The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights group, today announced that best-selling author, Emmy Award-winning television host, and personal finance expert Suze Orman will be honored with the 2008 National Equality Award at the organization's Twelfth Annual National Dinner in Washington D.C. on October 4th. Orman was named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2008. As a nationally-recognized figure, Suze is raising the profile of LGBT Americans and educating the world about the financial hardships LGBT families face because of inequities in our country's federal laws."Suze Orman is someone whose commonsense financial advice has been heard by people across the nation and the globe—both LGBT and straight," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "That this advice comes from an open lesbian bridges the divide between LGBT and heterosexual communities and proves that, no matter our sexual orientation or gender identity, we all share the same concerns about paying our bills, feeding and clothing our children, and buying homes. HRC is pleased to recognize her achievements by presenting her with the 2008 National Equality Award."
Orman has written, co-produced, and hosted six PBS specials based on her New York Times bestselling books, and is the single most successful fundraiser in the history of public television. She has won dozens of awards, including two Daytime Emmy Awards in the category of Outstanding Service Show Host for her PBS specials. Orman is a contributing editor to "O" at Home as well as "O", The Oprah Magazine in the United States as well as the South African edition. She has a syndicated column called Women & Money, writes a bi-weekly column, Money Matters, on Yahoo! Finance, and a bi-monthly column for the Costco Connection. Orman hosts the extremely popular and award-winning Suze Orman Show, which airs every Saturday night on CNBC and on XM & Sirius radio, and also hosts the Financial Freedom Hour on QVC television.
“Suze has earned her place as America’s favorite and most trusted personal finance expert, believing money has no race, sex, politics and religion,” continued Solmonese.
Past National Equality Award recipients include House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, tennis legend Billie Jean King, musician and activist Cyndi Lauper, actress Jessica Lange, Bishop Gene Robinson, and director Steven Spielberg.
The National Dinner will be held in the Grand Ballroom of Washington's Convention Center. More than 3,000 are expected to attend the event, which will be chaired by Janet Carter and Jackson Palmer. Along with Orman's award presentation, the dinner will also feature political speakers, a silent auction and entertainment.
