Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice's 2014 Fueling the Frontline Awards, a first-of-its-kind event, was held in Chicago May 16 at the Mayne Stage Theatre in Rogers Park. Three Chicagoans were presented the award: Julio Rodriguez, Tracy Baim and the late Vernita Gray.

J. Bob Alotta, executive director of Astraea, also MC'd the event, and spoke with passion about the fund's more than three decades of work nationally and internationally. She also promoted their "Fueling the Frontlines," a three-year, $20 million campaign for global LGBTQI rights. The campaign will continue Astraea's long tradition of funding cutting-edge LGBTQI-focused organizations through supporting activism, education and philanthropy.

Additional photos by Kat Fitzgerald at the link: Article Link Here .

Additional photos by Hal Baim at the link: Article Link Here .

Jennifer Brier, local board member for Astraea, also spoke about the work of the foundation.

Mona Noriega presented the award to Rodriguez, Dr. Nan Schaffer and Karen Dixon presented Baim her award, and Kim Hunt presented Gray's award to Gray's widow Pat Ewert and Gray's mother Fran "Toots" Hairston.

Entertainment for the night was provided by musician Toshi Reagon, a longtime performer in the community.

Windy City Times: Astraea Foundation event, Jenny Brier and J. Bob 5-16-2014 Article Link Here .

Windy City Times: Astraea Foundation event, Julio Rodriguez Award 5-16-2014 Article Link Here .

Windy City Times: Astraea Foundation event, Tracy Baim Award 5-16-2014 Article Link Here .

Windy City Times: Astraea Foundation event, Vernita Gray Award Award part 1/ 5-16-2014 Article Link Here .

Windy City Times: Astraea Foundation event, Vernita Gray Award Award part 2/ 5-16-2014 Article Link Here .

Windy City Times: Astraea Foundation event, J. Bob Conclusion 5-16-2014 Article Link Here .