WASHINGTON - Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement regarding the passing of HIV/AIDS activist Bob Hattoy:

"Bob Hattoy was truly a person of courage. His prime-time speech on AIDS at the 1992 Democratic Convention broke new ground in the fight to combat the disease and forever changed the way millions of Americans viewed people living with HIV/AIDS.

"We mourn the loss of Bob Hattoy as we remember his activism, sense of humor and dedication to the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Watch a video or read a transcript of Hattoy's speech to the 1992 Democratic National Convention.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.