* Half (51%) of the GLB people polled find advertising that is
informative, funny or witty and includes images of gay and lesbian
people either the most important or a very important factor that
influences their likelihood to consider a company's products or
services. I tend to
upgrade to the latest model or version of a product.
Please rank the statements from 1 to 5 where 1 is most important and 5 is
least important. (http://www. Increasing our presence
and visibility across America will be a top priority of my tenure. He graduated
from Boston University in 1987 with a bachelor of science in communications." -- Elizabeth
Birch, former Executive Director, HRC

"Since I've been in Congress, HRC has always displayed a longstanding
commitment to bipartisanship.

uu universalism

National Survey Shows Gay-Specific Marketing Practices May Influence Brand Loyalty and Purchase Decisions of Gays Lesbians and Bisexuals

Y. Sampling errors for GLB adults
aged 18 and over (107) is plus or minus 10 percentage points. Although we
remain interested in the consumer attitudes and characteristics of
transgendered individuals, for accuracy and consistency we distinguish sexual
orientation from gender identity. 16 or (cell) 202-215-2210
jstafford@witeckcombs.
At EMILY's List, Solmonese implemented strategies that helped transform
the pro-choice movement with a defining issue that made a difference at the
ballot box, in Congress and in the halls of legislatures around the country. Joe has my
personal and organizational support as we work together to develop a smart and
ambitious bipartisan strategy to realize full equality for all Americans in
the years ahead.

interweave fostering

The survey was
conducted online between December 8 and 15, 2004 by Harris Interactive(R), a
worldwide market research and consulting firm, in conjunction with Witeck-
Combs Communications , Inc. (http://www.S. We'll ask every GLBT American to enlist
three new allies -- a straight co-worker, a friend and a family member
-- in our work for full equality.

That 's why I intend to hit the road in my first week.
and has been an HRC Federal Club member for more than 12 years..
It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the
public to ensure that GLBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at
work and in the community .

queer glbt

Seventeen percent of GLB
adults also state that they always or often "tend to upgrade to the latest
model or version of a product," while 15 percent of their heterosexual
counterparts do the same . Specifically, when making purchasing decisions,
they were asked how likely they were to consider a company's nondiscrimination
and benefit policies, its advertising strategy, and other forms of corporate
outreach.
As a key political strategist, Solmonese oversaw one of the nation's most
successful efforts to elect progressive candidates by appealing to heartland
and mainstream voters . "Joe has an unrivaled track record at the nation's foremost
progressive electoral powerhouse.

oppression actively

They include refusals to be interviewed (non-response), question wording and
question order and weighting .hieurope.com

Kelly Gullo
Harris Interactive
585-214-7172
kgullo@harrisinteractive ." --
Wade Henderson, Executive Director, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

"Ensuring that every American is treated fairly and equally has no
partisan boundaries, and I'm pleased that Joe is committed to working with
Republicans as the new head of HRC.

minorities queer

* The most common ways GLB adults become aware of a company's reputation
for gay-friendliness is by word of mouth (45%), gay websites (29%) or
gay magazines or newspapers (29%). Please rank in
order of importance the factor that most influences your likelihood to
consider that company's products or services, when you see an advertisement.

About Harris Interactive(R)
Harris Interactive Inc.harrispollonline.

orientation fostering

, According to a recent nationwide
online survey, one in four (24%) gay, lesbian and bisexual (GLB) adults report
that they always or often "like to keep up with the latest styles and trends,"
compared with 17 percent of heterosexual adults.(1)
The findings from this most recent Witeck Combs/Harris Interactive survey
also suggest that gay-specific marketing practices can influence how GLB
people connect with brands and form purchasing decisions:

* Almost two-thirds (64%) of GLB respondents say they are at least likely
to consider purchasing everyday household products and services from
companies that market directly to gays and lesbians over competing
brands that do not.
Figures for age, sex, race, education, region and income were weighted where
necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the
population .

About Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc.Y.

(1) Harris Interactive(R) conducted this online survey in the U. Leader With Unmatched Record to Embark on Heartland Tour
During First Week on Job

WASHINGTON, Joe Solmonese, chief executive officer
of EMILY's List, the nation's largest political action committee, was named
President of the Human Rights Campaign today by the organization's Board of
Directors and Foundation Board .
He has been at EMILY's List for the last twelve years serving in several
key capacities from deputy political director, to chief of staff and the CEO
position he's occupied for the past two -and-a-half years.

Information and resources for gay, lesbian, and bisexual Unitarian Universalists.

ceremonial fostering

Half (51%) of GLB respondents
also report they are extremely or very likely to consider brands that support
nonprofits and/or causes that are important to them as GLB people.
In theory, with a probability sample of this size, one can say with 95
percent certainty that the results for the overall sample have a sampling
error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Barney
Frank (D-MA)

"Joe has an impressive record as an effective fundraiser, proven manager
and smart political leader. HRC has long
played a vital role in the civil rights coalition and we look forward to the
vision , energy and drive that Joe will bring to HRC and to our community.

transgender queer

When ordering mixed drinks, 36 percent of GLB
respondents aged 21 and over say they always or often specify the alcoholic
brand name , contrasted with 28 percent of non-gay respondents aged 21 and
over.
The online survey also presented factors that would most influence GLB's
loyalty to consumer brands. Unfortunately,
there are several other possible sources of error in all polls or surveys that
are probably more serious than theoretical calculations of sampling error. It is impossible to quantify the errors that may
result from these factors. This online sample is not a probability sample.com), the 15th
largest and fastest -growing market research firm in the world, is a Rochester,
N.com), a
Reston, Virginia-based research and consultancy firm ranked 25th largest in
the world, and through an independent global network of affiliate market
research companies. EOE M/F/D/V
To become a member of the Harris Poll Online(SM) and be invited to
participate in future online surveys, visit http://www.com

"

Solmonese made the following statement today:

"We need to make sure every GLBT American has a safe place to come out
and join us in the fight for equality. Our equality under the law is
evolving as the defining social and political issue of our time."

Solmonese joined EMILY's List in 1993 as deputy political director and
advanced to chief of staff in 1998.
Solmonese led EMILY's List's national staff of 85 political,
communications, fund -raising and grassroots professionals." -- Patrick Guerriero, President, Log Cabin Republicans

"Joe will bring so much passion, muscle, and strategic thinking to the
work of HRC.

universalism universalists

Press Contacts:

Nancy Wong
Harris Interactive
585-214-7316
nwong@harrisinteractive .
Solmonese today announced that, upon taking the helm at HRC on April 11,
2005, he will tour the country, meeting with the American people, GLBT
community members and leaders at town hall meetings and other events in the
workplace, communities of color and in communities of faith.

actively universalism

Seven in 10 (70%) GLB respondents say they are extremely or very likely to
consider a brand that is known to provide equal workplace benefits for all of
their employees, including gays and lesbians.
Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc. Known for The Harris Poll(R) and for pioneering Internet-based
research methods, Harris Interactive conducts proprietary and public research
to help its clients achieve clear, material and enduring results.wirthlinworldwide. Rob Simmons (R-CT)

"Joe is the perfect choice to lead HRC and will be a valuable addition to
the Leadership Conference on Civil Right's executive committee.

glbt universalism

Understandably, gays like to
spend their money with companies that treat their gay employees equitably,
value them as customers and represent them openly and accurately in marketing
initiatives.

Methodology
Harris Interactive(R) conducted the study online within the United States
between December 8 and 15, 2004, among a nationwide cross section of 2,092
adults, of whom 107 self-identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB).com), Paris-based
Novatris (http://www.

As a gay American, I am very honored to serve HRC and the GLBT community
and to join the leadership of a movement that is working toward an
America that keeps its promise to all its citizens. We are broadening
the American conversation about equality .

ceremonial marry

, a strategic public relations and marketing
communications firm with special expertise in the gay , lesbian, bisexual and
transgender market.
These latest findings corroborate what earlier studies by Witeck-Combs
Communications and Harris Interactive revealed -- particularly research
conducted in May 2001 which concluded that 48 percent of GLB respondents
"trust brands more if they are manufactured by companies that have progressive
policies towards gay and lesbian employees."

Base: All Adults
GLB Heterosexual
% %
Always/often (NET) 17 15
Always 7 2
Often 10 13
Sometimes 57 59
Rarely/never (NET) 27 26
Rarely 25 23
Never 2 3

TABLE 3
ORDERING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BY BRAND NAME
"When you order mixed drinks away from home, do you purchase or order a
specific brand of alcohol , or do you just mix or order the drink you want
without regard to the brand? "

Base: Adults aged 21 and over
GLB Heterosexual
% %
Often/Always order alcoholic beverage
by brand name (NET) 36 28
With mixed drinks, I always order an
alcoholic beverage by brand name 28 18
With mixed drinks, I often order an
alcoholic beverage by brand name 9 10
Sometimes/Never order alcoholic beverage
by brand name (NET) 43 41
With mixed drinks , I sometimes order an
alcoholic beverage by brand name 17 20
With mixed drinks, I never order an
alcoholic beverage by brand name 26 21
I do not consume alcoholic beverages 21 31

TABLE 3
INFLUENCE ON DECISION MAKING
"Assume you have an interest in a specific product or service.com.

We must tell the stories of our lives and the struggles we face to our
straight friends, co-workers and family members.C. I have very little doubt that Joe will
aggressively maintain this tradition and I look forward to working with him.

actively acceptance

adults, of
whom 107 have self-identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual ."

TABLE 1
KEEPING UP WITH STYLES AND TRENDS
"Now, we'd like to you to tell us how often you do the following. ?"

Base: GLB Respondents

Extremely Very Likely Somewhat Not At
Likely Likely Likely All
Likely
Consider brands that support
nonprofits and/or causes
that are important to you
as a gay, lesbian, bisexual
or transgender person % 28 22 14 28 7

Consider a brand that is
known to provide equal
workplace benefits for all
of their employees , including
gay and lesbian employees % 41 29 16 12 2

Consider purchasing everyday
household products and
services from companies that
market directly to gays and
lesbians over competing
brands that do not % 15 22 28 24 11

Consider purchasing services
such as legal advice or
banking services from
companies that market
directly to gays and
lesbians over competing
brands that do not % 23 20 25 20 11

Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.novatris.

transgender adopted

offices and wholly owned
subsidiaries: London-based HI Europe (http://www. We are confident that he will appeal to
Americans across the political and ideological spectrum.

Our movement will grow as our unity grows. As HRC's new President, Joe will be a strong and
passionate voice in our fight for equality for LGBT Americans.

allies uu

ROCHESTER, N.

* Nearly half (48%) of all GLB respondents say they find it most important
or very important -- when considering products or services -- to see
advertising that is clearly tailored to a gay audience with gay imagery ,
people or copy that speaks to them as a gay person and that appears in
both mainstream publications and gay publications."

Percentages represent combined "1" and "2" responses

Base: GLB Respondents
%
The advertisement is informative, funny or witty and
includes images of gay and lesbian people 51

The very same advertisement, which is clearly tailored
to a gay audience with gay imagery, people or copy
that speaks to me as a gay person, appears in both
mainstream publications and in gay publications 48

The very same advertisement, which is not tailored
to a gay audience, appears in both mainstream publications
and in gay publications 44

The advertisement is informative, funny or witty but
does not speak to me specifically as a gay person 38

The advertisement is informative, funny or witty, but only uses
advertising copy to speak specifically to me as a gay person 18

TABLE 4
LIKELIHOOD OF CONSIDERING BRANDS OR PRODUCTS
"How likely are you to .com) is the
nation's premier strategic marketing communications firm, specializing in
reaching the gay and lesbian consumer market.

HRC is not simply a GLBT organization; we're an organization of everyone
who supports GLBT equality ." -- Ellen Malcolm, President,
EMILY's List

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender political organization with members throughout the country .

fostering inclusion

harrisinteractive.com), Tokyo-based Harris Interactive Japan,
through newly acquired WirthlinWorldwide (http://www. I'll be meeting with GLBT
families, religious leaders, corporate leaders, communities of color,
and employee groups and GLBT community leaders across the country, and
talking about the path to our equality..

congregations actively

* More than two-thirds (69%) say they are at least likely to consider
purchasing services, such as legal advice or banking services, from
companies that market directly to gays and lesbians over competing
brands that do not.

"For several years, in-depth research has allowed us to measure consumer
decision-making and to test what factors may truly influence gay consumers,"
said Jake Stafford, senior marketing strategist at Witeck -Combs
Communications. "These new data confirm that a company's internal and external
behaviors matter very much to gay households.
These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National
Council on Public Polls. queried gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgendered (GLBT ) self-identified respondents. His work included broad outreach across the nation,
speaking with large and small groups about the important issues facing the
American people. He
increased the budget by $10 million in the last election cycle, enabling the
organization to implement a new program that elected women legislators in
Colorado, Vermont, North Carolina, Washington and Oregon.

confronting oppression

S."

Base: All Adults
GLB Heterosexuals
% %
Always/often (NET) 24 17
Always 3 3
Often 21 14
Sometimes 42 48
Rarely/never (NET) 34 35
Rarely 24 29
Never 10 6

TABLE 2
KEEPING UP WITH LATEST PRODUCTS
"Now, we'd like to you to tell us how often you do the following. With over nine years experience
in this unique market, Witeck-Combs Communications has developed respected
relationships throughout the community and serves as a bridge between
corporate America and gay and lesbian consumers. Sampling
error is plus or minus 2 percentage points.

We know that we have broad support across the country and we need to ask
our friends and families to be involved at the ballot box or talking
directly to elected officials.

With more Americans of both parties on our side, we will be an
unstoppable force.

universalism equality

In addition, given the low incidence of
response from transgendered individuals, it is extremely difficult to draw
conclusions from the data captured .S.

Joe Solmonese Named Human Rights Campaign President

Solmonese traveled nationwide
developing and executing political, messaging, fund-raising and grassroots
campaigns that have produced unprecedented success for candidates at both the
federal and state levels.
In addition, Solmonese serves as the organization's chief fund-raiser." -- Rep. He is the exact type of experienced and visionary leader HRC
needs to move us closer to making HRC's mission a reality.

universalists uu

.
Harris Interactive combines its intellectual capital, databases and
technology to advance market leadership through U. EMILY's List works to elect pro-choice
Democratic women to federal and state office. He is a masterful
political strategist with a long track record of success.

adopted interweave

witeckcombs. In April 2003, American
Demographics magazine identified Bob Witeck and Wes Combs as two of 25 experts
over the last 25 years who have made significant contributions to the fields
of demographics, market research, media and trendspotting for their
pathbreaking work on the gay and lesbian market. between
May 3 and 16, 2001 among 2,692 adults aged 18 and over, of whom 128
self-identified as gay, lesbian , bisexual or transgender. We must ensure that every American family has equal
rights and responsibilities; that it's illegal for the boss to fire the
star employee simply because of who he or she is; that families have the
security of marriage and all the rights and responsibilities that it
affords and that every American living with and at risk for HIV takes
prevention seriously so that this generation does not experience the
devastation that the last generation did at the hands of this disease. He also oversaw a
$40 million budget, strategically investing in key political efforts and
elections and raising funds for the organization's mission.

acceptance ceremonial

TABLE 5
AWARENESS OF GAY-FRIENDLINESS
"If you wish to be aware about a company's reputation for gay-friendliness,
where do you look?"

Base: GLB Respondents
%
Word of mouth 45
Gay websites 29
Gay magazines or newspapers 29
Close friends 27
Gay and lesbian nonprofit organizations 20
Mainstream news sources 11
Advertisements by the company 7
Other general interest websites 7
Personal customer experience 5
Gay and lesbian chambers of commerce 5
Family members 5
Other 5

Note: Multiple-response question.

Additional Note: Previous research conducted by Harris Interactive in
conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications , Inc.-based global research company that blends premier strategic consulting
with innovative and efficient methods of investigation, analysis and
application.
A native of Massachusetts, Solmonese is 40 and lives in Washington, D.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT JOE."
-- Rep." -- Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI)

"In every region of this nation, activists, candidates and committed
individuals have been inspired by and benefited from Joe's political expertise
and tireless drive to create a more progressive America.

interweave minorities

" One-third (33%) of gay adults
also agreed with the statement that they trust brands more if they incorporate
gay or lesbian images into their advertising.
"A great leader surfaced early and we are thrilled with the result," said
Vic Basile, co-chair of the HRC Foundation Board and co-chair of the Search
Committee. By his
talent, commitment and experience, he is ideally suited to help lead the fight
for the central American value of equal rights under the law. From helping
Congressperson Tammy Baldwin achieve a historic victory in Wisconsin to
electing Democrats in the heartland and beyond -- Joe knows how to get blue
things done in red states by engaging and supporting people who want to make a
difference and win in historic elections .

inclusion universalists

These are a few highlights of a nationwide survey of 2,092 U. I like to
keep up with the latest styles and trends.. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for
respondents ' propensity to be online.com

Jake Stafford
Witeck-Combs Communications
202 -887-0500 ext.

"I am very happy that Joe will be the next President of HRC. EMILY's List 's loss will be a
tremendous gain for HRC and the movement.