Speech of HRC President Joe Solmonese at San Francisco Gala Dinner

[Hazumu]

July 30, 2008
Chris Johnson

Since I stood before you one year ago, I believe that our community has made more progress and has done more to move this country in the direction of full equality than at any other time in our movement's history.

Has it been without pain?  No, but work as complex as social change rarely is.  Has it been without sharp disagreements about how best to move forward?  No, as evidenced by the people protesting outside tonight. 

and

I want to thank my friend Diego Sanchez for his courageous testimony on issues of deep importance and concern to members of the transgender community before a house subcommittee recently.  And Meghan Stabler of HRC's Business Council for submitting written testimony and for the love and support she has shown to me over these past months.

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NOTE:  Joe uttered the word 'transgender' three times in his speech.  The above was the only time it was not used as part of the phrase "gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender"  =K