Picture it: The Windy City, 1975. You're surrounded by scores of naked men, TV celebrities, a very chatty puppet, AND... world famous fan dancer, Sally Rand! For Chicago LGBT Hall of Famer Gary Chichester, it was "just another day at work." I chatted with the gay rights activist and entertainment producer about his tenure as manager of the legendary gay bathhouse, courting Sally Rand and shushing Paul Lynde, clowning around inside a big top, close encounters with the Boys in the Band, and why learning about LGBT history is the only way to securing our Queer future. Shout outs to the incomparable Chuck Renslow, Wayland Flowers and Madame, Bruce Vilanch, Franne Golde, Owen Keehnen, Tracy Baim, Circus Vargas, and so many others in this super gay, extra PRIDEful edition of Show Boys. 

Read more about Gary Chichester's 50+ years in gay rights activism and show business:

https://www.windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Gary-Chichester-A-Remarkable-Life/28823.html

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Special thanks to Mel and the Leather Archives and Museum: https://leatherarchives.org/

Gary Chichester and the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame: https://chicagolgbthalloffame.org/chichester-gary/