Boystown’s 'Legacy Walk' Honoring 5 New Members in LGBT Exhibit

Boystown is about to add a bit more history to the stretch along North Halsted as organizers with Chicago’s Legacy Project unveil five new plaques honoring LGBT heroes.

The Legacy Walk is an outdoor museum launched just one year ago to commemorate those who made a significant impact in LGBT history. Some of the more recognizable names cast in bronze on North Halsted’s rainbow pylons include Harvey Milk, Oscar Wilde and Jane Addams.

But starting on Friday, officials with The Legacy Project plan to add a few more names to the list of influential heroes. According to Victor Salvo, founder and executive director of the Legacy Project, the outdoor museum is to remind today’s gay and lesbian community of its roots. 

The five new inductees will be:

• Walt Whitman, iconic U.S. poet
• Lorraine Hansberry, acclaimed playwright
• Dr. Tom Waddell, founder of the Gay Games
• Ruth Ellis, youth advocate
• Frank Kameny, influential LGBT activist

The on-street dedication ceremony for the five new plaques being added to the Legacy Walk begins Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the pylon located at 3342 N. Halsted St. Following the ceremonies, the organization will team up with the Center on Halsted for a public pizza party. Supporters are encouraged to donate $20 to the cause to attend the party.

On Saturday, the two-day celebration continues with musical guests, raffle prizes and a silent auction at Sidetrack. The fundraiser includes open bar and is $50 for standard tickets.