A legend in Southern Gothic culture, the Lady Chablis is one of seven inductees — all from the transgender community — to the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor.
Remembered for her comedic wit and elegant style, Chablis, also known as The Grand Empress and The Doll, performed in nightclubs across Georgia. She was made famous by John Berendt’s bestselling book and subsequent movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
“It’s changed my life tremendously,” she told ABC’s Good Morning America. Chablis died in 2016 from pneumonia. She was 59.
Administered by the National LGBTQ Task Force, the Wall of Honor recognizes pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes. This year, responding to attempts by the Trump administration to erase transgender identities altogether, the Task Force decided all honorees would be transgender.
“The Imperial Courts and Task Force are reminding us all that transgender people have not only always been here, but have also been some of our community’s most dedicated activists and leaders,” said Nicole Murray Ramirez, a San Diego City Commissioner and founder of the wall.
Joining The Lady Chablis in the Class of 2025 are Ruddy Martinez, a Puerto Rican drag queen; Chili Pepper, a Chicago female impersonator; Lynn Conway, a computer scientist and electrical engineer; Alan L. Hart, a trans man, physician, and tuberculosis researcher; Jiggly Caliente, a Filipino American drag queen; and Sam Nordquist, a trans man who was recently murdered in New York.
A ceremony is planned for June 26 at the historic Stonewall Inn in New York.
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