GPLXC and Gerber/Hart Unveil New Exhibit on Queer Latinx Organizing
We recently took a moment to reflect on a landmark collaboration between the Gage Park Latinx Council (GPLXC) and Gerber/Hart Library & Archives. As the Midwest’s largest repository of LGBTQIA+ history, Gerber/Hart provided a dedicated space to look back at the vital, often-unseen history of Queer and Latinx organizing in Chicago.
The resulting exhibit wasn’t just a display; it was a powerful retrospective of the grassroots work that has defined our movement in Gage Park and across the Southwest Side.
A Historic Opening
On October 5, 2024, our history took center stage with the public opening of the exhibit: GPLXC: Queer Organizing in Latinx Spaces. This debut coincided with Gerber/Hart’s first-ever annual Queer History Symposium, a day dedicated to the scholars and activists who document our lives.
The significance of the moment was cemented by GPLXC Executive Director Antonio D. Santos, who delivered the symposium’s opening remarks, framing our local struggle within the broader lineage of Chicago’s queer liberation.
Archiving Our Intersections
The exhibit invited visitors to journey through:
The Evolution of GPLXC: Tracing our growth from an urgent neighborhood mutual aid effort into a permanent pillar of community resistance.
A Legacy of Care: Highlighting the future of Bienestar and our commitment to mental health and holistic healing as radical acts.
A Visual History: Showcasing the photos, flyers, and artifacts that have documented our work in Gage Park over the years.
The Power of Reflection
Seeing our journey reflected in Chicago’s premier LGBTQIA+ archive was a moment of profound pride for our "unapologetically queer" organization. As we look back on the hurdles we’ve cleared and the resources we’ve fought for, this exhibit served as a reminder that our history is an essential, permanent thread in the fabric of this city.
Visit Gerber Hart
Though this exhibition is now closed, we invite you to continue exploring the archives at Gerber/Hart to learn more about the activists, artists, and neighbors who built the Queer History of Chicago.
Location: Gerber/Hart Library & Archives, 6500 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL
Admission: Free (Suggested $5 donation)
Gallery Hours: Please check Gerber/Hart’s website for current hours and exhibit rotations.