Daley's last GL Hall of Fame

Mayor Richard M. Daley received two long standing ovations during the 2010 induction ceremony for the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Nov. 10.

An estimated 700 people packed the event at the Cultural Center, the 20th time the city has inducted LGBT people, organizations and allies into the Hall of Fame, still believed to be the only one of its kind in the world.

Daley said he was “very proud of our relationship,” even though it has had its ups and downs and difficulties. “This community has given more to the city than the city and country has given to you,” he said.

Chicago “is better off for this community,” Daley said. “I thank you on behalf of 21 years,” referring to his time in office as mayor. “The city is very grateful for, and I mean it personally, your contribution. You have an ally, whether as mayor or as a citizen, you can call on me.”

The individual LGBTs inducted this year were: Claudia Allen, Dan Di Leo (posthumously), Scott Free, Bob Gammie, E. Patrick Johnson, David Ernesto Munar, Achy Obejas, Paul G. Oostenbrug, Jose Rios, The Rev. Stan Sloan and Mark E. Wojcik. The organizations: Asians and Friends Chicago and International Mr. Leather. The Friends of the Community inducted were the ACLU of Illinois and the Chicago History Museum.

Mayor’s LGBT liaison Bill Greaves thanked Daley on behalf of the community, and Daley was presented with the book Out and Proud in Chicago: An Overview of the City’s Gay Community (a book I wrote and edited with a team of journalists). The book was signed by hundreds of people in the community. “Chicago says yes to us, and we are thriving in it,” Greaves said, taking off from a Gertrude Stein quote about Alice B. Toklas.

Hall of Famer Gary Chichester also spoke about Daley: “We can only hope whoever is the next mayor is half a friend” to the community as Daley, Chichester said. Chichester’s Hall of Fame committee co-chair, Lourdes Rodriguez, also spoke highly of Daley’s support of the event.

Mayoral candidates Rahm Emmanuel and Carol Moseley Braun were among those mingling with the attendees. Other politicians included City Clerk candidate Marilyn Morales; state Reps. Greg Harris and Deb Mell; and Ald. Tom Tunney.

Past Hall of Fame inductees Michael Leppen and Tarrina Dikes read the biographies of this year’s inductees as they came up for their awards and a photo with the mayor.

The evening was dedicated to three Hall of Famers who passed away this year; Renae Ogletree, Martin Gapshis and Laird Petersen.

See www.GLHallOfFame.org.