Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame announce inductees; Chicago History Museum ceremony Nov. 6

CHICAGO, ILL. - The Friends of the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame will honor this year’s inductees at the 2025 Annual Induction Ceremony on Thursday, November 6, at 5:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street, and is open to the public. Registration is requested at chicagolgbthalloffame.org/rsvp. Since its founding in 1991, the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame has celebrated the individuals and organizations whose achievements and advocacy have made lasting contributions to the city’s LGBTQ community. It remains the only municipally recognized hall of fame of its kind in the world.

The Hall of Fame traces its origins to 1991 when it was established under the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley. It evolved from the “Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame,” which began as a project of the City of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian Issues, created during the tenure of Mayor Harold Washington. Washington’s administration was the first in Chicago to officially recognize the importance of LGBTQ voices in civic life. Over time, the Hall of Fame grew into an independent organization, the Friends of the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, which continues to uphold the mission of recognizing the pioneers, activists, and organizations that have helped shape the city’s LGBTQ history.

This year’s inductees include Maher Ahmad, Dr. Traci P. Beck, Jan Berger, Precious Brady-Davis, Tommy DeLorenzo, Jacob Christopher Green, Richard Knight, Jr., Mike A. Macharello, Adam McMath, Jerry Nunn, Reyna Ortiz, Milon V. Parker, Alex Perez, Dr. Mario Pierce, Jonathan “Yoni” Pizer, and Mario Treto, Jr. Each of these honorees represents a vital part of the Chicago LGBTQ community’s story, from the arts and media to activism, public service, and cultural preservation.

Posthumous honors will be presented to Arick Buckles, Sam Hamilton, and Jim Rinnert. Their lives and work left a lasting mark on the community, and their inclusion in this year’s class ensures their legacies continue to inspire future generations.

Several organizations are also being recognized for their outstanding contributions, including the Chicago Gender Society, Chicago Pride League, Chicago PrimeTimers, and ONYX Midwest. These organizations represent decades of advocacy, fellowship, and community-building that have strengthened Chicago’s LGBTQ landscape.

For over three decades, the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame has been a cherished civic tradition that honors the legacies of those who have broken barriers and advanced equality across generations. The ceremony serves as a gathering of Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ community to celebrate courage, resilience, and love of city and people. It is a reminder that history is not only something to be remembered, but something still being written with every act of visibility and service.

To join in celebrating these new inductees and the rich history they represent, visit chicagolgbthalloffame.org/rsvp.