In its second fundraiser in recent weeks, the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of fame held its annual Pride and Joy reception at Circuit Nightclub June 18.
An estimated 80 people attended the fundraiser, which marked its 21st year.
Guests were treated to Circuit impersonation performances and a buffet. Drag persona Paula Sinclair emceed the evening.
This year's Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame activities are a triumph for many LGBT veteran activists after the City of Chicago dissolved its Advisory Council on LGBT Issues, which had hosted the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The group Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, a non-profit established in 2009, has taken the reins and promised to keep the Hall of Fame alive.
"We were really nervous last year with all the changes that this was going to be the end of it," said Gary Chichester, the organization's co-chair.
However, a new bowling fundraiser held June 9 and the continuation of the Pride and Joy reception signal that the Hall of Fame will go on unimpeded.
The June 9 Celebrity Bowl event raised more than $10,000, while the Pride and Joy fundraiser pulled in an estimated $3,000.
The organization has yet to set a date for its November induction ceremony. According to Chichester, organizers are talking with both the Center on Halsted and the Chicago History Museum about hosting the event.
