Introduction to Center on Halsted’s Thanksgiving Meal
Center on Halsted’s Thanksgiving meal on Thursday brought together community members who find comfort in their ‘chosen family’. The event, which took place at the center, was attended by many people, including Willow Dey, a 67-year-old former photographer and artist who uses they/them pronouns. Dey, who was born and raised in Chicago but had been away for about 30 years before returning, discovered the center and has since used many of its services and support groups for “mature LGBTQ” people.
The Concept of Chosen Family
For Dey, the concept of chosen family is closely tied to holidays. They said they were “pretty much estranged” from their biological family and that they have not spoken in decades. When they used to visit family, Dey said it felt “like walking on eggshells … pretending to be something I was not,” and that they could not share their authentic self. In contrast, the center provides a space where Dey can be their authentic self, wear what they want, and receive support and love. This sense of comfort and acceptance is what Dey and many others have come to associate with the concept of chosen family.
Community Members Share Their Experiences
Christian Halvorsen, who turns 74 in December, said he has been coming to the Thanksgiving meal for about 14 years. “All of my real family is on the East Coast, and this is my chosen family,” he said. Halvorsen emphasized that chosen family means “close friends that you can depend upon,” the kind of connection where “the conversation just gets continued, even if you haven’t seen ’em in six months or a year.” George Garcia, 75, also noted the importance of having a space where one doesn’t need to hide who they are. Garcia has been volunteering for the past 12 years but this year joined the Thanksgiving celebration as a guest.
The Role of Center on Halsted
The center plays a vital role in providing a space for community members to come together and form connections. Philanthropy officer Mitchell Kraemer, who has worked at the center for nearly three years, said the Thanksgiving meal reflects the center’s role in the community. “Center on Halsted, first and foremost, is a community center in Chicago,” he said. For many LGBTQ people, chosen family “is a big thing here,” and many of those relationships are formed at the center. The center’s senior director of culinary arts, Chef J. Urban, said about 200 people were served meals, and accommodations were made for allergies and vegan selections through a new online RSVP process.
Partnerships and Community Support
This year’s Thanksgiving meal included a new partnership with Jewel-Osco and its foundation, which sponsored the holiday meals for the Center on Halsted and has created a new 20-week management training program for Silver Fork students to work as apprentices for Jewel-Osco. The center also regularly works with Ann Sather, which provided the restaurant’s “famous cinnamon rolls” and bread. These partnerships demonstrate the center’s commitment to providing support and resources to the community.
Conclusion
The Center on Halsted’s Thanksgiving meal provides a space for community members to come together and celebrate the holiday with their chosen family. The event highlights the importance of having a supportive community and the role that the center plays in providing resources and services to LGBTQ individuals. By forming connections and relationships with others, community members can find comfort, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.
FAQs
Q: What is the concept of chosen family, and how does it relate to the LGBTQ community?
A: Chosen family refers to a group of people who provide support, acceptance, and a sense of belonging, often in the absence of biological family. For many LGBTQ individuals, chosen family is a vital part of their lives, providing a sense of comfort and acceptance.
Q: What services and resources does the Center on Halsted provide to the community?
A: The Center on Halsted provides a range of services and resources, including support groups, culinary training programs, and community events. The center also partners with local organizations to provide additional resources and support.
Q: How can I get involved with the Center on Halsted and its community events?
A: You can get involved with the Center on Halsted by volunteering, attending community events, or participating in support groups. You can also donate to the center to support its programs and services.
