Andy Thayer of the Gay Liberation Network hosted a "speak-out" in front of Center on Halsted on June 26the day the Supreme Court announced its decision on marriage rights.
He encouraged his listeners to not become complacent after the victory. "We have to remember the attacks that are happening todayI'm talking about Charleston and racist hatred," he said. A moment of silence took place after Thayer read a list of names of victims of hate crimes.
Various members of the community were encouraged to give speeches on the microphone in the rain for the gathering crowd.
Activist Robert Castillo spoke of the bittersweet day for him with his husband, John Pennycuff, having passed away three years priorafter 21 years together. The two went to San Francisco to be married before this historic day happened. They were denied in the past at Cook County, so Castillo described the day as "very emotional" for him.
The event closed with the Lakeside Pride band playing "We Are Family."
Visit www.gayliberation.net for more information on the group .
Photos and text by Jerry Nunn