The Human Rights Campaign created this year’s theme to encourage GLBT Americans and their straight allies to talk openly and honestly about the lives and the issues GLBT people face under law.

“By being open with the people around us, we begin to change minds and open the hearts of our family, friends, coworkers, neighbors or even the local mailman,” said Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese. “When you talk about it with the people in your life, you begin to change minds one at a time, and that’s the most lasting kind of change.”

In preparation for National Coming Out Day, HRC is now offering free coming out action kits that include HRC’s Coming Out Guide, their Guide to Living Openly in Your Place of Worship, Coming Out Day posters, balloons and stickers.

The Coming Out Action Kits can be ordered at www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/coming_out_day_kit. The kits will arrive in advance of Oct. 11.

On Oct. 11, thousands of GLBT people and allies will celebrate National Coming Out Day by holding workshops, speak-outs, rallies and other kinds of events all aimed at increasing awareness of the GLBT community.

Thousands will gather at Balboa Park on Saturday, Oct. 21, to participate in the 20th annual Light the Night Against Crime 5K run and walk, San Diego’s only nighttime race. The race will start at 7:00 p.m. in the east parking lot (Inspiration Point) at the intersection of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way, next to Balboa Park.

The run is Crime Stoppers’ largest fund-raiser with all proceeds going to the Felony Reward Fund. San Diego Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization that assists law enforcement agencies in solving crimes. Their efforts have helped solve nearly 2,835 crimes with more than 270 fugitives being arrested and more than $15.5 million in wholesale drugs and stolen property recovered.

There is an expo with law enforcement displays and demonstrations, food vendors, activities and drawing prizes prior to the event at 5:00 p.m. After runners cross the finish line, they will be greeted into the post-race party with food, live entertainment, a costume contest and more.

Visit www.kathyloperevents.com before Oct. 6 to receive the pre-registration rate of $25. Late registration costs $29, and $33 the day of the event. Children fees are $10 for pre-registration and $15 the day of the event. For more information, call (619) 298-7400.

Equality California’s (EQCA) second annual Palm Springs Equality Awards will take place at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Oct. 21 and will pay tribute to the contributions of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).

NCLR will receive the 2006 Equality Award in recognition of its legal work in the struggle for civil rights and marriage equality for the GLBT community. NCLR’s executive director, Kate Kendell, will accept the award. EQCA will also recognize San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom for his commitment to equality.

“We are proud to present NCLR with this award,” said Geoff Kors, EQCA executive director. “For nearly 30 years, NCLR has fought for legal recognition of same-sex relationships and families; protected our youth from abuse; combated homophobia in sports; provided education to LGBT elders; and given legal representation to LGBT immigrants.”

Kors also said EQCA is proud to recognize the work of Newsom, whose heroic 2004 decision to allow same-sex couples to marry in San Francisco helped bring the cause of marriage equality to a worldwide audience.

“The commitment to activism on the part of NCLR and Mayor Newsom has advanced the legal and human rights for all LGBT people,” Kors said.

The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends with a dessert and cocktails after-party. Event tickets are $250 and VIP tickets are $350. For more information, call Leonardo Montenegro at (760) 464-5600 or e-mail leonardo@eqca.org.

Since its inception in 1998, EQCA has passed more than 20 pieces of legislation. This year, EQCA is sponsoring nine bills that strengthen protections for GLBT people in areas ranging from education to elections. EQCA has offices in Palm Springs, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Fresno and Sacramento.

Adoption Alliance of San Diego kicks off National Adoption Awareness Month by inviting the community to a free conference. The Evolving Adoptive Family Conference, featuring author Shelley Kapnek Rosenberg, takes place on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 12:45 to 4:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center in La Jolla, located at 4126 Executive Dr.

Rosenberg will discuss how to integrate religion and culture into an adoptive family. Adoption expert educators Susan Wingate and Lori Bryant of Supporting Adoption through Guided Education (SAGE) will lead a discussion on understanding adoption through the eyes of a child. Presenters from multiple child-finding agencies and adoptive parents will offer up-to-date information on inter-country adoption trends and programs.

For more information and to register, call (760) 944-7855 or visit www.jfssd.org.

Senator Barbara Boxer will present a discussion/book signing for her new book, A Time to Run: A Novel, at Claire De Lune on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 7:00 p.m. This event is free, although only books purchased at Claire De Lune will be signed. The national best-seller with is now available in paperback.

According to Publishers Weekly, Boxer, who in the 2004 election received more votes than any non-presidential candidate in history, “brings been-there nuance to the back-biting, hazardous personal disclosures and naked power mongering” of politics today.

A Time to Run introduces three characters whose friendship and betrayals shape not only their lives but also the Supreme Court and the future of the country.

Boxer has served as a Democratic senator from California since 1993, following 10 years in the House of Representatives. This is her first novel.

Claire de Lune is located at 2904 University Ave. in North Park. For more information, call (619) 459-3247 or visit www.authorsontour.net.

The Center’s LGBT Community Coalition Breakfast will feature some of the openly gay members of Mayor Jerry Sanders’ staff on Friday, Oct. 20, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at The Center, located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest.

Speakers will include Fred Sainz, director of communications and press secretary to Mayor Sanders; Jeff Gattas, director of council affairs; and George Biagi, deputy press secretary.

“This will be a unique opportunity to hear what it is really like to be an out LGBT staffer in an elected official’s office, and specifically in the office of the mayor of San Diego,” said Sean Wherley, public policy director for The Center. “They will also share how their being out impacts their work, the work of Mayor Sanders, as well as the LGBT and larger San Diego communities.”

The Community Coalition Breakfast takes place on the third Friday of each month. Its mission is to bring together fair-minded individuals to network, educate and discuss the diverse issues of concern to GLBT and allied neighbors and citizens of San Diego. A full breakfast is available for a $10 donation; coffee and tea are complimentary. RSVPs are not required. Call (619) 692-2077 for further information.