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Chicago, IL — Mayor Richard M. Daley and members of the City of Chicago Commission On Human Relations Advisory Council on LGBT Issues welcomed over 500 leaders, friends and advocates of the Chicago gay community to the Chicago Cultural Center for the 18th Gay Pride Month Reception, an annual event he started in 1991.

Joining Daley and the Commission on the podium were prominent LGBT supporters Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), Chicago Public School Chief Ron Huberman, Human Relations Chair Dana Starks, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez (D-Chicago), Alderman Tom Tunney and Community Liaison William Greaves, Ph.D.

Mayor Daley reflected on the progressive pro-gay rights stand which he has taken over the years, previously controversial to some, but now accepted in the mainstream. The mayor emphasized his administrations unyielding policy of equality, support and tolerance, backed by ordinance and regulation, which has made Chicago perhaps the most tolerant and protected city in the nation for LGBT individuals.

Dr. Greaves spoke of the many accomplishments which the community has achieved in the past year, including being identified in the 2010 U. S. Census and regulatory changes including State Department recognition in passports of same-sex married couples.  The ‘Stonewall Legacy' (1969 New York City gay rights riots) was referred to often and the pre-speech music was provided by "Disco Delights" to frame the mood.

Daley and Greaves, on behalf of the Council, presented representatives of the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance with an award for "promoting safe, supportive and healthy development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in Illinois schools and communities through advocacy, education, youth organizing and research."

Chairman Starks acknowledged the community frustration with the slow progress of the Obama administration on the key issues of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", but pleaded for patience and suggested Obama will come through.  Starks also was passionately vociferous in his admiration and support for CPS Chief Huberman. 

During the reception, Daley also worked the room for support of the city's 2016 Olympic bid.

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