Illinois’ role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement

Randy Hannig hands out shirts supporting gay marriage at the 2013 Illinois State Fair — Randy Hannig of Equality Illinois hands out shirts supporting gay marriage at the 2013 Illinois State Fair.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

Illinois’ role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement

An exhibit at the Center on Halsted explores the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the role of the Midwest.

Randy Hannig of Equality Illinois hands out shirts supporting gay marriage at the 2013 Illinois State Fair.

Seth Perlman/AP Photo

By Micah Yason

Cities like Los Angeles and New York City have a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism and often efforts in the Midwest get overlooked. A traveling exhibit called “Queer Justice” explores the history, legal battles and successes of the LGBTQ+ rights movement, plus the role of Illinois and the rest of the Midwest.

The exhibit has made a stop in Chicago at the Center on Halsted and will be there until May 31.

Reset digs into some of the 50 years of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights featured in the exhibit.

GUEST: Camilla Taylor, deputy legal director for litigation, Lambda Legal