Community Pride Spotlight: Brian O'Connor

BRIAN O’CONNOR – Steering Committee Chair, HRC Palm Springs

“I’m honored to serve on the National Board of Governors for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and serve as the steering committee chairperson for HRC Palm Springs.”

Empathy surges within O’Connor as he continues, “I have benefitted in many areas of my life from the first four decades of work by HRC for our community and today I feel a calling, a strong sense of duty, even an obligation to continue supporting the work especially since we are witness to such bold discriminatory actions towards our Transgender community members.”

We must combat ignorance with defiance, and the bravest gesture is simply stepping up and standing out.

“When WE SHOW UP, equality wins!” beams O’Connor. “HRC shows up at more than 250 Pride Festivals nationally, including Palm Springs. This is often the first-time a younger (or new) community member will see and be introduced to the organization and learn about the importance of our work in the name of equality; electing fair minded politicians who serve as our allies to pass the Equality Act and our focus to defeat all discriminatory legislation at the national, state and local levels of government.”

Taking a page from the Beastie Boys, O’Connor is urging us to fight for our respective right to proverbially party – on November 2nd, to be precise.

HRC Garden Party 2023 photo by David A Lee

“The HRC Palm Springs Garden Party is the preeminent fundraiser for the Human Rights Campaign in the Coachella Valley which brings together more than 500 HRC members, advocates, allies and supporters – in the name of equality. Supporters and their guests ‘show-up’ in festive and colorful garden party attire to enjoy an afternoon of community, connection and inspired action. Produced by an all-volunteer planning committee, the Garden Party is the biggest fundraiser in the region for HRC Palm Springs and features a robust silent auction where guests are encouraged to bid high for equality. In 2023, the HRC Palm Springs Garden Party was recognized by HRC Headquarters in Washington, DC as the Signature Event of the Year and Community Event of the Year.”

Philanthropy flourishes in the desert, and every blossom brings us closer to realizing our collective core values.

“Pride means living openly and authentically while embracing our unique style and self-expression,” concludes O’Connor. “As human beings, we have so much in common, and yet it is our diversity and individuality that makes life and the world around us interesting. It’s the spark for creativity, ingenuity, innovation, and evolution.”