Pick an athletic event.

You can be part of this program regardless of what competition you choose. The point is that you are showing a commitment to both your own training and to equality. You can pick any event at any time, but we suggest that you choose one at least one month in advance.

Set a fundraising goal and create a page. Click on "Create a Fundraising Page" and follow the steps to set up your own fundraising page in support of your event. Tell everyone your story. Let your supporters know who you are, what competition you're tackling and, most of all, why you support HRC and LGBT equality. Feel free to have fun with this and add any fun facts about why people should support you as an Athlete for Equality. You can also upload posed and active pictures of yourself. Setting up your page takes only 30 minutes or less!

Set a fundraising goal that you can accomplish. We ask that each athlete tries to raise a minimum of $500 (suggested minimum may vary depending on special HRC charity partner promotions). This amount is not mandatory for participation. All donations to support HRC are welcome. You will receive e-mails as people donate to let you know how close you are to meeting or exceeding your goal.

Promote yourself and recruit champions. Once your page is created, you are officially an Athlete for Equality! The next step is to recruit your champions. These are your family and friends who will donate to help you reach your goal. We know some of you may be more comfortable than others in asking for money, but we make the process very easy. Once you register to participate, you will receive a fundraising letter you can tailor to send out to everyone. Please include a link to your personal page.

Once people receive your personalized letter, they will be compelled to donate. They can sponsor you with a few clicks of the mouse. These contributions will make them supporting members of HRC. Please note HRC is a 501 (c)(4) organization and contributions under $5,000 are not eligible for tax deductions. Champions who contribute $5,000 or more will receive a phone call from the appropriate HRC staff member to acknowledge their gift and discuss tax deductibility.

Complete your event and celebrate! Complete your event. Take pictures of yourself at the finish line. E-mail your story to your champions to let them know how you were able to push your limits both as an athlete and in helping to move our nation to be more inclusive and welcoming of LGBT equality.

Thank you in advance for participating in this program and supporting the Human Rights Campaign. We can't win equality without you.

Click here to get started today!