WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign and SHOWTIME are teaming up to host more than 43 premiere parties to celebrate the new season of THE L WORD in communities across the country, primarily on Sunday, Jan. 6,2008. Three large-scale premiere events will be hosted in Los Angeles, CA, and New York, NY on Sunday, Jan. 6, 2008, at 9:00 PM (ET/PT), and in Atlanta, GA on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at 7:00 PM (ET/PT). THE L WORD, a groundbreaking series about the lives, careers and relationships of agroup of women in Los Angeles, is in its fifth season. It airs on SHOWTIME on Sundays at 9:00 PM (ET/PT), a new time slot for the show.

"For four seasons, THE L WORD has brought loving, honest portrayals of GLBT lives into millions of homes. This visibility is crucial to opening hearts and minds," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "We're proud to work with SHOWTIME to toast the beginning of the fifth installment of the series. Not only is this a chance for communities to come together around great entertainment, but it also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the fight for equality."

"The show's goal is to entertain and we are gratified if, at its best, it also challenges viewers to examine people's differences as well as what makes us alike," said Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer of THE L WORD. "In the interest of achieving equality for all Americans, I am honored to partner with HRC to get that message to millions of people."

Special guests at the Los Angeles premiere include HRC President Joe Solmonese, THE L WORD series regulars Jennifer Beals, Oscar nominee Marlee Matlin, Daniela Sea, Katherine Moennig, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, Leisha Hailey, Rose Rollins, Pam Grier, Rachel Shelley and creator and executive producer, Ilene Chaiken. Actress Jane Lynch will emcee the event, and music acts Lisa Dewey & The Lotus Life and The Start will perform. The New York party will feature MTV reality star Dani Campbell of "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila" and musician Bitch. Cast members Rachel Shelley and Rose Rollins will attend the Atlanta party. All event attendees will receive an advanced copy of the second episode on DVD along with other giveaways and prizes.

This is the fifth season that HRC and SHOWTIME have teamed up for these events. Last year, nearly 20,000 supporters attended 39 events throughout the nation. Four additional cities were added this year. For a list of cities with events, visit www.hrc.org/lword.

Press should RSVP for the Los Angeles event by contacting Jennifer Turner of Wolf-Kasteler & Associates at 212/997-8363 or jennifert@wkapr.com or Samantha Hill of Wolf-Kasteler & Associates at 310/887-0743 or samanthah@wkapr.com.

Details on the three major premiere parties are below.

Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, January 6, 2008
6:00 PM PST
The Factory, 652 N. La Peer Drive, Los Angeles, CA
RSVP at www.hrc.org/lword

New York, NY
Sunday, January 6, 2008
6:00 PM EST
Pacha, 618 W. 46th Street, New York, NY
RSVP at www.hrc.org/lword

Atlanta, GA
Thursday, January 3, 2008
7:00 PM EST
Wild Mustang, 2115 Faulkner Rd, Atlanta, GA

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

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