George Chauncey, a Yale historian, explores why history matters to the courts. Using specific cases, he discusses the history of marriage and discrimination against gays. Chauncey speaks from experience: he testified as an expert witness at the Proposition 8 trial in California last year and has participated in fifteen gay rights cases since 1993.

George Chauncey is also the author of Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World, 1890-1940. Combining social, political, and cultural history, Chauncey argues that early twentieth century New York had a thriving, open gay culture.

Now in its eighth year, Out at CHM addresses topics pivotal to the history of Chicago’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.

Cocktails are served at 5:30 PM, and the event at 6:30 PM.