WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign announced additional honorees today as it continues its celebration of Black History Month by saluting African-American leaders who are helping move the march for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality forward within their communities and society as a whole.

The Human Rights Campaign is honoring their achievements and excellence in a dedicated section of the HRC website at www.hrc.org/blackhistory. As part of the Human Rights Campaign celebration of national Black History Month, throughout the month of February HRC will continue to recognize the sacrifices, contributions and successes of African-Americans in our march for equality.

"These individuals are truly at the forefront of their careers and the call for fairness and equality regardless of race, gender and sexual orientation," said HRC Chief Diversity Officer Cuc Vu. "Each day they are empowering the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community to live with more confidence, courage and honesty than ever before."

New honorees include:

Kevin Aviance is a legendary recording artist, female impersonator and personality in New York City's gay scene and across the country. On June 10, 2006, while exiting a popular Manhattan gay bar, Aviance was robbed, beaten and kicked by a group of men who yelled anti-gay slurs at him. "I used to pay people no mind walking down the street," Aviance recalled. "[Being attacked is] the most heinous, ridiculous thing afflicted on you. It's the most disgusting thing in the world. It doesn't leave me."

Crystal McCrary Anthony Esq. is an attorney, award-winning author and film and television producer. "I'm interested in creating programming that offers varied images of GLBT people of color in an attempt to show the normality that exists across the lines of race and sexuality," said McCrary Anthony.

Dwight Powell is the founder of Sizzle Miami Inc. and editor of Clik, a leading lifestyle magazine about and targeted to African-American gay men. "It's important for the entire gay community and others to acknowledge that black gay men are here, and in great numbers," said Powell. "Over the years since the magazine started, I've seen a major insurgence with respect to black gay men."

They join the profiles of leaders that kicked off the month of February:

A video message from HRC President Joe Solmonese and photos and biographies of the honorees are available at www.hrc.org/blackhistory. Additional honorees will be featured throughout February.

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