About the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame

The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame is both a historic event and an exhibit. Through the Hall of Fame, residents of Chicago and the world are made aware of the contributions of Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities and the communities’ efforts to eradicate homophobic bias and discrimination.

Since our inception in 1991, our mission has continued to expand. In addition to the selection of each year’s new inductees a large portion of our time is devoted to being custodian of records for the exemplary inductees we have honored. As time passes, it is our goal to see that the achievements of our predecessors are not lost or forgotten.

Friends of the Chicago LGBT of Fame is a not-for-profit Illinois corporation formed in 2009 to aid the Hall of Fame. It is recognized as a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions to it are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. The organization is now responsible, in cooperation with the City of Chicago, for all Hall of Fame operations. Members of the board of directors and members of committees of Friends of the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame are listed below (with year of Hall of Fame induction if applicable).

In 2016, the Board of Directors of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame voted to change its name to the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in an effort to be inclusive to all of the individuals who combine to make up our diverse LGBT community.