www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=26339
Eric McCool:
"Devastating news. I met Renae while managing Gentry bar, liked her immediately and came to love and respect her as a fellow Gay Games VII board member. The world and Chicago have lost a treasured friend, valuable asset and tremendous advocate today."
Kurt Dahl:
"I had the honor to meet Renae when I joined the board of Chicago Games Inc. I learned so much from Renae about what it means to be an
activist and a fighter. I am truly saddened to hear of Renae's passing and offer my condolences to her family and friends."
Emy Ritt:
"I met Renae a few years before Gay Games VII and always found her to be smiling, positive, and full of enthusiasm. At the Gay Games VII
Opening Ceremony, I had the distinct privilege to walk into Soldier
Field hand-in-hand with Renae as the Chicago Games, Inc. and [ Federaton of Gay Games ] teams marched in together. We were blessed to have her support, and send our condolences to Renae's friends and family and the entire CGI team."
Frank Walker, YPC Founder:
"They say behind every good man is a great women. For YPC ( Youth Pride Center ) , you all know there are two great women who are advisors/mentors to me, here at YPC: Vernita Gray and Renae Ogletree. There would probably be no YPC, if it were not for the continued support or Renae and Vernita."
Bill Greaves
I first met Renae at a luncheon we attended in the mid-1990s, just after we joined the City's Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues.
After playing havoc with the wait staff, embarrassing our hosts from ABC 7, and unmercifully making fun of the keynote speaker, Renae turned to me, put out her hand, and said, "Hi! I'm Renae Ogletree. I'm a troublemaker."
From that moment that very moment we were in cahoots.
Renae held me to a higher standard than I could ever attain, busted my chops, and occasionally stabbed me in the back. But that was OK! That was Renae, and I loved her. She also gave me some of the best advice I have ever received, and she held my hand when I was lonely.
Most people don't know that I'm a Southerner. I was raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the 1950s, which was like growing up in the Mississippi Delta in the 1930s.
Renae challenged my Southern upbringing at every turn. We were the most unlikely of friends.
Last Christmas, Renae gave me a picture book entitled "A Friend Like You." It documents amazing, improbable friendships between animals at a shelter in England. On the cover of the book are photos of a puppy with a…pig.
I've given considerable thought to which of those animals Renae thought we were. I have my suspicions.
That's OK. She was Renae. I will miss her immensely.