N. Texas’ 1st Human Rights Run set Saturday

The Human Rights Initiative is holding North Texas’ first Human Rights Run on Saturday, April 16 at Bachman Lake.

“We have provided free legal services to the global gay community for people seeking asylum in the United States due to their sexual orientation and the threat of death if they returned to their home country,” said HRI CEO Cannon Flowers.

HRI provides a variety of services to people who have experiences human rights abuses.

HRI supports equality in immigration laws for the LGBT community. Married heterosexual couples may keep a non-citizen spouse in the United States while married gay or lesbian couples do not have that right.

But much of their work involves helping those seeking asylum, including many in the LGBT community.

“We help anyone who’s fled their country for a variety of reasons,” said Lianne Aluotto, client services administrator at HRI.

She said that in some countries, homosexuality is illegal.

“We help them achieve legal immigration status,” she said.

Once a person is legally in this country, HRI helps them access social services and work with resources in the community.

HRI is based in the Wilson Historic District as part of the Meadows Foundation community of Care Based Organizations.

The run begins at the Pavillion at West Northwest Highway and Lakefield Boulevard at 8:30 a.m. and follows the Bachman Lake Loop Trail.

Registration is $25 for adults, $20 for anyone under 16 and $10 for four-legged friends. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and prizes will be awarded at 10 a.m.

More information is available on the Human Right Initiative website.