The Edgewater Historical Society (EHS) premiered its first LGBT exhibit, Edgewater PRIDE: Oppression to Expressionwhich focuses on the accomplishments, milestones, and notables of the LGBT movementJune 3.
Through newspaper clippings, bios, memorabilia and other historic staples, the exhibit features a visual storyline that follows and toasts the LGBT movement. EHS offered visitors an exhibit organized by early history, politics, the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, friends of the community, businesses, organizations, and the arts.
EHS Chair Will Rye, who also sits on the society's board, said, "Edgewater is a very diverse and welcoming community. The LGBT community has been here a long time, so I saw this as a great way to talk about the history and political activism of the community, all of which makes Edgewater what it is today."
The Gerber/Hart Library donated certain pieces for inclusion into the exhibit. Kathy Gemperle, vice president of EHS, acted as the curator for the event. Gemperle said she developed a storyline approach for the pieces versus a chronological one because she felt a storyline one provided a better grasp and inside look into the LGBT movement.
"As the curator for this exhibit, I learned that there was an incredible amount of energy given to trying to get people their rights, fairness; people respond to social issues with just not only collecting votes, but also artistic, creative responses. There's just different ways to step up in your community and makes things happen," said Gemperle.
Famous local magazine covers, event posters and headshots of influential policy makers are all part of the exhibitincluding Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame 2012 nominee Sheli Lulkin, who is featured in the "Friends of the community" section. Although Lulkin said she was honored to be a part of the exhibit, she felt that her work is nowhere near done in the LGBT political movement and believed that people have a lot more in common then they think.
"There are certain groups who hate everyone; they hate Jews, Blacks and gays. The important thing that we all have to remember that when hatred comes down the road, we all have to stick together," said Lulkin.
The exhibit will be open to the public through Sept. 15. On Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m. at the North Shore Baptist Church, 5244 N. Lakewood, there will be a panel with community leaders on the political background of the LGBT movement on the North Side; Crain's Chicago political editor Greg Hinz will moderate.
See www.edgewaterhistory.org for more information.