HRC’s “On the Road to Equality” nationwide bus tour set out in Summer 2011 to spread the message of equality by educating the American public and empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to become advocates for themselves and their families. The 12 week tour traveled to 19 cities in 12 states and D.C., with particular emphasis on the Midwest and South where there are limited legal protections for LGBT people and living openly and honestly can be difficult.