The Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues (ACGLI) has named the 2002 inductees to the world's only known municipally sponsored Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, announced Mayor Richard M. Daley, Commission Chair Clarence N. Wood, and ACGLI Chair Laura Rissover.
"Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Chicagoans have contributed substantially to development of the city," said Mayor Daley. "The Hall of Fame is important because it proclaims their achievements and contributions for everyone to acknowledge and appreciate."
New members will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame's 12th annual ceremony, which will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 in the Sidney R. Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in 1991 under the auspices of ACGLI, with continuing support from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and from Mayor Daley.
Those inducted fall into one of three categories: individual, organization, or friend of the community. Potential nominees comprise members of Chicago's entire sexual-minority community, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Chicagoans, past and present, living and dead, as well as those who have supported or assisted the community.
The purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize the achievements of LGBT Chicagoans, their contributions to development of the city, and the help they have received from others. A committee of prior inductees makes each year's selections from nominations submitted by members of the public.
Individuals
Evette Cardona, 40, organizer and philanthropy administrator, for Latina lesbian advocacy, for anti-racism advocacy, and for leadership in lesbian, women's, and LGBT social service efforts.
C.C. Carter, 38, poet, performer, columnist, and teacher, for introducing and promoting LGBT artists, particularly lesbians and lesbians of color, in the mainstream and LGBT communities of Chicago.
Jim Gates, 63, business owner and philanthropist, for pioneering work both in the gay movement since the 1960s (ONE of Chicago) and in the gay Halsted Street business sector since the 1970s (Little Jim's), and for continual support of community groups.
Charles Edward Nelson II, 48, health activist, for promoting the health of African Americans in the face of AIDS, including his co-founding of Minority Outreach Intervention Project and Brothers Community Awareness Network (Brothers C.A.N.).
Mona Noriega, 46, organizer and administrator, for activism and service on behalf of a range of community concerns, including those of lesbian mothers, lesbians of color, women, youth, health, athletics, mass media, and civil rights. She is Midwest Director for Lambda Legal Defense.
Christina Smith, 39, social worker and Affinity Community Services board president, for co-founding and leadingAffinity and for board service to other groups such as Lesbian Community Cancer Project and Women in the Director's Chair.
Lauren Sugerman, 45, tradeswoman and organizer, for more than 20 years of local and national work to advance women in the construction and manufacturing trades and to promote women's economic equity. She is executive director of Chicago Women in Trades.
Organizations
Affinity Community Services, for serving Chicago's Black lesbian and bisexual women since 1994 through educational, social, and community collaborations aimed at creating visibility, empowerment, and leadership.
Mattachine Midwest, for its pioneering work from 1965 to 1986 as Chicago's first continuing organization dedicated to civil rights, public education, social service, and community development in behalf of gay and lesbian persons.
NAMES Project Chicago Chapter, for nearly 15 years of supporting the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the fight against AIDS through displays, lectures, youth discussions, and fundraising.
Friend of the Community
Rep. Louis I. Lang, 53, state representative from the Chicago and north suburban 16th District since 1987, for supporting legislation against hate crimes, against sexual-orientation discrimination, and for HIV/ AIDS nutrition and medical programs.