She is known for writing LGBT characters in her plays, for Hannah Free,[1] and for her association with the Victory Gardens Theater.

[3] Allen began writing, depicting the lesbian and bisexual characters she felt were absent from media.

[5][1] In the late 80s and early 90s, Allen developed a relationship with the creative team at Victory Gardens, and saw her plays produced there in number.

Allen's most produced lesbian play is Hannah Free, which premiered at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre in 1992.

[4] Allen co-produced and wrote the screenplay of the 2009 film, Hannah Free, starring Sharon Gless.