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Marge Summit

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Marge Summit
Born(1935-09-03)September 3, 1935
DiedMay 16, 2023(2023-05-16) (aged 87)
OccupationLGBT activist
Known forCo-founded Chicago PFLAG

Marge Summit (September 3, 1935 – May 16, 2023) was an American LGBT activist.

Career

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Summit was born in Chicago on September 3, 1935.[1]

Summit co-founded the city's Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) branch and launched the "Gay$" initiative.[2] Summit owned His 'n Hers, a bar-restaurant, which due to circumstances was relocated from the Addison L stop to North Broadway.[2][3][4]

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Summit's establishment provided a platform for emerging LGBTQ+ artists and was recognized for its distinctive live entertainment and burgers.[2] She also produced the record "Gay and Straight Together."[2]

Summit contributed to the documentary Before Stonewall and co-produced Crimes of Hate, both focusing on LGBTQ+ history and challenges.[2] As an activist, she participated in Mattachine Midwest and PFLAG, and alongside Frank Kellas, initiated the "Gay $ Project."[2][5]

Summit also organized AIDS awareness events and fundraisers for entities such as Chicago House.[2] As an adoptive parent, she demonstrated LGBTQ+ individuals' capability to provide loving homes.[2]

Summit was honored by the Gay Chicago and Mattachine Midwest, among others.[2]

Summit was married to Janan Lindley.[6][7] She died on May 16, 2023, at the age of 87.[2]

Recognition

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  • Jon-Henri Damski Award[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Chicago Icon: The Marge Summit Story, Part One of a two-part feature - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. December 20, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "MARGE SUMMIT – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame".
  3. ^ "Chicago lesbian bars aren't dying, but becoming queer-inclusive". Chicago Tribune. July 15, 2021.
  4. ^ "Marge Summit discusses her gay bar legacy - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. October 2, 2013.
  5. ^ "Chicago Icon: The Marge Summit Story, Part Two of a two-part feature - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. December 27, 2017.
  6. ^ "CELEBRATIONS Summit and Lindley married - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. May 21, 2014.
  7. ^ "PASSAGES Janan Lindley, wife of longtime activist/former bar owner Marge Summit - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. August 1, 2022.
  8. ^ "Marge Summit honored with award named for Jon-Henri Damski - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. November 5, 2018.