NEW YORK – With New York in the national spotlight after becoming the seventh U.S. jurisdiction to usher in marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – will host its annual Greater New York Gala dinner on February 4, 2012 at the Waldorf=Astoria.  This year’s event comes as lawmakers passed historic marriage equality legislation, making New York the largest state in the country to allow gay and lesbian couples to legally marry. Governor Cuomo listed marriage equality as one of his top accomplishments for 2011 in his annual “State of the State” address. 

“Marriage equality in New York took center stage this past year,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  “We won the battle in the Empire State, sending a message to the rest of the country that full equality for LGBT people is the right thing to do and will be the reality.” 

This year HRC will honor Anna Wintour with its Ally for Equality Award for her outspoken support of equality for the LGBT community. The award will be presented by the creator of the hit series Glee and American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy.  The Ally for Equality Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of those who dedicate time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBT people. This award is given to allies outside the LGBT community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans.

“We recognize Anna Wintour for her grace, dignity, style, philanthropy, and generosity,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  “We are proud to honor her with the Ally for Equality Award for her commitment to the LGBT community through her work with marriage equality, HIV/AIDS activism, and the It Gets Better Campaign. It is completely fitting that someone like Ryan Murphy, who has done so much to advance LGBT equality, is presenting this award to Anna Wintour.”

For more information or to purchase tickets to HRC’s Greater New York Gala Dinner please visit www.hrc.org/greaterny/dinner.

Media Credentialing: Media pre-registration required and space is limited. All media must be pre-registered and approved for a credential.  To request credentials for the dinner, please contact Paul Guequierre at paul.guequierre@hrc.org.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender 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.