In a clear show of discontent with the North Carolina legislature and the passage of HB2, the most stringently anti-LGBT law in the country, the Equality North Carolina Foundation received the highest number of donations of any national mid-size LGBT organization in the United States and any LGBT organization in the entire South over the 24-hour “Give Out Day” campaign.
“We are incredibly thankful and honored for the significant donations our organization received over Give Out Day,” said Chris Sgro, Executive Director of Equality NC. “North Carolina has been the focus of national attention every single day since HB2 was first brought up. The support received is a clear sign that the LGBT community, and the country as a whole, unequivocally reject this law and understand North Carolina isn’t defined by this appalling legislation.”
With the passage of HB2, North Carolina has become the epicenter of the debate around transgender rights and LGBT non-discrimination protections. Countless shows have been cancelled in the state and numerous businesses have expressed concerns that the law will jeopardize the safety and comfort of their employees and clients. In fact, the NBA officially announced it would be pulling the 2017 All-Star Game out of Charlotte as a result of the legislation. In an effort to prevent further damage, Equality NC has been at the forefront of the fight against HB2, working tirelessly for a singular demand: full repeal of HB2
“Initiatives like Give Out Day are extremely important for the success of our foundation,” said Sgro. “Thanks to the help of grassroots donations such as this one, Equality NC will be able to continue educating North Carolinians on LGBT news and stories, and mobilizing the community in our effort to repeal HB2 and any other anti-LGBT legislation.”
Give Out Day was launched in 2013, raising more than $2.4 million across its first three years for over 500 organizations that serve the LGBT community. Equality NC will receive $10,000 for being the top mid-size national organization and $5,000 for being the top in the South. This award was given by an anonymous donor.
Chris Sgro, the only openly gay North Carolina legislator and the Executive Director of Equality North Carolina, is available to discuss the foundation’s work and the meaning of Give Out Day.
