Same-sex couples unite in historic Millennium Park ceremony

Civil Union Ceremony: Slide show

In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony01_0.jpg147928291
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony02_0.jpg147928372
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony03_0.jpg147928393
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony04_0.jpg147928414
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony05_0.jpg147928435
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony06_0.jpg147928456
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony07_0.jpg147928477
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony08_0.jpg147928498
Couple (L to R) Shirley Lee Edwards and Brenda E. Lee. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony09_0.jpg147928519
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony10_0.jpg1479285310
Couple(L to R) Wanda McDaniel and Erica Peterson. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony11_0.jpg1479285511
Couple Allen Nichols and Jef Johnson kiss before their civil union. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony12_0.jpg1479285912
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony13_0.jpg1479286113
Family members/supporters (L to R) Natasha Sloan, Desiree Jones and Kiara Slaon. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony14_0.jpg1479286314
Family members/supporters (L to R) Natasha Sloan, Desiree Jones and Kiara Slaon. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony15_0.jpg1479286515
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony16_0.jpg1479286716
Judges pose for a photo. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony17_0.jpg1479286917
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony18_0.jpg1479287118
Gov. Pat Quinn (left). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony19_0.jpg1479287319
Gov. Pat Quinn (left). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony20_0.jpg1479287520
Gov. Pat Quinn (left). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony21_0.jpg1479287721
Gov. Pat Quinn (left). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony22_0.jpg1479287922
Gov. Pat Quinn (left). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony23_0.jpg1479288123
Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon (center). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony24_0.jpg1479288324
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony25_0.jpg1479288525
Gov. Pat Quinn (center). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony26_0.jpg1479288726
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony27.jpg1479288927
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony28.jpg1479289128
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony29.jpg1479289329
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony30.jpg1479289530
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony31.jpg1479289731
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony32.jpg1479289932
Gov. Pat Quinn. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony33.jpg1479290133
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony34.jpg1479290334
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony35.jpg1479290535
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony36.jpg1479290736
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony37.jpg1479290937
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony38.jpg1479291138
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony39.jpg1479291339
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony40.jpg1479291540
Chief Judge of the Cook County Supreme Court Timothy C. Evans. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony41.jpg1479291741
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony42.jpg1479291942
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony43.jpg1479292143
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony44.jpg1479292344
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony45.jpg1479292545
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony46.jpg1479292746
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony47.jpg1479292947
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony48.jpg1479293148
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony49.jpg1479293349
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony50.jpg1479293550
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony51.jpg1479293751
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony52.jpg1479293952
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony53.jpg1479294153
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony54.jpg1479294354
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony55.jpg1479294555
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony56.jpg1479294756
Gov. Pat Quinn (center). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony57.jpg1479294957
Gov. Pat Quinn (center). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony58.jpg1479295158
Gov. Pat Quinn (center). In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony59.jpg1479295359
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony60.jpg1479295560
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony61.jpg1479295761
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony62.jpg1479295962
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony63.jpg1479296163
Supporters (L to R) Armand Cerbone and Michael Zartman. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony64.jpg1479296564
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony65.jpg1479296765
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony66.jpg1479296966
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony67.jpg1479297167
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony68.jpg1479297368
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony69.jpg1479297569
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony70.jpg1479297770
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony71.jpg1479297971
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony72.jpg1479298172
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony73.jpg1479298373
Retired Judge Thomas R Chiola. In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony74.jpg1479298574
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.
Photo: Clayton Hauck328.wk.CivilUnionCeremony75.jpg1479298775

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In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues hosted 30 civil union ceremonies in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park.

Photo: Clayton Hauck

06/02/2011

Some of the brides wore purple, others wore white. One man had his long braids pulled back neatly in a ponytail and looked dapper in his pressed suit. A Filipino dad chased his daughter and her fiancée around with a camera much to the couple's embarrassment. And as some 30-plus couples lined up to get civilly unionized in Millennium Park's Wrigley Square thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn that went into effect yesterday, the sun peeped through and shone down upon these couples—finally.

"In Illinois, we believe everybody is in and nobody is left out," said Quinn. "Love is patient, love is kind, love never fails." Mayor Rahm Emanuel echoed the sentiment and noted that he'd conducted a ceremony for a staff member earlier in the morning. The ceremonies were held at five stations, and couples lined up in waves that formed a half moon around Wrigley Square's grassy lawn. Some of the couples were noteworthy: Amigas Latinas' cofounder Evette Cardona mugged for friends and family, James Darby of American Veterans for Equal Rights looked as sprightly as ever for a man in his mid-seventies, and longtime activist Vernita Gray and fiancée Pat received a chorus of cheers when their names were announced. But this was everyone's day, and each couple beamed in their own way.

Beyond the gated perimeter, the crowds cheered. People of various ages, ethnicities and sexual orientations watched with tears in their eyes. One man jumped up and down and shouted, "Don't do this to yourselves," and at the park's entrance, a few held signs advocating for marriage between opposite-sex couples only. An out pastor and his friends came to act as a "buffer of grace and compassion" to the protesters, but those naysayers were few and far between. Mostly, the crowd consisted of hopeful gay couples and many straight ones, some holding each other tightly.

News cameras hovered above the couples as they exchanged vows. State Rep. Greg Harris and activist Rick Garcia looked on proudly. Flower girls chased each other around the park, and friends and loved ones offered each couple their congratulations as they beelined toward the Country Recorder to have their certificates processed. It was a pretty scene and an exuberant spectacle to witness. But as a I surveyed the newly unionized couples and looked around for signs of single men, I sighed to myself and thought something I'd never allowed myself to think before, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride."

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