An Evening with Kelley Robinson and Imani Rupert-Gordon

We're so excited to welcome Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and Imani Rupert-Gordon, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), to Manny's for an evening of conversation, celebration, and community. To celebrate the end of Pride month, these two trailblazers will discuss the progress being made, where there is work to be done, and what's at stake for the LGBTQ+ community in 2024.

Kelley J. Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), is a pioneering advocate in the realm of LGBTQ+ equality and social justice. As the first Black, queer woman to helm HRC, the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the U.S., she brings over 15 years of experience, leading numerous successful campaigns for LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equity. Under her leadership, HRC declared a national State of Emergency, responding to a concerning surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Mobilizing HRC's extensive network of over 3 million members, supporters, and volunteers, Robinson has fought discrimination and fostered safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ communities. Her efforts have secured significant political victories, countering anti-transgender rhetoric and mobilizing "Equality Voters" to historic wins in 2023. To date, Robinson's presidency has witnessed landmark legislative achievements, including the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act and the defeat of numerous anti-LGBTQ+ amendments in the U.S. House. She has forged strong coalitions with progressive allies, businesses, activists, and "Equality Voters" to advance LGBTQ+ rights. A sought-after speaker, Robinson is a frequent presence in national and international media outlets, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices and issues. Previously serving as the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, she advanced reproductive justice. Robinson is currently a Senior Fellow at the Kettering Foundation, where her leadership underscores the vital importance of centering LGBTQ+ rights in the struggle for democracy. As a further mark of her history-making influence, Robinson was named to the 2024 TIME100.

Imani Rupert-Gordon is the Executive Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). NCLR is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education.

Before joining NCLR, Imani served as the Executive Director for Affinity Community Services. Affinity is a LGBTQ social justice organization honoring the experiences of Black LGBTQ women. She also served as the Director of the Broadway Youth Center, part of Howard Brown Health in Chicago, serving LGBTQ youth experiencing housing instability.

Imani is a nationally recognized leader and well known for her visionary leadership. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including being named to The Root 100 list, recognizing her as one of the most influential Black leaders in the country, as well as receiving the Judith Butler Award by The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice for her strong commitment to social change, leadership, and innovative approaches to the field of social work. Imani is cited as an expert on a range of topics including LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, gender justice, and has been featured in several news outlets including The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and NPR, ABC, CBS, and Fox.

Imani received a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Manny's, 3092 16th Street, San Francisco, United States