HRC Chicago Gala Honors Back Lot Bash Founders

On November 18, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Chicago Steering Committee will honor Christina Roberts and Amie Klujian with the Community Leadership Award for their commitment to the LGBTQ community with the founding and continued mission of their Back Lot Bash event.

Founded in 2004, Back Lot Bash is an outdoor music and entertainment festival that offers women and all in the LGBTQ community a welcoming and safe space to celebrate community and promote inclusiveness during Chicago Pride. The event concept came from Roberts and Klujian realizing a dynamic space geared towards women and showcasing local performers was needed. Today, the event has grown to become a 4-day festival with quarterly events throughout the year. Back Lot Bash is an iconic staple of Chicago pride and a top national destination for women (and everyone) from all parts of country.

"Our goal is for attendees and performers to leave inspired and to stay invigorated and involved in the community throughout the year. We are motivated and driven by the positive energy Back Lot Bash creates. That energy is harnessed by all who attend and used to ignite momentum, engagement and advocacy of issues that matter to the LGBTQ community," said Klujian and Roberts about the event.

In 2013, Roberts and Klujian grew Back Lot Bash by creating a Pride Family Fest, the first of its kind in Chicago. This free event for the LGBTQ community hosts hundreds of families and features kids' music, entertainment, and fun children's activities. It's a place for children to be themselves and families to come together from different parts of the city and suburbs to meet, discuss experiences, build relationships and learn from each other in a welcoming environment.

Every year Back Lot Bash partners with local organizations such as HRC Chicago, CMSA and AIDS Ride Chicago with a portion of proceeds donated to a number of charitable organizations including A Sister's Hope, Girls in the Game, UCAN and other groups focused on addressing women's and LGBTQ issues.

The Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 3 million members and supporters nationwide. As the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer civil rights organization, HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights, and can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

The award will be presented at the HRC Chicago Gala & Auction on November 18, held at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park in Chicago, IL. The event is HRC's largest fundraiser in the Midwest and directly supports the LGBTQ-rights organization's work.