About 750 supporters of Center on Halsted gathered in the Great Hall of Union Station March 29 for A Momentous Occasion, the Center's 2014 Human First gala celebration.
Additional photo spread at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php .
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, an honorary co-chair of the event, spoke and paid tribute to the progress made by the city's LGBT community.
"It's a momentous occasion because a year ago we were a different state and a different city," Emanuel said, before reflecting back on the mass ceremony he and Gov. Pat Quinn presided over in 2011, wherein some 33 couples were the first to enter into civil unions.
"We can no longer be a forward looking state with backward looking laws," Emanuel added, also raising applause when he mentioned another recent honor bestowed upon Chicago: "When we looked at all those battles and all those struggles, who knew that Boystown would be voted the number one gay neighborhood in the country?"
Gov. Quinn also spoke, discussing his Nov. 20 signing of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.
"It was so meaningful because so many people all over Illinois came together as one," Quinn said, adding that it was imperative to still keep the fight for marriage and other aspects of LGBT equality. "We've got to do it in every state of the union."
Former state Sen. Carol Ronen was among the honorees. Ronen was introduced by her successor, state Sen. Heather Steans, who described Ronen's mentorship as a "driving force" in helping to strategize policy.
Ronen said that she was "in awe of this community and all that you've accomplished. … The legislature didn't just wake up one morning and say, 'Let's pass civil rights legislation,'" adding that even gay marriage was "not even a political wedge issue anymore" in the state.
Mona Noriega, chairperson of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, and her partner, Evette Cardona, vice-president of Programs at Polk Bros. Foundation were next honored for their activist work.
Noriega said that they dedicated the award to Vernita Gray and Pat Ewert. "They have modeled for us what life is and how to help demand our place in the world."
Cardona added, "Many of you know how genuine Vernita was—she was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. [She] taught me how to be an activist and a mentor, and so it is just very fitting to dedicate this award tonight to her and Pat."
Activists Robert Kohl and Clark Pellett were recognized for their advocacy of marriage equality.
Pellett spoke about the struggles facing many LGBT youth. "Tonight on the streets of Chicago, there are LGBT homeless youth that exceed the number of people sitting in this room. So, while we have accomplished much, we have much more to do for those who need our help and who have not had voices to championship their cause," he said.
Brian Mustanski, director of the IMPACT LGBT Health and Development Program, accepted an award on behalf of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and University. He said that he was gratified by, "the idea of taking our research and embedding it in our community, having our science implemented in a tangible, immediate way, by partnering with programs like those based in the Center … [that] can benefit the community." Mustanski was joined by Lindsay Chase-Lansdale, professor of Human Development and Social Policy at Northwestern University, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital President Richard J. Gannotta.
The presentation closed with remarks by Center on Halsted's CEO, Modesto "Tico" Valle, who spoke about being mindful of the needs of LGBT seniors.
"Our seniors—our LGBTQ trailblazers, are facing not only financial hardships as they age, but the isolation and fear of having to go back in the closet to receive care, and Center on Halsted is pushing forward, providing programming and opening the first of its kind LGBTQ senior apartment housing this coming September," he said.
Valle also paid tribute to Vernita Gray: "Center on Halsted can use Vernita's legacy to push forward."
Entertainment for the evening was provided by singer Branden James and Jess Godwin as well as SHOUT OUT and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
Photos by Kat Fitzgerald ( MysticImagesPhotography.com ) .
Additional photo spread at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php .
Videos for Windy City Times by Tracy Baim:
Windy City Times: Center on Halsted gala 3-29-14: Rahm Emanuel at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Center on Halsted gala 3-29-14: Gov. Quinn at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Center on Halsted gala 3-29-14: Noriega, Cardona at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Center on Halsted gala 3-29-14: Steans, Ronen at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Center on Halsted gala 3-29-14: Kohl and Pellett award at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Center on Halsted gala 3-29-14: Northwestern Award at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Center on Halsted gala 3-29-14: Tico Valle at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
