Learn about Chicago’s lesbian and gay liberation movement from the people who led it.  Join gay historian, John D’Emilio, and a panel of activists for a discussion of Chicago’s vibrant political and cultural movement from the 1960s to the present, and its profound influence on events nationwide. John D’Emilio teaches in the History and Gender & Women’s studies Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  A pioneer in the field of gay and lesbian history, he is the author of the prize-winning Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities and Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin.

Murray Edelman is a founder of the Chicago Gay Liberation Movement that began in 1969.  For many years he directed the exit polls and projections for the pool of all major news organizations and is now a Distinguished Scholar at Rutgers University.

Vernita Gray has been an activist for gay and lesbian rights in Chicago since 1969 and is the LGBT Liaison for the Cook County State Attorney’s office.

Margaret Wilson is a retired school teacher and has been a gay and women’s rights activist since 1967.

Recorded Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Chicago History Museum.