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JBT posthumously inducted into Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame

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* There are some noteworthy people and groups on this list, but I thought I’d highlight this one…

Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame announces 2020 inductees, virtual ceremony

The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame was founded in 1991 to honor people and entities, nominated by the community, who have made significant contributions to the quality of life or well-being of the LGBT community in Chicago. The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductees for 2020 were selected from a slate of candidates submitted by Chicago’s LGBT community. This year’s individuals, organization, businesses and “Friends of the Community” ( allies ) inductees are as follows: […]

Judy Baar Topinka (posthumous): for her support of LGBT causes when it was politically risky for anyone, Democrat or Republican, to be associated with the movement. The fact that she did so as a Republican showed an incredible amount of political courage. She supported the Illinois’ Marriage Equality Bill and during the November 20, 2013 ceremony at the University of Illinois at Chicago, when the state’s marriage equality bill was signed into law, Judy Baar Topinka was the only Republican speaker at the event. Judy Baar Topinka was “a consistent and firm supporter of gay rights. Even when attacked by members of her own party for her gay rights support, she never wavered.” She was truly a friend of the LGBTQ community.

They just don’t make ‘em like her anymore.

…Adding… Classic JBT…

“I just want to end by noting that I am available to be a flower girl and I’ll even waive the fee.”

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:29 am

Comments

The greatest mistake voters of Illinois made was not voting for her to be Governor of Illinois and electing instead Blagojevich.

She was a great friend of my late friend State Senator Adeline J. Geo-Karis. She also pushed me to adopt a dog from a shelter, a move I never regretted. We named the dog after her.

Imagine how different things would be today if she were elected Governor.

Comment by Louis G Atsaves Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:39 am
JBT was without a doubt the best. A great person and truly a fantastic politician who really cared about people.

Comment by Hard D Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:42 am
So well earned, Rich said it best at the end.

This reminded me, immediately of this Post that Rich had after her passing.

The video told you so much about JBT, and it highlights why she is a worthy addition to the Hall of Fame.

https://capitolfax.com/2014/12/11/perhaps-her-finest-moment/

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:44 am
She really was the best. And we* really shot ourselves in the foot by not choosing her over Blago.

(*And by “we,” I mean not me, but any of you who chose him over her. What were you thinking?)

Comment by South of Sherman Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:45 am
== Imagine how different things would be today if she were elected Governor.==

I also imagine how different the Rauner years would’ve been had she not passed away. This State would’ve been in much better shape.

Comment by fs Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:45 am
“They just don’t make ‘em like her anymore.”

Nothing more to say after that Rich.

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:45 am
She’s a hero now but where were they in 2006 when she received only 39% of the vote for governor? The people of Illinois re-elected Blagojevich. So much for the wisdom of Illinois’ voters.

Comment by Decaturland Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:52 am
Who was it that backed Blago over JBT, again? “Voters of Illinois.” Heh.

Comment by JB13 Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:54 am
I had the privilege of attending the SSM bill signing, where JBT spoke. She would have been a terrific union ally during Rauner.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 11:59 am
JBT deserves every bit of this praise. I’m still saddened how many of the same people (from both sides of the aisle) who’ve praised her since her passing worked against her in 2006. Whether it was Republicans saying she was too liberal or Democrats linking her to George W. Bush, shame on all of you. I remember Team Blago with a sign at the Pride Parade linking JBT to W on LGBTQ issues. Virtually no one in the Democratic Party stepped up to call that garbage out.

Comment by Northfielder Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 12:05 pm
There is a pride bracelet in my home office drawer I have never worn. I am not sure why I bought it or what I was saving it for. Today seems like a good day in honor of an irreplaceable friend.

= They just don’t make ‘em like her anymore. =

Comment by Bertrum Cates Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 12:11 pm
Literally, the easiest vote I ever cast in my life was for JBT over Blago.

I miss her and her wisdom.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 12:20 pm
Well deserved. Wish we had more folks in the GOP like her.

Comment by downstateR Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 12:37 pm
I miss Judy. She was a real class act. First Republican I ever voted for.

Comment by Max’s Mom Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 3:38 pm
As we see in that video, she could also be hilariously funny. That’s something I miss about her.

Comment by Roger Deschner Tuesday, Aug 4, 20 @ 4:07 pm