Supporters of a new monument to honor the service of LGBTQ military members and veterans gathered at Lake View spot Sidetrack on March 18.
The Chicago chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights ( AVER ) has spearheaded the design, construction and approval of the installation of a stone monument near the former police station at the northwest corner of Halsted and Addison streets. It is to be dedicated in a ceremony on Memorial Day.
AVER is a national non-profit, chapter-based association, primarily LGBT, of active, reserve and veteran service members and allies, dedicated to full and equal rights and equitable treatment for all present and former members of the United States Armed Forces.
Fundraising is still going on, with a goal of $20,000. Contributions to this 501( c )( 3 ) organization are tax-deductible.Donations can be sent to AVER-Chicago, P.O. Box 29317, Chicago, IL 60629 or GoFundMe.com/lgbtq-veterans-halsted-st-monument. Questions can be sent to Tim Zylstra at timothy.zylstra@yahoo.com .
In 2015, Chicago AVER built and dedicated the first LGBT Veterans Memorial Monument in a national cemetery.
www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/LGBTQ-veterans-plan-Halsted-St-monument-honoring-LGBTQ-military-service-seek-support-/58421.html .