Hillary Clinton to Speak to Gay Rights Group in October

[riversedge]

ICYMI. Congrats Hillary


Hillary Clinton to Speak to Gay Rights Group in October

Philip Elliott @Philip_Elliott

Sept. 22, 2015

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Hillary Clinton
Scott Eisen—Getty Images Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks on stage during the New Hampshire Democratic Party Convention at the Verizon Wireless Center on Sept. 19, 2015 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Hillary Clinton has scheduled an October speech to the nation’s largest gay rights group.

The Democratic presidential contender plans to address the Human Rights Campaign on Oct. 3, hours before the group’s larger annual star-studded gala dinner. The former Secretary of State plans to speak to about 800 activists and leaders who are planning to descend on the capital for the group’s largest annual fundraising event.

“Secretary Clinton is a tremendous advocate for equality and has been a tireless champion for the advancement of LGBT rights as human rights around the globe,” said Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin, a former aide in Bill Clinton’s White House. “A visionary leader fighting for an America where everyone is treated with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, we’re thrilled Secretary Clinton will join us to discuss the challenges ahead in the fight for full federal equality.”

The group, one of the most high-profile advocacy groups in Washington, has enjoyed a number of wins in recent years, most recently guiding the case that prompted the Supreme Court to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples nationally. The group is now making a push to pass sweeping anti-discrimination legislation through Congress and in the states.

[Prism]

1. I'd rather she spoke to just about anyone else

Literally, any other LGBT rights group. The HRC proved itself to be entrenched and self-interested in the Democratic Establishment during Obama's first term, when they often sided with politicians over the concerns of the LGBT community.

HRC is the generic (and super white and affluent) safe organization for politicians. They're the friendliest possible audience.

This isn't a knock on Clinton, though. The HRC positioned itself as the LGBT organization, so lots of politicians speak around them.

I'd like to see candidates spend time with places like Get Equal, actual in the community activists, people who take risks, and activist organizations who aren't afraid to take on their friends when they're wrong as well as their enemies.

HRC hasn't been that in a very long time.

[m-lekktor]

2. exactly. at least the "A" list gays will get their Hillary selfies for their social media accounts.

I am sure she has their endorsement whether she meets with them or not. I will never forgive them for endorsing Lieberman over Lamont here in CT for senate that year.

[Prism]

3. Who wants cocktails!

I mean, the optics alone. Super white and monied gays throwing parties while we have a scourge of LGBT homeless youth where ethnic minorities in our community are disproportionately impacted.

They skeeve me.

[m-lekktor]

4. I know people will see this and think I am just being partisan but

I couldn't stand this group long before Hillary was running for president. If they endorsed Bernie I would still roll my eyes at the mention of their name. I hate that their initals are the same as Hillary because people will assume I am talking about her when i type HRC. anyway I wonder if HRC (not Hillary) acknowledges/supports the transgender community now, I know there were issues before. I honestly don't pay much attention to them i should google and catch up.

[Prism]

5. They're always behind the community on trans issues

I remember that dust-up. They're probably better about it now. I seem to remember a release about it at some point.

Yeah, I'm definitely not knocking Clinton here either. I'd not be surprised to see Sanders meet with them.

[m-lekktor]

7. I know they have endorsed pro gay republicans which i can understand to a point.

I actually wasn't going to comment in this thread until i saw your post because it does sound like sour partisan grapes. Straight folks might not be aware many of us take issue with our organizations. I know there is this underlying premise that Black Lives Matter is NEVER to be criticized and that any criticism is akin to being against the whole movement. I have seen posts alerted on here and hidden for BLM criticism. I have this feeling people not in the know might think the same about gay groups. gay folk are ALWAYS trashing HRC (not HIllary) and have been for quite some time. It's the nature of advocacy groups to become top heavy and self serving.

[Chitown Kev]

8. Al D'Amato in 1998 is the big one there.

I think their endorsements of Mark Kirk are fair, though, even though I could care less...Kirk's always been a decent Republican on LGBT issues

[m-lekktor]

9. yep I remember that! I personally don't like it when they endorse republicans but I can

understand why they do it if they only believe our personal rights are enough to advocate for. Any republican who wins just adds to them being in the majority is why i don't even like supporting the GOOD ones but then, in my case, I am not a single issue voter and pro gay republicans often SUCK at many other issues. Though I am glad they are legal for us, getting married and joining the military aren't my priorities as a gay man (already did the military closet thing anyway).

[Chitown Kev]

10. I get the idea

I mean, you do need people on the other side of the aisle, at this point and Kirk has more often than not been a reliable vote

Which will make their upcoming decision as to who to endorse in the Illinois Senate race very interesting

[Chitown Kev]

6. we did know this was coming, right?

HRC just had to have their canapes and cocktails with Hillary, right?

[Chitown Kev]

11. Hillary Clinton is not the keynote speaker

according to JoeMyGod.

Joe Biden is.

Hillary is just speaking with staffers on that day.

10 comments on that thread and the vitriol is already flowing, lol...I loves my people.