CHICAGO, Ill –– The Human Rights Campaign Chicago is proud to present the 2024 Annual Dinner, “The Hill We Climb” on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Fairmont Chicago – Millennium Park, 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago. The event is expected to attract an estimated 700 like-minded supporters of LGBTQ+ equality, including dozens of elected officials, business leaders, and community VIPs.  The HRC Chicago dinner is one of the largest annual LGBTQ+ fundraising events in the Midwest.  Last year’s dinner was recognized by national HRC as “Dinner of the Year.”

Inspired by poet Amanda Gorman, this year’s theme, “The Hill We Climb,” reflects the collective journey of the LGBTQ+ community as it strives for equality and works to overcome obstacles.  The annual event celebrates the significant progress made toward LGBTQ+ equality across the nation, honors local leadership excellence, and strengthens our commitment to helping those who still experience profound injustice.

2024 Honorees

Each year, HRC Chicago is proud to honor local champions and organizations who are making a difference for the LGBTQ+ community in Illinois. This year’s honorees include: 

Community Impact Award

Dr. Robert Garofalo, MD, MPH, is a Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine at Lurie Children’s Hospital. He is the founder and co-director of Lurie Children’s Gender and Sexual Development Program. Dr. Garofalo is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of Transgender Health and co-authored the book When Dogs Heal. In addition to his academic and clinical contributions, he founded Fred Says, a non-profit that has raised over $1 million to support services for transgender youth and young people affected by HIV.

Community Leadership Award

The GenderCool Project is a youth-led movement bringing positive change to the world.  The Champions are helping replace misinformed opinions with positive experiences meeting transgender and non-binary youth who are thriving. What began as a national storytelling campaign has become a movement with global impact. Among the many ways GenderCool has shown leadership in the LGBTQ+ community, the organization offers support for developing inclusive school policies, positive parent-to-parent communication, and positive connections for employee’s children with other young people to build community.

Corporate Champion for Equality Award

Tristan Geiser is the Product, Workflow, Development Senior Consultant at CNA Insurance and Chair of Link-USA’s Chicago Steering Committee. Tristan’s role in the growth and success of CNA’s Pride ERG is significant, with a notable 17% increase in membership and 15 new job openings. His strategic partnerships with industry organizations and active engagement in events like the Out & Equal Workplace Summit demonstrate high-level networking and tangible results. Tristan’s four year tenure as External Operations Chair and continued involvement on the ERG Board reflect his long-term commitment and leadership.

The evening of celebration features a cocktail reception, extensive silent auction, food, and live entertainment featuring the Windy City Gay Men’s Chorus and Chicago drag performers. The event concludes with a “Beyond After-Party” at Tao Chicago with entertainment by DJ Pauly D.

The 5 p.m. reception and 6:30 p.m. dinner program will be held at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago

Tickets for the 2024 HRC Chicago Annual Dinner start at $325.  Discounts are available for first time attendees and group purchases of three or more.  Tickets can be purchased at tickets.hrc.org.