Robert Redford on Monday night lent his voice to support Equality Utah at their annual Allies Dinner, where he was the keynote speaker. The 77-year old iconic actor, director, and philanthropist is the founder of Utah’s Sundance Film Festival, so what better person to move hearts and minds?
“I’m here for the same reason you are — equal rights for all,” Redford told the packed house. “Like you, I believe there’s no place in our world for discrimination. None.”
“Redford began his remarks offering appreciation for the freedoms and rights that come with being Americans,” KSL reports:
“I hope in this particular case that Utah can catch up,” Redford added, answered by cheers. “What happens in Utah can matter in a profound way. Anytime you change the lines or change laws in Utah that are discriminatory, many are going to see it as a benchmark, possibly, for other places.”
Gay and lesbian Utahns, many accompanied by friends and family, made up the crowd, which also included local politicians and community activists. Redford encouraged the group at the Salt Palace Convention Center to take courage under the night’s theme, “Equality in My Community.”
“The power of your personal story has the power to move hearts and minds, break down barriers and change points of view,” he said.
“It’s hard to understand it until you know folks who are in those relationships. It’s harder to judge people once you walk in their shoes a little bit and get to know them.”
Watch:
http://www.ksl.com/api/jwplayer/player.php?file=http://media.ksl.com/1379392675-843935123.mp4&image=http://media.ksl.com/1379392675-843935123.jpg&width=640&height=360