HRC Utah Supports the National Equality March and Rally

The National Equality March and Rally took place in Washington, DC on 11 October 2009, also celebrated as National Coming Out Day.  The March and Rally drew over 200,000 LGBT people and supporters calling for full Equality now!  The event was funded by small donations and was underwritten by HRC Director Bruce Bastian.

HRC members gathered early at the HRC building on Rhode Island Ave (see photos by HRC Utah members) and then marched as a group with HRC President Joe Solmonese and Judy Shepard to the march staging area at 15th Street and I Street, NW. 

As the march began around noon, a rainbow graced the sky above, invigorating the marchers and touching the hearts of many.  The march progressed to the White House and down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol Building west lawn.  The march was peaceful, and many straight allies lined the streets and joined the marchers, with signs expressing love and empathy.

The rally began at 2pm as the marchers poured onto the Capitol lawn.  Speakers came from around the Nation, and included leaders in the LGBT rights movement and celebrities, such as Lady Gaga.  The rally was carried live on C-SPAN.

HRC is committed to achieving full Equality by electing fair minded officials and lobbying Congress to pass Federal legislation to protect LGBT families.  No more excuses…demand equality face to face now!