Illinois Representative Mike Quigley is
among the 14 individuals and organizations to be inducted into the
Chicago Gay
and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
“I'm truly humbled to be recognized
in such tremendous company,” Congressman Quigley said in a
statement. “To be included amongst these other inspiring leaders
is almost as great an honor as being inducted itself.”
“While we have accomplished quite a
bit together, we still have work to do. Whether it's repealing Don't
Ask, Don't Tell or DOMA, it's our moral obligation to ensure that all
citizens are treated with dignity and equality,” he added.
Quigley, a long-time ally to the gay
community, is a co-sponsor of the Hate Crimes Bill and the Employment
Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which bans workplace discrimination on
the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity (transgender
protections). He recently signed on as co-sponsor to New York
Representative Jerrold Nadler's Respect for Marriage Act of 2009.
If
approved, the bill would repeal the provision of the 1996 Defense of
Marriage Act that forbids the federal government from recognizing
legal gay marriages.
Also being recognized will be women's
activist Paula Basta, artist Lou Conte, police sergeant Lori A.
Cooper, AIDS researcher/activist Marcia J. Lipetz, AIDS activist Amy
Maggio, gay activist Joey McDonald, journalist Frank M. Robinson,
civil rights activist Jane M. Hussein Saks, filmmaker Zaida Sanabia,
choir director Patrick Sinozich, Latino gay activist Jorge Valdivia,
the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and nurse Marilyn Urson.
The 19th annual ceremony
will be held Thursday, November 12 at the Chicago Cultural Center.