Marge Summit, a revered lesbian activist and icon in the LGBTQ community, has died at 87. Known for her groundbreaking work in organizations such as the Lesbian Community Cancer Project and GLAAD Chicago, Summit was a tireless advocate for equality and social justice. Her passing leaves a void in the LGBTQ community, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of activists.
Marge Summit Death
Marge Summit, a beloved lesbian activist and icon in, passed away on May 20, 2023, at the age of 87. Summit was a fierce advocate for LGBTQ rights and a pioneer in the fight for equality. She was a founding member of the Lesbian Community Cancer Project and the Chicago chapter of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).
Summit was also a co-founder of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and served as its executive director for many years. Her legacy will be remembered for her tireless work in the LGBTQ community and her unwavering commitment to social justice.
Early Life and Activism
Summit was born in Chicago in 1936 and grew up on the city’s North Side. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and later earned a master’s degree in social work from Loyola University Chicago.
Summit began her activism in the 1960s, when sh
k.k..e joined the civil rights movement and worked with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). She later became involved in the feminist movement and helped organize the first National Women’s Conference in 1977.
Founding the Lesbian Community Cancer Project
In 1987, Summit co-founded the Lesbian Community Cancer Project (LCCP) in response to the lack of resources and support for lesbians with cancer. The LCCP was the first organization of its kind in the country and provided a range of services.
These services include support groups, educational programs, and advocacy. Summit served as the executive director of the LCCP for many years and helped to raise awareness about the unique health needs of lesbians.
Co-Founding GLAAD Chicago
In 1990, Summit co-founded the Chicago chapter of GLAAD, an organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ representation in the media. Summit was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ visibility and worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the community were heard.
She helped to organize protests and boycotts against media outlets that portrayed LGBTQ people in a negative light and worked to promote positive representation in television, film, and other forms of media.
Co-Founding the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame
In 1991, Summit co-founded the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, which honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ community. Summit served as the executive director of the Hall of Fame for many years and helped to establish it as a vital institution in the city.
Legacy and Impact
Summit’s legacy will be remembered for her tireless work in the LGBTQ community and her unwavering commitment to social justice. She was a trailblazer in the fight for equality and helped to pave the way for future generations of activists.
Summit was known for her fierce spirit and her willingness to stand up for what she believed in. She once said, “If you messed with the LGBTQ community, you were messing with Marge.”
Tributes and Remembrances
Summit’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from the LGBTQ community and beyond. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a statement honoring Summit’s legacy, saying, “Marge Summit was a true pioneer in the fight for LGBTQ rights and a beloved figure in our city. Her tireless work and unwavering commitment to social justice will be remembered for generations to come.”
The Lesbian Community Cancer Project also issued a statement, saying, “Marge Summit was a force of nature and a true hero to the LGBTQ community. Her work with the LCCP helped to save countless lives and her legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame also paid tribute to Summit, saying, “Marge Summit was a trailblazer and a visionary. Her work with the Hall of Fame helped to honor the contributions of so many LGBTQ individuals and organizations. We will miss her dearly.”
Memorial Services for Summit
Memorial services for Summit are being planned. The LGBTQ community and beyond will come together to honor her legacy and celebrate her life. Summit’s passing is a reminder of the importance of continuing the fight for equality and social justice. Her spirit and her legacy will live on in the work of future generations of activists.
