HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN ARIZONA HONORS UNIVISION WITH THE 2010 CORPORATE EQUALITY AWARD

PHOENIX, AZ—Human Rights Campaign (HRC) will formally present the coveted 2010 HRC Arizona Corporate Equality Award to Univision, with particular recognition for Univision’s KTVW-TV Channel 33 in Phoenix, at the 6^th Annual HRC Arizona “Together” Gala on Saturday, March 20, 2010.

The recipient, Univision Communications Inc., is the leading Spanish-language media company in the United States with multiple media assets that inform, entertain and connect the Hispanic community.  Neil Guiliano, former GLAAD President, will be presenting the HRC Corporate Equality Award to Univision.  Tickets to the dinner and award ceremony are available at www.hrc.org/boxoffice or by calling 800-494-8497.

Univision has distinguished itself with positive portrayal of gay and lesbian characters throughout their Novella offerings.  They have received 12 nominations for GLAAD Media Awards including one award for the groundbreaking October 2009 “Coming Out Day” video produced in partnership with HRC Arizona.  They also hosted a phone bank staffed by HRC volunteers to answer questions from viewers during the broadcast of nominated video which includes a moving interview with Ernesto Ortiz and his mother, Rosa Urrutia, sharing the coming out experience between mother and son.

“Univision is a notable media leader in the US and a representative model of the HRC Arizona Corporate Equality Award through their demonstrated commitment to fair and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees, consumers and investors,” said Linda Elliott, board of director of the HRC and co-chair of HRC Public Policy Committee.

The 2010 Together Gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for HRC Arizona that brings together business leaders, entertainers, special dignitaries and community members to celebrate human rights and the LGBT community.  The festivities begin at 5:30 PM at the newly renovated Phoenix Convention Center, North Ballroom. Details about sponsorships and special auction donations along with ticket information for groups, businesses, individuals, friends and family can be found at www.hrcazdinner.org.