Marge Summit (September 3, 1935 – May 16, 2023) was an American LGBT activist.

Career

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]

Recogition

• Jon-Henri Damski Award ^[8]

References