Olympian Greg Louganis to be Honored by Equality Florida

Equality Florida Institute will present two-time Olympian and four-time gold medalist, Greg Louganis, with its highest honor, The Voice for Equality Award at the organization's 15th Annual Equality Florida Broward Gala on Sunday, November 12 at Hyatt Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale.

The Voice for Equality award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated sacrifice, courage and personal commitment to LGBT equality. Recent past recipients include Martina Navratilova, Jim Obergefell, and Jazz Jennings.

"I am truly humbled to be receiving this award from Equality Florida," said Louganis. "It's an organization that is doing incredible work. Just last year they raised $10 million for victims following the Pulse nightclub shooting. If what I do can help to reduce the stigma that prevents people from getting life-saving HIV testing and treatment, then I'm happy."

Greg came out publicly as gay in 1994, and in 1995 revealed he had tested HIV positive before the 1988 Seoul Olympics, at which he won two gold medals. From then on, Greg has shared his story openly -- in his 1995 autobiography "Breaking the Surface," in countless public appearances and the 2014 documentary "Back on Board." He has become a spokesperson for living authentically and an advocate for HIV-testing and for HIV medications that have allowed him to live a healthy life.

"It is especially timely that Greg is our Voice for Equality honoree this year, as Equality Florida recently launched its HIV Advocacy Program, with the goal of reducing HIV stigma through public education," said Terry Gaw, event co-chair. "Sports figures are seen as role models, exemplifying what is possible, and their cautionary tales can carry additional significance. Greg has paved the way, inspiring others to live their lives fully and without shame."

Equality Florida will also honor PNC Bank with the inaugural Florida Business for Equality award at the gala. The award recognizes a business that has impacted LGBT equality across Florida, through workplace practices and policies, community education, and engagement, as well as volunteerism and other material support. "PNC's involvement over the years has had a huge impact on our organization and the LGBT community all across the state," said Nadine Smith, Equality Florida's CEO. "This award shines a spotlight on their commitment and dedication to equality."

This year marks Equality Florida's 20th anniversary, and a highlight of the gala will be the annual State of the State address by Equality Florida's co-founder and CEO, Nadine Smith. She will recount and celebrate the landmark milestones of the past year and present the course for the work yet to be accomplished. The evening, emceed by NBC Miami reporter, Jaimie Guirola, will include the presentation of the inaugural Florida Business For Equality Award to PNC Bank, as well as sumptuous hors-d'oeuvres, delicious cocktails, a live auction, dancing and musical entertainment by Valerie Tyson and DJ Karin Ward, ensuring a truly memorable and fun evening for all.

The annual event, presented by PNC Bank for the fifth consecutive year, attracts more than 500 community, business, political and student leaders. The Gala takes place on Sunday, November 12, from 5:30-8:30 pm in The Crystal Ballroom at Hyatt Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, 33301. Tickets are $175 and are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the law. For tickets or further information on sponsorships, please go to www.equalityflorida.org/browardgala or contact Row Iliescu at [email protected] or 305-335-2102.

Equality Florida Institute is the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. www.equalityflorida.org.