Edgewater Pride: From Oppression to Expression

Vol. XXII No. 2 - SUMMER 2011

The Exhibit at the Edgewater Historical Society Museum opened on June 3, 2011, with a gala reception. It was planned as a way to celebrate all the work of the LBGT community in Edgewater.

The Edgewater community spirit extends itself in many ways but, most importantly, it is evidenced in the openness and the generosity of its residents. Without the generous support of individuals, organizations and “friends of the museum,” this exhibit would not be possible.

We are indebted to the following contributors for their support of this exhibit:

  • Will Rye: Exhibit Chair and EHS Board Member
  • Bob Remer: President of EHS
  • Kathy Gemperle: Exhibit Curator and Vice President of EHS
  • Barb Strauss: EHS Board Member
  • Dorothy Nygren: Exhibit Curator and EHS Board Member
  • Marty Stuart: EHS Board Member
  • Morry Matson: Exhibit Curator and EHS Board Member
  • Dan Paterno: Owner of Paterno Group and Designer of Exhibit Logo and Flyer
  • Rhett Lindsay: Development Coordinator for AIDS Foundation Chicago
  • Mark Melton: Associate Professor, Northeastern Illinois University
  • Jane O’Hara: Assistant Manager, Brown Elephant Resale Shops
  • Kathy Henning: Administrative Assistant, Office of State Rep. Greg Harris
  • Ernie Constantino: Aide, 48th Ward Alderman’s Office
  • Larry Rosen: EHS Website Designer
  • Rick Garcia: Founder of Equality Illinois
  • Tracy Baim: Windy City Times
  • Elise Miller: Congregation Or Chadash
  • Laurie Grauer: Congregation Or Chadash
  • Karen Sendziak: Gerber-Hart Library
  • Edgewater Community Council
  • Marsha Holland: Realty Development Research

The reception was catered by EHS board members, led by Barb Strauss. Reporters from the Windy City Times and Gay Chicago publication attended and interviewed many guests.

In conjunction with the Exhibit, the EHS held a discussion forum “The History of LGBT Politics in Edgewater and on the North Side” at the North Shore Baptist Church on Saturday, June 18. Presenting at this event were: Moderator, Greg Hinz, Political Editor Crain’s Chicago business; Hon. Greg Harris, D-13, Chief sponsor of the Civil Union Bill; Hon. Kelly Cassidy, D-14; Rick Garcia, resident and activist; Laurie Dittman, LGBT activist; Kit Duffy, Liaison to the Gay/Lesbian Community under Mayor Harold Washington.

This event was recorded by CAN -TV, which broadcast it in July. Among the interesting points in this discussion was how 48th ward Alderman Kathy Osterman educated the LBGT representative on how to get the Human Rights ordinance passed through the city council in the 1980s. It was clear from this presentation that many LGBT organizations have worked effectively in Chicago and Edgewater to gain support.

The exhibit continues through October 4th.

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