HRC to Honor Jennifer Lopez with Ally for Equality Award at 2013 National Dinner

International icon to be honored for longtime advocacy of LGBT equality

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that Jennifer Lopez will receive the 2013 Ally for Equality Award at HRC's sold-out National Dinner on Saturday, October 5 in Washington, DC.

"Jennifer Lopez embodies the spirit of an ally to the LGBT community and we are thrilled to present her the Ally for Equality at our National Dinner in October," said HRC president Chad Griffin.  "We recognize Jennifer for her talent, style, compassion, philanthropy and generosity, but foremost for her public commitment to LGBT equality."

The Ally for Equality Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of those who dedicate time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBT people. This award is given to allies outside the LGBT community who stand up on behalf of equality for all Americans.

For years, Jennifer Lopez has been vocal about her love for the LGBT community, from her outspoken support for marriage equality, to the millions of dollars she's raised for HIV/AIDS research and her efforts on behalf of bullying and youth anti-violence causes.  Currently Lopez serves as executive producer of ABC Family's hit TV series The Fosters, the #1 new cable TV series of the summer with millennials. The Fosters is a compelling, one-hour drama about a multi-ethnic family mix of foster and biological kids being raised by two moms. Lopez was on the receiving end of a boycott campaign from One Million Moms, a project of the radically anti-LGBT group American Family Association. 

"Even facing pressure from anti-LGBT groups, Jennifer stands her ground as a strident equality supporter," added Griffin.  "Throughout her career, Jennifer Lopez has always stood for fairness, justice and equality, and that's what being an ally is all about."

The HRC National Dinner, which is expected to draw 3,400 guests, will be held the evening of Saturday, October 5^th at the Washington Convention Center. Also in attendance will be the plaintiffs and attorneys from the historic Proposition 8 and Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) cases before the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year.  This will be the first time all five plaintiffs will be together in the same room.  Chart-topping singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles will also be there to perform her hit song, "Brave."  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.

SOURCE Human Rights Campaign