Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 20, 2026

Marge Summit

Marge Summit was an American LGBTQ activist.

Last revised
Jun 20, 2026
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Marge Summit
Born(1935-09-03)September 3, 1935
Chicago, Illinois
DiedMay 16, 2023(2023-05-16) (aged 87)
OccupationLGBT activist
Known forCo-founded Chicago PFLAG

Marge Summit (September 3, 1935 – May 16, 2023) was an American LGBTQ activist.

Career

Summit was born in Chicago on September 3, 1935.1

Summit co-founded the city's Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) branch and launched the "Gay$" initiative.2 Summit owned His 'n Hers, a bar-restaurant, which due to circumstances was relocated from the Addison L stop to North Broadway.234

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Summit's establishment provided a platform for emerging LGBTQ+ artists and was recognized for its distinctive live entertainment and burgers.2 She also produced the record "Gay and Straight Together."2

Summit contributed to the documentary Before Stonewall and co-produced Crimes of Hate, both focusing on LGBTQ+ history and challenges.2 As an activist, she participated in Mattachine Midwest and PFLAG, and alongside Frank Kellas, initiated the "Gay $ Project."25

Summit also organized AIDS awareness events and fundraisers for entities such as Chicago House.2 As an adoptive parent, she demonstrated LGBTQ+ individuals' capability to provide loving homes.2

Summit was honored by the Gay Chicago and Mattachine Midwest, among others.2

Summit was married to Janan Lindley.67 She died on May 16, 2023, at the age of 87.2

Recognition

  • Jon-Henri Damski Award8
References

References

  1. "Chicago Icon: The Marge Summit Story, Part One of a two-part feature - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. December 20, 2017.
  2. "MARGE SUMMIT – Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame".
  3. "Chicago lesbian bars aren't dying, but becoming queer-inclusive". Chicago Tribune. July 15, 2021.
  4. "Marge Summit discusses her gay bar legacy - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. October 2, 2013.
  5. "Chicago Icon: The Marge Summit Story, Part Two of a two-part feature - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. December 27, 2017.
  6. "CELEBRATIONS Summit and Lindley married - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. May 21, 2014.
  7. "PASSAGES Janan Lindley, wife of longtime activist/former bar owner Marge Summit - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. August 1, 2022.
  8. "Marge Summit honored with award named for Jon-Henri Damski - Windy City Times News". Windy City Times. November 5, 2018.