Tomorrow noon (ET) is the deadline for a chance to win this opportunity of a lifetime, which includes a trip for two to New York City, VIP passes to Springsteen’s sold-out show, and, in an offer made today by Springsteen and Norton, the opportunity to hang out backstage with Norton and his pals, and meet The Boss, who recently cancelled a concert in North Carolina to protest that state’s anti-LGBT law.

“Some things are more important than a rock show, and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them,” Springsteen said in a statement announcing the cancellation of his North Carolina show.

The winner of the contest, offered by HRC, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, through its “Stand with Bruce” CrowdRise fundraiser, will also receive round-trip airfare for two to New York and two nights in a hotel. Contributions made in the contest will go towards HRC efforts to repeal HB 2.

After Springsteen canceled his North Carolina concert to protest the state’s radical and extreme new anti-LGBT law HB 2, HRC teamed up with CrowdRise and Norton to raise money to fight back against this hateful legislation, offering a chance to win tickets to the New York show. Today, Norton, inspired by Springsteen’s stance, sweetened the pot by offering the winner a chance to hang out with him backstage, and meet Bruce and his band. Every $10 donation gives donors one entry to win two flights to NYC, two nights accommodations, and VIP seats with backstage passes.  For full contest rules and to enter to win, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/nohate.

“This is an opportunity for our supporters to stand with Bruce and his band in the struggle against injustice, and to speak out for equality in North Carolina and beyond,” said Dane Grams, HRC Membership Director.  “Participating in this fundraiser helps elevate the voices of the thousands of citizens whose rights and fundamental dignity are being trampled by the elected leaders   in North Carolina.”

Earlier this month, Springsteen said: “As you, my fans, know I’m scheduled to play in Greensboro, North Carolina, this Sunday. As we also know, North Carolina has just passed HB2, which the media are referring to as the “bathroom” law. HB2 — known officially as the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act — dictates which bathrooms transgender people are permitted to use. Just as important, the law also attacks the rights of LGBT citizens to sue when their human rights are violated in the workplace. No other group of North Carolinians faces such a burden. To my mind, it’s an attempt by people who cannot stand the progress our country has made in recognizing the human rights of all of our citizens to overturn that progress. Right now, there are many groups, businesses, and individuals in North Carolina working to oppose and overcome these negative developments. Taking all of this into account, I feel that this is a time for me and the band to show solidarity for those freedom fighters. As a result, and with deepest apologies to our dedicated fans in Greensboro, we have canceled our show scheduled for Sunday, April 10th. Some things are more important than a rock show and this fight against prejudice and bigotry — which is happening as I write — is one of them. It is the strongest means I have for raising my voice in opposition to those who continue to push us backwards instead of forwards.”

North Carolina’s  H.B. 2 has eliminated existing municipal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people and prevents such protections from being passed by cities in the future. In addition, the legislation prevents transgender students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. It also compels the same type of discrimination against transgender people to take place in publicly-owned buildings, including in public universities, major airports, and convention centers. Further, HB 2 revokes the ability to sue under state employment non-discrimination law on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, religion, national origin, and sex.

North Carolina lawmakers passed the legislation in a hurried, single-day session, and Governor Pat McCrory quickly signed it into law in the dead of night. The discriminatory law is already facing a legal challenge, and North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper said he will refuse to defend it in court.

North Carolina has the unfortunate distinction of  becoming the first state in the country to enact a law attacking transgender students, even after similar proposals were being rejected across the country -- including a high-profile veto by the Republican Governor Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota. Earlier this week, the sponsor of a similar bill in Tennessee announced plans to pull the discriminatory legislation from consideration this year, after outcry from tens of thousands of fair-minded Tennesseans; major national child welfare, medical, and education groups; country music stars; and major business leaders. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Attorney General Slatery had also expressed concerns about the state losing millions of dollars in federal funds.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBT people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

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