Laurie Benz, an out lesbian and feminist singer-songwriter, among other roles in the music industry, passed away peacefully in the Chicago area on Jan. 4 after a long struggle from a debilitating stroke. She was 57.
"Laurie was truly unique, and Lesbian Nation now must say goodbye to one of its sparkliest lights," said activist/publisher Toni Armstrong Jr. "She was a big presence in the lesbian-feminist cultural world, certainly in Chicago, and within the music festival subculture."
Benz years ago worked with HOT WIRE magazine as a photographer and volunteer, and regularly "hobnobbed with famous lesbian performers and writers," Armstrong said. "She was a 'frequent flyer' at Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for Womyn & Children and at Women & Children First Bookstore."
Armstrong said Benz was notorious for doing tequila slammers around Halloween and other parties, "and she made sure we had the photos to prove it."
"Laurie herself took hundreds of photos documenting lesbian performers and events, from concerts to Pride marches to GLSEN conferences," Armstrong said.
Armstrong said Benz "was a one-woman consciousness-raising machine when it came to the issue of lesbian/gay little people. She demanded visibility and equality. Laurie certainly tired of the endless questions, but nonetheless made herself available to curious people, particularly when she would busk at the Lincoln Park Zoo and in other public spots.
"For many lesbians, Laurie was the first or only little person they'd ever met. Her insistence on respect cut in all directions, too. She also took the lead with Little People of America ( LPA ) and other groups to be sure lesbians and gays were openly recognized. To my knowledge, she was the first to do networking and informative workshops on LGBT little people."
Armstrong added, "Laurie was so present, so genuinely brave, and so much fun. I've met thousands of women, but never anyone else like Laurie Benz — and I expect I never will. Truly, one of the greats has passed."
Benz was born May 12, 1957, and was the first little person to come out in the Little People of America ( LPA ) organization, and a lifetime LPA member. "She fought to have LGBTQ gatherings at the national conferences and they became a big success—growing to include those who were straight, but supported the community whole-heartedly," said actress/theater director Tekki Lomnicki, of Chicago.
Benz developed a workshop called "Differences Within Difference" for people who didn't feel like they fit into LPA, said Lomnicki, "which included LGBTQ members as well as those who had average size partners or spouses, those who were shorter or taller than most, those of color or non-traditional faiths."
Lomnicki, 58, also a little person, took over Benz's workshop and gatherings after her stroke and though she identifies as straight, Lomnicki continued to fight for LGBTQ rights in LPA. "Now a whole flock of young people have taken up the torch, which Laurie was very proud of," Lomnicki said.
Benz befriended Lomnicki in the early 1980s as both were artists—Benz a singer/songwriter; Lomnicki a playwright and actor.
"Laurie was often outspoken and often rubbed people the wrong way, but she had a kind heart and was a very loyal friend," said Lomnicki, who cherishes a rainbow pin that says "Straight but not narrow"—a gift from Benz.
"Laurie was an animal lover and was passionate about her two shelties, Cimmaron and Nikki, and her cat Sizzle," Lomnicki said.
A Laurie Benz remembrance party with music, memories and more will be held Sunday, March 22. Further details will be forthcoming on a Facebook page called Friends of Laurie Benz.
