Gay.com reports that the American Red Cross, which changed guidelines to provide relief for surviving partners of gay and lesbian victims of the Sept. 11 attacks, is now applying the same measures to all of its disaster services programs.
They laid out criteria for defining and verifying family members who qualify for assistance in the wake of a disaster. "Significant
others" and "housemates," they said, can be considered immediate family if they can verify joint property ownership, bank accounts, utility bills or domestic-partner registration.
The Empire State Pride Agenda advocated for the changes initially on behalf of gay and lesbian survivors of Sept. 11.
On Sept. 11, OPALGA and Windy City Times sponsor speakers, poetry and readings, with music by Washington, D.C.'s CommonbonD, 7:30 p.m., Cosi Restaurant, 1101 Lake St., Oak Park, ( 708 ) 848-0273.
Also that day, Voce Femmina women's chamber vocal ensemble performs a concert of works by Debussy, Ravel, John Lennon, Tori Amos, Gordon Lightfoot, Elton John and Dolly Parton, as well as poetry by Arthur Rimbaud and Siegfried Sassoon. At 8 p.m., Chase Cafe, 7301 N. Sheridan, ( 773 ) 860-5789.
See the calendar for other Sept. 11 tributes and religious services.