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Nine Individuals and Three Organizations Inducted

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Chicago, IL — The Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues has named the 2004 list of individuals and organizations selected for inclusion in the world’s only known municipally-sponsored hall of fame that honors members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, announced Mayor Richard M. Daley, Commission Chair Clarence N. Wood, and Advisory Council Chair Laura Rissover.

"It is important to acknowledge individual and group contributions made by Chicago’s varied and diverse communities; contributions that foster community growth, pride and safety." said Mayor Richard M. Daley "It is for these reasons that we are pleased to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and organizations with the Hall of Fame award each year."

“The Hall of Fame is important to Chicago," said Clarence N. Wood, Chair of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. "It proclaims the achievements of the LGBT community loud and clear for everyone to acknowledge and appreciate.”

Chosen nominees will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame’s 14th annual ceremony, which will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 27, 2004, in G.A.R. Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. The event will be free and open to the public.  (Event Details)

The Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in 1991 under the auspices of the Advisory Council, with continuing support from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and from Mayor Richard M. Daley. Its purpose is to recognize the achievements of LGBT Chicagoans, their contributions to development of the city, and the help they have received from others.

Those inducted fall into one of three categories: individual, organization, or friend of the community. Potential nominees comprise members of Chicago’s entire sexual-minority community as well as those who have supported or assisted the community. A committee of prior inductees makes each year’s selections from nominations submitted by members of the public.

Those honored in 2004 are:

Individuals

Roger Brown (1941–1997), artist, for his significant contributions to the Chicago School of Painting and to 20th-Century American art and for the unique and important study collection and museum he gave to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Christopher Clason (1953–1991), actor and activist, for work as a founder of Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) and for his membership in Mayor Daley’s AIDS Advisory Council, during which he led the early fight for AIDS education and awareness

Charles E. Clifton (1959–2004), educator, for work with Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) as its executive director and for being the first African American editor of Positively Aware and Positively Aware en español.

Frank Galati, 60, professor, for contributions with Steppenwolf Theater Company and as an associate director at the Goodman Theater as a writer, director, and actor. He has been honored with two Tony Awards in 1989 for best direction and best play (The Grapes of Wrath) and with nominations and awards of excellence from the Joseph Jefferson Awards and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Ralph-Paul Gernhardt, 70, publisher, for his informational phone line, a first of its kind in 1975, and for publishing a variety of LGBT publications including the co-founding of Gay Chicago Magazine in 1977.

Suzanne Marie Kraus, 55, activist, for her volunteer activities with political, social, and health-related groups where her contributions help improve the quality of life for the LGBT community.

Julio Rodriguez, 45, activist, for his 17 years of contributions to the gay Latino community, including being one of the first Latino members of the City of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian issues, and as a volunteer in numerous other organizations.

Dr. Nan Schaffer, 50, veterinarian, for her international achievements in veterinary science and for her contributions of expertise, time, and significant financial aid to LGBT organizations.

Terri Worman, 48, activist, for long-range contributions focusing on the LGBT aging community, including fostering a workshop on LGBT aging at AARP’s national members event in Chicago. She also organized AARP’s Gay/Lesbian Film Festival as a part of the Silver Images Film Festival, bringing positive images of LGBT aging to the public at large.

Organizations

Lincoln Park Lagooners, for 27 years as a social organization fostering meaningful relationships through fundraising and athletic activities.

Mulryan & York, Attorneys at Law, one of the first lesbian-owned law firms in Chicago, for
15 years of protecting the integrity of LGBT families, relationships, and institutions. In addition, Mulryan & York has provided pro bono services to numerous LGBT organizations.

Friend of the Community

PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Chicago, an organization that represents the love, acceptance, and support of parents, families, and friends of the LGBT community, a powerful antidote to the rejection many members of the community experience.

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