Susan Franz is a certified financial planner professional with twenty-plus years experience specializing in tax-related planning and investments. Over one quarter of her clientele is LGBT. She made Chicago her home in 1969. Franz and her gay twin brother grew up downstate. She was president of the Associated Women Students of Illinois State University. Although she came out around age nine she was closeted until after meeting her life partner, Judith Markowitz, in 1980. Today, she’s an HRC donor and supports other LGBT organizations. Susan and Judith Markowitz won a silver medal in the dancesport competition of the Chicago Gay Games.