Gloria Allen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gloria Allen
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| Born | August 6, 1945 Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Died | June 13, 2022 (aged 76) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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| Occupation | Transgender activist |
Gloria Allen (October 6, 1945 – June 13, 2022) was an American transgender activist. She was well-known for running a special charm school for young transgender people in Chicago. This school was located at the Center on Halsted, a community center.
Gloria Allen's school helped many young people. Even though she was not paid and often used her own money for meals, her work made a big difference. Her story later inspired a popular play called Charm by Philip Dawkins. Her life experiences were also shared in a documentary film, Mama Gloria.
About Gloria Allen
Her Early Life
Gloria Allen was born on August 6, 1945, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She later moved to and grew up in Chicago. She was the oldest of eight children. Her mother, Alma Dixon, was a showgirl and had been featured in Jet magazine.
Her Important Work
Gloria Allen worked as a licensed practical nurse at the University of Chicago Hospital. Later, she worked as a nurse's aide in private homes.
Her most famous work was the charm school she ran. This school helped young transgender people learn important life skills. It was a safe and supportive place for them to grow.
Awards and Recognition
Gloria Allen received several important awards for her activism.
- In 2014, she was given the Living Legend Award. This award was presented at the Trans 100 awards by well-known transgender activists Janet Mock and Precious Brady-Davis.
- In 2021, she received the Carmen Vázquez Award for Excellence in Leadership on Aging Issues. This award came from SAGE, an organization that supports L.G.B.T.Q. elders. She received it at the National LGBTQ Task Force's Creating Change conference.
Her Passing
Gloria Allen passed away on June 13, 2022. She died from respiratory failure in her sleep. She was living in her apartment at Chicago's Townhall Apartments, which is a senior living facility for LGBTQ people.
