Beaches, Bars, Socials, Events and More!
LGBTQ+ PRIVATE Night at Six Flags September 9th
Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2023 for Year 12!
(There is another private event before ours. Sometimes the gates open a little bit early. Get there a little early, if you want to maximize your time in the park!)
with a computer or smart phone.
$55 at the door – if available.
FREE PARKING!
Winter is Coming – Think Palm Springs!
WHERE WOULD YOU RATHER BE???
Book your winter getaway now at INNdulge!
RELAX IN AN OASIS IN THE DESERT.
LUXURY ROOMS. FREE WIFI. AIR CONDITIONING.
Wednesday night FREE with a 7 night stay!
MEN OF Chicago Portagers Lacrosse Club
Who likes Lacrosse?
or maybe you just like men in uniforms/ gear?
Let me introduce you to Chicago Portagers Lacrosse Club!
“We are Chicago’s premier semi-pro Box Lacrosse team. We’re excited to bring high-quality Box Lacrosse to the Windy City and do our part to help grow the game.
Our Senior A Men’s Box practices are at Mt Prospect Central Community Center in Mt Prospect.
Our Senior A Men’s Box game venue is Salt Creek Sports Center in Palatine, IL. Our Men’s Field team plays at Clark Park in Chicago (near Lane Tech).”
If YOU WANT TO JOIN – there is lots of information on their website.
Maybe you don’t want to play, you just want to “watch”!
They have developed and created The Men of Midwestern Lacrosse.
The “Men of Midwestern Lacrosse” project aims to achieve three important goals by featuring lacrosse teams from across the Midwest stripping down to raise money for charity, promote male body positivity, and increase the visibility of the sport. The project will donate a portion of its Patreon proceeds to support charitable causes, while also showcasing the diverse range of body types found among lacrosse players to encourage male body positivity. Additionally, by promoting the sport of lacrosse to a wider audience, the project hopes to attract more players and fans to this exciting and fast-paced game.
$6 a month contribution Includes implied nudity, player interviews, and content requests, and other fun content!
$11 a month contribution Includes full nudity, behind-the-scenes content, and player videos!
Get a look at those shafts!
JoJo Baby, Chicago Nightlife Legend
Jojo Baby, an influential artist and one of Chicago’s original club kids, has died at 51 years old.
Smartbar announced Jojo Baby’s death in a Tweet Tuesday, saying the artist was “near and dear to us all and to many in the drag community.”
“Jojo’s spirit will go unmatched,” and their “kindness, warmth and generosity will be sorely missed,” the bar wrote.
Jojo Baby was long a fixture in Chicago’s nightlife scene, performing at Debonair Social club in Wicker Park and hosting Queen!, Smartbar’s weekly Sunday night LGBTQ party in Lakeview. They became a legend and inspired decades of people who admired their artistry, kindness and strong sense of community.
Jojo Baby had recently started chemotherapy to treat their third cancer diagnosis, which was found in their liver, lungs and stomach, they told Block Club in November.
Jojo Baby remained active as an artist and drag performer, continuing to host nights at Queen! and displaying a collection of their hand-made dolls in a recent exhibition at Paris London Hong Kong, a private gallery in West Town.
The exhibition, named “The Bandages Are Off,” featured a scene of Jojo Baby’s hand-made dolls to tell visual stories, Chicago Gallery News reported. The name was inspired by Jojo Baby’s struggle with cancer, and the gallery featured works from years ago, as well as dolls they created between rounds of chemo.
In addition to working as a nightlife host and drag artist, Jojo Baby was a performer, multimedia artist, doll-maker and hairdresser.
They have been the subject of several books and films over the past decade, including a 2015 short documentary that focused on the artist’s history and gallery in Wicker Park.
“It’s like a glimpse into the past, before Instagram and building identities online,” producer Justin Moran told the Tribune in 2015.
The documentary follows Jojo Baby during a night out and features interviews with other drag queens and club kids who were inspired by the artist.
BlockClub Chicago did an awesome piece on Jojo with collections of tributes from Social media.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help JoJo Baby’s family with the funeral and memorial services, as well as the preservation of JoJo Baby’s artwork and legacy. Donate now.
Monkeypox Vaccine in Chicago
Starting July 18, 2022, TPAN will have Monkeypox vaccine available, first come, first served.
Larry Kramer’s The Tragedy of Today’s Gays
Open Space Arts presents a world premiere stage event
THE KRAMER PROJECT to benefit Center on Halsted
The inaugural production is adapted and directed by David Zak
Open Space Arts announced its inaugural production of THE KRAMER PROJECT directed and adapted by David Zak from Larry Kramer’s (THE NORMAL HEART) watershed speech “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays”.
“In this season of anti-trans legislation, looming supreme court decisions, and orders to ‘Don’t Say Gay”, I found myself wondering ‘What would Larry Kramer say?’” recounts Zak. “‘The Tragedy of Today’s Gays’ calls out to be shared in a new way even now, two years after his death.”
This will be the first production for Open Space Arts, a non-profit dedicated to producing works of social relevance. All proceeds of the production will go to the Center on Halsted, a community center for LGBT+ Chicagoans in Lakeview.
The production runs July 22 – July 31 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted.
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(sidebar – if you are NOT familiar with Larry Kramer, he was a noted writer whose raucous, antagonistic campaign for an all-out response to the AIDS crisis helped shift national health policy in the 1980s and ’90s.
An author, essayist and playwright — notably hailed for his autobiographical 1985 play, “The Normal Heart” — Mr. Kramer had feet in both the world of letters and the public sphere. In 1981 he was a founder of New York’s Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the very first service organization for H.I.V.-positive people, though his fellow directors effectively kicked him out a year later for his aggressive approach.
He was then a founder of a more militant group, Act Up (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), whose street actions demanding a speedup in AIDS drugs research and an end to discrimination against gay men and lesbians severely disrupted the operations of government offices, Wall Street and the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
He passed away in 2020 at the age of 24
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Demoralized by the reelection of George W. Bush in 2004 and the 60 million voters who chose his ‘Moral Values,’ Larry Kramer gave what he called ‘the most difficult speech I ever had to give.” That speech, titled “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays”, was heralded as a “strident but truthful lecture” by The Boston Globe. In the wake of Trump’s presidency, David Zak revisited the speech and “found it still vibrant and stirring.” Zak initially worked with Kramer to adapt his speech into a theatrical work, having worked with the author previously on the Chicago premiere of Kramer’s comedy about the Reagans JUST SAY NO.
THE KRAMER PROJECT is the first event for Open Space Arts, a new non-profit dedicated to works of social relevance. Ticket sales from the six performances will benefit Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s most comprehensive community center dedicated to advancing community and securing the health and well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) people of Chicagoland.
The Cast includes Tom Chiola, Keith Butler, Elijah Newman, Hailey Hance, Roberto del Rio, Alexandria Moorman, and Ryan Quade. The video design is by Magdiel Carmona, and the original music is by Elijah Newman.
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THE KRAMER PROJECT
Adapted and Directed by David G. Zak from a “The Tragedy of Today’s Gays” by Larry Kramer
Produced by Open Space Arts / July 21, 22, 23, 28, 30, and 31 at 7PM
Hoover-Leppen Theater on the 3rd Floor of Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, Chicago, IL 60613
Located in Lakeview, north of the Addison Redline stop, near the 36, 8, and 152 CTA Bus lines
Tickets are $30 VIP, $20 General, $10 Seniors and Students.
Tickets on sale starting June 15 at https://www.centeronhalsted.org/
Chicago Area Naturist Sons
Founded in 1989, CANS is an organization of male nudists and naturists dedicated to accepting and appreciating the human body in its naturally beautiful state. CANS provides opportunities for gay, bi, questioning and affirming men to gather for social, non-sexual enjoyment and camaraderie.
Members come from all parts of the Chicagoland area and beyond. Some have been nudists for many years, while others have only recently discovered the fun and enjoyment in social nudity. Our membership is diverse; we are short and tall, wide and thin, quiet and outgoing, young adults to seniors, and from many cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds. We have in common an appreciation of social nudity in a nonsexual context.
Anyone who identifies as male and is gay/bi/questioning or affirming and is at least 21 years of age is welcome to attend CANS events. The rules are simple and common courtesy is key. Bring a towel, a clean, fresh showered body and a friend if you like. There is typically a modest charge to help cover the costs of an event.
Check out their website CansGuys.org
UPCOMING EVENT!!
Saturday, July 9th
Skinny Dipping @ The Oasis
To join and for more detail, please visit us at Meetup.com!
*All perspective members must complete a profile with a photo of themselves on meetup.com to join group.
Fall Pride Event Sept 10 OUT IN THE PARK at SIX FLAGS
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2022 for Year 11!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Saturday, September 10th, 2022 from 8 PM to 12AM
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only about 30% full!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year helping to benefit various non-profits.
“2020/2021 was a devastating for almost everyone. It’s wonderful to see all the events coming back finally!” says BestGayChicago.com owner Michael Snell. “People seem really excited about this year and advance ticket sales are higher than they ever have been!
It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and safe to express themselves freely. Our message is simple: You are welcome here. People of any color, size, body type, gender, gender expression(s), and sexual orientation are welcome. Bigotry will not be tolerated and will be grounds for ejection from the park.
There will be 3 DJ’s spread around throughout the park. DJ Sean Parks and Dj Suave Smooth, both from Chicago. Plus DJ RNB from Milwaukee.
Official time for the event is 8pm – 12 Midnight. “We encourage people to get there at 7:30 PM; usually Six Flags opens the gates a little early and people tend to mingle in the parking lot with friends before the gates open.” says owner Derrick Sorles.
Ticket price drop this year!
Advance $43 tickets can be purchased here; CelebrateDiversityChicago.com
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event! September 4th the price goes up to $48. $53 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE. This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to ensure lines stay short for the rides. Season Passes cannot be honored for special events. All ages event. Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Round trip Bus rides are available from Lakeview for about $30 – details on website in August.
A portion from the ticket sales will be donated to AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION. (AHF) is a global nonprofit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 1,600,000 people in 45 countries.
Chicago’s PRIDE IN THE PARK returns June 25-26
PREMIERING HEADLINERS
- ALESSO. Renowned Grammy-nominated DJ continually ranked as one of the Top 100 DJs in the world and collaborations with Katy Perry, Usher, David Guetta, Tove Lo, and more.
- THE CHAINSMOKERS. The incomparable Grammy-winning DJ and Production duo, with the new lead single “High” from their upcoming fourth studio album.
CONTINUED LINEUP
- JOEL CORRY. DJ, producer, and television personality, Joel came to prominence in 2019 with the release of his single “Sorry” which reached number six in the UK Singles Chart.
- DAYA. Beloved singer/songwriter who was featured on The Chainsmokers’ song “Don’t Let Me Down” which peaked at number 3 on the Hot 100, and worked for Gryffin’s “Feel Good”.
- SAUCY SANTANA. Rapper and Television Personality, with a debut studio album “Keep It Playa” was released in 2021.
- J. WORRA. Best known for her creativity as a producer and skills behind the decks, the native Chicagoan now Los Angeles-based DJ and producer was hailed as DJ Mag’s 2019 Breakthrough Music Producer of the Year.
- SHEA COULEÉ. Fashion Icon, Musician, Human Rights Activist, and Drag Superstar who won RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 5, and just this month was announced as one of eight returning winners that would be competing in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars, the first-ever all-winners season of Drag Race.
- MONET X CHANGE. Singer, Podcaster, Television Personality, All-star Winner, Drag Superstar, and also one of eight returning winners that would be competing in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars, the first-ever all-winners season of Drag Race.
- PRIYANKA. Canadian television personality and drag superstar won the first season of the reality competition series Canada’s Drag Race in 2020.
- REBECCA BLACK. Singer and Youtube sensation with her viral hit single “Friday”, recently came out as queer and also released her new song “Girlfriend”.
- CIRCUITMOM PRODUCTIONS. Chicago’s very own will once again bring exceptional themes, outfits, drag kings and queens, world-famous DJs, and that signature electric house music that only they can deliver at our second stage.
- MOORE KISMET. DJ, songwriter, and music producer that is currently signed with Thrive Music and Universal Music Group.
- MZ WORTHY. DJ, and one of the four original members of the Dirtybird Crew, Mz Worthy has performed at Coachella, Dirtybird Campout, Burning Man, and Ultra festivals.
- Single one day tickets start at $50! BUY THEM HERE and see the options
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AFTER PARTY on the 25th
CircuitMOM & CircuitSON Pres. Love Revolution ft Jace M & Guy Scheiman @ House of Blues!
GET TICKETS!
Chicago Pridefest June 18-19
2022 Gay Pride Event returns to America’s first recognized LGBTQ community
The weekend before the 2022 Chicago Pride Parade (June 26), the Chicago Pride Fest returns for 2 days: June 18-19.
The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 150+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and more.
The annual Chicago Pride Fest® is a legendary street festival, held the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (last Sunday in June). With upwards of 60,000 expected to attend, join us in celebrating LGBTQ+ life, culture and community.
A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks; 14 rainbow paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of it’s kind in the world.
See PERFORMERS HERE!
(Alaska, pictured)
Chicago Pride Fest and Pride Parade 2022
photo credit Ariel Cheung/DNAinfo
There is a saying “Third Times A Charm.” The 2022 Chicago Pride Parade is scheduled for Sunday, June 26, 2022.
AND
The weekend before the 2022 Chicago Pride Parade (June 26), the Chicago Pride Fest returns for 3 days: June 17-19.
The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and more.
AND in the Fall, OUT IN THE PARK at Six Flags will return! September 10th!
Songs for Syria Nov 20th
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre October 9th
Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre was founded in 1999 by Joe Cerqua, composer and musician; Wilfredo Rivera, choreographer and dancer; and Matt Lamb, painter.
Through an intense focus on personal narratives, the combined talents of its diverse company and the multiple artistic languages with which the company communicates, Cerqua Rivera engages audiences in magnetic human stories at once new and deeply familiar.
In their art and their artists, they are proudly and visibly multicultural, exploring the intersection of heritage, culture, and identity.
https://www.cerquarivera.org
Moraine Valley is following COVID-19 safety protocols for visitors on campus. See the latest information at morainevalley.edu/covid.
AHF Pharmacy Chicago
DID YOU KNOW about the new pharmacy in Lakeview?
The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a global nonprofit organization providing cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over 1,500,000 people in 45 countries. “We are currently the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world.”
The Lakeview pharmacy is located within the Out of the Closet Thrift Store and provides same day delivery, assistance with medication adherence, co-pay assistance on PrEP and HIV medications, and mail delivery along with traditional pharmacy services. They are a full-scale pharmacy so anyone can come fill medications with them in a discreet and inviting location.
Since 1987, AHF has cared for thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide. “As we create and implement new programs in communities across the U.S. and abroad, we expand delivery of healthcare and influence over policy with the aim of saving more lives.”
AHF- Lakeview Healthcare Center and AHF Wellness and HIV testing is on-site of this location as well @ 3311 N Halsted. St Chicago, IL 60657.
Illusionist VITALY come to Palos Hills September 25th
Chicago Pride Fest October 1-3
Pride Fest, which usually happens in June, will take place Oct 1-3rd this year!
The festival features live music by headline artists and local favorites, 3 stages, food and drink, 100+ arts/crafts vendors, DJ’s and dancing, drag shows, pet parade, sponsored presence, games, giveaways and more.
A $15 suggested donation for entry helps pays performers and festival workers, and funds community programs. Generous public donations paid for the Chicago Pride Crosswalks; 14 rainbow paved intersections installed in 2019 that make up the longest installation of it’s kind in the world.
It’s a love-filled celebration of diversity, equality and the Chicago LGBTQ+ community on Halsted Street, America’s first recognized gay village.
The festival is easily accessible via the CTA Red Line Addison station at historic Wrigley Field as well as multiple bus lines and rideshare car/cab services with convenient access to downtown hotels and other lodging.
MORE INFO HERE
OUT AT WRIGLEY Celebrates 20 years August
DID YOU KNOW?
OUT AT WRIGLEY is the longest-running Pride game in major U.S. pro sports?
The man behind the event, Bill Gubrud explains, “In 2001, I organized the largest Gay Day at a major league sporting event at Wrigley Field called Out at The Ballgame (now called Out at Wrigley). I went to the Cubs and told them I wanted to do a Gay Day,” Gubrud told Front Office Sports. “I asked how many seats were in a section and he said 2,000. I responded, ‘OK, I’ll take them all. That’s how we started. In 2012 and continuing this year, we bought out the new Budweiser Patio Deck as well as general seating in the ball park.”
That’s an amazing accomplishment!
In less than 2 weeks, OUT AT WRIGLEY celebrates 20 years! Sunday August 22nd is the date.
Pride in the Park June 26 & 27, 2021
PRIDE IN THE PARK ANNOUNCES LEGENDARY LINEUP THAT BRINGS TOGETHER THE QUEEN OF FUNK AND QUEER ICON, THE GREATEST DJ OF ALL TIME, AND THE PRODIGAL PRODUCER THAT IS SURE TO PRODUCE SICKENING SOUNDS AND ONE OF THE BEST PRIDE MUSIC FESTIVALS OF THE YEAR
Pride in the Park Chicago, presented by Truly Hard Seltzer, proudly announces the legendary lineup for this years’ Main event in Grant Park (downtown Chicago) on June 26 and 27, along with being one of the city’s first in-person festivals.
HEADLINING IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
- Chaka Khan, the legendary Queen of Funk, Queer Icon, and ten-time Grammy-winning artist.
- GRYFFIN, the self-taught prodigal producer, with a #1 on Spotify’s US and Global Viral charts and #2 on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist.
- Tiësto, a Grammy award-winning artist, dubbed “the world’s greatest DJ,” the Godfather of EDM, and commanding the title of “best DJ of the last 20 years.
FULL LINEUP
- Betty Who, the Australian-American singer and songwriter of “I Love You Always Forever,” peaked inside the top ten in Australia and reached the top of the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States.
- Tracy Young, a Grammy award-winning producer, history-maker, and proud member of the LGBTQ community, she is the first woman ever to win a Grammy in the category of best-remixed recording.
- Alyssa Edwards, the iconic star from Emmy-winning television series “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” American entertainer, choreographer, and television personality.
- Derrick Carter, a Queer, Black Chicago-native, was named No. 53 in the 100 Most Famous Chicagoans, is regarded as one of the best underground house key players in the U.S. and Europe.
Among these show-stoppers, there will be other renowned and diverse artists such as CircuitMOM, Hector Fonseca, Tony Moran, Lady D, The Vixen Denali Foxx, Karsten Sollors, Tenderoni, Miss Toto, Mila Jam, Kinley Preston, Traci Ross, Naysha Lopez, It Jomama, Hinkypunk, Kara Mel D’Ville, Sheeza Woman, Avi Sic, Matt Suave, O’Laysia, Chamilla Foxx, Zoliy Miyake Mugler for Ballroom Pride & Guest Speakers.
Dusty Carpenter, Pride in the Park Chicago President and Lead Organizer, said, “To say we are excited is an understatement. We have legendary artists – with 12 Grammys combined – diverse Allies and Queer icons that are going to simply bring the house down. What better way to celebrate our Pride than with amazing music in a diverse and inclusive atmosphere? We continue to celebrate Pride to remind us of our achievements and to also remind us of our history, struggles, and work that is yet to be done.”
Proud Partnerships Uphold Our Commitment to Equality, Equity, and Big Entertainment
- We are proud to continue its official charity partnership with The Center on Halsted – donating a portion of ticket sales and providing in-kind tickets to ensure LGBTQ+, and underprivileged youth may participate, feel welcomed, and celebrate their pride openly.
- We are proud to continue another community activity on Pride weekend; the awards ceremony for Pride Bowl XIII will be held at the festival. Now in its 13th year, Pride Bowl is an LGBTQ+ flag football tournament played on Chicago’s lakefront as part of Pride weekend.
- A new Proud Partnership with Chicago’s very own CircuitMOM Productions – commanding their own onsite performances. Consistently bringing exceptional performances, outrageous outfits, drag kings and queens, world-famous DJs, and that signature electric house music that only CircuitMOM can deliver.
- A new Proud Partnership with Health Pass by CLEAR. Health Pass is a free mobile experience on the CLEAR app that securely connects a user’s verified identity to multiple layers of COVID-19-related health information to help reduce public health risk and get people back to what they love.
- We are proud to continue a partnership with Howard Brown Health and other Chicago testing providers to give attendees as many options as possible. If not fully vaccinated, we highly suggest you get tested Thursday or Friday prior to the event at one of the COVID PCR testing centers around the city.
VISIT WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PROUD PARTNERS AND OUR FULL COVD-19 HEALTH SAFETY PLAN
WHAT: Pride in the Park Chicago LGBTQ+ live, outdoor festival
WHERE: Grant Park – BUTLER FIELD (Downtown Chicago) | 100 S Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL
WHEN: Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 // TIMES: 2:00 PM-10:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Drag March Chicago 2021 will happen JUNE 13th
Chicago Black Queer Community Calls for Change
Belmont and Halsted, where the LGBTQ+ community and allies will march in support of Black Lives
Matter and demand justice for acts of oppression. A gathering will mark the beginning of the march, with the march commencing at 1:00pm and ending at Halsted and Grace where drag community leaders will speak on the issues of today, the mission at hand, and ways to create and promote lasting impact.
community,” said protest organizer Joe Lewis, who performs in drag as Jo Mama. “Now we need to
continue to stoke the flames of change, and hold those who have oppressed our community accountable
with continued action.”
community, specifically Black trans lives, that still persists and has expanded to peoples of all races,
especially members of the AAPI community.
-Justice* for Tony McDad, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd
-Reclassification of violence against Trans individuals as a hate crime
-That the Chicago City Council defund CPD by 75% and reinvest those funds into social services and
community programs
-Police banned from marching in Pride festivities indefinitely
-Immediate release of all protesters from previous BLM actions
*Justice being the abolishment of the system that took these lives and that restorative systems grow in
their stead.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Alum, Dida Ritz
Legendary Performer, The Miss Toto
Chicago Icon, Lucy Stoole
RuPaul’s Drag Race Alum, The Vixen
Drag Council Co-Founder, Lil Nicki
Molasses Collective Member, Cae Monae
Drag March for Change Organizer, Jo MaMa
The Drag March for Change is a peaceful protest that originated in June of 2020 in response to a growing
need for action after events such as the murder o f George Floyd, the murder of Breonna Taylor, the
murder of Tony McDade, and racism that exists in the Boystown community of Chicago. Over 15,000
people marched in solidarity on June 14, 2020 in response to a need for change, specifically in regards to
racial injustice taking place in Chicago communities.
Black Drag Council, a town hall lead by the Chicago, a petition for change in leadership in queer
nightclubs in Chicago, action to uplift oppressed communities such as black queer folks within the
Boystown community, and a continued effort to support performers in Chicago.
https://forms.gle/823xCHjJmLRMxSHa7
LAUNCHING JUNE PRIDE MONTH WITH AIDS GARDEN CHICAGO GROUNDBREAKING
The Honorable Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Alderman Tom Tunney, Congressman Mike Quigley, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, State Representatives Greg Harris and Margaret Croke, Chicago Parks Foundation Executive Director Willa Lang, and Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Mike Kelly, along with members of the LGBTQ community, officially and joyfully ‘broke the ground’ on the long-awaited AIDS Garden Chicago Wednesday, June 2, 2021.
Located at Lake Shore Drive and Belmont Avenue, AIDS Garden Chicago is the city’s first public park to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic, and honors those who continue to fight against the disease today.
Taking place in front of the Garden’s anchor piece, the stunning 30-foot Keith Haring sculpture, ‘Self-Portrait,’ official remarks were followed by a powerful spoken word performance by Chicago-bred Black Queer playwright, poet and activist Osiris Khepera.
“It brings me great joy to officially break ground on AIDS Garden Chicago in a location that means so much to our LGBTQ+ communities,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “As we memorialize those we’ve lost to the HIV epidemic and honor those who continue to fight this disease, it has never been more important to immortalize Belmont Rocks’ legacy as a safe space where people could gather, support one another and be their full selves. I look forward to seeing this garden come to life by the end of this year and become our city’s newest symbol of liberation, individuality and stewardship.”
Alderman Tom Tunney said, “I thank everyone who attended the AIDS Garden Chicago groundbreaking event; in the face of the AIDS epidemic, countless people took action and worked to provide health care, housing, food or other services to meet basic needs of our friends and neighbors who became infected with HIV/AIDS. Many of these same people worked tirelessly to see this garden, the city’s first public park to memorialize the early days of Chicago’s HIV epidemic, come to fruition. AIDS Garden Chicago is a living garden and an educational tool that symbolizes the resiliency of the LGBTQ community. AIDS Garden Chicago is intended to be a safe space for all: those who are queer or straight, those with any gender identity, those from any race or ethnicity. The AIDS epidemic impacted people of all backgrounds from all communities and walks of life and we recognize the human toll for all. Thank you to all who have helped make AIDS Garden Chicago possible.”
Added Chicago Parks Foundation Executive Director Willa Lang, “Especially at this time, during the pandemic, when so many marginalized communities were impacted disproportionately, we remember, recognize and honor those amazing joyful lives lived and lost during the AIDS epidemic at this magnificent site along the lake front. But what is most important to remember is that there are those who still live with HIV/AIDS today, individuals not yet welcome, not well-served and still struggling to be seen. Our work is not yet done. AIDS Garden Chicago is a garden for all. A safe place to tell the stories, reflect and celebrate all lives and our differences as well. The Belmont Rocks will live on in this lush wandering garden of beauty, joy and shared love. The Chicago Parks Foundation is honored to lead this project to its completion and look forward to bringing our communities together again when we cut the ribbon on AIDS Garden Chicago this fall.”
Other VIPS in attendance at the groundbreaking included: Chicago Park District Manager of Art Initiatives Mike Dimitroff, Chicago Parks Foundation Board Member Michael Erwin, OUTspoken co-founder David Fink, Chicago Park District Director of Planning and Development Heather Gleason, business woman and activist Christie Hefner, former Alderman Tunney representative Chris Jessup, community gardener Nancy Juda, Design Workshop garden designer Manisha Kaul, Legacy Project Co-Founder Owen Keehnen, former State Senator William Marovitz, Alphawood Foundation Executive Director Jim McDonough, Executive Director of The Arts Club of Chicago Janine Mileaf, community supporter Vicki Noe, current Alderman Tunney Director of Business Affairs and Special Events Jessica Papp, President and CEO of AIDS Foundation Chicago John Peller, former State Representative Yoni Pizer, Rosenthal Fine Art’s Dennis Rosenthal and Susan Pool, Legacy Project Co-Founder and Executive Director Victor Salvo, and Lincoln Park Conservancy Executive Director Doug Widener.
The 2.5 acre AIDS Garden Chicago is situated on Lake Michigan at the original location of the historic Belmont Rocks, a beloved space where the local gay community gathered between the 1960s and 1990s. The Garden’s first phase was completed in late 2019 with the installation of its anchor piece, the stunning 30-foot Keith Haring sculpture, ‘Self-Portrait.’ The Garden will include unique areas designed for reflection, education, honor, and pride. Visitors will be guided through a variety of collective garden spaces all providing a sensory nature experience, most notably a Gingko Reflection Grove. The Foundation will soon launch the AIDS Garden Story Archive, a digital quilt of personal shared experiences to be posted on the AIDS Garden Chicago website. AIDS Garden Chicago, a “park with purpose,’ expects to open in Fall 2021.
The Chicago Parks Foundation thanks current AIDS Garden Chicago partners: Alderman Tom Tunney, Alphawood Foundation, TAWANI Foundation, Walgreens, Beaumier Donor Advised Family Fund, the Elizabeth Morse Trust and the Chicago Park District in addition to tireless advocacy by the State of Illinois, Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Leader Greg Harris, Representative Mike Quigley, State Rep Margaret Croke and former State Representative Yoni Pizer. Further thanks to: AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Center on Halsted, Design Workshop, Friends of the Parks, Howard Brown Health, Keith Haring Foundation, Legacy Project, Mariano’s, The Moth and Rosenthal Fine Art, Inc.
The Chicago Parks Foundation is leading the Garden’s fundraising and community conversations. Established in 2013 as the nonprofit partner of Chicago’s parks, the Chicago Parks Foundation operates in a public-private partnership with the Chicago Park District to provide fiscal partnership to foundations, organizations, and individuals who wish to support their parks. For more information, visit Chicago Parks Foundation.
