By Judy Carmack Bross
Steven Stolman, Bishop Mariann Budde
When The Rt. Rev Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington, came to Chicago this week to speak to Lambda Legal of Chicago supporters, the opportunity to present this remarkable change agent was something that designer and author Steven Stolman felt called on to do. He wanted just the right place where guests could hear her speak and interior designer Jessica Lagrange stepped up, welcoming each guest to her striking Gold Coast art deco apartment.
Jessica Lagrange, Bishop Mariann Budde, Steven Stolman |
Todd Schwebel, Suzette Bulley, The Rev. Canon Lisa Hackney-James |
essica Lagrange, Alderman Timmy Knudsen and Robin Tebbe
Stolman, who with his husband Rich Wilkie, a software executive, splits his time between Chicago, Southampton and the California Desert, told us how the fundraiser happened.
“I was so moved by Bishop Budde’s sermon on Inauguration Day, and as a supporter of Lambda Legal–the Midwest chapter is based in Chicago—I thought that perhaps supporters of Lambda Legal might find her so inspiring that they would pay to come hear her speak if they know that all monies raised would go to Lambda Legal. Rich and I agreed that we would underwrite not only all of her travel expenses but also a cocktail reception in her honor. Where? I figured I’d just cross that bridge when I came to it.”
Son Patrick Budde and the Bisphop’s husband Paul Budde
“So I reached out to her on Instagram, and got the nicest response. She said she’d be happy to come to Chicago and asked if I could just Zelle funds as she preferred to make her own travel arrangements. I kinda found this odd, and decided that I should investigate further, so I emailed the office at the National Cathedral. Turns out it was indeed an imposter account, and that the Bishop did not have her own Instagram account at that time. They were grateful that I uncovered this and thus began the real conversation as to whether the Bishop would indeed come to Chicago in support of Lamba Legal. Ultimately, she emailed me herself, saying that she would be thrilled to come, as her son lives in Chicago and works as the audio/visual director of a local synagogue. We found a day that worked for her schedule, with the bonus that her husband Paul would be able to come as well. So next came finding an appropriate venue. I wanted something distinguished but also private for the Bishop’s peace of mind. Jessica Lagrange, who lives across the street from us and has one of the most exquisite apartments on the Gold Coast said “yes” to this immediately.
“And that’s how it all came together. The rest is history. Truly one of the most powerful, moving experiences of my life, to hear this gentle person speak with such authority and compassion about such compelling issues. Her command of the room was simply masterful. I do believe that everyone who was there left somehow changed for the better. I know I did.”
Dr. Rob Share, Mariann Pushker |
Corbin Horn, Molly Gron |
Eric Heubner, Timmy Knudsen
Steven Stolman, Jeremy Gray, Robin Tebbe
“I think of her as my spiritual paramedic,” Stolman told guests afterward her talk. “She has become an accidental cultural icon. Hearing her speak made me feel I was witnessing history here and now. I loved her message that courage is contagious.”
Bishop Mariann Budde, Lambda Legal Midwest executive director Doug Curtis
Radio host Anna DeShawn |
Joe Ruzzo, Jessica Lagrange, Mark Lowham |
Bishop Budde’s flock encompasses the District of Columbia and adjacent Maryland. She preaches from the Canterbury Pulpit at the National Cathedral in NW Washington, DC.
Lambda Legal, a national non-profit organization working for LGBTQ+ and HIV equality. In his opening remarks Stolman noted:
“It’s my pleasure to welcome you and thank you for being with us in support of Lambda Legal, the 50-year old organization that is leading the fight for human rights from coast to coast–and without making assumptions–for many of you here because of the 575 anti LGBTQ bills in play right now- in every state in the union with the exception of Vermont. Even right here in beautiful blue Illinois, there are currently 15 anti LGBTQ bills on the table in our statehouse. So Lambda Legal has their hands full, and it’s gatherings like this that helps them fight on our behalf and on behalf of those we love and care about.”
Todd Schwebel, Jessica Lagrange
Bishop Mariann Budde, Jeff Rice |
Bishop Mariann Budde, Jessica Lagrange |
Ray Prather, Corbin Horn |
