HRC Executive Cassidy Karakorn Killed in D.C. Scooter Crash

I never met Cassidy Karakorn. But after seeing so many of my friends and colleagues mourn her sudden death, I sure wish I had. NBC reports that the director of consumer marketing at the Human Rights Campaign was riding a Piaggio scooter eastbound on Florida Avenue  NE in Washington, D.C., at 11:17 p.m. Saturday, when a driver in the far right lane attempted to make a U-turn. As the SUV crossed the left lane, Karakorn struck the driver's side of the SUV. Police said the SUV driver and witnesses tried to help Karakorn, but she died at a hospital. 

HRC described Korakorn as an employee who "tirelessly championed civil rights for the LGBTQ community." 

"Cassidy was a vibrant and energetic force for change in the world. Her talents were boundless. Her creative genius and passion were unmatched," the Human Rights Campaign said in a statement Tuesday. ""In every future effort, we will seek to make Cassidy proud, and will carry her memory with us always."

Such a sudden and sad loss. My condolences to her friends, family and colleagues. Get to know the woman we tragically loss in this 2013 profile on Refinery29 HERE.

Read HERE.

Win Tickets to Taping of 'Will & Grace' Premiere

As you have probably heard, the beloved Emmy Award-winning comedy “Will & Grace” is returning to NBC this fall. Now you can be in the audience for the historic season premiere taping and be among the first to witness the return of Will, Grace, Karen and Jack by entering a fundraising contest to benefit Human Rights Campaign.

In addition to tickets, you will also receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic set and take photos with the cast. The proceeds from your donation will go to the Human Rights Campaign to support LGBTQ rights. “Will & Grace” premieres on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC -- enter now HERE.. 

Read about the partnership HERE.

Gus Kenworthy Receives HRC Visibility Award

Gus Kenworthy writes:

So honored to have received the HRC's Visibility Award this past weekend. I'm definitely not used to standing at this type of podium but I did my best. Watch my speech HERE.

Seems well-deserved to me. And he sure cleans up nicely -- although his "visibility" tends to be more centered on when he's a little more undressed!