Advocates of the Human Rights Campaign will visit Nashville Wednesday, Oct. 12 - Saturday, Oct. 15 to draw attention to the organization's chief causes.
“On the Road to Equality” is the Human Rights Campaign’s nationwide bus tour to spread the message of equality by educating the American public and 
empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to become advocates for themselves and their families. The 12 week tour will travel to 20 cities in 13 states and D.C., with particular emphasis on the Midwest and South where there are limited legal protections for LGBT people.
Among the states the “On the Road to Equality” tour will visit, none has a state-wide non-discrimination law including sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, none has any form of state relationship recognition and all have passed discriminatory constitutional amendments to ban marriage for same-sex couples. Many have laws prohibiting the positive discussion of gays and lesbians in schools and few have safe-schools laws that include LGBT students.
Wednesday, October 12
HRC’s Nashville Steering Committee’s HRC U
Location: TBA
Time: 6-7 p.m.
One hour for equality! Volunteering is a great way to meet people, help get the word out and play a role in the important work being done to secure LGBT equality. Not sure what you can do? Here's a great opportunity to learn more! Please join us for HRC-U. Meet HRC volunteer leaders here in Nashville and HRC staff members Erin Miller, Trenard Hodge, and Candace Gingrich-Jones from Washington, DC. Learn more about HRC, obtain information about our many issue areas, upcoming community support programs in Nashville and volunteer opportunities. You'll be amazed at how easy it is! This is not a membership or fundraising event of any type, simply a "free and open" opportunity for attendees to gain more knowledge of HRC and our work for the LGBT community nationally and locally. More information about the HRC Nashville Steering Committee on Facebook.
Thursday, October 13
On the Cusp of Equality: Are We At a Tipping Point?
Location: Entrepreneur Center (105 Broadway, Ste. 200 Nashville, TN)
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
Presentation and Reception
Join HRC to learn about the state of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement. HRC Vice President of Communications & Marketing Fred Sainz will participate in a presentation and Q&A. Learn what's happening all around the nation. Complimentary beverages and appetizers will be available. The event is free. RSVP and spread the word on Facebook.
Friday, October 14
Open House: The Equality Bus at Vanderbilt University
Location: TBA
Time: 2-6 p.m.
Join us as we make a stop at Vanderbilt University. The University will play host to the Equality Bus as we bring the message of fairness and equality to Nashville. Free refreshments will also be available. RSVP on Facebook today!
Saturday, October 15
Open House: The Equality Bus in Nashville
Location: TBA
Time: 9 a.m. - Noon
Don't miss the Equality Bus Open House. Come share what equality means to you, and explore the amazing exhibits at the Equality Bus.
Saturday, October 15
Welcoming Schools: Helping All Children Thrive
Location: Metropolitan Nashville Education Association (531 Fairground Court Nashville, TN)
Time: 10 a.m. - Noon
Did you know? Children fear anti-gay harassment more than any other kind of name-calling. The 2010 census shows a substantial increase in same-sex parents raising children. Children as young as pre-school age get teased because they don't conform to gender norms. This workshop, presented by Director of the HRC Family Project Ellen Kahn, will introduce you to the Welcoming Schools curriculum and feature the new documentary short, "What Do You Know: 6-12 Year Olds Talk About Gay and Lesbian People." Space is limited.
