Outdoor LGBT Museum Unveiled Today on National Coming Out Day

Between the nightlife, bars and parties on North Halsted in Chicago, it’s easy to forget how far the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has come in the last 25 years.

However, one Chicago organization is changing that. In recognition of October being Gay and Lesbian History Month, and in honor the 25^th anniversary of National Coming Out Day, officials at the Legacy Project are unveiling the historic Legacy Walk on one of Lake View’s most LGBT-friendly streets.

The group is unveiling a series of bronze plaques fastened to the historic rainbow-colored pillars that line North Halsted Street in the heart of the Boystown community. Victor Salvo, founder and executive director of the Legacy Project, says the 18 new installations will remind members of the LGBT community of their roots.

"The Legacy Walk is the only installation of this kind in the world dedicated to celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people," Salvo told the RedEye. "The plaques are part of a multifaceted education initiative designed to inspire GLBT kids, many of whom are forced to suffer in social isolation, with compelling stories about historically significant role models."

The event on National Coming Out Day is just phase one of a long road ahead to commemorate the major players in the LGBT movement. Starting in 2013, members with the Legacy Project will continue to add even more of the bronze biographical plaques to the towers, eventually totaling 34 historical markers.

"The Legacy Walk is the only installation of this kind in the world dedicated to celebrating gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people."

Some of the more recognizable names being cast in bronze on North Halsted include Harvey Milk, Oscar Wilde and Jane Addams.

And while it’s still in the planning stages, the group anticipates opening a new visitors center along the Legacy Walk in 2014 to add even more plaques to the museum. It’s all part of the Legacy Project’s overall plan to continue to remember those who crafted the current LGBT movement.

What’s more, according to the Northalsted Business Alliance, the plaques could be a gift that keeps on giving, the RedEye reports. It’s estimated the “museum walk” could double the amount of visitors to the street each year.

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"That could be as many as 1.5 million people in all, most of who will be coming during the day," said Salvo, according to the RedEye. "People don't realize that 80 percent of the businesses on Halsted are closed when the bars are open. So, bringing people to Halsted Street during the day is the key to revitalizing those businesses.

"This influx should have a transformative effect on the local economy," Salvo continued. "Though I doubt any one plaque could inspire someone to patronize a business, the growth in tourism across the board should translate into increased sales if individual businesses adapt their marketing to appeal to the new visitors."

The unveiling ceremony is scheduled to start at 2 p.m., with both Gov. Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel making speeches at 3 p.m. For more information on tickets, visit the Legacy Walk’s ticket page. 

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