Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States. Activist Steve Endean founded it in 1980 as the Human Rights Campaign Fund, a political action committee that endorsed and funded pro-equality candidates. It grew into a membership organization in 1989 and became the HRC in 1995. HRC works to elect pro-equality leaders, pass anti-discrimination and hate-crime laws, and advance LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces, schools, and healthcare. Its Corporate Equality Index has pushed many companies to adopt inclusive policies. HRC's blue-and-yellow equality logo is widely recognized. The group has drawn criticism from some in the community for at times centering white, cisgender priorities, and has pledged to focus more on trans people, people of color, and those living with HIV.