The Belmont Rocks played an undeniably important part in the LGBTQ community’s history and in the lives of many LGBTQ Chicagoans. “The Rocks” were “a place to call our own—a place of celebrations and partying, of social and sexual encounters, a place of artwork, memorials, cookouts, unions, and so much more. A place to do nothing or do everything. The meaning and importance of that iconic strip of land needs to be chronicled and preserved,” said author Owen Keehnen.
Keehnen is in the process of compiling a book to help safeguard the memory of The Rocks for future generations. He is seeking pictures as well as short essays, personal recollections, and anecdotes of up to 500 words about LGBTQ life at the Belmont Rocks.
“If The Rocks were an meaningful part of your life, please consider contributing anything which captures what The Belmont Rocks meant to you. With your help we can let future generations of LGBTQ Chicagoans know the significant role this gathering place played in our history. Preserving our past is our responsibility,” Keehnen stated.
Send submissions to OwenKeehnen@yahoo.com. Put The Rocks on the subject line. Deadline for submissions is 10/1/2017.