“Colton Haynes has inspired countless LGBTQ young people across the country and around the world to live their lives as their authentic selves,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “By simply being open about who he is, Haynes is helping to break down barriers and tear down closet doors. We are pleased he will be joining us at the 17th Annual HRC Seattle Gala, and we are proud to honor him with the HRC Visibility Award.”

Haynes, who recently came out publicly as gay in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, said, “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and healthier than I’ve ever been, and that’s what I care about.” After first appearing as Roy Harper on the CW superhero drama Arrow late in the first season, Haynes became a series regular for season two and three and returned for a season-four episode.  This year, he also dropped in for two episodes of Fox's The Grinder, playing the son of Rob Lowe's character in the earnest lawyer procedural-within-the-show. He will next appear in the highly-anticipated second season of Scream Queens on Fox. Haynes previously played supernatural characters as series regulars on MTV's Teen Wolf and ABC's The Gates.  He made his movie debut last year in Warner Bros' earthquake disaster pic San Andreas, playing an LAFD helicopter rescue pilot alongside Dwayne Johnson.

Haynes also recently participated in a video released by HRC paying tribute to the 49 victims of the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub. The 18-minute tribute -- directed by Emmy Award-winning Ryan Murphy and Ned Martel, with the support of their colleagues at Ryan Murphy Television -- features a diverse cast of 49 actors, directors and other entertainment leaders recounting individual stories of the people killed in our nation’s deadliest mass shooting.

The 17th Annual HRC Seattle Gala and Auction – "Equality Forward: Equality for All" – will be held at 6:00 PM tomorrow, Saturday, August 27, 2016, at the Seattle Sheraton. The yearly event raises crucial funds in the fight for full LGBTQ equality and is an exciting opportunity for local supporters to come together for an inspirational evening. To purchase tickets or receive more information about the event, please visit http://www.hrcseattle.org.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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