HRC Houston to Hold 9th Annual Gala, 'The Roaring '20s Ball' April 29th; Special Appearance by Actor George Takei and Bravo Television's Kyan Douglas.

The 9th Annual Houston Human Rights Campaign Gala, “The Roaring 20’s Ball,” will be held Saturday, April 29th, 2006, at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Grammy-nominated music artist Ms. Oleta Adams is scheduled to perform.

HOUSTON, TX (PRWEB) April 24, 2006 -- The 9th Annual Houston Human Rights Campaign Gala, “The Roaring 20’s Ball,” will be held Saturday, April 29th, 2006, at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Grammy-nominated music artist Ms. Oleta Adams is scheduled to perform.

Presiding over the ‘20s theme fete are HRC Gala Tri-Chairs; Matthew Burrus, Fiona Dawson and Alton LaDay. The Honorary Co-Chairs of the 9th Annual event are Dr. Carolyn Farb and Mr. Bob Devlin. Thomas Downing serves as Gala Governor.

Special Guest Speaker for the evening will be actor/activist George Takei. Takei, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu on Star Trek, made international headlines when he came out publicly in the fall of 2005. In the spring of 2006, he is embarking on a national speaking tour for the Human Rights Campaign Coming Out Project during which he will share his story and encourage others to talk about their lives as well.

George has more than 30 feature films and hundreds of television guest-starring roles to his credit. Recognized worldwide as a member of the original Star Trek cast, George received a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame in 1986.

HRC National President Joe Solmonese is also scheduled to appear and will be introduced by Channel 2’s Chief Meteorologist Frank Billingsley.

The HRC Humanitarian Award will be given to Kyan Douglas, star of the NBC/Bravo Channel’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” Prior to his acclaim as the health and beauty expert on the Emmy award-winning program, Douglas garnered praise and professional experience in the fields of skincare, hair and fitness.

In 2004, Kyan Douglas teamed up with global beauty brand L’Oreal Paris as the first ever-male spokesperson to endorse products for both women and men, joining the likes of Beyonce Knowles, Milla Jovovich, Natalia Vodianova and Heather Locklear. This year Douglas launched his first book dedicated to all the women in his life, “Beautified: Secrets for Women to Look Great and Feel Fabulous.” With “Beautified” Douglas reaches out to women with instruction for an improved lifestyle through better hair care, skincare, diet, fitness and sense of spirit. Douglas also lends his support to such charitable organizations as AMFAR, the B.CAUSE committee benefiting DIFFA and the Human Rights Campaign.

The HRC will also bestow three local awards during the evening; the Corporate Equality Award will be given to BP and presented by Channel 11’s Lisa Foronda; the Community Equality Award will be given to Former Army Specialist Tommy Cook and will be presented by Channel 13’s Gina Gaston; and the John Walzell Political Equality Award will be given to State Representative Senfronia Thompson and presented by Channel 2’s Jerome Gray.

This year’s Gala is being generously supported by local corporate sponsors: Neiman Marcus, Prudential Financial, Central Market, Continental Airlines, Momentum Audi, Shell, CBS Outdoor, Tim Surratt with Greenwood King Properties, BP, Hilton Americas-Houston, PaperCity, Tiffany & Co., Chevron, Peter Boyle Graphic Design, OutSmart, Duke Energy, Concierge Travel, Houston Voice, Heritage Texas Properties, Marathon Oil, Jacques Antiques & Fine Interiors, A Fare Extraordinaire, 104 KRBE, Stewart Title, Greenwood King Properties and Fulbright & Jaworski.

Tables for the HRC Gala range from $1750 - $3750 and can be purchased on-line at www.boxofficetickets.com or by calling 800-494-TIXS. Table purchases are also available by e-mailing galainfo @ hrchouston.org

For more information on The Roaring ‘20s Ball, please visit www.hrchouston.org.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

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