The 23rd annual Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame welcomed 16 new inductees Nov. 12 at the Chicago History Museum. Mayor Rahm Emanuel did not make the annual event, which has usually featured the mayor giving out the awards.
According to the Friends of the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame planning committee co-chair Gary G. Chichester, Chicago is unique in that it is the only municipality to honor its LGBT communities and the contributions its citizens make to the city as a whole. Fellow co-chair, Mary F. Morten added that Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductees are people and organizations who have been trailblazers, longtime supporters and activists on behalf of the LGBT Community.
In her opening remarks, Chicago head of the Commission on Human Relations, Mona Noriega, noted that 22 years ago, a gay and lesbian hall of fame was a revolutionary idea, and now there marriage equality has passed in Illinois. Noriega said that this year's inductees "represent what is good about our community. Each has reached beyond their own comfort zone to help achieve something that serves a larger purpose." When Noriega announced that the mayor would not be there, there were a few hisses from the crowd.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle agreed, saying, "We, as a state, have made a step forward in creating equality for all our citizens, but the fight is far from over. We must all continue to fight for equal rights for all our citizens."
Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health Dr. Bechara Choucair added that the evening's honorees were a great example of how diligence and innovation can lead to change. "This is why we have improved the quality of life for, not only the LGBT residents in our city but for residents citywide. " He said.
Two Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame alums—activist/writer Sanford Gaylord (inducted 2012) and writer, director and producer Megan Carney (2005)—introduced this year's inductees. The honorees included Gaylon Alcaraz for her work for reproductive rights, health and justice; and philanthropist/attorney James L. Alexander for his impact on LGBT rights and welfare over three decades.
Illinois Unites for Marriage Chair James L. Bennett was honored for his leadership and tireless energy and Jorge Cestou, for his 20-year advocacy for the interests of LGBT Latinos including immigrants and those living from HIV.
Rocco J. Claps, the first openly gay Illinois cabinet member for then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was recognized for his continuing public service and Lakeview business leader Rudolph Johnson Jr. (of the North End bar) was inducted for his history of community building. His partner Mike Wasilewski accepted the award in his honor.
Photodocumentarian Lee A. Newell II joined the 2013 inductees for the critical role he played in maintaining Chicago's LGBT social service infrastructure in the 1970s and '80s, for Gay Horizons. Longtime bartender and devoted animal rescue and LGBT volunteer Pate was honored for her history of helping both humans and pets.
Social and cultural critic Andrew Patner joined the Hall of Fame this year for his distinguished career writing about the arts, while Laura Ricketts, the first openly gay woman to own a Major League Baseball franchise, was recognized for her philanthropy and both her non-profit and business leadership.
Puppeteer Burr Tillstrom created the puppet characters of Kukla, and he became an influence for Jim Henson, among others. His career garnered him five Emmys and a Peabody. Tillstrom was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame and his award was accepted by Chicago History Museum President Gary T. Johnson. Bailiwick Repertory Theatre Artistic Director David Zak was honored for more than three decades spent developing LGBT theater.
The two organizational inductees were the Midwest Regional Office of Lambda Legal for its participation in the national organization's most important LGBT cases as well as the legal advice they have provided for thousands of people. Performers or Writers for Women on Women's Issues (POW-WOW) was celebrated for its decade-long work to create opportunities for marginalized and displaced women.
Also, two Friends of the Community were honored: Chicago Sun-Times columnist and author Neil Steinberg, for his history of supporting the core principals of LGBT equality; and Chicago Filmmakers Executive Director Brenda Webb, who was recognized for her three-plus decades of work, dedication and perseverance in the creation and presentation of the Reeling Chicago LGBT International Film Festival.
Off stage, Ricketts said she was humbled. "I love this city and I love this community," she said. "To be recognized for what I've done is an incredible honor."
Bennett said that the induction was his first-ever award. "I'm very uncoordinated," he said with a laugh. "So I was never going to get a prize or a trophy for any kind of sports feat!" He added that he was very excited to be among people he looks up to as role models.
For Lambda Legal Midwest Regional Office Senior Staff Attorney Christopher Clark, the induction was the climax of a very exciting week for his organization. "We are thrilled," he said. Meanwhile, Newell is continuing his work in the small eastern Florida community where he now lives. "We have started a gay-pride event there," he noted, "and it's been very well received."
Lisa Henson, daughter of Jim Henson and CEO of the Henson Company, issued a statement in celebration of Tillstrom's induction. In it, she recalled how Tillstrom became a mentor to her father, both personally and professionally. "They became fast friends," she said. "Sharing a mischievous sense of humor and mutually respecting each other's talents and contributions to puppetry."
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Videos by Tracy Baim
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Mary Morten www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Rudy Johnson www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Jorge Cestou www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Gary Chichester www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Gaylon Alcaraz www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: James Alexander www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Jim Bennett www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Rocco Claps www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Dr. Bechara Choucair www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Mona Noriega www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Laura Ricketts www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Andrew Patner www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Lee A. Newell II www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Pate www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Toni Preckwinkle www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Burr Tillstrom www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: David Zak www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: POW WOW www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Brenda Webb www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Lambda Legal www.youtube.com/watch .
Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame 11-12-13: Neil Steinberg www.youtube.com/watch .
