The library in my home office is organized by subject, with books about birds here, presidents there. There are 28 books by and about Dante, which might seem like a lot, until you realize that there are … count … 41 by and about James Thurber.
Some could go to many places. “Chicago Whispers: A History of LGBT Chicago Before Stonewall,” by St Sukie de la Croix could be on bookshelves about Chicago. But I have separated it among books on gay history, alongside George Chauncey’s excellent “Gay New York”.
A publisher introduced de la Croix, dancing in his new encyclopedia of Chicago gay bars, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to talk to a man the Sun-Times once called “the gay Studs Terkel.”
I know my readers well enough to understand that if I introduce a man named St Sukie de la Croix, many will spend the entire column wondering, “What’s with the name?” and at a loss for anything else he could say. So let’s get that out of the way. Besides, I was curious myself.
“This is now my legal name,” he began, in a British accent. “From time to time I was writing things for mainstream papers, so when I started writing for gay papers in England, I wanted to separate the writing, straight and gay. I chose a silly name. Then I seemed to get more work under the silly name, and when I came to this country, everyone called me ‘Sukie.'”
I assumed that part of his name was some obscene wink.
“No, no, no, not at all,” he said. “Once, I was married with children, I went to a fortune teller on a pier at a seaside resort. He said, ‘You are married with two children and you are bent. One day you will become a writer, meet a man for the first time and leave your wife.” Her name was Madame Sukie.”
Now that’s a good story to explain your name. My name is “Neil” because Neal Storage Company in Cleveland had a huge sign painted on a building, and my mother changed the “a” to an “i” to avoid confusion.
To prepare to speak with de la Croix, I flipped through “Chicago Whispers,” which begins with the open role intersex Native Americans play in tribes here. Which adds a layer of delicious irony to those challenging hours of dragging story etc. Trans folk were here and were written about in 1673. Where were your ancestors?
“The big fuss people make about drag queens reading children’s books,” said de la Croix. “It’s not the drag queens that scare them; these are the books, which reflect different versions of life. The problem is that most of them have just read the same book, the Bible. There are many more books to read.”
His new book, “Last Call Chicago: A History of 1001 LGBTQ-Friendly Taverns, Haunts & Hangouts,” written with Rick Carlin, has just been published. Lavishly illustrated with 600 photographs, period advertisements and clippings – often from forgotten bars otherwise closed by the police – the book is an invaluable historical reference and a trip down memory lane for anyone who went to clubs in Chicago.
I had no idea that Club 950 Lucky Number on Wrightwood was a gay bar, but then I only remember visiting it once, one summer night in 1983, when I went in with a stranger on an unpromising third date ok and, thanks to He left a sensual, dripping, clicking, sensuous Bauhaus song, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead,” with the woman I was going to marry.
One of the many mistakes you make about sub-groups is to assume that members are founts of information about that group – I realize this anew whenever a Christian friend asks me to clarify some detail about Jewish customs I am completely overboard about. But I still asked de la Croix for insight into changes in the gay community over the past half century.
“You’re getting old…” he said. “I’m 71, and things that happen in the community, I’m lost trying to understand all these things. I live in Palm Springs, with thousands of old gay men and old lesbians.”
“I love Chicago,” he said. “It’s a great place when you’re young. When you get older, not so much. The cold weather.”
Chicago didn’t develop its large gay community by accident.
“Illinois became the first state to decriminalize homosexuality in 1961,” he said. “All over the Midwest, prominent gay men, female gay men, all moved to Chicago because they thought they were going to be safe here. Throughout the 60s, drag bars were everywhere, all over Chicago. There is an incredible history of cross-dressing.”
Outsiders always bring a keener eye than natives, and de la Croix is no exception.
“Something I’ve discovered about America, and I’ve been here for a long time…” he said. “In America, they think if you hide something, it disappears completely. Not everyone, of course, but like down in Florida. They think that if you don’t say ‘gay,’ it goes away. It’s almost Neanderthal, to think if you don’t see it, it doesn’t exist. I compare it to wearing a corset. It makes your waist look smaller, but it all flares out to the top. It all comes out somewhere. You can’t hide these things.”
Unfortunately, I can only share a very small part of the conversation. But if you want to talk to de la Croix yourself, he’s reading and signing October 10 at 6 p.m. at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., and another Oct. 12 at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St.
The vibrant mile-long stretch of North Halsted Street in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood is renowned for being a welcoming and progressive space for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Who was the first openly gay man elected to public office in California?
Harvey Bernard Milk (May 22, 1930 – November 27, 1978) was an American politician and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Who was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977? Harvey Milk and LGBTQ Rights Harvey Milk was a visionary civil and human rights leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977.
Who was the first openly Lgbtq politician elected to office in the United States?
The first overall. The first lesbian or gay candidate elected to the state legislature with Elaine Noble (D), Massachusetts House of Representatives; Elected in 1974, she served two terms beginning in January 1975, open when elected.
Who was the first Lgbtq Disney character?
Amity and Luz represent Disney’s first animated LGBT female regular characters. Terrace confirmed that Amity is a lesbian in a Reddit AMA in September 2020. In the August 2020 episode of The Owl House, titled “Understanding Willow”, one of the main characters (Willow Park) is shown to have two fathers (Gilbert and Harvey Park).
When was Harvey Milk first elected?
In 1973 Milk ran for a seat on the city’s Board of Supervisors but was defeated. After another unsuccessful bid in 1976, he was elected in 1977, becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in US history.
Who was the first Lgbtq Senator?
Two people, Tammy Baldwin and Kyrsten Sinema, served in the House and were later elected to the Senate. The earliest known LGBT congressman was Ed Koch, who began his term in the House in 1969. The earliest known LGBT senator is Harris Wofford, who began his term in 1991.
What did Harvey Milk get elected for?
When he won election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, Harvey Milk made history as the first openly gay elected official in California, and one of the first in the United States.
What was the first gay bar in NYC?
On the corner of West 10th and Waverly Place is Julius’ Bar, New York City’s oldest gay bar. Built in the mid-19th century, the landmark Greenwich Village building first opened as a grocery store and later became a bar.
What was the name of the gay bar in New York City? The Stonewall Inn, often shortened to Stonewall, is a gay bar and pub in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, New York City, and the site of the 1969 Stonewall riots, widely regarded as the single most important leading to the gay liberation movement and the …
What was the first gay bar ever?
The very first gay bar in Europe and probably in the world was the Zanzibar in Cannes on the French Riviera. The Zanzibar was opened in 1885 and existed for 125 years, before it was closed in December 2010. Among its visitors were many artists, such as the actor Jean Marais and the comedians Thierry Le Luron and Coluche.
Where is the oldest gay bar in the world?
1955: The oldest gay bar in the world Centralhjørnet is located in Copenhagen’s historic Latin Quarter and is considered the oldest gay bar in the world. It opened in 1917, where it was known as a place for men to meet other men until 1955 when the bar was publicly known as a gay bar.
When did gay bars start in America?
On the country side, gay bars seem to have been ‘started’ in the later 1800s, with a hotspot in New York City called âThe Slide.â Unfortunately, police reports and mainstream media coverage stream to a gay bar in 1880 proved to be highly unreliable and hyperbolic, motivated mainly by pearl clutching and fear-mongering…
What is the oldest gay bar in USA?
Dating back to 1933, Cafe Lafitte bills itself as the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the US open 24/7 and offers a casual bar downstairs, and a more upscale lounge with a balcony upstairs the stairs. According to legend, Cafe Lafitte once served literary luminaries Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams.
Why is the Stonewall Inn famous?
Between June 28 and July 3, 1969, the Stonewall rebellion which began inside the Stonewall Pub, which occupied both storefronts at 51-53 Christopher Street, spread outside across the street in Christopher Park, and on several nearby streets . The event is recognized as a key turning point in the LGBT rights movement.
What happened at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in 1970?
In the early hours of the morning on Saturday, June 28, 1969, nine police officers entered the Stonewall Pub, arrested the employees for selling alcohol without a license, assaulted many of its patrons, cleared the bar, and “in according to a report in New York. a criminal statute which authorized the arrest of anyone who did not wear at least …
What is historically significant about the Stonewall riot?
The Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.
What happened at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in 1969?
On June 28, 1969, in the late hours of the night, a routine police raid of a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn sparked the fire that ignited the first wave of the Gay Pride Movement in NYC. On the night of the raid, around 200 people occupied the bar.
Where do gays go in NYC?
LGBTQ Landmarks in NYC
- The Stonewall Inn. 53 Christopher St. …
- Christopher Park. 38-64 Christopher Street. …
- Julius. 159 W 10th St. …
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Centre. 208 W 13th St. …
- Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art. …
- New York City AIDS Memorial. …
- Well of Bethesda. …
- Alice Austen House Museum.
Is New York City LGBT-friendly?
New York City is now considered one of the most LGBT friendly cities in the world. At Stonewall 50 with WorldPride NYC 2019, tens of thousands of people marched in the NYC Pride March, attended by approximately 5 million people, the world’s largest LGBT event in history.
Is Ithaca NY LGBT-friendly?
Ithaca is an LGBTQ Friendly Community known for being one of the most progressive and open-minded areas in Upstate New York, Ithaca offers an enlightened demographic of people that prides itself on being one of the ’10 Best Cities ‘ first ‘The Advocate’ magazine. for Gays and Lesbians to Live.
Is Syracuse NY LGBTQ-friendly?
| LGBTQ Inclusion Policy | 3.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| LGBTQ Counseling and Health | 4.5 out of 5 |
Is Hudson Valley gay-friendly?
There is pride in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The LGBTQ community has long found a friendly, accepting environment here.
What is the oldest gay bar in the United States?
Dating back to 1933, Cafe Lafitte bills itself as the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the US open 24/7 and offers a casual bar downstairs, and a more upscale lounge with a balcony upstairs the stairs. According to legend, Cafe Lafitte once served literary luminaries Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams.
Where was the first gay bar in the USA? Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans, dating back to 1933 and the end of Prohibition, claims to be the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States.
What is the oldest gay bar in Texas?
Robert’s Lafitte is Galveston’s original drag show bar, and the oldest LGBT bar in the state of Texas owned by the same owner Robert “The Mouth” Minor!
Does Galveston have nightlife?
Galveston Nightlife Or are you in the mood to step into your dancing shoes and hit the clubs? Whatever you need, the island’s vibrant, thriving nightlife scene is ready and waiting.
Is there a gay beach in Galveston?
Those looking for entertainment should head over to East Beach Galveston, also known as “the party beach.” The area is the site of several live entertainment events, and includes amenities such as concession stands, showers, restrooms, and beach chair rentals.
Is Galveston gay friendly?
Diversity is celebrated in Galveston and the line between gay bars and straight bars has blurred. Most island bars are LGBTQ friendly, but there are some that cater specifically to the LGBTQ community. Robert’s Laffitte is Galveston’s oldest gay bar and a local favorite.
What is the oldest gay bar in Chicago?
Chicago gay bars and clubs
- One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. …
- This lively and colorful spot is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. …
- You can’t talk about gay bars in Chicago without talking about Northalsted (also known as Boystown). …
- Looking for a gay bar near downtown Chicago?
What was the first gay bar in Chicago?
The gay leather community also coalesced during this period – first, around Omar’s Grill in the Loop, and in the early 1960s in the Gold Coast, Chicago’s first gay leather bar. As Chicago’s lesbian and gay population grew larger and more visible, city authorities launched vigorous campaigns to suppress them.
Where is the oldest gay bar in the world?
1955: The oldest gay bar in the world Centralhjørnet is located in Copenhagen’s historic Latin Quarter and is considered the oldest gay bar in the world. It opened in 1917, where it was known as a place for men to meet other men until 1955 when the bar was publicly known as a gay bar.
What is the oldest gay bar in London?
| Admiral Duncan | |
|---|---|
| Location | Soho, London |
| Address | 54 Old Compton Street, London, W1 |
| Coordinates | 51°30a²46a³N 0°07a²57a³W |
| Owner | Stonegate Pubs Company |
Who came up with the LGBTQ flag?
The pride flag was created in 1978 by gay designer and political activist Gilbert Baker. On our streets, in our parades, even on our clothes, the rainbow flag has become a global symbol of LGBTQ pride.
When did LGBT people start using rainbows? LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Pride (1978) The rainbow flag was popularized as a symbol of the gay community by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. The different colors are often associated with “diversity” in the gay community (but in fact they have literal meanings).
What does this flag mean 🏳 🌈?
This particular flag is used to represent the LGBTQ community and is used to express Pride in this community. The actual flag and the emoji depicting it are often referred to as the Pride Flag.
What does this flag means 🏳 ⚧?
This particular flag is used to represent the transgender community and is used to express Transgender Pride. The Transgender Flag emoji ��ï¸ââ§ï¸ is used by people who self-identify as transgender as well as by people of other gender identities who support the transgender community .
What does this flag mean 🏴?
A black flag attached to a pole is depicted in the black flag emoji. This black flag can be used as a symbol for having a bad day, rebellion, anarchy, or goth. Keywords: black flag, waving. Pick up points: 1F3F4. Introduced: May, 2014 in Unicode version 7.0.0 (Emoji version 1.0)
What does a 🌈 stand for?
�� Rainbow emoji, commonly used to express LGBTQ identity and pride.
What does this flag mean 🏁?
What is �� Checkered Flag emoji mean? The Checkered Flag emoji �� depicts a flag with a black-and-white checkerboard pattern. It is commonly used to represent chariot racing, races in general, challenges, or achievements.
When was the first LGBT flag created?
But who created the rainbow flag, and why did it become a symbol of the LGBT community? The rainbow flag was created in 1978 by artist, designer, Vietnam War veteran and drag performer at the time, Gilbert Baker.
Why did LGBT choose the rainbow?
Also known as the gay pride flag or the LGBT pride flag, the colors reflect the diversity of the LGBT community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. The use of the rainbow flag as a symbol of gay pride began in San Francisco, California, but eventually became commonplace at LGBT rights events around the world.
Who invented the LGBTQ flag?
It was created in 1977 by Gilbert Baker, an openly gay artist, activist, and military veteran. Challenged by Harvey Milk, a historic figure in the fight for LGBTQ rights, to create a flag for the queer community, Baker created a rainbow flag with eight different colors.
Why was pink removed from the pride flag?
VARIETY AND INCLUSION OF THE STRADLEY RONON The first iteration of the flag consisted of eight stripes, each with a separate rainbow color and hot pink. Demand for flags increased after Milk’s assassination in November 1978, and hot pink was removed because fabric in that color was not available.
What does the pink stand for in the pride flag?
The flag was flown for the first time in a Pride Parade in Phoenix in 2000. The light blue represents boys, and the pink represents girls. White is used to symbolize those who transition, those who feel they have a neutral or no gender and those who are intersex.
What do the Colours in the pride flag mean?
It consisted of eight colored stripes stacked on top of each other to create a rainbow, a symbol of hope. Baker gave each color a specific meaning: pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic, indigo for calm and violet for spirit.
What was the first pride flag?
It goes back to 1978, when artist Gilbert Baker, an openly gay man and drag queen, designed the first rainbow flag. Baker later revealed that he had been encouraged by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States, to create a symbol of pride for the gay community.
What were the original colors of the pride flag?
Gilbert Baker designed the rainbow flag for the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Celebration. In the original eight-color version, pink stood for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony and violet for the soul.
