Windy City Media Group Frontpage News

THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

home search facebook twitter join
Gay News Sponsor Windy City Times 2023-12-13
DOWNLOAD ISSUE
Donate

Sponsor
Sponsor
Sponsor

  WINDY CITY TIMES

Indivisible Aurora, Nicole Maines honored at HRC Chicago gala
by Liz Baudler
2018-10-28

This article shared 566 times since Sun Oct 28, 2018
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

      More Photos


Amidst the usual fundraising and celebration were on the table, Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Chicago's Oct. 27 gala at the Marriott Downtown perhaps had a more somber tone than usual. Speakers often referenced the day's earlier news of the mass shooting incident at the Tree of Life synagogue in their remarks as a reminder of why activism like theirs was important to support.

The hundreds of well-dressed guests adorned their faces with masquerade masks, in keeping with the pre-Halloween theme of "Equality Unmasked." After a pre-dinner reception and perusal of the many silent-auction items donated by Chicago-area businesses, organizations and artists, the crowd filed into the ballroom for the main program.

Gala co-chairs Penelope Garcia and Tory Mitchell opened the evening by highlighting HRC's work throughout the year, including video headlines of some of the Trump administration's actions against LGBTQ equality.

Deena Fidas, director of workplace equality for the national HRC, talked about the organization's grassroots campaign to turn out voters for the Nov. 6 midterm election, which she called the largest in the organization's history.

"These are the most critical votes America will cast in decades," she said, and referred to the record number of LGBTQ candidates as "not just a blue wave, but a rainbow wave."

According to Fidas, 30,000 voters have been registered by HRC volunteers, but she still encouraged the room to "bring out the vote and take people with you."

She also mentioned that a history-making 609 businesses received a score of 100 percent on the Corporate Equality Index, which is in its 16th year.

Federal Club Xavier Esters shared his personal story about his and his trans aunt's coming out as an example of the kind of people HRC's work helps protect. After dinner, lesbian comedienne Dana Goldberg ran a spirited live auction peppered with political humor. And American Idol finalist Kimberly Locke closed the evening with a selection of her songs, crediting the LGBTQ community with making her a success.

Indivisible Aurora, who brought the state's second-largest city its first-ever Pride Parade, received a Community Leadership Award. The organization's LGBTQ director, Gwyn Ciesla, recalled her surprise when she learned the city where she'd lived for 11 years hosted no formal Pride events. "I assumed, as an introvert, I missed it," Ciesla joked.

Despite some initial opposition, Ciesla called the inaugural parade a success. With 3,000 marchers, she said the group had to turn people away. The group is planning a two-day event with speakers and a 5k run for next year. In addition, Ciesla highlighted the need of suburban Pride events for those who can't make it to Chicago.

"It's important to see events like this in your hometown," she said, and left the stage to a standing ovation.

Currently starring as TV's first trans superhero, Dreamer, on the CW show Supergirl, actress Nicole Maines was once part of the first lawsuit to ensure proper trans bathroom usage in schools. Maines, who received an HRC Visibility Award at the gala, called being the first trans superhero on TV "very scary," as she's terrified of letting down young fans who might see themselves in her character.

Yet she was moved by the outpouring of love and support fans showed her as she assumed the role. Admitting to rage and despair when she read the recent New York Times article about the Trump administration's attempts to redefine her identity, she thanked her mother and her family for helping keep her grounded throughout the years. While she called the progress her community has made "fragile," Maines also sounded notes of defiance and hope.

"We cannot be erased by policy," she said to cheers. "We cannot be torn down by rhetoric. When faced with adversity, a person goes into fight or flight mode. The Trump administration assumed we would choose flight, and they were wrong. The LGBTQ community is one of fighters ... and we will be here long after he's gone."

More than $30,000 were raised for the organization's super PAC ( political action committee ).


This article shared 566 times since Sun Oct 28, 2018
facebook twitter pin it google +1 reddit email

Out and Aging
Presented By

  ARTICLES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Gay News

Lambda Legal Launches "Speak OUT" awareness campaign uplifting trans, nonbinary voices
2024-03-28
--From a press release. VIDEO BELOW - (NEW YORK, NY — March 28, 2024) In advance of Transgender Day of Visibility, Lambda Legal, the nation's oldest and largest legal nonprofit working to achieve full equal rights for LGBTQ people and everyone living with ...


Gay News

Brown Elephant Returns To Northalsted
2024-03-26
Brown Elephant's Lake View location is moving to Northalsted and already accepting donations. Howard Brown Health, the largest LGBTQ+ health center in the midwest, operates three Brown Elephant resale shops in the Chicagoland area to help ...


Gay News

Be here, be queer, play polo: Gay Polo League creates safe athletic space for LGBTQ community
2024-03-26
LGBTQ+ athletic clubs aren't too hard to come by, offering a variety of sports such as softball, soccer and more in cities across the country. But LGBTQ+ athletes would be harder pressed to find someplace to ...


Gay News

The Jeff Awards announces the 50th anniversary awards for non-equity theater
2024-03-26
--From a press release - A complete list of recipients can also be found online in the Non-Equity and News and Events sections at www.jeffawards.org. (March 25, 2024 - Chicago) — Celebrating its 50th anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the ...


Gay News

After 30 Under 30: MAP Executive Director Naomi Goldberg
2024-03-25
NOTE: In this series, Windy City Times will profile some of its past 30 Under 30 honorees. Windy City Times started its 30 Under 30 Awards in 2001, presenting them each year through 2019. This year, ...


Gay News

Former Chicago Girl Scouts CEO Brooke Wiseman to receive Luminary Award
2024-03-22
Brooke Wiseman, a now-retired nonprofit leader in the Chicago area, spent most of her career creating leadership development opportunities for girls and women—and making sure that hungry children could be fed. While leading Girl Scouts of ...


Gay News

Alyssa Naeher wins National Women's Soccer League Impact Save of the Week
2024-03-20
--From a press release - CHICAGO (March 20, 2024) — Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher earned National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Deloitte Impact Save of the Week honors, the league announced today. Seven minutes into the eight minutes of added ...


Gay News

Affinity celebrates Burning Bowl while looking toward the future
2024-03-19
On March 17, Affinity Community Services held its annual Burning Bowl ceremony even as it already sets its organizational sights on 2025. The event, titled Burning Bowl 2024 Evolution, was held at Studio Imani, 5917 N. ...


Gay News

Windy City Times seeks nominations for 30 Under 30 Awards
2024-03-18
--From a press release - CHICAGO—After a four-year hiatus, Windy City Times has revived its 30 Under 30 Awards. Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies). Nominees should be 30 years or younger as ...


Gay News

Oprah, Niecy Nash-Betts honored at GLAAD Media Awards
2024-03-15
Oprah Winfrey and Niecy Nash-Betts were honored at the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards that took place in Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton on March 14. Winfrey received the Vanguard Award, introduced by iconic Chicago ...


Gay News

Howard Brown experts discuss advocacy and allyship for Chicago's trans community
2024-03-14
By Alec Karam - Howard Brown Health's Trans & Gender Diverse People's Rights & Patient Care panel convened March 12 to discuss both resources for—and opportunities to provide allyship to—the city's trans and gender diverse communities. The event hos ...


Gay News

Howard Brown Health faces October trial if settlement isn't reached with union
2024-03-13
Howard Brown Health could go to trial over unfair labor practice allegations if the LGBTQ+ health center doesn't reach a settlement with its agreement soon. Chicago's regional director of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed ...


Gay News

No 'explanations' needed: Affinity remains a haven for Chicago's Black queer community
2024-03-12
Back in 2007, Anna DeShawn came out while she was studying for her undergraduate degree. At around the same time, she searched online for "Black lesbians in Chicago." Her search led her to Affinity Community Services, ...


Gay News

Longtime LGBTQ+-rights activist David Mixner dies at 77
2024-03-12
On March 11, longtime LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS activist David Mixner—known for working on Bill Clinton's presidential campaign but then splitting from him over "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT)—died at age 77, The Advocate reported. ...


Gay News

LGBTQ+ Victory Fund remembers co-founder David Mixner
2024-03-12
--From a press release - Today, LGBTQ+ Victory Fund President & CEO Mayor Annise Parker released the following statement on the passing of LGBTQ+ civil rights activist and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund co-founder David Mixner: "Today, we lost David Mixner, a founding ...


 


Copyright © 2024 Windy City Media Group. All rights reserved.
Reprint by permission only. PDFs for back issues are downloadable from
our online archives.

Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.

All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).

The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.

 
 

TRENDINGBREAKINGPHOTOS







Sponsor


 



Donate


About WCMG      Contact Us      Online Front  Page      Windy City  Times      Nightspots
Identity      BLACKlines      En La Vida      Archives      Advanced Search     
Windy City Queercast      Queercast Archives     
Press  Releases      Join WCMG  Email List      Email Blast      Blogs     
Upcoming Events      Todays Events      Ongoing Events      Bar Guide      Community Groups      In Memoriam     
Privacy Policy     

Windy City Media Group publishes Windy City Times,
The Bi-Weekly Voice of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans Community.
5315 N. Clark St. #192, Chicago, IL 60640-2113 • PH (773) 871-7610 • FAX (773) 871-7609.