About 35 people gathered May 18 at Broadway United Methodist Church for a special anniversary mass and awards presentation to celebrate Dignity/Chicago's 42 years of ministry.
The Rev. Barbara Zeman, a Roman Catholic Womenpriest, officiated the mass, which featured gender-neutral and inclusive prayers. In her homily, Zeman spoke about the progress that's been made in the LGBT community as well as the work that she said still needs to be done in and out of the Catholic church to achieve full equality for the LGBT community.
During the celebratory mass Ibrahim Zabaneh, president of Dignity/Chicago, presented the Spirit of Dignity Award to Dignity/Chicago member Barbara Henning; then, Dignity/Chicago board member Martin Grochala presented Victor Salvo, executive director of the Legacy Project Chicago, with the first-ever James Bussen Award ( named in honor of the late DignityUSA president, Dignity/Chicago chapter member and Chicago LGBT-rights activist ).
"The James Bussen Award recognizes those in our community who will not be silenced or content until our stories are told. With the Legacy Project Chicago, Victor is telling the stories of those whose lives have been silenced throughout history. It has been my pleasure to work with Victor for the past year and a half to raise funds for a plaque honoring Fr. Mychal Judge ( the plaque will be dedicated this fall )," said Grochala upon presenting Salvo with his award.
"Twenty-seven years ago, when I had the idea for creating what would become the Legacy Project, I never would have expected to get an award from a Catholic LGBT organization. Not only have I never been a very good Catholic but the very idea of an LGBT Catholic organization was beyond my imagining. What Dignity has achieved, a community of fellowship for those shunned by the church, is truly a godsend. As was Jim Bussen, the amazing man for whom this honor is rightly named," said Salvo. "Jim was one of my favorite people. So full of wit and integrity and wonderful, wonderful humor. Few people in Chicago from that difficult era when the HIV/AIDS epidemic was just emerging were more beloved than Jim, or are more fondly remembered today. I am so flattered and honored to accept this award on behalf of myself and the Legacy Project."
Henning simply said "Thanks." The honor was a surprise for her, as she was not told ahead of time.
A reception followed the mass and award presentations.
See www.dignity-chicago.org and www.legacyprojectchicago.org for more information.
Note: Carrie Maxwell is also a volunteer for The Legacy Project Chicago.
