NCLR Gala Focuses on Justice

Social justice was one of the themes at this year's National Center for Lesbian Rights gala, as speakers and honorees talked about the intersection between LGBTQ rights and the fight for racial equality.

Sending a powerful message to the more than 2,000 people who attended the Anniversary Celebration, Black Lives Matter co-founders Alicia Garza, Patrisse Kahn-Cullors, and Opal Tometi received NCLR's Justice Award.

Garza, who accepted the award on behalf of the women - the other two had scheduling conflicts - said that Black Lives Matter is an ideological and political intervention in a world where black lives are systematically and intentionally targeted for demise.

"It is an affirmation of black folks' contributions to this society, our humanity, and our resilience in the face of deadly oppression," she said.

The Black Lives Matter National Network started as a call to action following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin. It grew in prominence two years later after the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and promulgated an international conversation about anti-black racism, American democracy, and the experiences of black people across the globe.

NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, who was also recognized for her 20 years at the helm of the LGBT civil rights and legal organization, said that each of the honorees "has demonstrated incredible perseverance to stand up for what's right, becoming role models to every single one of us."

"They are visionaries who refuse to accept that the systems of oppression cannot be undone," Kendall said. "They are teaching others to embrace their transgender sons and daughters, and to fight for our families. We applaud the commitment of our honorees to fulfilling the promise of equality and justice for all members of our community. Their leadership gives us great hope for our future."

The organization's Liberty Award was given to Tiara and Sheena Yates, who were high school sweethearts. They became civil union partners in New Jersey in 2011 and married three years later. They conceived their youngest child, who is now nearly 3, using a known sperm donor through at-home insemination.

But the sperm donor sued them for custody and visitation. NCLR and Lowenstein Sandler LLP helped the women get the case dismissed.

"NCLR stood beside us and worked tirelessly for us during the most emotional experience of our lives," Sheena Yates said. "When Tiara's rights as a parent were challenged, we were devastated, but we weren't going to sit by and do nothing. With NCLR at our side, we won."

NCLR also awarded Ryland Whittington and his family the Courage Award. NCLR worked closely with Ryland, an 8-year-old transgender boy who won the hearts of millions when his supportive parents, Jeff and Hillary, shared his inspirational journey through a YouTube video that went viral.

"We are humbled to be recognized by NCLR and the LGBT community with this award." Hillary Whittington said. "We made a promise to Ryland that we would do anything and everything possible to help him. We never imagined that by sharing our journey we would help thousands of people around the world embrace and celebrate their transgender children."

NCLR's gala was timed to its 39th anniversary. The night started out with dinner at the Marriott Marquis, then moved to City View at Metreon for a party.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton sent a video message to the event.

Clinton said that over the past decade NCLR has helped change minds, hearts, and laws.

"You take a groundbreaking approach to LGBT issues that has transformed the legal landscape in America," she said in the video. "That is why NCLR's mission is so important. You are taking out discrimination from the workplace, health care, and housing. You are making sure America lives up to its legacy as a nation of immigrants. NCLR is fighting for racial justice and working to end the dangerous cruel practice of a conversion therapy, and teaching our children that they were born perfect."

Clinton concluded her message by stressing the challenges that still face the LGBT community.

"But our work is far from over. We need to break down all the barriers holding Americans back and we need to build an America where no one can get married on Sunday and be at risk to getting fired on Monday just because of who they are and who they love," Clinton said.

Lesbian retired Superior Court Judge Donna Hitchens founded NCLR in 1977 when she was fresh out of law school and eager to make a difference. NCLR continues to shape the legal landscape for LGBT people.