The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations' Advisory Council on LGBT issues held its monthly meeting Aug. 17 at City Hall, focusing on changes and adjustments.
The council discussed recent changes implemented by Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office. The mayor's office opted to withdraw financial and in-kind staff support for heritage month events in addition to Chicago's LGBT Hall of Fame, although there remains a commitment from the mayor to participate in the induction ceremony (currently scheduled for Nov. 9 at the Chicago History Museum). Other projects previously supported by Daley's office that Emanuel's budget cuts are affecting include the Pride Reception and the salute to LGBT veterans, both annual events.
A last-minute Hall of Fame meeting resulted in a move forward with new inductions and an induction ceremony. However, there was still a question if the organization should break ties with the advisory council in the interest of preserving the integrity and continuity of the Hall, mainly for financial and logistical purposes. If the Hall of Fame were to remain associated with the city, for example, operations such as use of the Hall's website—which is currently linked to the city—would be difficult to maneuver.
Among possible alternatives is having the Friends of the Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) established to provide a financial support system for the Hall, take over operations and funding. Despite the budget cut from the mayor's office, the Hall of Fame can use the city's seal regardless of the organization's course of action.
Although a motion was made to table the discussion on the Hall of Fame, it was said that if responsibility transfers to the Friends of the Hall of Fame, the Hall would not only continue to use the seal, but would continue to invite the mayor to participate in functions.
Among other matters, the council unanimously agreed to reissue two letters to city officials. One letter—addressed to Superintendent Garry McCarthy of the Chicago Police Department (CPD)—draws attention to the council's endorsement of the Lakeview Action Coalition's proposed general order on the treatment of transgender individuals. The proposition requests that the CPD implement standards for the fair and respectful treatment of transgender individuals in light of continued complaints about officers.
Another letter, re-issued to Corporation Counsel Stephen Patton, advocates for consistent language in Chicago's nondiscrimination language used in contracts, leases and agreements to fall in line with the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Despite a foggy future for the advisory council under the new regime, the council will continue to move full speed ahead.
