This year’s event featured keynote remarks from Minnesota Governor and Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz, who promised that he and Vice President Kamala Harris would fight to pass the Equality Act and enshrine anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans into law. Other special guests included Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winning and Academy Award nominated actor Cynthia Erivo, who was honored with the HRC National Equality Award, and Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer, Leslie Odom, Jr. These luminaries were joined by HRC President Kelley Robinson, who gave an inspiring speech on the power of queer joy and what’s at stake for the LGBTQ+ community in this upcoming presidential election.

View video of HRC President Kelley Robinson’s speech here.

“The attacks on LGBTQ+ folks have one purpose in this moment, and that’s to limit freedom. To shut us out. But we won't let them. Because we reject the lie that freedom is for the few. Because the truth is: Queer Americans are Americans. Period. The truth is: this country is as much ours as it is anybody else's. The truth is: pride and patriotism are the same damn thing. And in this moment, I am claiming…we are reclaiming both.”

View video of Governor Tim Walz delivering the evening’s keynote remarks.

“What this election boils down to, in a lot of ways, it’s fundamentally about freedom… Donald Trump and JD Vance, their idea of freedom is that the government should be free to invade every corner of our lives—our bedrooms, our kid’s schools, even our doctor’s office… When it comes to personal things, bodily autonomy, your gender identity, when to start a family, marrying who you love… I think we just need to be really good neighbors. Everyone just deserves to be treated with respect—freedom to make that choice.”

Stage and screen icon and star of the upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, Cynthia Erivo, was honored for her prolific work in LGBTQ+ advocacy with HRC’s National Equality Award. Presenting the award was acclaimed stage, television, film and music star, Leslie Odom, Jr.

View video of Cynthia Erivo accepting the National Equality Award here.

“Back then, when I received this award, I received it as an ally. And this time, I get to stand here and receive it as an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community… Being truly authentic in this industry can be hard, there are standards that I just simply do not fit into. But I have always believed, and believe, that there is such beauty in difference and individuality. But what lured me out of the proverbial closet was the urge to create as my fullest self. I have said before, that when we spend energy hiding parts of ourself, we steal energy away from our purpose. And I had to claim the beauty of my queerness. I was no longer interested in short changing myself. And more importantly, I could no longer allow myself to shortchange you.”

The star-studded evening also featured a slate of LGBTQ+ advocates, leaders and celebrities. Guests enjoyed inspiring performances from Our Lady J and Asher HaVon.

As a prelude to the National Dinner, the second annual Equality Convention took place at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, bringing together LGBTQ+ advocates, influencers, and allies to discuss a range of topics of importance to the community. Speakers and panelists included actor, activist and HRC Board Members Brian Michael Smith and Sophia Bush, Congressional candidate and Texas state Rep. Julie Johnson and more. Panel discussions looked at the growing political influence of the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of corporate DEI programs at a time when they are under relentless attacks, and the impact of LGBTQ+ voices on the social media ecosystem and the power they have to drive awareness and understanding. Click here for photos from the 2024 Equality Convention.

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.