"Long and busy" is how Matt Nielson describes his day-to-day life. This isn't hard to believe with his leadership roles ranging from Chicago's deputy commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, League of Chicago Theatres' board member and newly appointed member of Howard Brown Health's board of advocates.
Nielson told Windy City Times that Howard Brown Health isn't for the "faint of heart" and, though it may have had its challenges in the past with funding and grants, he's enjoyed seeing it flourish within the last few years.
Growing up in Chicago's suburbs definitely didn't limit Nielson's love for the city and traveling. When he's not overseeing fun events in Millennium Park or on his way to a board meeting, he enjoys the city's architecture or traveling the world. Nielson explained that between his work life and personal life, "there isn't much division unless I leave town which is probably why I like to travel so much, [laughing]."
Although traveling "one or two weekends out of the month" can be fun for Nielson, he holds his numerous positions close to his heart. Nielson added that even though he's transitioning from a member of the board of directors to a member of the board of advocates, he appreciates how Howard Brown has helped him grow with the help of "different people, outlooks, and experiences." He even went as far to credit Howard Brown Health for his "awareness and tolerance."
Regarding his thoughts on the LGBT community, Nielson said as he gets older, "younger generations are becoming more accepting," adding he hopes the world will soon provide more "safe havens and culturally competent care" not only for the LGBT community, but for everyone.
The STATS
-Age
54
-Orientation
Gay
-Relationship status
Partnered for more than 15 years
-Last album purchased
Purple Rain
-Favorite color
Blue
-Favorite word
"Go: because it means starting or commencing—it's a positive word."
-Favorite place in the city
Lakefront
-Favorite recent event
House-music party in Millennium Park
-Biggest pet peeve
Jumping to conclusions
-Favorite places to travel
Mediterranean, Central America, Australia
-Little-known fact
"I tend to be rather shy."
