Danny Sotomayor
Danny Sotomayor made history as the first openly gay political cartoonist in the U.S. Hailing from Humboldt Park, Chicago, he proudly represented Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. Amidst the AIDS crisis, Danny emerged as one of Chicago’s fiercest advocates, passionately fighting for awareness and support. Danny was diagnosed with AIDs and passed away at the age of 33. To learn more about Danny's impactful journey, click the link to watch the PBS documentary dedicated to his legacy.
Edie Moore
Edie Moore is a dynamic force within the cannabis community, recognized for her multifaceted roles in shaping policy and promoting equity. As the founder and first Executive Director of Chicago NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws), she spearheaded initiatives aimed at advancing cannabis legalization & challenging outdated legislation. Edie is also the co-founder and Principal Officer of SWAY dispensaries. Her tireless advocacy work has not only propelled the conversation surrounding cannabis reform but has also paved the way for a more equitable and inclusive cannabis industry.
Lois Bates
Lois Bates was an admired figure in Chicago's Black transgender community, specifically known for her HIV prevention advocacy and expertise in trans health education. Lois championed access to quality healthcare and devoted her life to supporting the trans community in various ways. She worked as a transgender health manager at Howard Brown Health Center, served as Secretary of the Windy City Black Pride Committee, and was the clergywoman in Chicago and a national transgender ministry. Lois passed in 2011, however, her tireless activism continued to advance transgender rights and health equity. Click the link to access quality LGBTQ+ care: Howard Brown Health Center.
Art and Pep
Art Johnston and Jose “Pepe” Peña, known affectionately as Art and Pep, are not only the Principal Officers of SWAY dispensaries but also influential leaders in the LGBTQ+ community. The pair met in 1973 when Art was completing a teaching program at Northwestern and Pepe was working in Chicago’s gay bars after moving from Cuba. Together they founded Sidetrack, an iconic LGBTQ+ bar in Northalsted. Throughout the HIV/AIDs crisis and gay liberation movement, Sidetrack served as a vital community hub, and Art’s activism extended to co-founding the Illinois Federation for Human Rights (now Equality Illinois). To dive deeper into their remarkable story, watch the Art & Pep Documentary (streaming on Peacock).
Dennis Peron
Dennis Peron was a Vietnam Air Force veteran who emerged as a legendary cannabis activist igniting America’s medical marijuana revolution in the 1980s. Dennis became a leading figure in San Francisco’s gay culture and cannabis underground during the 70s and 80s. He was one of the first to recognize the cannabis health benefits for AIDs patients. Peron’s pivotal role in passing an ordinance legalizing medical cannabis in San Francisco propelled the movement statewide. His efforts culminated in the 1996 passage of Proposition 215, the nation's first statewide medical marijuana legalization law.
Wayne Justmann
Meet Wayne Justmann, the visionary who led the charge for medical cannabis accessibility across the U.S. As the first-ever medical cannabis license holder, Wayne spearheaded compassionate care programs, ensuring that patients could access cannabis regardless of financial constraints. From working at Dennis Peron’s cannabis club to advocating for dispensary programs while respecting existing sellers, Wayne’s dedication knows no bounds. We honor Wayne Justmann and his tireless advocacy that drove transformative change in medical cannabis accessibility and compassionate healthcare.
Vernita Gray
Vernita Gray was an iconic LGBTQ+ rights activist who played a pivotal role in advancing marriage equality in Illinois. As a plaintiff in the lawsuit challenging the same-sex marriage ban, her resilience helped secure historic legal victories. Vernita’s advocacy extended beyond the courtroom, with initiatives such as establishing LGBTQ+ hotlines, hosting support groups, and providing shelter to homeless LGBTQ+ youth. We commemorate Vernita Gray’s enduring legacy of activism and her profound impact on equality and inclusion as one of Our Heroes.
Brownie Mary
Brownie Mary, originally Mary Jane Rathbun, is a compassionate advocate born in Chicago in 1922 and raised in Minneapolis. Renowned for her selfless work in the AIDs ward at the San Francisco General Hospital, she baked up to 600 brownies daily for those in need. Mary’s fearless advocacy extended to testify before the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, resulting in a landmark resolution prioritizing medicinal cannabis possession as the ‘lowest priority’ for arrests and prosecution. She passed away on April 10th, 1999, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion and advocacy for medical cannabis.
Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk was the pioneering Gay-rights activist and the first openly Gay politician elected in 1977. He supported the growing cannabis movement and campaigned with Dennis Peron for Proposition W in 1978. This policy urged San Francisco's authority to halt arrests and prosecutions related to Cannabis. With Milk's advocacy, 63% of San Franciscans supported the proposition. Born on May 22nd, 1930, Milk’s life was tragically cut short by assassination on November 27th, 1978. Honor his legacy of social justice and advocacy by celebrating Harvey Milk Day every year on May 22nd.
Gloria Allen
Gloria Allen, affectionately known as “Mama Gloria,'' is a revered Chicago Icon and fierce advocate for the city’s Black transgender community. She founded and operated a charm school for homeless transgender youth at the Center on Halsted, providing informal education and meals from her own limited budget. In 2021, she received the Carmen Vázquez Award for Excellence in Leadership on Aging Issues from SAGE (an advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ elders). Mama Gloria passed on June 13, 2020, at the age of 76. Explore her story in the Mama Gloria Documentary.