After meeting in the 1970s, Art and Pep opened Sidetrack in 1982, creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ people amid a deeply homophobic climate. The bar became more than just a place for entertainment—it served as a central hub for the community through pivotal moments, from the AIDS crisis to the passage of marriage equality laws. The couple contributed to the formation of movements like ACT UP and Equality Illinois, and they considered their bar staff to be their chosen family, building strong bonds within the community.
