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She/Her | President of the Human Rights Campaign & Human Rights Campaign Foundation
Kelley Robinson is a trailblazing advocate and leader in the fight for human rights. As the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), she is the first Black, queer woman to hold this position. HRC is the largest civil rights organization in the United States, dedicated to achieving equality and liberation for LGBTQ+ individuals. With over 15 years of experience, Robinson has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns for LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equity.
Under Robinson's leadership, HRC declared a national State of Emergency for the first time in the organization’s 40-year history due to the alarming increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced and signed into law. Kelley has mobilized HRC's vast network, including more than 3 million members, supporters, and volunteers, to fight discrimination and create safer, more inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people. Robinson's efforts have resulted in significant political victories, including beating back anti-transgender rhetoric and mobilizing “Equality Voters” in historic election wins in 2023 in Virginia, Ohio, and beyond.
Robinson has also served as president during the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act and the defeat of a historic number of anti-LGBTQ+ amendments in the U.S. House. She’s engaged progressive allies, major businesses, grassroots activists, and "Equality Voters," to build strong coalitions for LGBTQ+ rights.
In addition to her advocacy work, Robinson has championed LGBTQ+ culture and amplified voices too often left out. She co-hosted the Las Vegas Equality Ball, alongside the iconic Renaissance tour showcasing the vibrance and significance of Ballroom culture within the Black and Brown queer community. And during her speech at the 60th March on Washington, she spotlighted the attacks on trans youth and the intersection of civil rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
As a mark of her influence, Robinson was named to the 2024 TIME100. A powerful and inspiring speaker, Robinson regularly appears in national and international media outlets, including MSNBC, CNN, Sirius XM, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico. She previously served as the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, where she advanced the movement for reproductive justice. Robinson is also currently serving as a Senior Fellow at the Kettering Foundation, underscoring the urgency of centering LGBTQ+ rights in the fight for democracy.
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