Chaz Bono, renowned advocate for LGBT rights and social justice, will be the featured speaker at Howard Brown Health Center's Lifeline Celebration Friday, May 6, at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe, according to a press release.
In addition to sharing his personal journey at the main event, Bono will visit Howard Brown Health Center's Sheridan Road Clinic earlier that day for an open house on LGBT health and will participate in a panel discussion. Details about this public program will follow.
"Chaz Bono is a strong voice nationally for the LGBT community in general and for the transgender community specifically," said Jamal Edwards, president and CEO. "For years, we have provided quality and cutting-edge health services to the transgender community including our new informed consent hormone protocol, THInC. We are thrilled that Chaz will be speaking and sharing his time with our patients, staff and supporters at Howard Brown and our Lifeline Celebration. It's part of our broader and deep commitment to providing quality care to LBGTQ people."
As the only child of famed entertainers Sonny and Cher, Bono used his celebrity spotlight to become one of the most recognized leaders for LGBT rights and social justice as an advocate, author and speaker. Recently, Bono shared his first-person account of a 40-year transformation from female to male in his biography, Transition. The book inspired a film documentary of Bono's experiences in transforming from female to male in Becoming Chaz, which received a standing ovation at its debut at the Sundance Film Festival this year.
"Chicago is home to an active and vibrant LGBT community, and I'm very excited to have an opportunity to share my story as a transgender man," said Bono. "It is not easy to find compassionate, quality healthcare as a transperson. I am thankful that an organization such as Howard Brown exists, because it provides much needed care to those who might not otherwise be able to access or afford it. "
Following the afternoon's events, Bono will mingle with guests during the premier VIP reception of The Lifeline Celebration at 5:30 p.m. The evening's main event begins at 6:30 p.m. and features a personal address by Bono and the presentation of Howard Brown's annual Friends for Life awards. Benefit guests can savor culinary specialties, sip champagne and cocktails and enjoy a raffle to raise funds to support Howard Brown's Lifeline Appeal and its health and wellness services to the community.
Proceeds from The Lifeline Celebration will support Howard Brown's ongoing work using life-saving health care services and a myriad of comprehensive programs to support the wellness of the entire LGBTQA community.
Tickets to the premier VIP champagne reception, which features a mixer with Bono and opportunities to bid on signature raffle tickets, are $250. Admission to the main event—which features cocktails, raffles and an address by Bono—is $100.
For more information about The Lifeline Celebration and to purchase tickets, visit www.HowardBrown.org or call 773-388-1600.
