The Human Rights Campaign and SHOWTIME are teaming up to host several events to celebrate the third season of THE L WORD, which premieres on Sunday, January 8 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT). This groundbreaking series is about a group of women in Los Angeles, their lives, careers and relationships. Free events in early January 2006 will be co-hosted in nearly 40 communities this year.

"Visibility opens hearts and minds and that's what the THE L WORD delivers," said Human Rights Campaign Vice President of Development Cathy Nelson. "We're proud to work with SHOWTIME to host these premieres. Not only are they a great opportunity for communities to come together around great entertainment, but they also provide a space for getting out the message about equal rights."

"This show challenges viewers to understand and celebrate differences between people," said Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer of THE L WORD. "I believe in the importance of equality for all Americans, and am honored to partner with HRC to reach millions of Americans with that message in their homes."

Special guests Pam Grier and Daniela Sea, who both play characters on the show, will be attending our Atlanta and Washington, D.C., events respectively. This is the third season that the Human Rights Campaign and SHOWTIME have teamed up for these events. Last year, 33 events were held and more than 14,000 supporters attended across the nation. Five additional cities were added this year. For a list of cities and dates, visit www.hrc.org/thelword.

Human Rights Campaign members will also host house parties to watch the series premiere at home with friends. The Human Rights Campaign expects to have 500 house parties nationwide.