In 2009, Euclid Avenue UMC had been a reconciling church for 21 years. Our banner about the radically inclusive Jesus had hung for a long time drawing people to the church and Christ. A man living at the Oak Park Arms started attending. His name was Larry Bloom. When leaders of the church visited him and learned his story, they were amazed to discover that he was the surviving partner of Bruce Scott, one of the pioneers in civil rights for LGBT persons.
Bruce Scott was a WWII veteran employed by the Federal Government in Washington DC when the McCarthy era fear-mongering took place. Hundreds of LBGT workers were fired because they were accused of being Gay or lesbian, and therefore a threat to national security. Stunned and embarrassed, some took their own lives. Others faded into new jobs and cities. But a few fought back. Bruce Scott was one of them. He sued the Federal Government and finally won. In 1965 the US Court of Appeals, in Scott vs. Macy, ruled in Scott’s favor, requiring the Civil Service Commission to provide specific evidence rather than spewing vague labels concerning sexual orientation.
In his book, Lavender Scare, David K. Johnson, tells us that Bruce joined the Washington DC-based Mattachine Society. Even though unemployed, living on 50 cents a day and heating his bedroom with a kerosene heater, he found financial and moral help to bring lawsuits to the highest levels of government. The injustice against the GLBTQ community would stop. Johnson and several other sources credit Scott’s 1965 suit as lighting the candle that ignited the struggle for Gay rights.
For the last 15 years, Euclid Avenue UMC has selected a person or organization who emulates the courage and justice exhibited by Bruce Scott to receive our thanks for continuing the work of civil rights for persons identifying as queer. We were helped by the UMC Reconciling Network who have fought the battle for 40 years and finally won the right at our last General Conference in May 2024 to fully fund the ministry, recognize same-gender marriages, and ordain gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and gender fluid persons. 40 years is a long battle.
BRUCE C. SCOTT COURAGE AND JUSTICE AWARD HONOREES
RECONCILING MINISTRIES NETWORK- 2024
We honor Reconciling Ministries Network for their unwavering commitment to inclusion and equality within the United Methodist Church. Since its founding in 1984, the Network has worked in partnership with over 1,100 organizations—churches, subgroups, and campus ministries—to advocate for the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in both policy and practice.
ASHLEY KANNAN AND NATE MURAWSKI- 2024
We recognize Ashley Kannan and Nate Murawski, teachers at Percy Julian Middle School, for their groundbreaking work in establishing Rainbow Tribe, the school’s first LGBTQIA+ club. Through their leadership, they have created a welcoming and inclusive space for students to explore their identities, foster acceptance, and find community. Their dedication to building a supportive environment has made a lasting impact on the school, ensuring that all students feel valued and respected.
ARMETIS SINGERS- 2023
With deep gratitude and reverence, we recognize the Armetis Singers as the deserving recipients of the Bruce Scott Courage & Justice Award. Their voices, lifted in song, have not only touched hearts but have been a powerful instrument for justice, healing, and the celebration of love. Through their unwavering commitment to both artistry and advocacy, they embody the spirit of courage and the transformative power of faith in action.
PATRICIA LOGUE- 2022
Patricia Logue, one of the attorneys who argued the Lawrence v Texas in front of the Supreme Court in 2003 and won, making homosexuality legal in the US. She was also one of the founders of Lambda Legal, a national organization that defends the civil rights of the LGBTQ community.
CHI CHAPTER- 2021
We are proud to recognize ChiChapter for their steadfast dedication to justice, compassion, and community empowerment. Their work has made a significant impact, advocating for those in need and promoting healing and hope in challenging times. Through their commitment, they continue to inspire others to act with integrity and compassion in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
GINGER COLAMASSI- 2019
Ginger Colamussi led Oak Park River Forest High School into becoming one of the most supportive and empowering communities for LGBTQI+ students and has brought awareness and understanding for non-LGBTQI+ youth and adults. She is recognized for her leadership across the state with her recent appointment to the governor’s gender equity task force, and Governor Pritzker’s Affirming and Inclusive Schools Task Force.
