WASHINGTON– The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today announced that Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish will be honored at the organization’s 18^th Annual National Dinner on Saturday, October 25, 2014, in Washington, DC.

“We are truly excited to honor such influential international AIDS activists and philanthropists at this year’s national dinner,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “As we celebrate the progress we’ve made over the last year while focusing on what we have yet to accomplish, their life’s work inspires us as we keep moving forward for equality.”

In addition to being one of the most highly acclaimed and successful performing artists of all time, Elton John is also the founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, a global nonprofit organization working tirelessly to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS. John and his longtime partner David Furnish have led the organization’s grant making initiatives awarding funds to innovative programs in over 50 countries around the world, raising more than $300 million to support the effort. One of the most visible couples of the LGBT community in the world, they are changing hearts and minds by living openly and honestly. Elton John and David Furnish will be honored with HRC’s National Equality Award.

As previously announced, President Bill Clinton will deliver the evening’s keynote address - his second appearance at an HRC gala after attending the organization’s very first National Dinner in 1997. Other program participants will be announced soon.

The National Dinner, which is already sold out and expected to draw over 3,000 guests, will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with receptions starting at 5:00 PM.

All media planning to attend MUST pre-register by Tuesday, October 21st.  To request media credentials, please contact Stephen Peters at stephen.peters@hrc.org. Only members of the media who have been credentialed for this event will be allowed entrance. Further press logistics and coverage details will be forthcoming to credentialed media.

More information is available at www.hrcnationaldinner.org

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

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