Mayor Brandon Johnson—who noted that Chicago had the nation’s “gayest city council”—was among the guests at Equality Illinois‘s (EI) supporters annual Pride Brunch Kick-Off celebrations June 2 at Venue West in the West Loop.
Anna DeShawn, founder and CEO of E3 Radio as well as host of the Queer News podcast, won EI’s 2024 Community Pride Award—and had some critical remarks about city officials’ acknowledgment of the city’s LGBTQ+ community in her remarks. The 2024 Volunteer Award meanwhile went to longtime EI event volunteer Alycia Slayin.
In his remarks, EI CEO Brian C. Johnson noted that the GOP-controlled U.S. House of Representatives passed a rule that would block federal earmark funding for any non-profits who are seeking those monies. He reminded the audience that this rule was passed specifically to target LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations, and that, to ward off criticism from the political left, they wrote the rule to also exclude groups like the Boys and Girls Clubs, both national scouting organizations, YMCA’s and YWCA’s, veterans groups, places of worship who are doing community service work and many others.
Johnson added that LGBTQ+ allies have to stand up for the queer/trans community, because every social justice fight is intersectional, and further reminded the audience that Pride is both a celebration and a protest.
Outgoing EI Board Chair Butch Trusty introduced Mayor Johnson who said, “this city would not be a beacon of freedom, love and inclusivity without [Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Advisory] Council guiding our work.” He thanked the many elected officials in attendance and called Chicago’s City Council “the gayest city council” in the country. He also recognized DeShawn and Slayin’s contributions to the Chicago and LGBTQ+ communities.
Mayor Johnson said the LGBTQ+ community is so special to him that he missed church that morning to be at this event. He added that the city will soon hire an official to guide his administration’s outreach to the queer/trans community.
EI Deputy Director Mony Ruiz-Velasco presented DeShawn with her award, while EI Operations Director Ardena Hoffman presented Slayin with hers.
EI Deputy Director Mony Ruiz-Velasco spoke about DeShawn’s powerful voice as a broadcaster, storyteller and organizer as well as her many awards, including her recent induction into Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame. She added that she is “privileged” to work alongside DeShawn as members of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council.
DeShawn acknowledged her father, who just retired from his 48-year long teaching job at Chicago Public Schools. She also thanked everyone who has helped her media company stay in business over the years. DeShawn especially noted the importance of Affinity Community Services in her life, praising the many important Black queer women she has met there. She also acknowledged Windy City Times founder and owner Tracy Baim’s work in LGBTQ+ media.
“Honestly, today our humanity is under attack,” DeShawn said. “There are forces in play who are literally trying to erase who we are from everyday life. They are vilifying us, the most marginalized and most vulnerable … especially our trans siblings. Chicago and Illinois must continue to be a beacon of hope when it comes to freedom and liberation. This is not a time to be tired, complicit, comfortable or to turn a blind eye, when our Pride Parade is shortened.”
DeShawn called out Chicago’s leadership for its lack of acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ folks in its recently released community safety plan which does not mention that community at all and that the city services guide only notes the LGBTQ+ community once. She said that she and the rest of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council should not have to fight the city over the Pride Parade at a time when the community is under attack, to concede even one inch will only make things worse.
“If you choose to be complacent, you are also a part of the problem,” said DeShawn. “Find a cause to give your time, talent and/or treasure to this work.”
EI Operations Director Ardena Hoffman said that Slayin has a passion that has infused her volunteer efforts, and is such a dedicated volunteer that she also wanted to work at the brunch, not just be an honored guest.
To close out the event, EI Development Director Wes Davis welcomed drag performer Mark Love, who wowed the attendees with a rousing performance that elicited both many cheers and a standing ovation.
