This exhibit aims to celebrate the rich history of LGBTQ people and events on the South Side of Chicago. This exhibition does not aim to present a complete history of LGBTQ+ life on the South Side of Chicago, but rather provides a snapshot into some of the people, places, groups and events that shaped the larger history. Many view Chicago’s LGBTQ History as primarily concentrated on the north side of the city, and thus, this exhibit hopes to expand our understanding of this history.

Please note: while many significant people, places, groups, and events have been excluded due to space constraints, their importance remains acknowledged. Please feel free to share memories or information you’d like to see included in future exhibits under the “Share” section to your left.

Raise Awareness: Highlight the rich and diverse history of LGBTQ+ communities and identities in the South Side of Chicago, particularly within "Hyde Park Township."

Foster Support and Engagement: Encourage ongoing documentation, archiving, and visibility of the South Side’s LGBTQ+ history through increased support and involvement from the community.

Expand the Narrative: Broaden the understanding of LGBTQ+ history in Chicago to include the South Side, which is often overshadowed by narratives focused on the North Side.

Mallory Price, Vice President of the Hyde Park Historical Society, curated this exhibition. A lifelong queer South Sider from a working-class Irish Catholic family. Mallory has a background in social work and over a decade of experience in nonprofits providing services to LGBTQ+ communities and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. Currently, she runs a therapy practice in Hyde Park that offers affirming therapy to LGBTQ+ folx. Mallory and her partner Erin are proud Hyde Parkers and love caring for their 1880’s victorian home.