The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization will hold a press conference on Friday, October 28, 2011, at 10 a.m. to welcome HRC’s equality bus to the Sunshine State.  “On the Road to Equality” is the group’s nationwide bus tour to spread the message of equality by educating the American public and empowering LGBT people to become advocates for themselves and their families.

Events during the stop include an Equality Open House at UCF, forums, discussions and more.

The 12 week tour will have traveled to 19 cities in 12 states and D.C., with particular emphasis on the Midwest and South where there are limited legal protections for LGBT people and living openly and honestly can be difficult. The bus will travel to Florida the weekend of October 29 for events in both Orlando and Jacksonville for the final leg of the tour.  For information on the tour, visit www.hrc.org/roadtoequality



Press Conference Details:

Who: Mayor Buddy Dyer, City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, HRC President Joe Solmonese

Location: Front steps of Orlando City Hall, 400 S Orange Ave., Orlando

Time: 10  a.m.



Other events:

Wednesday, October 26

“On the Road to Equality” Open House at University of Central Florida

Location:  University of Central Florida Student Union, Orlando, Florida

Time:  9 a.m.



Thursday, October 27

“On the Road to Equality” Open House at University of North Florida

Location:  Osprey Plaza at UNF Student Union, 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL

Time:  10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.



Sacred Conversations: Creating a Faithful Dialogue about Who We Are

Location:  Peace Presbyterian Church, 2300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216

Time:  6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.



On the Cusp of Equality: Are We at a Cultural Tipping Point?

Location: Doubletree Orlando, Sumpter-Seminole Room, 60 South Ivanhoe Boulevard, Orlando, Florida

Time:  6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.



Friday, October 28, 2011

The Out ‘n About Food Truck & HRC Bus Tour Open House

Location: The Closing Agent, Inc., 11 North Summerlin Ave., Orlando, Florida

Time:  5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m.



Saturday, October 29, 2011

An Adoption Forum for the LGBT Community

Location:  The GLBT Community Center of Central Florida, Gallery Q, 946 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803

Time:  10:00 am to 12:00 p.m.



Sunday, October 30, 2011

“On the Road to Equality” Open House at the Orlando Farmer’s Market

Location:  The Orlando Farmer's Market, Corner of East Central Blvd. & North Eola Dr., Orlando, FL

Time:  10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.





While in Florida, HRC will be partnering with many organizations, including Equality Florida, Florida Together, Project Patchwork, JASMYN, MBA Orlando, and The Center Orlando.

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