Billy Porter Performs from KINKY BOOTS at Human Rights Campaign Gala Tonight

The Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization - will host its annual Greater New York Gala dinner tonight, February 2, 2013 at the Waldorf Astoria. This year's event comes on the heels of historic electoral wins for marriage equality across the country.

The evening will feature a performance by Billy Porter, star of this spring's highly anticipated new musical Kinky Boots. With a book by four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein, music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper, and direction and choreography by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, Kinky Boots proves that sometimes the best way to fit in, is to stand out.

This year's featured speaker will be Newark, NJ Mayor Cory A. Booker. Mayor Booker is a champion of LGBT equality and a rising star in the Democratic Party. Booker publicly supports marriage equality and appeared in HRC's Americans for Marriage Equality video campaign. Booker is a long-time friend and supporter of the Human Rights Campaign. He gave a passionate speech to a crowd of over 3,000 at the HRC 2012 National Dinner in Washington, DC.

Whoopi Goldberg will receive the 2013 HRC Ally for Equality Award. "We are proud to honor Whoopi Goldberg with the Ally for Equality Award for her commitment to the LGBT community through her public support of marriage equality, including taking part in our successful
New Yorkers for Marriage Equality video campaign in 2011," said HRC President Chad Griffin.
"Whoopi is always willing to stand up for our community and is a longtime friend of HRC."

Prudential will receive the 2013 Corporate Equality Award in honor of their commitment
to equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees and customers. Prudential has received a perfect 100 percent rating on HRC's Corporate Equality Index (CEI) for the past
ten years earning the coveted distinction of "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality." An HRC National Corporate Sponsor since 2005, Prudential deserves special recognition for the development of its 2012 signature study, "The LGBT Financial Experience," which dispels a number of myths and sheds light on the financial experience and challenges of the LGBT community.

The event will also honor Former NYS Senator Tom Duane for his lifetime commitment to LGBT
equality and civil rights. A resident of Chelsea since 1976, Duane was elected to four terms as Male Democratic District Leader inthe 64th Assembly District beginning in 1982. Duane also served for seven years on his local community board. He loudly and unapologetically got things done; not only making strides for equality, but also valiantly fighting ignorance through legislation and educational initiatives

For more information or to purchase tickets to HRC's Greater New York Gala Dinner please visit
www.hrc.org/greaterny/dinner.

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.

Photo Credit: Monica Simoes