Marge Summit
| |
|---|---|
| Born | (1935-09-03)September 3, 1935 |
| Died | May 16, 2023(2023-05-16) (aged 87) |
| Occupation | LGBT activist |
| Known for | Co-founded Chicago PFLAG |
Marge Summit (September 3, 1935 – May 16, 2023) was an American LGBT activist.
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]
