"Our annual celebration of Dr. King's birthday is particularly meaningful this year. For as we commemorate the life of an unparalleled freedom fighter, a man who stood firmly for all Americans being judged by the 'content of our character,' we are on the precipice of realizing a large part of Dr. King's vaunted dream.

"Tomorrow, with the swearing in of Barack Obama as our 44th president, our country will celebrate a historic achievement that just a few short years ago seemed out of reach -- the inauguration of our nation's first black president. With this momentous step forward, many of us in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community believe we are also moving closer to the day when all Americans, and all American families, are valued and celebrated."

-- NGLTF Executive Director Rea Carey