If you are new to Chicago, you have seen her around Boystown.....Patty,The Pin Lady!  (Patty Latham).  A short 66 year old lady with a butch haircut, (you never know what color it will be!) and a cherub face.
 
And  you probably wondered to yourself if this colorful woman was on the up-and-up?  Many people who don't know her are skeptical and some even try to run the other way when they see her. Chicago is filled with people asking for money and if I gave a dollar every time someone approached me on the street, I'd soon be out of  money and be out there begging myself sooner or later.

But she is the REAL DEAL! 

Since 1995 has raised over $50,000 far various AIDS organizations including  VITAL BRIDGES.  And she'll show you her tax ID, if you don't believe her!

She is frequently seen around Halsted taking donations for red ribbons, candy, gum, and she marches in the  AIDS WALK and also hosts bar parties from time to time.

Chicago writer   Terry Oldes  said, "She’s out there on the street, rain or shine, snow and high water asking for donations to help provide food and housing for those men, women and children in Chicago impacted by HIV/AIDS. The vast majority of those 28,000 people are living under the poverty level.

   Patti told me, “Doesn’t matter if you just give me your spare change, it’s the little things that add up to the big stuff. You have any idea how much pocket change I cashed in last night?!”  and she whipped out a copy of a money order, made out to her organization. 

   “Right there, take a look at that buddy! $73.41! That can help a lot of people, and everyone else just puts those little coins on their nightstand or kitchen counter and forgets about them. Might as well put ‘em someplace they can do good…” and she happily shook her little container, the coins jingling against the metal.

When asked why she works so tirelessly she shares, "I lived in Hawaii for a while with my best friend of 10 years Jimmy. He was everything to me and we did everything together. We laughed a lot and cried a lot too. He died of AIDS in 1991. I do it for him. I’ve got the time, I’ve got the determination, I miss him and it’s worth it to me. This is just a tiny little drop in the bucket, but at least it’s helping.”

Most people give her  some change or a buck or two. Her biggest donation ever?  $1,000!   "There was a businessman who used to live above Roscoes. He gave me 2 checks one day for Vital Bridges, one from himself for $500 and his business matched it with another $500. He said he used to watch me from his window out here handing out flyers and soliciting donations. So he made the donation in my honor!"


As this month of Gay Pride comes to an end, this is someone in our community we can be proud of, all year long. So next time you see her out in streets, SAY HI!  She doesn't bite. And give her a buck or two!


Michael  Snell
Derrick Sorles



THE  BEST  OF  GAY  CHICAGO



PHOTOS   BY  FRED  BURKHART / BURKHART STUDIOS