Dear Friend,
We asked to take the opportunity to directly address you all in this week’s message, because we could not be more thrilled or proud to congratulate our president, Kelley Robinson, on being named to TIME's prestigious 2024 TIME100 list of the world's most influential people.
As Board members, we have had a front-row seat to Kelley's tremendous leadership since she took the helm as HRC's president just a little over a year ago. In that short time, she has already cemented her place as a historic changemaker, reshaping our world and advancing equality.
Under Kelley's strategic vision and guidance, HRC has taken its advocacy to bold new heights. We were honored to support Kelley in declaring a national State of Emergency in response to the unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation spreading across the country. Her experience building political power has helped elect dozens of pro-equality candidates and secure landmark legislative victories, including the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.
Kelley also brings an unwavering commitment to advancing racial and gender justice. She understands that true equality cannot be achieved without centering the voices of those who have been locked out of opportunity and left behind. This intersectional vision has strengthened both our organization and the broader movement.
Through it all, Kelley's barrier-breaking leadership and passionate determination inspire and energize us. It is fitting to see her influential work recognized on a list that celebrates global innovation and achievement. While TIME's list highlights Kelley for the world, we are privileged to witness her powerful impact every day. Kelley is the kind of leader who doesn’t just make progress — but keeps on pushing and pushing for more.
Today, the Department of Education finalized Title IX rules that provide critical protections for LGBTQ+ students. Kelley described the very real ways in which LGBTQ+ young people now have more freedom while also calling on the Biden-Harris Administration to work swiftly to finish the job on other regulations that are long overdue for the community.
“Today’s rule will be life-changing for so many LGBTQ+ youth and help ensure LGBTQ+ students can receive the same educational experience as their peers: going to dances, safely using the restroom and writing stories that tell the truth about their own lives. School administrators should take note and immediately act to implement anti-bias and anti-bullying and harassment programs that ensure misgendering stops, that cruelty against LGBTQ+ students ends and that every student has access to an education free of discrimination. This updated rule is a reminder of what Title IX has been designed to accomplish for more than fifty years: ensure students are safe from abuse, harassment and discrimination while they pursue their education.
“Even as we celebrate this progress, our work is far from finished. LGBTQ+ Americans, particularly transgender youth, continue to endure ongoing attacks on their rights and their dignity at the state level. We call on the Biden-Harris administration to move swiftly to ensure Title IX protects the rights of transgender athletes to play and be part of a team. There are also critical protections in healthcare broadly, including veterans care, that are overdue. It’s time to get the job done.”
At HRC, and with Kelley Robinson leading the way, our destination on this journey is freedom without exception.
On behalf of the entire HRC Boards, please join us in congratulating President Kelley Robinson on this extraordinary honor. Her inclusion on the TIME100 is a testament to her expertise, character and vision for a fairer, more equal and just future.
Thank you, Kelley, for your inspirational leadership. We look forward to continued success under your guidance.
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Jamaul Webster
Board Chair, HRC Foundation |
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Elizabeth Schlesinger
Board Chair, HRC |
