speech (which she later donated [...]