More Chicago-area vigils for Orlando
Taking on not only anti-LGBT hate, but also the anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate that opportunists have tried to foster out of the Orlando tragedy, a group of South Side Chicagoans put on a thoughtful event June 13, according to attendee Andy Thayer of Gay Liberation Network.
Southsiders for Peace, the Unitarian Church and allied individuals "are to be commended for producing an event free of politicians and their attendant hypocrisy," Thayer said.
"Having opposed the wars since before the 2003 Iraq invasion, Southsiders for Peace can speak with authority about how the United States' endless wars under administrations Democratic and Republican have only served to promote the terrorism such as was visited on Orlando on Saturday night," Thayer added.
Meanwhile, more Chicago and suburban responses are planned:
— A vigil will be held in Oak Park Wed., June 15, 6 p.m. at Scoville Park, 800 W. Lake St.
— Unity Church will host a vigil Wed., June 15, 7 p.m., with Rev. Mark Anthony Lord, 1925 W. Thome, Chicago.
— John Marshall Law School's vigil is Wed., June 15, 7 p.m. at the corner of State and Jackson.
— Prayer Vigil and Healing Service at Chicago's St. James Episcopal Cathedral, Wed., June 15 at 5:30 p.m., 65 E. Huron, Chicago.
— On June 16 a Pilsen/Little Village vigil for Orlando will be held at Lincoln United Methodist Church, 2242 S. Damen, gather 6:30 p.m., vigil 7:30 p.m.
— West Suburban Berwyn will host a vigil Friday, June 17, 8 p.m. at Serenity Park, 26th Street at Wesley.
— Waukegan vigil Sat., June 18, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Plaza, see www.facebook.com/events/281221545560536/ .
— Elgin will hold a vigil Sunday 8:30, Between City Hall and the Hemmens.
— Sunday, June 19, 11 a.m., AChurchForMe MCC hosts a remembrance, healing and solidarity for Orlando victims, 7366 N. Clark Street.
— Dignity/Chicago, the organization of Catholics committed to equality and justice for LGBTQI people, will dedicate its Sunday Mass on June 19 in memory of the victims in the Orlando shooting. At 5 p.m. in Broadway Methodist, 3338 N .Broadway, dignitychicago@gmail.com or visit www.dignity-chicago.org .
— There will be a Catholic Mass and memorial Sunday, June 19 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 708 W. Belmont to pray for the victims of the shooting at the PULSE club in Orlando. This Mass is being hosted by AGLO, which is the official outreach ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago to the LGBT community in the Chicago area.
— June 23, Closet bar in Chicago hosting a benefit raffle, 7 pm, with lots of prizes, including dining, sports and retail.
Latinx LGBTQs are also planning events:
— LGBTQ Latinx Spaces for Healing, Celebration, & Remembrance, Friday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m., Union Park, 1501 W Randolph St.
— LGBTQ Contingent in Puerto Rican People's Parade, Saturday, June 18, 12:30 p.m.
— LGBTQ Latinx Spaces for Healing, Celebration, & RemembranceRemembrance Vigil, Humboldt Park, California at Division, Wed., June 22, 6:30 p.m.
Affinity Community Services, in partnership with The Care Plan, and the University of Chicago, the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality and the Chicago Center for HIV elimination is hosting a community open house event to create a space for individuals heal and process the event in Orlando earlier this week. The event is Friday, June 17 and is free and open to anyone interested. It is located at the Center for Gender and Sexuality at the University of Chicago, 5733 S. University Ave., Chicago from 5-8 p.m., imani@affinity95.org .
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, in congruence with Allegrezza Singers and Lakeview Presbyterian Church, will hold a tribute concert for the Orlando victims and their families Saturday, June 18, 716 W. Addison, 7-9 p.m. The concert is titled, "When You Sing Your Own Song, You Can Fly!"
The groups stated: "The concert was originally planned to unite the two GALA (Gay & Lesbian Chorus Association) choruses, but the messages and themes in the joint concert couldn't be more relevant after last weekend's shooting. The leadership of all three organizations have concluded that it would be most appropriate to dedicate this concert to our brothers and sisters in Orlando."
Cost is $15 a ticket, available online at cgmc.org and at the door. Proceeds will be split between the three hosting parties.
Howard Brown Health said its behavioral health/case management teams will hold open meetings every day this week, facilitated by licensed Howard Brown staff. The goal is to offer space for staff to discuss their reactions and regroup so they can ultimately be available to our patients/clients. All meetings will be at the Sheridan clinic.
Claudia Mosier, a therapist who is trauma-trained and has participated in one post-shooting trauma treatment effort, is opening her office for anyone who wants to have a safe place to discuss how this event has impacted them. Tuesday 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday 5-9 p.m. There will be no charge. The office address is 8 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1500, Chicago.
New Hope Recovery Center and the private practices of Jeff Zacharias will provide their spaces at 2835 N. Sheffield, Suite 304. Call 773-720-0068 or email jeffrey.zacharias@gmail.com .
Crisis and trauma counselor Karen Rothstein Pineda also offered services for those in need. She is at 708-689-9814, karen@oakpark-counseling.com .
