Highlights of DignityUSA's History: 1994

The following history is based on the commemorative booklet entitled DignityUSA at 25: A Chronology, 1969-1994 compiled by former DignityUSA President Pat Roche. Copies are available from the Dignity national office and were also printed in the Dignity Journal 27:2-3 (Autumn 1995). Highlights from 1995-Present compiled by former Dignity Vice President Pat McArron.

  • From June 18-25, in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of Stonewall in New York City, Dignity participates in a variety of events that include:

    • International Catholic Gay/Lesbian Conference attended by over 400.
    • A peaceful & prayerful vigil at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
    • A liturgy for over 1200 hosted by Dignity/New York.
    • The Stonewall 25 International March on the United Nations.

  • On November 4-6, Call to Action’s annual meeting is held in Chicago. DignityUSA receives the 1994 Call to Action Award for its efforts to promote understanding within the Catholic community and its promotion of a vision of church in which all persons participate as full and active members.

  • November 18: Past President Jim Bussen is honored by Chicago's Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian issues by being inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
  • On December 24 Dr. John E. Boswell, author, educator and member of Dignity, dies of complications from AIDS. John wrote such ground-breaking books as Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe (1993) and Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality (1980). John was a convert to Catholicism as an adult.