About 200 people attended the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce ( GL Chamber ) second annual LGBT wedding expo at the GL Chamber offices March 7.
Attendees perused the vendor's wares ahead of remarks by Lambda Legal's Midwest Regional Director Jim Bennett.
Bennett spoke about the work that Lambda Legal does to secure LGBT equality and the history of marriage equality nationwide including the steps that were taken to secure marriage equality in Illinois. He noted that there isn't going to be a honeymoon period even if the Supreme Court rules in favor of nationwide marriage equality because there's already backlash in the form of religious exemption bills that have been proposed or approved in states across the country.
As for the lead-up to the marriage equality vote in the Illinois General Assembly, Bennett explained that the Chicago Urban League was there with Lambda Legal from the beginning. He also noted that the organizers of the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality were instrumental in galvanizing support from across the state ahead of the vote.
Bennett added that issues still remain in Illinois, including employers refusing health insurance benefits for same-sex spouses.
A Q&A session followed Bennett's remarks.
Among the many vendors in attendance were Amazing Edibles Catering, Events with a K, Lynfred Winery, Starbelly Studios, Get on the Floor Dance Co., J&L Catering, Bloomingdales, Double Trip Press, Feast & Imbibe Events, Scarlet Petal, Daniel Levy Jewelry, Greenhouse Loft, Lang House Bed & Breakfast, The Guesthouse Hotel, Vanille Patisserie and Spoil Me Salon.
MB Financial Bank, HCBR Group, Allstate, BP, Nielsen, CNA, Candee and WCPT 820AM were among the sponsors of the expo. DJ services were provided by Stitley Entertainment.
See www.glchamber.org for more information.