Equality Illinois gala, photos

More than 1,000 strong, the gay glitterati came out at the Hilton Chicago Jan. 23 for the 2010 Equality Illinois (EI) gala, “Justice for All,” held at the Hilton Chicago.

Almost every local politician left of Limbaugh was there—certainly those whose names are on the ballot Feb. 2—to claim their queer cred and gather votes. From Pat Quinn and Dan Hynes, David Hoffman, Toni Preckwinkle and Dorothy Brown, to numerous judicial nominees and candidates for water reclamation district commissioner, the gay, the straight and the uncommitted did face time.

Most of the “A-list” pols did the reception and the grand procession across the stage and then took off to their next event. Lesser luminaries stuck around for the four-course dinner that included a cheese and fruit salad, tortellini and wild mushroom appetizer, short ribs and sable main course (with a nice vegetarian-plate option available for those so inclined) and an over-the-top dessert featuring a ganache tart and white chocolate shooter. Dancing to video disco followed the meal.

There was a video presentation honoring award recipients state Senator John Cullerton, Mary F. Morten and Laura Ricketts; in addition, AT&T received the Business Leadership Award. Speeches were generally brief, with the highlight being a moving tribute by MC Norma Reyes to her late partner. The couple fought a sudden, brief and devastating battle with cancer—and the medical and financial establishment—last year, and the presentation emphasized the imperative for establishing full marriage equality and civil rights for the LGBT community.

With an open bar; an over-the-top auction including such items as original Picasso lithographs and a Fashion Week in New York; and a strong fundraising speech by Art Johnston, EI is sure to have garnered lots of financial support for the battle ahead.

Text by Micki Leventhal; photos by Kat Fitzgerald (MysticImagesPhotography.com). See more photos online at windycitytimes.com.