Referring to the Chicago street intersection of Dearborn and Division (the nexus of gay life in the 1950s), “Quearborn & Perversion” was self-deprecating slang adopted by gay men from the mocking mouths of the era’s Chicago Police Department. Filmmaker Ron Pajak, interviewing Chicago women and men, documents a rich oral history of lesbian and gay life spanning 1924 to 1974.

Quearborn & Perversion traces the public and private personae of men and women forced by society to live underground in a secret world. Enriching and illustrating these compelling interviews are treasured private photo collections, old home movies, and print memorabilia. Each person’s interview gives voice to an important component of the struggle to live an emotionally honest life at a time when society’s labels of “pervert” and “sick” brainwashed many.

By presenting this oral history of jail time, job loss, and institutionalization (along with a sense of camaraderie, creativity, and pride), Quearborn & Perversion explores, examines, and honors these lesbian and gay Chicago pioneers. Taking impressive risks in the Midwest, they bravely lead a new political movement of equality in Chicago and changed the landscape of the city forever.

ADMISSION:  $10 non-member / $8 members