Chicago is now home to one of the largest community centers for gays and lesbians in the nation.
Chicago Public Radio’s Sonari Glinton has the story.
Chicago has had a variety of gay community centers in a variety of locations.
Leaders in the community say bringing them together in one place has been a years long struggle.
The Center on Halsted in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.will house a number of services meant to support the city’s gay, lesbian and transgendered community.
Alderman Tom Tunney is the city council’s only openly gay member.
He says the center has been a long time coming.
TUNNEY: This was happening in the 80’s. This would have happened years ago if the AIDS epidemic did not hit so hard in Chicago and this nation. Half of the guys I came out with are dead.
In addition to its social services, the 65,000 square foot center is also winning praise as a model for green technology, including a roof garden and an organic grocery store.
I’m Sonari Glinton, Chicago Public Radio.