The 15th Annual HRC National Dinner

More than 3,000 people gathered on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. for an evening of inspiration. HRC’s 15^th annual dinner was an opportunity to celebrate the victories of the LGBT civil rights movement, including the repeal of DADT, and rededicate ourselves to the hard work ahead.

All fair-minded Americans should be proud of the way in which President Barack Obama pledged his continued support on behalf of full equality for all Americans. HRC was proud to present its National Ally for Equality Award to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Wisconsin Representative Tammy Baldwin also delivered remarks at the event.

HRC has been deeply engaged in the fight for LGBT equality for over a generation. Until all Americans are treated equally, HRC will keep up the fight.

Check out some of the highlights from the dinner below, and “Be Part of Equality.”

Videos from the 15th Annual National Dinner

Remarks by the President at the Human Rights Campaign's 15th Annual National Dinner

"Thank you so much. It is great to be back. (Applause.) I see a lot of friends in the house. I appreciate the chance to join you tonight. I also took a trip out to California last week, where I held some productive bilateral talks with your leader, Lady Gaga. (Laughter.) She was wearing 16-inch heels. (Laughter.) She was eight feet tall. (Laughter.) It was a little intimidating

Now, I don’t want to give a long speech. Cyndi Lauper is in the house. I can’t compete with that..."

Find the complete transcript of Obama's remarks on WhiteHouse.gov.