In honor of Gay and Lesbian History Month, Windy City Times has asked various local individuals to reflect throughout the month on Chicago’s LGBT-related history.
Rev. Stan Sloan, CEO of Chicago House: During the very start of the AIDS crisis, I remember reading in Newsweek that AIDS—despite its devastation on our community at the time—could be the thing to add a human face to the issues of the LGBT community in the United States. I think in many ways that has proven to be the case for the gay community, but not necessarily for the members of the lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities. And when you observe the continued devastation that AIDS continues to bring to other oppressed communities, I think we have to remain vigilant in making sure that the progress we’ve achieved is held in solidarity to those who have not yet been given such opportunities, as history continues to be made.