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photo by Esther Zinn

NCLR, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, had pocketbooks and partygoer spirits full of good cheer during their 30th anniversary May 12th in San Francisco, California. Hosted by comedienne Kate Clinton, this year’s honored guests were Martina Navratilova and John Amaechi, formally the first NBA player to come out of the closet.

“It’s great to be in the home of powerful, political women. Nancy Pelosi rocks my world,” Kate Clinton quipped, as she took the stage at the beginning of the festivities. Banners displayed NCLR official slogan, “The audacity to fight for justice. The Perseverance to win." Founded in 1977, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, a non-profit, public interest law firm, offers free legal assistance to over 5,000 LGBT individuals each year, aiding in issues ranging from immigration to transgender discrimination.

Navratilova stepped forward to claim the microphone and address an enthusiastic, humbled audience. “Conservatives talk about the homosexual agenda—well, this is the homosexual agenda,” Navratilova asserted, as she displayed a sign labeled, “Equal rights.”

As an International Tennis Hall of Fame member, Navratilova has been noted among the elite as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Declaring her sexuality in 1981, Navratilova has become both an influential and visible human and civil rights activist. Braving the risk of lost endorsements, she became one of the first openly lesbian athletes to stand as a beloved role model over twenty years ago.

“In Yugoslavia I dreamed of a life where I could live and love as I chose” Navratilova continued. “It’s not about gay rights, it’s about human rights…what is fair and just.”

Attendees cheered in agreement as Kate Clinton returned to comment, “I think there’s a spot on The View for Martina!” Fanfare ensued, as did the NCLR auction, where Navratilova’s autographed tennis racket ultimately sold for $14,500.

Local DJs Black and Edaj worked the crowd, to the point where a wave of renegade dancers, who could not be denied their rights any further, refused security requests to stay off of the stage and reclaimed it for all partygoers. A multitude of modern dance performers and a set of trapeze artists dazzled all in attendance and made for an unforgettable bash celebrating such a monumental organization, largely responsible for much of the freedom now gratefully enjoyed by the LGBT community nationwide.