Bussen Award to Gerber/Hart Library and John D’Emilio

Mike Hogan, John, D'Emilo, Steve Forst (left to right)

Dignity/Chicago members gathered on Sunday, November 11 to celebrate the chapter’s 48th anniversary. The liturgy was a powerful witness to Dignity’s on-going mission to seek equality for LGBTQI people in the Church and in society.

Chris Pett presided and his sermon referenced the connections between the Anniversary, Coming Out Day and Dignity’s annual Solidarity Sunday observance.

The James A. Bussen Award was presented to Gerber/Hart Library and Archives. Gerber/Hart Board President John D’Emilio accepted the award. The noted Gay author and historian spoke briefly and lauded GLBTQI faith communities for their dedication to their mission despite opposition from their church leaders. He said that Jimmy Bussen had donated his papers to the library and that they would be happy to accept more Dignity materials for their archive. After the liturgy, John wrote to Chapter President Steve Forst, “Last night was a real pleasure, both attending the service and then receiving the Bussen award. So, thank you for being part of Dignity and making all that happen!”

John is the author of the recently published book, Queer Legacies: Stories from Chicago's LGBTQ Archives. The book is a set of free-standing "stories" of LGBTQ life and activism in Chicago from the 1960s forward, based entirely on research in Gerber/Hart collections. Two of the chapters are about the rise of Catholic activism and Dignity in the 70s and 80s.

Special Chapter Recognition was awarded to long-time member Marilyn O’Leary for her service on the board both as treasurer and member-at-large and for her baking communion bread for many years. Marilyn relocated to Milwaukee a few years ago, where she lives with her daughter.

John D'Emilo at our awarding