mmer Employee Sculptor Therapist Realtor Mother unteer Cook PharmacistBusiness Owner Democrat Waiter Lesbian e Optometrist Stylist Painter stCousin Bookkeeper Colleague Sister Transgendered Physical Therapist Tutor b Technician Manager Veterinarian Musician ergeant Lawyer Accountant Florist Gay Plumber Carpenter Rabbi rter Senator Investor Broker Biologist Parent Engineer nslatorBarber Consumer Welder Pilot Officer Mechanic Partner Philosopher Administrator Actor Bisexual er Environmentalist Taxpayer istWoman Architect Citizen ainer Neighbor Professor Designer Independent er Artist Union Member Courier Son Annual Report The Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation April 1, 1999 – March 31, 2000 As the nation’s largest lesbian and gay political organization, the Human Rights Campaign envisions an America where lesbian and gay people are ensured of their basic equal rights — and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. More than 360,000 HRC members — gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight — are committed to making this vision a reality. IAm Table of Contents

Letter from our Board Leaders ...... 2

Letter from the Executive Director...... 3

Public Affairs and Legislation ...... 5

Elections...... 8

Grassroots ...... 10

HRC Foundation ...... 13

Workplace ...... 16

Family ...... 18

Combined Financial Summary ...... 20

Donor Lists...... 22

Boards...... 35

1 Welcome

AMERICA AT A CROSSROADS

For lesbian and gay Americans, the new millennium arrived at a time of historic visibility, strength and influence. Those of us old enough to remember a different time can look with pride and wonder at a cul- tural landscape that includes the unabashedly gay sensibilities of top-rated TV sitcoms like Will & Grace, and popular icons like Melissa Etheridge, able to proudly affirm her artistry, sexual orienta- tion and family. Those who came of age during the Clinton/Gore administration can be forgiven for forgetting that presidential debates in the past drew no questions on gay issues or that political campaigns simply ignored us, at best — as opposed to the courtship that is routine today. Now, it is easy to feel hopeful that America is moving steadily toward a full embrace of equality. But the new millennium has also brought with it the very real threat that America could instead choose to turn back the clock. A national election of staggeringly high stakes underscored the dichotomy of life for lesbians and gays today. While the culture has moved decisively forward, the legal measures of our rights have not kept pace. Congress has not simply failed to pass laws to fight anti-gay violence and employment discrimination, it has refused to. And it has tried regularly to pass anti-gay measures. For its part, the Supreme Court has upheld anti-gay discrimination as constitutional. And at this writing, just 11 states have seen fit to protect the jobs of its lesbian and gay citizens. As America chooses its course for the first decade of the 21st century, lesbians and gays face the possibility that proponents of legalized homophobia will take charge. The real measure of progress for lesbian and gay Americans will continue to be the hard-won gains in law and policy that are the only true guarantee of equal rights, responsibilities and oppor- tunity in our society — and to which the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation have now been dedicated for 20 years. Our work is made possible by an unprecedented partnership among lesbian and gay Americans and straight allies from all walks of life and across the political spectrum. It is work that can and must continue, in good times and bad, until America’s political choices no longer pose a threat to its lesbian and gay citizens.

Candy Marcum Michael Duffy Board of Directors Board of Directors Co-Chair Co-Chair

Lawrie Demorest Marty Lieberman Board of Governors Board of Governors Co-Chair Co-Chair

Edie Cofrin Foundation Board President

2 TRULY A ‘HUMAN RIGHTS’ CAMPAIGN

This year was the 20th anniversary of the Human Rights Campaign. Twenty years ago, a small group of men and women gathered to create an organization they imagined would transform the world through the democratic process. Imagine that these young men and women had never heard the word “AIDS.” They could not have envisioned how an epidemic would force an entire genera- tion to learn to comfort the dying and bury the dead. From the beginning, they built a bipartisan organization. But they could not have imagined that for the next three administrations — the Reagan/Bush years — their government, in the midst of the largest health crisis of the century, would turn away in silence. They could not have imagined that even the most basic equal rights would not have been realized at the federal level even by the year 2000. But they had a dream — and mostly they could not imagine how strong and wise they would become. And one after another, other dreamers and thinkers — men and women of good con- science — have come to the Human Rights Campaign to build a strong, vital foundation for equality, one stone upon another. Time has proven the wisdom of these early leaders. But too many Americans — too many parents, loved ones and common-sense observers — now see the lengths to which our enemies will go to perpetuate their prejudice. All through 1999, the battle lines were shifting — from the polls and editorial pages to dinner tables and water cool- ers. And the margins were widening to embrace equality. I am proud that the Human Rights Campaign has been at the forefront of the effort to make equality a mainstream issue, worthy of the support of every fair-minded American. The evidence is everywhere. Parents, loved ones, co-workers and friends of lesbians and gays continue to join our member- ship. Candidates — Republican and Democrat — go out of their way to approach us on issues, both to learn more and to pledge their support. Reporters and editorial boards view our advocacy as “common sense” rather than “special interest.” Our workplace advocacy has transformed the landscape of corporate America, with gay-inclusive policies becoming standard practice, from the Big Three automakers to that quintessential U.S. brand, Coca-Cola. Much of HRC’s work in the past year has involved eye-to-eye confrontations with the propo- nents of anti-gay bigotry. And we will continue to face them down, and take the action necessary to blunt their attacks. But more and more, we are energized not simply by outrage, but by hope and a shared sense of purpose. We are working with diverse allies across the spectrum, to rally a new American majority behind a movement of fairness, tolerance and community — secure in the knowledge that ours is truly a human rights campaign.

Elizabeth Birch Executive Director

3 IAma Public Affairs & Legislation ssues of importance to our HATE CRIMES hearings. Lobbying efforts Icommunity — in particular Falling Victim included the family of James hate crimes and the ban on to Anti-Gay Politics Byrd Jr., an African-American lesbian and gay military serv- man who was dragged to his ice — assumed a prominent A full year of anguished and death behind a pickup truck in place in the national debate as heartfelt pleas by hate crimes Texas. Law enforcement offi- the country entered the piv- victims failed to overcome cials from Wyoming and other otal 2000 election year. At the anti-gay politics in Congress, states gave their endorsement same time, the 106th Con- as the Hate Crimes Prevention to the bill as well. HRC’s gress, which convened in Act was quietly killed by Re- efforts also included the place- January 1999, saw significant- publican leaders in November ment of advertisements in ly less anti-gay rhetoric than 1999 despite unprecedented Capitol Hill publications and its predecessor. There were far levels of support and visibility. op-ed pieces in newspapers fewer anti-gay attacks and HRC made passage of around the country and a amendments than in the last HCPA a top priority through- member-generated, letter-writ- Congress, in which gays and out the year. It worked closely ing campaign and extensive lesbians were notoriously com- with the parents of slain online activism. pared to “kleptomaniacs” and Wyoming college student Success seemed to be with- “alcoholics.” The net result Matthew Shepard, whose in reach in July 1999 when was an all-time high level of 1998 murder galvanized pub- the Senate unanimously overall support in the Senate lic opinion in favor of tougher agreed to include the measure and the House of Represen- hate crimes laws, to persuade as an amendment to the tatives for issues of concern to congressional leaders to act. Commerce, State and Justice HRC members. And it result- Both Judy and Dennis appropriations bill. But ed in an illuminating public Shepard appeared in HRC- because a similar House bill dialogue for many Americans. produced television ads, spoke contained no hate crimes pro- Despite clear progress in at HRC-organized press con- vision, the fate of HCPA funding for HIV/AIDS ferences, and made personal moved to a House/Senate con- research, prevention and serv- visits to members of the ference. Throughout the sum- ices, neither the Hate Crimes House and Senate. mer and fall, HRC continued Prevention Act nor the The efforts of HRC and its to orchestrate widespread sup- Employment Non-Discrimi- coalition partners resulted in port for the bill. On Nov. 17, nation Act, HRC’s signature both Senate and House hear- however, the Republican lead- issues, passed into law in 1999 ings on hate crimes. At HRC’s ership eliminated it from the — a sure sign that the debate urging, Judy Shepard present- final conference report — had barely begun. ed moving testimony in favor killing any chance that it of HCPA at the Senate would become law in 1999. In January 2000, President Clinton again called for pas- sage of HCPA in his State of the Union, as he did for the citizen. 5 Employment Non-Discrimi- the workplace. At the same 15 percent increase for med- nation Act. The bill continued time, more and more compa- ical research at the National to gather support in the 106th nies are endorsing ENDA and Institutes of Health, a 6 per- Congress’ second session. In calling for its passage. cent increase for HIV preven- June, the Senate voted 57-42 tion activities at the Centers to pass the language of HCPA. HIV/AIDS for Disease Control and Fourteen Republicans voted in Sustaining the Federal Prevention, and a 50 percent favor of the bill. On Sept. 13, Commitment increase for a Congressional by a vote of 232-192, the Black Caucus initiative to House passed a motion to With an ominous erosion in combat HIV/AIDS in com- instruct conferees to keep the the rate of decline in the munities of color. hate crimes measure in the national AIDS death rate, and Work Incentives defense authorization bill. increased levels of HIV/AIDS Improvement Act: The FY Forty-one Republicans voted infection, illness and death 2000 budget agreement also in favor. Despite this, the among gay and bisexual men of corrected a serious inequity in GOP leadership stripped out color, HRC worked throughout Medicare and Medicaid cover- the hate crimes legislation 1999 to secure adequate federal age that had the effect of pre- while the bill was in confer- resources and policies. venting people living with dis- ence. HRC continued to draw Housing Opportunities for abilities, including HIV/ attention to efforts by the People With AIDS: In Sep- AIDS, from returning to work GOP leadership to keep the tember 1999, the House voted without losing their health full Congress from finally act- to restore $10 million in fund- insurance coverage. The bill, ing against the epidemic of ing to the Housing Opportu- which passed the House in hate crimes that is aimed at all nities for People with AIDS late October 1999 by a vote of Americans, not just those in program for FY 2000, main- 412-9, allows people with dis- the GLBT community. taining its FY 1999 level of abilities to buy Medicaid cov- $225 million, but falling short erage even if they earned a ENDA of the $240 million requested salary that would otherwise A Record Number by President Clinton and disqualify them. The Senate of Cosponsors fought for by HRC. Statistics passed a companion bill in continued to bear out the com- June by 99-0. The final Work The Employment Non- pelling need for the program: Incentives Improvement Act Discrimination Act also con- Up to 60 percent of people liv- was signed into law Dec. 17, tinued to gather support in ing with HIV/AIDS will need 1999. Congress and in the corporate housing assistance at some District of Columbia Needle world. The bill, reintroduced point in their lives. One-third Exchange: Once again, several June 24, 1999, had a record to one-half are either already conservatives in Congress number of cosponsors — 36 homeless or in imminent dan- sought to dictate District of in the Senate and 165 in the ger of losing their homes. Columbia HIV/AIDS policy House. While the GOP lead- Funding for Federal HIV through the appropriations ership blocked any hearings or Programs: In November 1999, process. Initially, the FY 2000 votes on the measure, support Congress passed a final spend- D.C. appropriations bill con- is still growing. HRC contin- ing bill that included much- tained a provision to prohibit ues to document the critical needed increases in key federal any federally funded entity in need for the legislation by AIDS appropriations, includ- the district from using its own gathering first-person accounts ing a 13 percent increase for private funding for needle of anti-gay discrimination in the Ryan White CARE Act, a exchange programs. After

6 extensive lobbying by HRC after HRC and a coalition of staff and our coalition part- progressive organizations drew ners, the provision was attention to its potentially dropped. dangerous civil liberties impli- cations. A compromise bill, THE HORMEL the Religious Land Use and NOMINATION Institutionalized Person Act, A Favorable End passed both chambers over- whelmingly. The alternative A nearly 2-year-long standoff measure protects important over the ambassadorial nomina- religious liberties without tion of openly gay business and endangering civil rights laws. civic leader James C. Hormel ended in June 1999 when THE LARGENT President Clinton exercised his AMENDMENT authority to appoint Hormel as Failed Attack on Gay and ambassador to Luxembourg Lesbian Adoption during a congressional recess. U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright swears in openly gay philanthropist The recess appointment pro- By a margin of one vote, the James C. Hormel as ambassador to Luxembourg. Hormel’s partner, Timothy voked an angry response from House defeated an anti-gay Wu, holds the Bible at the June 29, 1999, event. the handful of senators who amendment June 29, 1999, had blocked Hormel’s nomina- that would have limited the tion because of his sexual orien- ability of gay and lesbian cou- tation. One senator, James ples seeking to adopt children. Inhofe, R-Okla., went so far as The amendment, offered by to vow to block all future Rep. Steve Largent, R-Okla., Clinton administration would have prohibited unmar- appointees. HRC helped lead ried couples in the District of the Senate in backing away Columbia from jointly adopt- from Inhofe’s position by point- ing children. HRC vigorously ing out his hypocrisy to the opposed this hateful slap at media. Hormel was formally gays, lesbians and more than sworn in June 1999. 3,100 children needing adop- tion in the nation’s capital. RELIGIOUS LIBERTY PROTECTION ACT Principled Lobbying Exposes Flawed Bill

A bill that could have nullified state and local gay civil rights laws — yet which enjoyed widespread support among conservative, moderate and liberal religious and secular groups — passed the House but failed to pass the Senate

7 Elections RC spent much of 1999 THE RACE FOR GAY ISSUES H gearing up for the PRESIDENT Front and Center in the momentous 2000 elections, HRC Issues Y2K Primary Campaign when control of the White Candidate Report House, both houses of At their first joint debate Congress and the power to At an August 1999 news con- appearance, Vice President Al make an expected three or ference in Des Moines, Iowa, Gore and former New Jersey more appointments to the HRC issued a special report, Sen. Bill Bradley strongly con- Supreme Court, were all up Y2K Presidential Candidates & demned the military’s ban on for grabs. Gay and Lesbian Equality, gay and lesbian service, com- HRC’s political action detailing where the leading monly known as “don’t ask, committee set an ambitious Democratic, Republican and don’t tell,” and both pledged agenda to influence the debate third-party candidates stood to end the ban if elected. In on gay and lesbian issues, on gay and lesbian issues. On the following days, President especially in the presidential the same day, right-wing Clinton said the policy was contest. With Republicans organizations placed a full- not working well. First lady controlling both the House page ad in the Des Moines Hillary Rodham Clinton, run- and Senate by six- and five- Register asking that all candi- ning for the Senate in New seat majorities, respectively, dates sign a pledge to oppose York, announced her opposi- ideological control of the any legal recognition of the tion to the policy. Republicans Congress was also a priority. rights of gays and lesbians. were united in their support HRC prepared to invest Their gambit failed to garner for the ban. In January 2000, more than $1 million in the much support, except from the Republican National campaigns of fair-minded the most conservative Re- Committee aired a paid televi- candidates in the 2000 elec- publican contenders, including sion spot in favor of it, specifi- tion cycle. right-wing activists Gary cally attacking and distorting Bauer and Alan Keyes as well the vice president’s position. as Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. In response, HRC crafted and HRC’s ongoing advocacy in aired a spot holding the GOP coordination with state candidates accountable for activists helped to give gay supporting a policy that con- issues an unusually visible and tradicts the spirit of American balanced role in the Iowa democracy. debate. IAmvo The dueling ads capped an Democrats made support for to secure the public opposition extraordinary two-week period gay and lesbian equality a cor- of both Democrats. HRC and during which the military ban nerstone of their campaign its key leadership were major received its most extensive platforms and rhetoric. funders of the No On Knight media and public attention Campaign, which was also since it was codified in 1993. THE PRESIDENTIAL supported by hundreds of To inform the debate, the NOMINATION members of the HRC Action HRC Foundation commis- HRC Gives Early Network. Despite an aggres- sioned the polling firm of Endorsement to Vice sive countereffort, the initia- Lake, Snell, Perry and President Gore tive prevailed, although the Associates to measure public debate on that issue has only opinion. Key findings con- On Feb. 11, 2000, HRC just begun in California. firmed that nearly two-thirds endorsed Al Gore for presi- Further, it served to broaden of voters believe gays should dent at a Los Angeles news public awareness of and sup- be allowed to serve in the mili- conference with the vice presi- port for gay issues statewide. tary, while a strong plurality dent. The endorsement noted believe gays should be able to Bradley’s honorable stands on serve without hiding their sex- gay issues, while emphasizing HRC made an early endorsement in the 2000 presidential race with Vice ual orientation. that Gore had earned the President Gore. Among the community leaders at the Los Angeles event in The military ban was not endorsement through his long, February were L.A. Stonewall Democratic Club President Eric Bauman, Judy the only gay-related issue to well-documented history of Shepard and HRC Executive Director Elizabeth Birch. receive prominent attention tangible actions in support of during the presidential primar- equality. ies. Gore and Bradley both endorsed the Vermont THE KNIGHT Supreme Court’s decision to INITIATIVE set the stage for legal same-sex Setback in California “civil unions” in the state, call- ing for universal recognition California’s March 2000 presi- of domestic partner rights and dential primary ballot featured responsibilities. Despite exten- a proposition to ban future sive HRC lobbying, however, recognition of same-sex mar- the candidates specifically riage. The Knight Initiative, opposed the right of same-sex put forth by anti-gay couples to marry. Nevertheless, Republican state legislator Pete and in sharp contrast to their Knight, proved to be a defin- Republican counterparts, the ing issue among the multi- party field of presidential con- tenders. HRC helped

ting. 9 Grassroots eyond the Beltway: The core MEMBERSHIP tourneys and WNBA profes- Bof HRC’s institutional and New Levels of Outreach sional basketball games. HRC political strength continued to also sent staff members to an be its membership base, grass- HRC’s membership levels con- array of conferences and festi- roots presence and volunteer tinued to reflect an expanded vals in the GLBT and larger leadership in cities and towns commitment to targeted out- progressive community. nationwide. In 1999, com- reach at the grassroots level. House Parties: HRC bined HRC membership sur- Thousands of new members involved its volunteer networks passed 360,000 — the result of joined the organization through and members through its concerted efforts to mobilize a diverse range of programs and house party program — to the full diversity of gay, lesbian, activities. The HRC website educate people, bring in new bisexual, transgendered and also proved to be an effective members and identify others fair-minded Americans vehicle for membership recruit- in the local community. Local through all available means to ment; thousands of new mem- hosts held parties during the join the fight for equality. bers joined online in FY 2000. spring related to HRC’s “Get Presence at Prides: HRC’s Engaged in the Fight For presence at pride events Equality” theme about the nationwide still stood out as a need to value, and protect, major source of new visibility GLBT families. They also built and support. Staff and volun- house-party themes around the teers participated in more than Fourth of July, Memorial Day 60 events during the 1999 and other holidays. In total, pride season. HRC’s Action more than 300 volunteers Center and retail store in signed up to be hosts for house Provincetown, Mass., had its parties countrywide. most successful summer sea- Door-to-Door Canvassing: son ever. Planning began to Another innovative HRC open more Action Centers and approach to outreach is door- Stores in gay-majority neigh- to-door membership drives, a borhoods in the coming years. program in place for several Community Events: The years that has brought on board organization continued to thousands of new members, boost its strength and diversity including straight allies, who by greatly expanding its com- are committed to our issues. munity events program, rang- HRC teamed up again with the ing from barbecues and bowl- Fund for Public Interest ing nights to women’s golf Research to conduct the door- IAma to-door work in targeted neigh- Outreach to women con- steering committees, 60 HRC’s Action Network, and borhoods in Arizona, Cali- tinued to experience enthusi- Federal Club co-chairs, 50 they receive timely e-mail fornia, Georgia, Illinois, astic growth. A series of events dinner co-chairs, 20 member- alerts on key issues. Michigan, Minnesota, New organized around WNBA pro- ship liaisons, 21 state coordi- Members of the Action Mexico, North Carolina, Ore- fessional basketball games, golf nators, 136 congressional dis- Network have shown them- gon and Texas. Plans were made tournaments, bowling and trict coordinators, 40 directors selves to be among the most expand the efforts in 2000. other activities helped bring and 120 governors. Together, cyber-savvy in the nation. women together and increase they organize 24 fund-raising HRC worked hard to keep DIVERSITY their level of involvement in dinners, 30 community pace with their technological A Benchmark of Progress HRC’s work. events, 75-plus Federal Club expectations. It made a major Economic diversity was a events, and countless meet- investment in improving the A key tenet of HRC’s five-year focal point, too, as HRC’s ings, house parties, receptions technology behind our online plan is to significantly increase events staff worked with local and town hall meetings. Action Center, which enables efforts to ensure that staff and communities to organize This diverse umbrella works registered users to access con- membership reflect the full beach volleyball parties, barbe- in coordination with HRC’s gressional biographies, phone diversity of the nationwide gay, cues and other moderately national office, but in each case numbers, e-mail addresses, lesbian, bisexual and transgen- priced events that drew maxi- the commitment and drive is committee schedules and der community. By 2000, 25 mum community-wide partic- fully self-generated. This high more, and then send messages percent of HRC employees ipation among those who level of local energy ensures directly to Congress when gay, were people of color, up from want to make a personal con- that every HRC member has lesbian or HIV/AIDS issues 19 percent in 1999. To achieve tribution to the fight for opportunities to increase his or are at stake. similar success in diversifying equality. her involvement — and direct- The Action Center was membership, HRC hired its ly influence HRC’s local and totally revamped, as part of a first constituency organizer to VOLUNTEERS national impact. major redesign and recoding of focus outreach efforts on com- A Framework of Local our entire website to make it munities of color and people Leadership THE ACTION more uniform and quick to of faith. NETWORK load. Traffic to the site grew HRC’s “Gospel & Soul” HRC continues to thrive on An Organized exponentially — from approx- event celebrated its third strong community-based roots. Grassroots Voice imately 94,000 hits in 24,000 anniversary and the organiza- Local committees and volun- user sessions in April 1999, to tion sponsored a number of teer networks have grown to HRC’s Action Network 3.6 million hits in 163,000 prayer breakfasts nationwide. feel real ownership of HRC became an even more impor- user sessions by March 2000. HRC also increased its pres- and its mission, and they are tant tool for generating effec- All of these outreach activi- ence at black pride events, increasingly responsible for tive grassroots response to leg- ties are in addition to HRC’s which continued to grow in HRC’s organizational success. islative emergencies and direct marketing program popularity in major cities Numbers tell only part of opportunities. More than which remained the largest in including Washington, D.C., the story: HRC’s national vol- 20,000 people are now part of the gay and lesbian community. and Atlanta. unteer leadership includes 26

member.11 IAme HRC Foundation he Human Rights University of Wyoming stu- in Laramie, Wyo., to provide TCampaign Foundation dent Matthew Shepard. In ongoing media commentary. works to lay the groundwork two 30-second PSAs released HRC’s perspective was espe- for equality by educating the at the event — each aimed at cially useful when the defense public, policy makers, the curbing anti-gay violence and attempted to downgrade the media, corporate leaders and promoting a greater under- charges to manslaughter, others about issues surround- standing of gay issues — claiming that Shepard had ing anti-gay and -lesbian bias, Shepard speaks about the love made sexual advances that discrimination, violence and she and others felt for her triggered “traumatic memo- other topics. son, and urges viewers to ries” in McKinney of alleged “choose to understand.” childhood sexual abuse. PUBLIC “In a perfect world, because The so-called “gay panic” AWARENESS your child is gay, you don’t defense, which has been used Campaign Features worry about their safety. You with appalling success in other Judy Shepard just worry about them being trials, was thrown out by happy,” she says in one spot. District Judge Barton Voigt. In September 1999, the HRC The PSAs, produced with McKinney was eventually sen- Foundation took a proactive the Matthew Shepard Found- tenced to two consecutive life approach toward advancing ation, were distributed to terms for his role in the Oct. equality through the media by every U.S. network affiliate 6, 1998, attack, when he unveiling a comprehensive and cable operator that uses and his friend Russell A. public awareness campaign. It such spots, and began airing Henderson lured Shepard included television public in October 1999. from a bar, drove him to a service announcements and remote field, beat him with extensive public opinion MATTHEW the butt of a gun, tied him to research to help HRC shape SHEPARD a fence, and left him to die in attitudes and craft messages in Justice on Trial near-freezing temperatures. the new millennium. Henderson was given a similar The campaign was The much-awaited trial of sentence. launched at a Los Angeles Aaron J. McKinney for the luncheon in honor of Judy murder of Matthew Shepard ‘TRUTH IN LOVE’ Shepard, mother of slain took place in November 1999. AND HRC MEDIA Members of HRC staff were DEFENSE FUND A Case Study in Dueling Messages, in which Equality Prevailed

In 1998, the religious right launched a national advertis- ing campaign. Through full- page ads in major newspapers, it argued that gays and les- bians could change through so-called “conversion therapy,” and proved that paid media could be used to attack and demean gays and lesbians, qual. 13 spread anti-gay propaganda, produced and began airing crime and employment dis- and secure massive amounts positive ads geared toward crimination cases as part of of free media attention to the promoting respect and dig- its Documenting Discrimi- anti-gay agenda. nity for all people. nation Project. The cases The HRC Foundation The “Truth in Love” tele- were the source of compelling responded effectively to the vision campaign failed to witnesses who testified at 1998 campaign with ads and receive anything close to the HRC’s request before con- media advocacy of its own, media coverage that greeted gressional committees hold- which changed the terms of its print counterpart a year ing hearings on the Employ- the discussion and exposed earlier. Much of the HRC ment Non-Discrimination the politics behind the cam- Foundation’s prior efforts had Act and the Hate Crimes paign. Since then, it has succeeded in discrediting the Prevention Act. been clear that the resources campaign’s message. The HRC Foundation and capacity to respond Gay Day Ads: Activists on acted as “friend of the court” decisively to paid media the extreme right also in a number of federal appel- attacks must be in place. In attempted to run an anti-gay late cases affecting gay, les- 1999, the HRC Foundation television ad campaign to bian, bisexual and transgen- created the HRC Media coincide with “Gay Days,” an dered people and families. Defense Fund to fill that annual event where hundreds Most prominently, HRC need. It draws upon the of thousands of lesbian, gay, attorneys helped coordinate HRC Foundation’s in- bisexual and transgendered the civil rights community’s house communications people visit Walt Disney amicus brief in Dale v. Boy experts, and external rela- World and other Orlando- Scouts of America, and ana- tionships with advertising area theme parks. A swift lyzed the case in national TV agencies, pollsters and other response by the HRC and print media. specialists. Foundation challenging the HRC staff along with In May 1999, the same ads’ content as false and mis- members of the new HRC groups that ran the previous leading helped to limit their McCleary Law Fellows pro- summer’s $500,000 anti-gay broadcast to three minor gram also began coordinating “Truth In Love” newspaper independent stations. the research and preparation ads unveiled what they prom- of state legislative drafting Judy Shepard participated in an ised would be a multi-million LEGAL EDUCATION guides as part of HRC’s HRC Foundation-sponsored lunch- dollar television version of the AND RESEARCH Equality Agenda. eon Sept. 9, 1999, that launched a campaign. HRC continued to pub- television PSA campaign aimed at HRC’s Media Defense The HRC Foundation’s legal lish quarterly editions of curbing anti-gay violence. Fund immediately produced staff provided extensive legal HRC LAWbriefs, its newslet- a detailed handbook, It’s Not analysis and research support ter on legal developments. About Hope, It’s About Anti- to all of HRC’s political and Copies are circulated to most Gay Politics. It provided educational efforts. It also led members of Congress and background on the anti-gay the organization’s lobbying key administration officials, groups and leaders behind efforts for the confirmation of coalition allies and donors; the campaign, along with fair-minded Clinton nominees they are also available on our talking points to rebut its Richard Paez and Marsha website. HRC’s legal staff messages and expose the Berzon to the influential 9th spoke to print and broadcast myths about “ex-gay min- Circuit Court of Appeals. media representatives and istries.” Through the fund, The legal staff also re- addressed law schools and the HRC Foundation also viewed hundreds of hate gay and lesbian legal organi-

14 zations across the country. In addition, HRC’s distri- The staff also participated in bution of 825 “Activate Your judicial training and repre- Future” kits to campus GLBT sented the gay and lesbian groups helped to substantially community on the U.S. increase participation among Department of Justice’s Task college students. Hundreds Force on Law Enforcement used the occasion to come out, Training and Recruitment. join the HRC Action Network or apply for jobs, internships, fellowships or positions in HRC’s Youth College training institute for political activists.

‘I AM’ 20 YEARS OLD! Among the activities developed to commemorate its 20th anniversary year, HRC launched a campaign built around the simple message “I NATIONAL Am.” The concise, yet inclu- COMING OUT sive, statement was intended to PROJECT affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual and Millions ‘Come Out transgendered people across to Congress’ America as members of the HRC community. The cam- HRC’s National Coming Out paign was showcased in April Project celebrated its 11th 2000 during the Millennium anniversary in 1999 by March on Washington and encouraging millions of remains an integral part of Americans to “Come Out to membership and voter registra- Congress.” NCOP planning tion efforts. “I Am” seeks to kits were sent to more than touch the hearts and identities 700 sites in advance of the of fair-minded Americans Oct. 11, 1999, event. everywhere. Mailings, e-mails and a toll- free telephone line drew twice as many requests for NCOP materials as the year before, ensuring that the tools to par- ticipate were available in hun- dreds of cities and towns. For the first time, NCOP materials were also printed in Spanish, which played a major role in broadening participation among Latina/o communities.

15 hether provoked by the HRC WORKNET Wactivism of its gay and A Driving Force lesbian employees, or guided for Corporate Change by its own sense of fair play and effective employee rela- HRC WorkNet continues to tions, corporate America is be the nation’s leading clear- increasingly taking the lead in inghouse for information on advancing the cause of equali- domestic partner benefits, ty by adopting gay-inclusive non-discrimination policies policies and benefits programs. and basic fairness for gay, HRC’s workplace advocacy lesbian, bisexual and trans- continued to grow throughout gendered workers. In 1999, 1999 as some of the nation’s HRC WorkNet advised most prominent businesses scores of employers seeking stepped forward to embrace to implement domestic part- the movement toward work- ner benefits, including Price- place equality. WaterhouseCoopers, Boeing, Some corporations, howev- Motorola, American and er, continued to resist the trend United Airlines and General toward fairness. Most notably, Mills. the newly merged petroleum HRC WorkNet is an giant ExxonMobil replaced the authoritative resource for cor- gay-inclusive policies of one porate executives as well as gay partner (Mobil) with the dis- and lesbian employees. It dis- criminatory policies of the tributes a detailed monthly other (Exxon). That setback WorkAlert briefing to journal- was all the more striking given ists, researchers and several the clear trend toward equality, thousand e-mail subscribers which the HRC Foundation nationwide. It produced two continued to fuel with pro- major electronic and print grams such as HRC WorkNet projects in 1999: and the HRC Business The State of the Workplace Council. for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Workers is an exhaustive analysis based on WorkNet’s database and other research. Cited constantly by IAman emp Workplace journalists writing about the EXXONMOBIL ADAM’S trend toward offering domestic A Corporate Tug of War MARK HOTELS partner benefits, it is also one Missing the Mark on Equality of the most popular downloads In late 1999, the newly on the HRC website. merged ExxonMobil Corp. HRC was one of the first Assisting the programs and took a discouraging step back- national organizations to sever strategies of WorkNet are ward by ending Mobil’s its ties with the Adam’s Mark members of the HRC Business domestic partner benefit pro- Hotel chain, canceling a major Council, who serve as a sound- gram and rescinding its policy event at its property in Den- ing board for ideas and as banning discrimination based ver. HRC’s well-publicized ambassadors to corporate poli- on sexual orientation. In so action inspired more than 100 cy makers. In 1999, the doing, ExxonMobil became other organizations to follow Business Council achieved its the first major U.S. employer its lead, which was provoked goal to advise at least 10 cor- ever to roll back a non-dis- by a lawsuit filed by the De- porations on issues of fairness crimination policy, and only partment of Justice, NAACP to GLBT employees. And its the second to end domestic and Florida attorney general members helped to enlist the partner benefits. against the chain for alleged support of 15 corporate spon- News releases, widely cov- violations of the Civil Rights sors of the federal Employ- ered by surprised business Act of 1964. The hotel was ment Non-Discrimination Act. media, noted that the move charged with discriminating Transgenderism & Transi- was bad for business as well as against its African-American tioning in the Workplace is a employee morale. While the guests and employees. web-based tool to help company decided to grandfa- employees and employers ther benefits to current em- understand transgenderism ployees, the decision to end and transitioning on the job. them affected a work force of Published in April, it is used 121,000 others. HRC repre- widely by individuals and cor- sentatives met with senior porations eager for practical officials of the merged con- information and informed rec- glomerate to dispute the ter- ommendations for addressing mination. an increasingly common The move placed the newly employment issue. The formed company outside the resource has won wide praise mainstream of American busi- from companies and work- ness, where more than 3,500 place advocates alike. employers currently offer domestic partner insurance benefits, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies.

mployee. 17 momentous decision by A the Vermont Supreme Court requiring state law to extend the benefits and pro- tections of marriage to same- sex couples was a remarkable victory for gay and lesbian families everywhere. It was also a glimmer of hope in a year that saw Hawaii’s Supreme Court withdraw its preliminary endorsement of the rights of same-sex couples (in the aftermath of a 1998 ballot measure that declared same-sex marriage unconsti- tutional), and the comfort- able passage of the March 2000 Knight Initiative in California. In the meantime, states and courts struggled to address the realities of gay, lesbian, bisexu- al and transgendered family- making. To help them navigate the shifting tides of federal, state and corporate policy affecting them, the HRC Foundation prepared to launch FamilyNet, its largest initiative ever aimed at the lives of gay and lesbian families.

FAMILYN ET A ‘Cyber Village’ for Gay and Lesbian Families

In October 1999, planning began for FamilyNet, a “virtu- al village” where gay and les- bian families could tour desti- nations ranging from Main Street to the Business District to learn about legal, parenting, financial, religious, health, aging and other issues that affect their daily lives.

18 Family Visitors would be able to Legislature to decide whether the first comprehensive look at download legal documents, those benefits should come developments within the link to gay-friendly providers, through traditional marriage largest organized religions in and look up local groups and or a similar arrangement such the country on the subject of activities. FamilyNet would as domestic partnerships. homosexuality. Among its also provide a forum where Under the ruling, Vermont findings: There is no single families could share experi- became the first state to create religious view about gay and ences and consult with experts. a legal status of “civil union” lesbian people. Nor is there FamilyNet would be between people of the same one set of answers to such unique on the World Wide sex in July 2000. questions as, Is gay and lesbian Web, and unique as a project As a member of the sex a sin? Should ministers and of a gay and lesbian organiza- National Freedom to Marry rabbis bless gay and lesbian tion. The idea for the project Coalition, HRC continues to unions? And should faith com- came from HRC board mem- lobby for full marriage rights munities support or oppose civil ber Tina Podlodowski, who is in all 50 states. rights for gay and lesbian people? the mother of two young chil- Through action alerts, The report and the confer- dren and has had to deal with phone calls and e-mails, HRC ence were received with wide many of the complex issues worked with and encouraged praise from people of faith facing lesbian parents. She its members in the state to struggling to reconcile the his- found a sympathetic ear in become involved with the toric view of homosexuality as HRC Executive Director Vermont Freedom to Marry inherently sinful, with the Elizabeth Birch, herself the Task Force, which has been reality that most gay and les- mother of two young children, doing outreach on marriage bian people are moral, princi- and together the two have for same-sex couples since pled individuals who just hap- been the driving force behind 1995. HRC also asked its pen to love differently. the initiative. The project’s members to contact their founding partners include state legislators and the gover- Family Pride Coalition, nor and to contribute to the Children of Lesbians and Gays task force. Everywhere and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. RELIGION FamilyNet launched in ‘Mixed Blessings’ for Gays October 2000. and Lesbians

SAME-SEX In August 1999, the HRC MARRIAGE Foundation sponsored a panel A Honeymoon in Vermont discussion of how large main- stream religions are treating In December 1999, the gay and lesbian Americans, Vermont Supreme Court particularly with respect to the handed down a monumental controversy surrounding the decision, ruling that same-sex religious traditions of hetero- couples must be offered the sexual marriage. same benefits and protections At the event, the HRC that married heterosexual cou- Foundation released Mixed ples receive. In its ruling, the Blessings: Mainstream Religion court directed the state and Gay & Lesbian Americans,

19 FISCAL YEAR 2000 Combined Financial Summary for HRC and the HRC Foundation

SOURCES OF INCOME 34% Membership 33% Federal Club & Council Program 21% Events 5% Corporation/Foundation Grants & Bequests 7% Earned Income & Other Revenue

USES OF INCOME

PROGRAM Public Policy, Education & Training 10% Communications & Media Advocacy 7% Membership Education & Services 16% Federal, Field & Legal Advocacy 25%

SUPPORT Fundraising 22% Management & General 20%

SEVEN-YEAR COMBINED INCOME SUMMARY $16.6 Figures shown in millions. $15.3 $14.4 HRC Foundation HRC $11.1

$8.3 $7.0 $6.3

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

20 Financial Statements

Statement of Activities

HRC SOURCES OF INCOME HRC Foundation Combined*

Membership $ 5,772,825 $–$ 5,772,825 Federal Club & Council Program 2,707,878 2,700,127 5,408,005 Events 3,184,980 247,526 3,432,506 HRC Foundation Grant 265,000 – – Corporate/Foundation Grants & Bequests 542,379 358,150 900,529 Earned Income & Other Revenue 622,399 466,808 1,089,207 Total Income 13,095,461 3,772,611 16,603,072

USES OF INCOME

Programs Federal, Field & Legal Advocacy 3,629,273 511,386 4,140,659 Membership Education & Services 2,536,093 – 2,536,093 Communications & Media Advocacy 719,517 349,852 1,069,369 HRC Foundation Grant to Support HRC Programs – 265,000 – Public Policy, Education & Training 1,085,708 423,674 1,509,382 Total Programs 7,970,591 1,549,912 9,255,503 Supporting Services Management & General 2,696,067 482,404 3,178,471 Fundraising 2,911,225 539,169 3,450,394 Total Supporting Services 5,607,292 1,021,573 6,628,865

Total Expenses 13,577,883 2,571,485 15,884,368 ) Change in Net Assets (482,422 1,201,126 718,704 Net Assets at Beginning of Year 2,145,162 3,847,555 5,992,717 Net Assets at End of Year 1,662,740 5,048,681 6,711,421

Source: Audited financial statements for the year beginning April 1, 1999, and ending March 31, 2000. *Combined statements exclude intercompany transfers.

21 NATIONAL CORPORATE SPONSORS

PLATINUM NATIONAL SPONSORS

NATIONAL SPONSORS The Advocate Boxofficetickets.com Gay.com Olivia Cruises and Resorts OUT Replacements Ltd. Verizon Working Assets

NATIONAL CORPORATE PARTNERS Chivas Regal Hennessy Cognac Mitchell Gold Co.

FOUNDATION SUPPORTERS America’s Charities Bell Atlantic Foundation / Verizon Foundation Combined Federal Campaign David Bohnett Foundation Donor-Advised Community Foundation Serving Coastal South Carolina David Geffen Foundation The Gill Foundation IBM International Foundation Jewish Community Foundation Elton John AIDS Foundation Joyce Mertz-Gilmore Foundation Levi Strauss Foundation The New York Community Trust Pacific Bell Foundation Michael Palm Foundation Safeco Insurance Co. Stonewall Community Foundation Target, Dayton Hudson’s and Mervyn’s Foundation Tides Foundation United Way US West Foundation Vanguard Public Foundation The Wells Fargo Foundation

34

HRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS SENIOR STAFF Craig Anderson NY, Michael Armentrout NC, Gwen Baba CA, Terry Bean OR, Michael Berman DC, Tammara Billik CA, Tim Boggs DC, Mary Elizabeth Birch Breslauer MA, Tom Buche CO, Philip Burgess IL, Blake Byrne CA, Edie Executive Director Cofrin GA, Stampp Corbin OH, Lawrie Demorest GA, Michael Duffy MA, Kate Falberg CA, Mark French MN (ex-officio), Emily Giske NY, Margaret Conway Steve Gunderson VA, Everett Hamilton DC, Stephanie Hart NY, Barry Managing Director Karas CA, Marty Lieberman IL, Candy Marcum TX, Rob Morris VA, Tina Podlodowski WA, Victoria Raymont IL, Andrew Reyes NC, Barbara Seth Kilbourn Roberts OR, Worth Ross TX, Abby Rubenfeld TN, Craig Sannum CA, National Field Director Andrew Tobias FL.

Kim I. Mills BOARD OF GOVERNORS Education Director Michael Abrams IL, Timothy Bahr MO, Scott Bane TN, Sydney Barrett MA, Joe Barrows CO, Bob Baublitz NY, Alan Becker CO, Tracy Benson Cathy Nelson IL, Sarah Booth DC, Larry Buntin MN, Gerard Cattie PA, Thomas Development Director Chaderjian IL, Richard Chizmadia MI, Dennis Coleman TX, Michael Collins TX, Rebecca Covell TX, Jay Dascenzo OH, Marilyn Deppe MN, David M. Smith Daniel Diem IL, Scott Dixon GA, Timothy Downing OH, Linda Elliott Communications Director CO, Larry Falconio MN, Peter Flynn MA, Kurt Giehl PA, John Gile CA, and Senior Strategist David Gillespie GA, Ronald Glanville OR, Katie Greene MN, Rod Groizer IL, Carolyn Hall TX, Craig Hartzman WA, Ray Hom GA, Ernest Winnie Stachelberg Horne MI, Mary Jo Hudson OH, Hope Hughes NY, Terry Hunt HI, Political Director Harry Jackson OH, Blake Jeffery IN, Rick Kappelmann NC, Wood Kinnard FL, Wayne Kreuscher IN, Bruce Lederman IL, Elaine Lemke Anthony E. Varona CA, Gregg Levine OH, Marty Lieberman IL, Barbara Lund MN, Alan General Counsel Maedgen TX, Bob Mahlowitz CA, Marjorie Mann NJ, Carol and Legal Director Montgomery TX, Erin Moore TX, Mark Morrow OH, Rob Mosley TX, David Muck TX, Michael Ness OR, Martin Newman OK, Steven Nicks Russell Vert CA, Jay Oppenheimer TX, W. Riley Owens SC, Paul Palmer FL, Larry Finance Director Pease TX, Lucilo Peña TX, Mark Phariss TX, Trisha Pray IL, Karla Rikansrud CO, Henry Robin NY, Henry Rosales CO, George Rosenfield CA, Becky Rudolph CO, Maria Salas TN, Carl Schmid DC, Pamela Schneider MO, D. Mark Seib GA, Lynn Shepodd GA, Richard Silver CA, Jeffrey Smith OH, Mary Snider DC, John Sullivan MN, Vaughn Vennerberg TX, Ava Walker MN, Mark Walsh MA, John Walzel TX, Janice Weatherford PA, Cheryl Ann Welsh NC, Bradley White CA, Stephen Wright TX, Carol Zimmer OH, Craig Zodikoff CA.

HRC FOUNDATION BOARD Vic Basile DC, Terry Bean OR, Edie Cofrin GA, Lawrie Demorest GA, Michael Duffy MA, Candy Marcum TX, Tina Podlodowski WA, Hilary Rosen DC, Worth Ross TX, Craig Sannum CA, Andrea Sharrin DC.

HRC board members listed above are current as of Dec. 10, 2000.

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I am a friend Representative Program Niece Poet MachinistTeacher Retiree Volu Constituent Tailor Athlete Dentist Soldier Conductor Republican Physicis Trucker Electrician Curator Leader Policymaker Lab BankerNurse Tenant Father Instructor S Biologis VeteranCorporal Doctor Contractor Caterer Librarian Repo Producer Activist Mayor Landlord B Chemist Referee BakerTran Coach DirectorMentor Farmer Nephew Youth Concierge Comedian Police O Grandparent Bus Drive Immigrant Man Scient Writer Sales Clerk Student Politician Pastor Tr a Flight Attendant Captain Builder Co-worke

Human Rights Campaign 919 18th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006 Phone 202/628-4160 Fax 202/347-5323 Website www.hrc.org

© 2000 by the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. HRC grants permission for the reproduction and redistribution of this publication only when reproduced in its entirety and distributed free of charge. The Human Rights Campaign name and the Equality logo are trademarks of the Human Rights Campaign.