PFLAG ( Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays ) National held its "Heartland" gala June 2 at Chicago's Hotel Palomar to celebrate three individuals for their work in the LGBT community.
The three honorees were Affinity Community Services Executive Director Kim L. Hunt; Chicago Police Department LGBT Liaison Officer Jose Rios, and state Rep. Greg Harris, who sponsored the new civil-unions law in the Illinois House.
Well-known comedian and Queer As Folk star Hal Sparks hosted the event. At one point, he said, "We live in a country where fat is genetic but gay is a choice." He also said, "The states are ahead of the federal government and that is the way it has to be."
Sparks and the three honorees agreed that PFLAG was an important resource for the LGBT community and they were honored to receive recognition from the organization. "We feel that PFLAG is a very important resource for anyone who identifies with being LGBT," Hunt said.
Rios was unable to attend the ceremony but had provided a video speech. "I would especially like to thank PFLAG for recognizing the work I do in the community," he said.
Harris said, "PFLAG was a mighty force in moving this forward. People went door to door with petitions. They made this happen. Freedom is never free it must be earned and it must be fought for. I look forward to fighting for equality in this state and in this country."
Even though the event was filled with individuals who were excited at the recent successes of the community they all still recognized that the struggle is not over. "Let's work together to move this effort forward in every state, every city, every community. Only then will we truly have equality." PFLAG Executive Director Jody Huckaby
PFLAG National President Emeritus John Cepek added, "The heartland is where the LGBT equality movement will be won and PFLAG will be here to see that victory." Text by Constance Ruholl and photos by Hal Baim; more online at www.WindyCityMediaGroup.com