Solmonese hopes eventually to see the reversal of the "don't ask don't tell" policy, which prohibits gays from being openly gay in the military. Solmonese would also like to see the passing of the Hate Crimes Act.

Judy Shepard, who lost her son to a hate crime in Laramie, Wyo., in 1998 knows exactly why equality is important.

"This is why we need to stick together. We need an organization like the HRC to get us there."

Nikki Boyer, who is openly gay and also an LGBT activist, said she thinks LGBT issues will become nonissues in 20 years. "I see all these young people here with a hope for the future." Boyer said the gala was more than just a time to get together with people who have her same views, but also it "brings awareness to the need we have for civil rights."

At the event Rapier announced the campaign's success with same-sex marriage laws being passed recently in Connecticut and Iowa. Rapier also said Vermont and Maine will honor same-sex marriage in September and New Hampshire in January 2010.

Bastian spoke during the dinner, asking the LGBT community not to be passive.

"Lies and fear beat us in California, but it did not beat those in stonewall," Bastian said, referring to Proposition 8 and the Stonewall Riots in 1969 that took place after police raided a gay bar.

"In the end, truth and love will win," Bastian said.

E-MAIL: cneugebauer@desnews.com