![Lois_batesx390_0](https://www.advocate.com/media-library/lois-batesx390-0.jpg?id=32709925&width=1200&height=876)
CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Advocate Lois Bates, a beloved figure in Chicago's LGBT community, died November 17 after a long illness. She was 41.
Bates, who was transgender, was known for her work with Chicago's Howard Brown Health Center, where she helped create support groups for transgender youth and adults, and also worked to boost HIV prevention. She was the lead facilitator of the country's first Centers for Disease Control and Prevention AIDS awareness program that was created specifically for transgender women of color, the Chicago Tribune reports. Her career in health advocacy and as a licensed minister took place after she served in the Persian Gulf in the Navy, prior to transitioning.
Despite enduring kidney failure for 15 years, Bates was described by former colleagues as optimistic, religious, and "one of the funniest
people you would ever meet."
"She was a sister to thousands of trans men and women," friend June LaTrobe told the Tribune. "She was there to listen, to advise. She was a fierce advocate for the fair, equal and inclusive representation of trans people."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Joe Biden sends queer lawmakers & LGBTQ+ allies to Paris Olympics
July 24 2024 12:08 PM
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM
'Devastated:' A six-week abortion ban will go into effect in Iowa next week
July 23 2024 2:28 PM