Marge Summit (September 3, 1935 – May 16, 2023) was an American LGBT activist.
Marge Summit | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 3, 1935 |
| Died | May 16, 2023 (aged 87) |
| Occupation | LGBT activist |
| Known for | Co-founded Chicago PFLAG |
Career
editSummit was born in Chicago on September 3, 1935.[1]
Summit co-founded the city's Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) branch and launched the "Gay$" initiative.[2] Summit owned His 'n Hers, a bar-restaurant, which due to circumstances was relocated from the Addison L stop to North Broadway.[2][3][4]
Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Summit's establishment provided a platform for emerging LGBTQ+ artists and was recognized for its distinctive live entertainment and burgers.[2] She also produced the record "Gay and Straight Together."[2]
Summit contributed to the documentary Before Stonewall and co-produced Crimes of Hate, both focusing on LGBTQ+ history and challenges.[2] As an activist, she participated in Mattachine Midwest and PFLAG, and alongside Frank Kellas, initiated the "Gay $ Project."[2][5]
Summit also organized AIDS awareness events and fundraisers for entities such as Chicago House.[2] As an adoptive parent, she demonstrated LGBTQ+ individuals' capability to provide loving homes.[2]
Summit was honored by the Gay Chicago and Mattachine Midwest, among others.[2]
Summit was married to Janan Lindley.[6][7] She died on May 16, 2023, at the age of 87.[2]
Recognition
edit- Jon-Henri Damski Award[8]
References
edit- ^ "Chicago Icon: The Marge Summit Story, Part One of a two-part feature - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. December 20, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "MARGE SUMMIT – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame".
- ^ "Chicago lesbian bars aren't dying, but becoming queer-inclusive". Chicago Tribune. July 15, 2021.
- ^ "Marge Summit discusses her gay bar legacy - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. October 2, 2013.
- ^ "Chicago Icon: The Marge Summit Story, Part Two of a two-part feature - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. December 27, 2017.
- ^ "CELEBRATIONS Summit and Lindley married - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. May 21, 2014.
- ^ "PASSAGES Janan Lindley, wife of longtime activist/former bar owner Marge Summit - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. August 1, 2022.
- ^ "Marge Summit honored with award named for Jon-Henri Damski - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. November 5, 2018.