On Ruppert case and the City

The Aug. 22 report in Chicago Free Press, “Ruppert lawyers attack City’s stance,” raised serious concerns in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities about the City of Chicago’s stance towards the 14th Amendment.

The City of Chicago’s attorneys have clarified their position as follows:

“Statements by the attorney for Mr. Ruppert are misleading. This attorney brought the suit under both sections 1981 and 1983 [of U.S. Code Title 42]. The City is only moving to dismiss the 1981 claim because the U.S. Supreme Court holds that section is only available for actions based on ethnicity and ancestry. The City is not trying to dismiss the 1983 claim, which allows the attorney to proceed on the basis of sexual orientation.”

The City of Chicago remains committed to the full equality of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

William W. Greaves

Director/Community Liaison, Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues, Chicago Commission on Human Relations

On serving gay youths

While the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CBGMC) appreciates media interest and coverage of our full-body meeting held Aug. 16, we would like to add a few observations to ensure clarity and accuracy.

The meeting’s focused discussion “You and Youth—Healing and Teaching” was indeed in response to ongoing concerns about organizations and individuals who provide services to young black gay men. The individuals and organizations in question are usually well meaning, compassionate men and women who often and unwittingly place themselves and their organizations in difficult legal and or ethical dilemmas involving young people.

Shortly before the meeting, Caucus members learned that a widely circulated email invited the public to the meeting to “out” a particular individual for alleged inappropriate behavior with youth. The email circulated did not originate from us and did not reflect our meeting goals. However, we appreciate that it prompted people to attend the meeting and discuss their concerns.

In spite of the varied reactions and responses to the meeting’s structure, especially from those with different expectations, all of the meeting’s attendees (approximately 100) actively participated throughout the meeting. People who expressed concerns about certain agencies, individuals or situations were able to (and did) discuss those concerns confidentially with experts (an attorney, a DCFS representative, a counselor and CPS representatives).

The Caucus is a thriving but relatively new organization and as such will continue to strengthen our missive and efforts to decrease HIV infection rates among black gay males. We are a proactive group assembled to strengthen black gay men and their allies. Of one thing we are certain: The Caucus is not a policing agency. Facilitating a meaningful dialogue and providing access to subject matter experts was the most responsible and appropriate action we could have taken to meet the needs of our community. We believe that attendees left with a better understanding of youth-related issues, the complexities of serving these youth and how to file a concern related to the care of youth.

Perhaps most disappointing about your coverage is that your readers received no direction and no help regarding how to follow up on a concern related to the care of young people. As stated several times during the Caucus meeting, concerned individuals who suspect child abuse or neglect can call the Illinois hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE. Also available for questions are Wendi Wright, CDPH attorney at (312) 747-9435 and Vernita Gray at the Cook County Attorney’s Office at (312) 603-8722.

Your readers, regardless of race and ethnicity, have the right to accurate, reliable and useful information to promote the wellbeing of the community. We urge you to accurately and thoroughly report events that impact such a vital group—young people.

If people are interested in learning more about the Caucus they may visit our website at www.lovethybrotha.com or contact us directly at (773) 552-4935.

Karl Grant and Kevin Tindell

Co-chairs, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus

On CFP’s anniversary

Congratulations and thank you on the eighth anniversary of your publication, the Chicago Free Press.

I offer congratulations for the anniversary itself and thank you because what you do is important to all of us. The people of our communities love word about events and history close to them. Your publication provides such vital information to your readers, satisfying their needs and interests.

As one who believes in the importance of strong communities, I commend your commitment to your readers. The cohesion you provide your community makes our entire society stronger. That cohesion was what I sought in designing my Website, www.cookcountytreasurer.com, which has crucial information about property ownership for your readers in a variety of languages.

I join your readers in wishing your publication the best on this anniversary.

Maria Pappas

Cook County Treasurer