There are several updates after the death of veteran Chicago transgender activist Lois Bates. Bates passed on Thursday November 17, only three days before the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11AM today at Galting's Chapel on 10133 S. Halsted in Chicago. The wake was held Sunday, November 27 at Pillar of Love Fellowship UCC.
Bates was the transgender health manager at Chicago's Howard Brown Health Center, the largest LGBT health center in the Midwest. In addition to being a noted HIV/AIDS activist, she will be best remembered for her trans-advocacy work.
Bates had been very ill, reports Windy City Times.
Her kidney failed and her health never fully recovered. ... Bates had been in and out of the hospital leading up to her death. However, few knew she was very ill until she passed away. Bates was rushed into emergency surgery after suffering breathing problems. Her health declined and her liver failed shortly after. She passed away while on life support in the early morning hours of Nov. 17.
Virtual memorials have been created at PrideIndex and Facebook.
On a personal note: I was very lucky to have met Lois several times through the years. We spoke several months ago at the Esteem Awards. Lois was a dynamic and inspiring presence. She will be missed.
I'd had the pleasure of talking to her off and on during the years and was sorry to hear about her passing.
She's another one of our community builders that will be missed
Posted by: Monica Roberts | 29 November 2011 at 06:52