NCLR to Honor Jane Lynch and Anoka-Hennepin Students at 35th Anniversary Gala

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will honor seven heroes in the movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality at its 2012 Anniversary Celebration—which marks its 35th year—on May 5, 2012 at San Francisco’s Metreon Cityview with the well-known political humorist Kate Clinton returning for a command performance as emcee.

NCLR will honor out actress Jane Lynch, of Glee and Julie & Julia, for using her fame as a platform to further LGBT equality, and for being an outspoken advocate for creating safer, welcoming schools for LGBT children.

Six students from Minnesota’s Anoka-Hennepin School District will also be honored for their courage in standing up against a district policy that prohibits staff from discussing LGBT issues, prevents staff from effectively addressing bullying, and has created a hostile environment for students who are or are perceived to be LGBT or gender non-conforming.

NCLR’s special guest at the 2012 Anniversary Celebration will be out gay actor Wilson Cruz, known for roles in television’s My So-Called Life and the Broadway production of RENT. Cruz, an advocate for LGBT equality and LGBT youth, will present the Courage Award to the Anoka-Hennepin students.

"This year is especially significant, as NCLR celebrates a major milestone—turning 35 years old, an opportunity for us to look back on our history-making cases, and champions who have stood up against injustice and changed the legal landscape for every member of our community," said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. "We're thrilled to celebrate how far we've come by honoring those who are standing up for what's right, becoming role models for millions of people across the country."

See your photo displayed during the 35th Anniversary Celebration by taking part in the “I am NCLR…” photo campaign, designed to reflect and showcase NCLR clients and supporters. Through April 2012, NCLR would like your photos—your portraits, snapshots, and special moments—with a homemade poster or sign in which you fill in the sentence, “I am NCLR, and I am...” telling them how you reflect their groundbreaking work. Learn more about the campaign here.

Tickets are now available for the event, which begins at 8:00 pm at Metreon Cityview in San Francisco.

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