The Human Rights Campaign Chicago volunteers hosted the annual local gala for the national GLBT-rights group Saturday night at the Hilton. More than 700 people helped raise funds for the organization, listening to political speeches as well as honoring awardees. The Corporate Equality Award went to?Walgreens, the Community Equality Award to About Face Theatre, and the GLBT?College Student Award to Kelby Harrison of Northwestern University. Special guest speakers were Eric Alva, retired Marine Staff Sergeant, who spoke about his 13 years in the military and his experience as the first soldier injured in the current Iraq war; and Marlee Matlin, an actor from The L Word and many films and TV shows. Matlin’s gay brother Mark introduced her, surrounded by his partner Jay Goldstein and brother Eric Matlin and his wife Gloria. Marlee said it was the first time Mark, who lives in the Chicago suburbs, made such a public introduction of her, and that she fully supports him in his life. Matlin was strong in her support of LGBT rights. She signed her speech to the crowd, as it was simultaneously translated over the loud speakers. A contingent of deaf LGBTs attended the event to see Matlin. Celebrity auctioneer for the event was Honey Labrador.
#1-5 Marlee Matlin signed her remarks and appeared with her family. #6 Ann Adams with Eric Rosen, accepting the About Face Theatre award. # 7 Award winner Kelby Harrison. # 8 Retired Marine Staff Sargeant Eric Alva, injured in Iraq. # 8 Alva and his partner with HRC gala co-chairs Tim Bresnahan (left)and Allison?Ford. #9 & 10 Dancers at the gala.
Photos by Kat Fitzgerald, Tracy Baim and Mel Ferrand. More photos at windycitytimes.com/webup/AUPDATE2.php
