Individual | Inducted 2024
Antonio King’s dedication to public health and advocacy for the LGBTQ community is unparalleled. As the first gay/bi Black man to serve as the LGBTQ Health & Outreach Liaison at the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), King has demonstrated unwavering commitment to HIV/AIDS health education and prevention – a journey that began in the late 1980s when he volunteered with communitybased organizations in Chicago.
Throughout his tenure at CDPH, King has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellness of LGBTQ individuals. He has established and maintained crucial linkages with various health, social service, and cultural agencies, demonstrating his ability to foster collaborative partnerships to address complex public health challenges. His efforts in organizing Chicago’s first Mayoral Roundtable with LGBTQ People of Color and curating city-wide events such as the “50th Stonewall Anniversary” Pride Reception showcase his innovative leadership and dedication to celebrating LGBTQ pride and resilience.
King’s impact extends beyond his professional activities, as evidenced by his extensive involvement in community organizations and advocacy efforts. As a founding member of the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus and a program manager at Howard Brown Health, he has been instrumental in establishing vital outreach, testing, and prevention programs tailored to the needs of LGBTQ individuals, particularly in Black and minority communities. And his dedication to the art of female impersonation and pageantry has been a cornerstone of his advocacy work for more than 25 years. As an advocate, promoter, judge, and sponsor, King has played a pivotal role in celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the LGBTQ community. For two decades, he has been an integral part of the Continental Pageantry System in Chicago, through which he has provided a platform for LGBTQ individuals to express themselves authentically and proudly, contributing to the visibility and empowerment of the community. His tireless efforts to promote health equity, foster inclusive communities, and empower marginalized voices have left an indelible mark.