"Time to Shine" was the theme of this year's gala. The theme was inspired to reflect a time of change, with political shifts and activism for LGBT rights. Dinner Co-Chairs Ashley Fowler and Kyle Jackson kicked off the event by introducing performer Michelle Williams ( formerly with Destiny's Child ) who didn't miss a beat. Instead of the standard performance of singing to a seated crowd, Williams encouraged everyone to get up and dance while she floated amongst the attendees and selected random guests to join her on stage to dance with her.

With the energy set, national HRC President Joe Solmonese spoke, inspiring the crowd to celebrate the gains made for the LGBT community.

The Corporate Equity Award went to Rush University Medical Center and the 4th annual LGBT College Student Award recipient was Tony Taylor. Taylor, a founding member of his high school's gay-straight alliance, was crowned prom king as a senior. As a college student, Taylor has used his artistic creativity to express his political belief in the freedom of expression and disdain for homophobia. He has created a Web-based talk show that promotes urban gay issues, often denouncing machismo stereotypes such as "thugs" and "trade." In addition, Taylor has served as chairman for the Youth Pride Center, an African-American LGBT organization focusing on youth on the South and West sides of Chicago.

Actor Robert Gant ( TV's Queer As Folk ) spoke eloquently about the damage he believes the far right has made in LGBT people's pursuit of Christian beliefs and practice. Despite the seriousness of the theme, his presentation had a very positive spiritual tone and was well received by those in attendance.

The night ended with Chicago's DJ Laura B getting the crowd dancing as soon as dinner was done. Text by Mel Ferrand; photos by Kat Fitzgerald ( MysticImagesPhotography.com ) , with many more online at WindyCityMediaGroup.com