On Nov. 5, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., hosted a reception and the 35th annual induction ceremony for the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fa.
The event, which was open to the public, celebrated 13 LBGTQ+-identified individuals, two LGBTQ+-identified organizations and three friends of the community. Before the awards ceremony, friends and the public mingled at a packed reception featuring performances by members of the Lakeside Pride Band while inductees met and greeted their public.
Presenters during the award presentation included Chicago LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame Board Member Gary Chichester; Chicago LGBTQ+ Board Co-Chair Kathy Caldwell; Chicago Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs Antonio King; actor and filmmaker Milon V. Parker; actor and author Keith C. Butler; Work is Life founder and CEO Zahara Bassett; and performer, playwright and Hell in a Handbag founding member David Cerda.
This year’s individual inductees included:
Sidetrack Video Bar Manager and activist Brad Balof, who has, among other things, helped produce events focused on LGBTQ+ history and culture and strengthened charitable causes and community organizations. Balof raised over $3 million for Center on Halsted and helped steward the Northalsted Business Alliance.
Activist and photographer Pat Cummings, who for decades has worked with organizations such as Howard Brown Health, Open Hand Chicago, Vital Bridges, Proud to Run/Walk and Groceryland.
Filmmaker Coquie Hughes, who was honored for advancing LGBTQ+ visibility, access, mentorship, and participation through filmmaking, youth training, accessible smartphone-filmmaking education, media innovation and community servic
David Dodd, for his contributions to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community through advocacy, cultural programming, professional communications and mentorship, with a focus on Black LGBTQ+ life. Dodd has contributed to the production of more than 500 affirming community events.
Maya Douglas, an icon at the Baton Show Lounge, who advanced LGBTQ+ visibility through through fundraising, creative work, and her ongoing contributions to Dance Divas, which benefits the Chicago Dance Health Fund.
Attorney and activist Ray Koenig III, for his many years of legal work, public service and community advocacy benefiting Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Koenig was the first LGBTQ+ president of the Chicago Bar Association.
Angelique Munro, for extensively fundraising for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ organizations and creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ performers, all the while advancing transgender visibility through activism and community empowerment.
Simone Koehlinger, who for over three decades has worked to improve the health of LGBTQ+ Chicagoans through public health research, program development; and service delivery.
Mimi Marks, a celebrated entertainer who has used her visibility and influence to advocate for transgender equality and HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness for decades.
Marshall Titus, an out Chicago-born singer, composer, producer, and actor who has used his craft for addressing issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities, including HIV testing, disclosure, stigma and relationships. Titus used his music video “I Will” in conjunction with Test Positive Aware Network’s “A Day with HIV” campaign.
Ald. Lamont J. Robinson (4th Ward), who previously served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, and advocated for strengthening neighborhoods, expanding economic opportunities, improving public safety, and increasing access to health care, education and affordable housing.
Advocate and attorney Michelle Wetzel, a former nun who was disillusioned by the Vatican’s lack of action during the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, came out as a lesbian and shifted her advocacy to HIV/AIDS support at Chicago’s Bonaventure House, later co-founding the AIDS Pastoral Care Network in Michigan. Wetzel also worked with the Legal Assistance Foundation and became the CEO of Bonaventure House.
Saundra Deanne Johnson, who devoted her life to advancing the dignity, health and human rights of LGBTQ+ people, women, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Johnson worked to secure inclusion by LGBTQ+ Chicagoans in the Bud Billiken Parade and also co-founded ACT UP/Chicago’s Women’s Caucus. She was inducted posthumously.
Recognition for organizations included:
Hell in a Handbag Productions, founded in 2001, which has positioned itself as a safe, inclusive and creative home for artists who do not fit the gender roles and expectations of a heteronormative society.
Adodi Chicago, a chapter of Adodi National, whose mission is to support the emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of same-gender-loving men of African descent through connection and mutual support.
Recognition for Friends of the Community included:
Brad Cummings, a posthumous inductee, was, according to organizers, honored for his HIV/AIDS activism and other achievements benefitting the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. Those achievements include founding the Austin AIDS Planning Coalition and extensive support for Pathfinders Prevention & Education Fund. Organizers also cited Cummings’ founding of Austin Voice.
Sharyl Holtzman, has, according to organizers, “promoted Chicago’s LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS communities through direct aid, fundraising, event production, activism, memorial work, advocacy and preserving the legacy of community leaders.” Now a resident of the Los Angeles area, Holtzman was active extensively in ACT UP/Chicago.
Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes, according to organizers, fostered an affirming, safe, and welcoming church community for LGBTQ+ people, through promotion of HIV testing while combating stigma and supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. Among other accomplishments, his community provided resources such as food and clothing to LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.
The Chicago LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame is recognized as the only city-sanctioned LGBTQ+ hall of fame in the world and was founded in 1991 to honor Chicago’s people and entities, nominated by the community, who have made significant contributions to the quality of life or well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and the city of Chicago.
Sponsors for the Chicago LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame induction ceremony included Chicago History Museum, Alphawood Foundation and Sidetrack Video Bar.
