Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) held its Midwest Tri-Regional Conference Nov. 3-4 at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan, capped off by a gala attended by hundreds of supporters. The ‘You Are My Heart’ event included special awards presented at each table by table captains, to their guests, which ranged from kids to parents and grandparents, cousins, siblings and more.
Former NFL player Esera Tuaolo sang and spoke about his own coming out, and retired educator Ellen Ljung spoke about her experience mentoring gay students at her high school. New PFLAG national board president John Cepek was introduced to the crowd; the Chicago-area resident and his wife Char are longtime PFLAG supporters, and their gay son was with them that evening. Deputy Mayor Jim Lobianco accepted a special award given by PFLAG to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and his wife Maggie.
PFLAG national Executive Director Jody Huckaby also attended the event, which was co-chaired by Michael Leppen and Amy Maggio and hosted by Wayne Johnson.
Photos by Tracy Baim