Shiller receives Damski
Retiring 46th Ward Ald. Helen Shiller received the 14th annual Jon-Henri Damski Award for her civic contributions, dedication to the city and her nonstop fight for AIDS.
Guests were treated with a multimedia video presentation of moving moments in Chicago's LGBT history and the activists and community leaders behind those movements. Shiller's friend, guest speaker Bruce Barnes, delivered a touching speech that highlighted Shiller's relentless fight for the underdogin particular, those affected with AIDS. Barnes ended his dedication by referring to Shiller as "a leader among politicians whose morals and skills should be modeled by every politician."
Shiller said that her work is merely a fight for the people. "People should have what we need and people should contribute what they have, so we can all have what we need," she said. Text by Terrence Chappell
Chely Wright engaged
Out lesbian country singer Chely Wright has officially become engaged to her girlfriend, according to HollywoodNews.com . The "Single White Female" singer is now engaged to LGBT-rights activist Lauren Blitzer. They plan to marry in Connecticut Aug. 20.
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) named her Top New Female Vocalist in 1995, and her first Top 40 country hit came in 1997 with "Shut Up and Drive." Wright has released seven studio albums on various labels, and has charted more than 15 singles on the country charts. On May 4, 2010, Wright released her memoir about being a closeted lesbian, Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer, and her first album of new songs since 2005, Lifted Off the Ground.
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