On the afternoon of May 4, Chicago House held its 39th Annual Spring Brunch and Fashion Show at Harold Washington Library.
The event, titled “Once Upon a Time,” featured a fairy tale motif with dancers, vocal performances and a flower and fashion show. The organizers also discussed Chicago House’s shift in focus toward housing and care for elder members of the LGBTQ+ community living with HIV.
There was also a raffle along with a live auction and paddle raise presided over by Chris Hensley (assisted by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence) with performances by vocalist Meghan Murphy and drag artists Sassy Betch and Venus Envy.
Tom Reynolds of Winston and Strawn received the Spirit Award for his dedication to the Trans Life Program at Chicago House while NBC anchorman Matthew Rodriguez served as host.
Once the program got underway, speakers addressed the anti-trans actions of the Trump administration. Chicago House Chair Lindsey Gaskins noted that, “Right now our trans sisters have been targeted like never before.”
Chicago House Vice Chair Nabeela Rasheed pierced the joyful atmosphere when she said, “While you are drinking champagne, eating, and having a good time there was a lot going on. The party is over. We need everyone to stand up in this room … we need to continue to support this community. We need you to come in with your check book, come in with your allyship, come in with your energy…but come in.”
Chicago House CEO Michael Herman took the stage, recounting a slice of Chicago LGBTQ+ history.
Walking in a wide circle so he could look audience members in the face, he spoke about the grassroots movement of the 1980s that gave way to ACT UP, and the contributions of local activists Lori Cannon and the late Danny Sotomayer.
After a brief video of people living with HIV, speaking on how, thanks to anti-viral treatments they could live longer, healthier lives, Herman said, “The survivors are here.” He further described how Chicago House has now shifted to include care and housing for long-term survivors, as well as individuals living on the margins of society at risk for contracting HIV.
Designers taking part in the fashion show included Raaz Couture, Cram Fashion, and Bates Design. Sponsors of the event included Wintrust Bank, Medira Rx, Comcast NBC Universal, Sidetrack, Sagin, Lamb Insurance, McAndrews, Quatrro, Ameriprise Financial, Avita, Lakeside Bank, Gilead, Grosvenor, Avita, Encore Pharmacy and Foley and Lardner LLP.
