WASHINGTON — Last night, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, brought together more than 1,000 LGBTQ+ advocates and supporters from across the country for its annual Greater New York Dinner. Photos from the Greater New York Dinner can be found here.

This year’s event honored LGBTQ+ superstars including award-winning actor, playwright and producer Colman Domingo, actress and transgender advocate Trace Lysette and Macy’s Inc. Chairman & CEO Jeff Gennette. Other special guests included Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Queer as Folk actor Johnny Sibilly and comedian Dana Goldberg.

Colman Domingo, the Oscar nominated and Emmy Award-winning actor, was awarded with HRC’s Equality Award for his transformative work showcasing stories of being both Black and queer.

View video of Colman Domingo accepting the Equality Award.

“That was the most important thing. That’s the thing I learned from Bayard, and I take with me always. That even with all these wonderful rooms that I’m in, and being acknowledged for my work, which honors and highlights Bayard’s work, I know the most important thing is to get back to work.”

Trace Lysette, star of Amazon series Transparent and critically acclaimed film Monica, was awarded with HRC’s Trailblazer award for her influential expansion of transgender visibility on and off screen.

View video of Trace Lysette accepting the HRC Trailblazer Award

“Trailblazing, my friends, is no stroll in the park. It’s a journey that demands every ounce of courage and resilience one can muster. I’m reminded that being a trailblazer and being a woman of transexual experience means confronting challenges head on, dismantling stereotypes and persisting when the road ahead seems impossibly steep with no map to guide you. Here's to hope, to the tireless dreamers and doers who envision a world where authenticity is celebrated, where diversity is not just a box to be checked, but a fundamental aspect of storytelling.”

Jeff Gennette, Macy’s Inc. Chairman & CEO, was awarded with HRC’s Corporate Visibility Award for his unwavering dedication to bolstering LGBTQ+ inclusivity in business.

View video of Jeff Gennette accepting the Corporate Visibility Award.

“I’m being recognized in part for being a gay corporate executive for my entire career. But, I think as all of us know in this room, I didn’t get here by accident. I didn’t get here by myself. Since those early days, and through many positions leading Macy’s, I’ve tried to nurture a culture of respect and belonging, from the east coast to the west coast, in every store and every warehouse that we operate. I found that creating a culture of psychological safety produces better results, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute.”

HRC President Kelley Robinson gave a rallying and impassioned speech about the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the current state of emergency facing the community.

“My family is proof that the story of America is a story of hope. It’s a story of progress. But, it’s also proof that that progress is not guaranteed. That progress is fought for and earned generation after generation. And now it is our time. We are truly in a pivotal moment in the history of our democracy. We are in a moment where we have to see the present as it is, but still reach forward. Reach forward for a future that we can all believe in. Not a future that is great again. A future that is greater, and more free and more just than anything that could have ever been possible before this very moment.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, gave a speech highlighting New York’s history in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and the important work ahead.

“As you know, the story of LGBTQ liberation in America is deeply intertwined with the story of Black liberation. The Stonewall Riots and all the protests that followed were led by many Black LGBTQ New Yorkers. And there have been so many Black LGBTQ leaders since then who have carried the torch.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.