WASHINGTON—Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson, named to TIME’s 2024 annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, gave an inspiring, and rousing toast at the annual TIME100 gala, televised on ABC and streamed on Hulu earlier this week. Robinson’s toast honored her family’s journey from being the first free Black family in Iowa to her leadership of the largest LGTBQ+ civil rights organization in the country, emphasizing that while the fight for civil rights and freedoms can be long and draining—the pendulum will always swing toward progress.

“My family is proof—we are all proof—that the story of America is the story of hope, of progress—and lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and trans folks have always been at the forefront of that progress,” Robinson said. “Let me remind you—there would be no civil rights movement without Bayard Rustin. There would be no Harlem renaissance without Ma Rainey. There would be no fast car without Tracy Chapman.”

The TIME100 list recognizes the impact, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals. Robinson is a trailblazing advocate and leader in the fight for human rights—she is the first Black, queer woman to hold the position of HRC President, and has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns for LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equity. Under Robinson’s leadership, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans and won key legislative and electoral fights.

FULL TOAST REMARKS BELOW:

“I grew up Black and queer on the southside of Chicago, my family is from Iowa. Growing up, I didn’t even know rooms like this existed. My great-aunt Bert passed away a few years ago at the age of 102, and when she passed, we went down to Iowa, and we had the homegoing celebration to end all homegoings. We rented out the VFW, we did every line dance, drank every wine cooler—we had a time.

“And we told the story of my family. Of how our people were enslaved in Mississippi and Louisiana. And how we fought our way to becoming the first free Black family in Muscateen, Iowa. Think about that?

“Two generations ago my great-aunt sat at the footsteps of people born into slavery—and today, I stand here as the first Black, queer woman to lead the Human Rights Campaign. Don’t tell me progress isn’t possible. Don’t tell me change isn’t possible.

“My family is proof—we are all proof—that the story of America is the story of hope, of progress—and lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and trans folks have always been at the forefront of that progress. Let me remind you—there would be no civil rights movement without Bayard Rustin. There would be no Harlem renaissance without Ma Rainey. There would be no fast car without Tracy Chapman.

“Just look at this room—we have queer excellence all across the TIME100! As much as I want to celebrate—I’m also clear that we’re up against forces who want to divide us and erase us. Bullying in schools; violence and discrimination; book bans across America—what we do now will decide our future.

“So tonight, I’m asking you…If you know a queer or trans child, love them— fiercely. If you’ve got a pride flag, fly it— proudly. And if you’ve got a vote, by god you better use it. We’ve got to do more than believe in equality, we’ve got to roll up your sleeves and fight for it.

“So tonight let’s raise a glass to achieving equality—without exception. To freedom—without exception. To joy—without exception. Cheers and onward my friends.”