HRC-San Diego Keeps Equality Moving with Three Key Events, Braces for a Busy Fall Season

Summer may be coming to a close, but the HRC San Diego Steering Committee has been busy moving equality efforts forward this week with two historic events and a face-to-face Congressional lobby visit.

On September 26, HRC San Diego sponsored Ya Es Hora!, an event designed to assist immigrants applying for citizenship. Jenn Chan, Co-Chair of the HRC San Diego Diversity Sub-Committee led the way in partnership with many other labor groups and allies from around the county. The event supported over 30 non-citizen, legal residents on their way to U.S. citizenship in a safe and open environment. Chan said, “this type of outreach event builds bridges within the very communities we need to support LGBT equality.”

On September 30, HRC San Diego hosted "Voices of Honor – A Generation Under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’," the national tour of LGBT veterans sharing their stories of military service. Given the importance of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell to many in the San Diego community, the event was well attended and helped many understand why repealing DADT is a key component in the overall LGBT equality agenda on Capitol Hill. HRC San Diego Federal Club Sub-Committee Co-Chair Stampp Corbin said, “We were especially excited that Lori Saldana, California Assemblymember was in attendance.” HRC San Diego hosted the event with support from other key San Diego equality organizations including American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) and the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

On September 28, HRC San Diego also participated in a lobby visit to the office of Congressman Brian Bilbray (R-CA). Linda Perine, HRC SD Political Sub-Committee Co-Chair was the HRC representative, and met with Bilbray along with representatives from the San Diego LGBT Center, Equality California, and LGBT constituents from Bilbray's district. Perine said “Most importantly, the visit opened a dialogue with Bilbray concerning the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and Bilbray committed to keeping the lines of communication open as ENDA moves through Congress.”

As the summer turns to fall and we anticipate 2010, HRC San Diego has many fundraising, political, and social events planned for the San Diego community. If you would like to stay informed or get involved, please email HRC San Diego at hrcsandiego@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hrcsandiego.