Hillary Clinton to Speak to Gay Rights Group in October

Hillary Clinton has scheduled an October speech to the nation’s largest gay rights group.

The Democratic presidential contender plans to address the Human Rights Campaign on Oct. 3, hours before the group’s larger annual star-studded gala dinner. The former Secretary of State plans to speak to about 800 activists and leaders who are planning to descend on the capital for the group’s largest annual fundraising event.

“Secretary Clinton is a tremendous advocate for equality and has been a tireless champion for the advancement of LGBT rights as human rights around the globe,” said Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin, a former aide in Bill Clinton’s White House. “A visionary leader fighting for an America where everyone is treated with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, we’re thrilled Secretary Clinton will join us to discuss the challenges ahead in the fight for full federal equality.”

The group, one of the most high-profile advocacy groups in Washington, has enjoyed a number of wins in recent years, most recently guiding the case that prompted the Supreme Court to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples nationally. The group is now making a push to pass sweeping anti-discrimination legislation through Congress and in the states.

For her part, Clinton has been a partner for the organization. When she decided to reverse her position on same-sex marriage, she released a video through the Human Rights Campaign. Bill Clinton addressed the group’s dinner last year.

Gay and lesbian voters, meanwhile, are a reliable Democratic bloc and their checkbooks help them wield even a greater political influence. In 2012, exit polls showed roughly six million LBGT voters cast ballots and 76% of self-identified voters in those surveys said they voted for President Barack Obama’s re-election. (The President won by fewer than five million votes.) Clinton has aggressively courted these voters as she pursues her party’s nomination.