By Valerie Milano
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/5/2024 – An enthusiastic crowd of more than 550 guests turned out at the iconic former Gene Autry Estate in Palm Springs’ historic Old Las Palmas neighborhood for the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) 23rd annual Palm Springs Garden Party, presented by Silvercrest.
This year’s garden party brought together a vibrant community of supporters from across the country, including friends, allies, and advocates. Guests dressed in elegant, festive garden party attire, enjoyed an afternoon of connection and inspiration in support of the ongoing fight for equality.
The event featured a powerful keynote address by Kelley Robinson, President of HRC. Robinson, a pioneering advocate and leader in the fight for human rights, made history as the first Black, queer woman to lead the organization. With more than 15 years of experience in LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equity advocacy, she has led numerous successful campaigns. Robinson’s leadership was recently recognized with a spot on the TIME100 list for 2024.
During the event, HRC also honored Jonathan Bennett, actor, producer, and local Palm Springs resident, with its prestigious Visibility Award. Best known for his role in Mean Girls, Bennett has hosted several shows on the Food Network, performed on Broadway, and has become a champion for LGBTQ+ representation on television, particularly through his work on the Hallmark Channel.
HRC, the largest civil rights organization in the U.S., continues to lead the charge for equality and liberation for LGBTQ+ individuals, and this event was a testament to the ongoing work and dedication of its leadership and supporters.
