Lightfoot hosts Pride reception Video below by Matt Simonette 2019-06-21
This article shared 4228 times since Fri Jun 21, 2019
Hundreds gathered in Preston Bradley Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center as Mayor Lori Lightfoot hosted an LGBT reception in honor of Pride month.
Center on Halsted Vanessa Sheridan introduced the proceedings with a reminder of the historical contribution of activist Marsha P. Johnson: "We would not be standing here tonight ... if not for the courage of an African American transgender sex worker."
Sheridan added, "The Stonewall rebellion still has reverberations for our community today," adding that, "We can [now] celebrate that we have a mayor and a first family who is part of our community."
The mayor was introduced by her wife Amy Eshleman. She recalled walking in the Pride parade last year, when Lightfoot was a mayoral candidate. She called the event "one of the most profound and humbling experiences of my life," and looked ahead to the 2019 parade on June 30.
Lightfoot thanked Equality Illinois co-founder and Sidetrack owner Arthur Johnston, as well as activist/consultant Mary Morten. She also recalled contributions by the late activist Vernita Gray.
The mayor further discussed how Chicago functions as a "beacon of hope" for persons looking to be open about who they are, whether that means moving to the city or just visiting.
"Chicago is a place that people from all over the world come to be themselves, if just for a weekend," she added.
Lightfoot also spoke at length about difficulties facing various members of the LGBT community, particularly young people who are experiencing homelessness, and trans people.
"We have to keep doing the workthe hard workfor them every single day," she added.
Nevertheless, she encouraged the audience to enjoy the moment in advance of the upcoming Pride celebrations: "We should have pride for where we are. ... This is what pride looks like."
This article shared 4228 times since Fri Jun 21, 2019
Blackhawks celebrate Pride Night 2024-04-03 - On March 26, the Chicago Blackhawks held its annual Pride Night at the United Center. The home team defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 as Jason Dickinson scored twice and Petr Mrazek made 38 saves for the ...
Red Stars tie Orlando, remain unbeaten 2024-03-30 - The Chicago Red Stars remained unbeaten in their first three regular-season matches after a 1-1 draw with the Orlando Pride on March 29. It's the first time since 2019 that the club has gone unbeaten in ...
Center on Halsted to host trans youth & family summit 2024-02-19 - Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., has announced that its Trans Youth & Family Summit 2024 will take place March 16. This year marks the sixth annual event, which partners between Youth Services' Pride Youth ...
Lakeside Pride Wilde Cabaret Valentine's Day Feb. 17 2024-02-16 --From a press release - Lakeside Pride Wilde Cabaret puts their own spin on Valentine's Day with a show celebrating things done and sacrificed for love - not just romantic love, but love for pets, friends, family and art. Join the ...
Chicago Fire FC announces 2024 theme nights; Pride Night will be June 1 2024-01-19 --From a press release - CHICAGO (Jan. 18, 2024) — Chicago Fire FC announced the club's theme nights for select home matches during the 2024 regular season, driven by Carvana. The Club's 2024 calendar features 11 theme nights, including the return ...
NHL bans Pride Tape from hockey games and practices 2023-10-11 - The National Hockey League (NHL) has designated that athletes will no longer be able to show support to the LGBTQ+ community while playing, according to Out, which cited Outsports. The league has issued a ban of ...
Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, drawings, and
photographs submitted if they are to be returned, and no
responsibility may be assumed for unsolicited materials.
All rights to letters, art and photos sent to Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago
Gay and Lesbian News and Feature Publication) will be treated
as unconditionally assigned for publication purposes and as such,
subject to editing and comment. The opinions expressed by the
columnists, cartoonists, letter writers, and commentators are
their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of Nightspots
(Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature Publication).
The appearance of a name, image or photo of a person or group in
Nightspots (Chicago GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times
(a Chicago Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender News and Feature
Publication) does not indicate the sexual orientation of such
individuals or groups. While we encourage readers to support the
advertisers who make this newspaper possible, Nightspots (Chicago
GLBT Nightlife News) and Windy City Times (a Chicago Gay, Lesbian
News and Feature Publication) cannot accept responsibility for
any advertising claims or promotions.