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Under 6% of gay households have children, so gay people have more discretionary income to spend than the average family – giving them more
per capita buying
power than most segments.


This work is licensed
under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

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.









JUNE 20 - WORKSHOP - "Choose Life: Spiritual Energy for Coming Out Decisions"by Living Well Ministries, 6554 N. Rockwell. 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. $35 (Pre-registration by June 17 required). Includes one optional 1-1 coaching session. Led by Rev. Jackie Belile, a lesbian Baptist minister and spiritual life coach. jacki@livingwellministries.net 773-655-4357.

JUNE 22 - RECEPTION - "Pride & Joy" by the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame at Circuit Night Club, 3641 N. Halsted. 6 PM to 10 PM. Tickets: $10. www.GLHallofFame.org hofevents09@yahoo.com 312-744-7911.
JUNE 22 - LIVE TALKSHOW - "The View" - Youth Pride Center debuts its live talkshow with 5 LGBT panelists discussing hot topics and more ! Special guests stop by and sit on the couchto discuss issues w/ a LGBT twist. 7 PM. Free. Location: TBA. youthpridecenter@gmail.com 773-690-6790 (pride event info line only).

JUNE 26 - STREET FESTIVAL - "Chicago Pride Fest" by Northalsted Area Merchants Assn. (NAMA) on Halsted St., from Waveland to Grace. 3 PM to 10 PM. $5 voluntary contribution goes to NAMA. (Two day festival continues on June 27 from 11 AM to 10 PM). www.chicagoevents.com 773-868-3010.

JUNE 27 - OUTDOOR WEEKEND PRIDE PARTY - "6th Annual Backlot Bash" in parking lot behind Cheetah Gym, 5238 N. Clark St. Live bands, drinks & dance. 3 PM to 10 PM ($10 before 5 PM; $15 after) Age 21+. (Two day event continues on June 28). www.backlotbashchicago.com backlotbash@yahoo.com.
JUNE 27 - PRIDE RUN & WALK - 28th Annual "Proud To Run" - 5k & 10k run & 2 mile fun walk presented in association with Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago at Montrose Harbor. 8:04 AM. Proceeds benefit Gerber/Hart Library & Pride Youth. Sign up at: www.registerPTR.com Information: www.frfwchicago.org.
JUNE 27 - STREET FESTIVAL - "Chicago Pride Fest" by Northalsted Area Merchants Assn. (NAMA) on Halsted St., from Waveland to Grace. 11 AM to 10 PM. $5 voluntary contribution goes to NAMA. (second day of two day festival). www.chicagoevents.com 773-868-3010.

JUNE 27 - OUTDOOR TEA DANCE "Sober & Proud v. 2.0" by Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House, 825 W. Wellington. 5 PM to 10 PM. Suggested Donation: $10 to defray costs. Food and beverages provided (alcohol & drug-free event for LGBT members & friends who are in recovery). Open to the public. www.bonaventurehouse.org/soberandproud events@abam.org 773-327-9921.
JUNE 28 - CHICAGO 40th ANNUAL PRIDE PARADE - coordinated by PRIDEChicago. Line up: corner of Halsted Street (800 West) and Belmont Avenue (3200 North). Step off from the Halsted/Belmont corner at 12 Noon, proceeding north on Halsted (to Broadway); then south on Broadway (to Diversey); then east on Diversey (to Cannon Drive) in Lincoln Park. Information: www.ChicagoPrideCalendar.org 773-348-8243. Grand Marshal is actor, teacher & activist Alexandra Billings.
JUNE 28 - RED PARTY - the official Youth Pride Center Pride Parade AFTER Party-FREE when you wear red !! ($5.00 for others). Location: TBA, Ages 13 to 21 only. youthpridecenter@gmail.com 773-690-6790. Pride event info line only).

JUNE 28 - OUTDOOR WEEKEND PRIDE PARTY - "6th Annual Backlot Bash" in parking lot behind Cheetah Gym, 5238 N. Clark St. Live bands, drinks & dance. 2 PM to 10 PM ($10) Age 21+. www.backlotbashchicago.com backlotbash@yahoo.com.
JUNE 28 - PARTY - "Pretty Boy Pride featuring Pepper Mashay" by Pretty Boy Enterprises Inc. event at 2539 N. Kedzie Ave. 9 PM to 2 AM. Age: 18+ to party; 21+ to drink. www.prettyboypresents.com jstern@prettyboyenterprisesinc.com 773-507-0566.
JUNE 30 - BLACK LGBT PRIDE - beginning this coming week there are dozens of events scheduled for the LGBT Black Pride celebration. www.windycityblackpride.org www.chicagowindycityblackpride.com
www.chiblackpride.com.
The Best of Gay Chicago

aboard the Kanan Cruise Ship
Saturday June 27, 2009
VIP Reception at 11:30 am - Ship Boarding 12:30 pm - Departs dock at 1:00 pm and returns at 3:00 pm
VIP reception starts at 11:30am on the main level of the yacht. Guests will be greeted by Chicago’s Female legend Ms. Teri Yaki. This hour long reception features handmade mojitos with 1919 8 year aged rum and Steaz organic sodas. This is lounge atmosphere of intimate gathering areas with couches and cocktail tables and a baby grand piano.
Boarding of the cruise ship is at 12:30pm. Guests will be greeted by the cruise director and open premium bar will begin promptly at 12:30pm. The yacht will set sail at 1:00pm
While sailing at 1:00pm Designed Cuisine will serve lunch on the third floor of the yacht. Lunch includes Full Fajita Bar, Mini Mandarin Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Mango Salsa and Chips, and an array of Sushi.
Also at 1:00pm while lunch is being served Dj Phil DaBeatz will spin on the third floor party deck. The party deck has the private bar and veranda for the VIP guests and also the dance floor.
The forth and last deck is the outdoor bar and roof top party. The fourth floor features full bar and cocktail tables.
Board adjacent to the EAST garage at NAVY PIER!
Proceeds from this cruise will benefit Vital Bridges.
BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT BJ PROMOS CHICAGO
The Best of Gay Chicago
HAPPY PRIDE!











Its already been a year of accomplishments for DJ Phil DaBeatz. In April, DaBeatz was signed to Centaur Music, the 1 global GLBT record label. His contract includes the remixing and production of a cd in their POPular Series to be marketed and sold worldwide - CD Release scheduled for this month.
Everyone always looks for a chance to get out of Boystown and do something different, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Sunday May 24th
Boarding at 12:30pm and Cruise 1:00-3:00pm Tickets $65
VIP tickets $125 include Private Reception 11:30am-12:30pm
Buy tickets Online for more information call (630)664-4203
Next cruise is Pride Weekend, Saturday June 27th - Brunch, Booze and Boys!
Best of Gay Chicago!

In 1992, the first Grabby Erotic Gay Video Awards were published in Gay Chicago Magazine.
Seven years later, the first live Grabby Awards Show was held at a Bathhouse.
As the Grabby Awards grew, it moved to larger venues and now includes events that span Memorial Day weekend.
Now it draws national attention, dozens of porn stars and spans 4 days of events and parties! They also partner with TPAN and raise money for HIV testing and awareness.
This years line up looks like this...
Thursday May 21st
Grabby Kickoff Party with Chi Chi Larue and the Men for Fabscout(21 men).
Hydrate
3458 N. Halsted from 10pm till ? $5 per person to benefit TPAN
Friday May 22nd
6:00 -9:00 PM Nakedsword Presents Tim and Roma at Roscoe's
3356 N. Halsted. Over 30 pornstars talking with Sister Roma all money raised on raffles goes to TPAN.
* Please note this show will be filmed for the Tim and Roma Show on Nakedsword.com
Porn at the LuckyHorseShoe 3169 N. Halsted with The Men Of Raging Stallion Studios
9pm-till ? Last years winner of Movie of the Year are back to celebrate their win and all their nominations this year! No cover.
* all raffle money goes to TPAN.
Saturday May 23rd
The 2009 Grabbys!
Park West Theatre 322 W Armitage. Red carpet / doors open at 6:00 PM. Show stars at 7:30 PM.
Order tickets online at GRABBYS
Tickets ON SALE NOW and every year this event SELLS OUT early!
The Grabby Official AfterParty BEACH
Charlie's
3726 N Broadway. Doors open at 10:00 PM.
Tickets are $25.00 at the door or $20.00 at Grabbys.com
$5.00 of every ticket purchased goes to Test Positive Aware Network - TPAN
Sunday May 24th
Post Grabby Party at North End 3733 N Halsted from 12 - 6:00 PM
Hosted by Angel Benton and Cockyboy Exclusive Bobby Clark, with a list of pornstars that will make you gag !!!!! All money raised during the show goes to TPAN. $5.00 if you get your ticket early at North End or $8.00 at the door.
* this event has become VERY popular so get your tickets early space is limited! SURE TO SELL OUT!
THE BEST OF GAY CHICAGO
gay travel travel expo HX magazine gay chicago Turbo Tagger
The Gay Life Travel Expo is a one night, after work event that attracts 500-1000 GLBT travelers and travel professionals. The Gay Life Travel Expo will take place in 9 major cities around the country with the best marketing and promotional campaign for an event of this kind. -
It will be in Chicago, Thursday May 21st and be held at the Center on Halsted from 4-8pm.
FREE to attend. Download a FREE TICKET online.
The Best of Gay Chicago

WARNING: Excessive exposure to REmiXed! may make you think that you can sing, dance & party all day long. EuroNRG, Dance, Trance & more. Tracks are all complete with club versions played whenever possible... including previously unavailable mixes!
The Best of Gay Chicago
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE
FOR MAJOR 4-NIGHT ENGAGEMENT JUNE 2 - 5!
Kristopher McDowell Productions is producing a June series at The Hoover-Leppen Theatre/Center on Halsted in Chicago. The supremely talented ladies featured in this series continue to garner praise from discerning critics. Each artist presents one solo concert engagement each night at the Hoover Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted, 3656 Halsted Street.
Featuring ...
SHARON McNIGHT returns to Chicago after having performed at Chicago Pride in 2007 and at the Chicago Gay Games the same year. Brassy, sassy and full of life McNight will perform her hit show SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE which recently played in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs, California. SF Chronicle said, "McNight gets saucy in (her) new show - Songs To Offend delights (the) crowd!" In this hysterical show, Sharon performs songs that will have the audience rolling in the aisles. Sharon was nominated for a Tony Award for her starring role in STARMITES and has appeared on SEINFELD.

SPIDER SALOFF is a celebrated Award-Winning jazz vocalist and Chicago-based artist who will debut her all-new one woman show ENTERTAINING GUESTS. Spider has been called "one of the finest jazz vocalists in this or any other city" by the Chicago Tribune. This Sneak Preview will feature mostly original material written by SPIDER SALOFF. She has seven solo albums including her most recent CD Cole Porter Live at Maxim's which recently enjoyed performances at Maxim's in Chicago and at The Metropolitan Room in New York City.

MELISSA YOUNG is a name that is catching on. Another Chicago-based actress, vocalist and comedienne has performed LUCKY STAR: A MADONNA TRIBUTE to sold-out crowds at Davenport's Show Room in Wicker Park and has wowed audiences at the Drury Lane Theatre and other well-known Chicago venues.
"Young's show is open, inviting and an awful lot of fun!"
says Chicago Reader.

Broadway Star and Brazilian Jazz Artist
LUBA MASON performs KRAZY LOVE on Friday, June 5 at 7:30 PM
"A voice as big and rich as a star-filled sky." Jazz Times
Jazz vocalist, Broadway Star and wife of Latin superstar Ruben Blades, Luba Mason explores the arc of modern day relationships and infuses them with the music of Brazil in her newly released CD KRAZY LOVE on Sunnyside Records. Classically trained in voice and piano, Luba's writing talents are premiered in 8 original songs alongside some Brazilian classics. A Broadway veteran of 8 shows including starring roles in CHICAGO opposite Brooke Shield's, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS... opposite Matthew Broderick and JEKYLL & HYDE as well as TV guest star appearances in LAW & ORDER, NYPD BLUE and RAINES. Luba has recently performed at both the 2009 PANAMA and COSTA RICAN JAZZ FESTIVALS and is happy to include Chicago on her current national tour of KRAZY LOVE.
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN or call etix at 1-800-514-3849.
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE performs 4 times with a different show each night: Tuesday through Friday June 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. All shows are at 7:30 PM. Tickets are $30 per person per event. All tickets on sale NOW!
The Best of Gay Chicago

A formal announcement will be made next week on the TC website.
"We are looking for teams of 2 who are TRUE AND PROUD CHICAGO residents. Whether its a spouse, partner, neighbor, boss, here's your chance to either guide the poor motorist in your life to victory or prove to your favorite back-seat driver that you're not a bad driver after all!!
Good drivers, bad drivers, misunderstood drivers, we want to hear from you and your team!"
Seeking strong duos with big personalities! C'mon boys and girls, you know you want to be on TV!
Travel Channel will be in Chicago late May conducting personal interviews.
To be considered send an EMAIL today to Casting! Send an email NOW before the rush next week!
The Best of Gay Chicago


More than 50 contestants from across the U.S. and around the world will compete for the title of International Mr. Leather 2009, Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25, 2009 (Memorial Day Weekend) in Chicago. IML is pleased to announce an exciting new location for this year’s contest: The Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan Ave. The Chicago Hilton is also the host hotel for the weekend.
5 days of leathermen, parties, events, contest and more.
Visit IML online for more details.
The Best of Gay Chicago

In 1992, the first Grabby Erotic Gay Video Awards were published in Gay Chicago Magazine.
Seven years later, the first live Grabby Awards Show was held at a Bathhouse.
As the Grabby Awards grew, it moved to larger venues and now includes events that span Memorial Day weekend.
Now it draws national attention, dozens of porn stars and spans 4 days of events and parties! They also partner with TPAN and raise money for HIV testing and awareness.
This years line up looks like this...
Thursday May 21st
Grabby Kickoff Party with Chi Chi Larue and the Men for Fabscout(21 men).
Hydrate
3458 N. Halsted from 10pm till ? $5 per person to benefit TPAN
Friday May 22nd
6:00 -9:00 PM Nakedsword Presents Tim and Roma at Roscoe's
3356 N. Halsted. Over 30 pornstars talking with Sister Roma all money raised on raffles goes to TPAN.
* Please note this show will be filmed for the Tim and Roma Show on Nakedsword.com
Porn at the LuckyHorseShoe 3169 N. Halsted with The Men Of Raging Stallion Studios
9pm-till ? Last years winner of Movie of the Year are back to celebrate their win and all their nominations this year! No cover.
* all raffle money goes to TPAN.
Saturday May 23rd
The 2009 Grabbys!
Park West Theatre 322 W Armitage. Red carpet / doors open at 6:00 PM. Show stars at 7:30 PM.
Order tickets online at GRABBYS
Tickets ON SALE NOW and every year this event SELLS OUT early!
The Grabby Official AfterParty BEACH
Charlie's
3726 N Broadway. Doors open at 10:00 PM.
Tickets are $25.00 at the door or $20.00 at Grabbys.com
$5.00 of every ticket purchased goes to Test Positive Aware Network - TPAN
Sunday May 24th
Post Grabby Party at North End 3733 N Halsted from 12 - 6:00 PM
Hosted by Angel Benton and Cockyboy Exclusive Bobby Clark, with a list of pornstars that will make you gag !!!!! All money raised during the show goes to TPAN. $5.00 if you get your ticket early at North End or $8.00 at the door.
* this event has become VERY popular so get your tickets early space is limited! SURE TO SELL OUT!
THE BEST OF GAY CHICAGO







The idea excited me musically and emotionally. For women of my generation, Tapestry was more than just a great album. It was virtually our religion!"

Hosted by designer and radio personality Heidi Hess, this high-energy fashion show and cocktail party will showcase the designs of 5p1t, Akira Chicago, Heidi Hess, Kate Boggiano, Kwabena, Lara Miller, Serpico, SkinStinct, and Universal Gear, as well as feature a special guest appearance by Jack Mackenroth of Project Runway fame and the Living Positive by Design Campaign.
Buy your tickets today! General Admission Tickets start at $65 (includes premium open bar) and Designer Tickets start at $125 (includes VIP Reception, runway seating, premium open bar, hors d’ouvres, event swag bag, and admission to the Official After Party at The Underground).
The Best of Gay Chicago





Leatherman Mark Austin (Finalist, 2007 IML) and Mistress Joanne Gaddy (retired Mistress of IML) will welcome all LGBT, straight or questioning leather novices as they lead you through four important eras in leather history. The beginnings of leather post-WW II, the leather world during the Gay Liberation Movement, the loss of many in the leather community to complications of HIV/AIDS and the influence of the internet on the leather community. Get ready for IML 2009 with a deeper and richer understanding of the history of leather.
Admission is $5 at the door.
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Tom Ballentine, Director of Community and Cultural Programs at tballentine@centeronhalsted.org, or call 773-472-6469 X245.
Start: Wednesday, Apr. 22, 2009 7:00 PM
End: Wednesday, May. 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago
The Best of Gay Chicago

This one-day event coincides with "Tax Day" to highlight the fact that “LGBT couples have yet to be granted the same rights to file our taxes jointly on a Federal level, and we can still be fired for being openly gay in the workplace. That’s why you’re encouraged to be seen on Tax Day, April 15, 2009, spreading your love with a KISS!”
Same Sex Kiss Day calls for couples to go to a neighborhood Starbucks coffee shop and during one (or all, if you wish) of four designated times throughout the day, exchange a kiss with your same sex partner or friend. The set times are at 7:15 am, 12:15 pm, 5:15 pm, and 8:15 pm.
Why Starbucks? Well according to the Same Sex Kiss Day site, “Starbucks has been committed to LGBT rights since the beginning of time offering domestic partnership insurance, quoting gay artists on their coffee cups, and funding our gay pride parades.”

Queers United recently ran this list of Guerrilla Gay Bars from around the world.
The Best of Gay Chicago


While Bebe Zahara Benet is getting adjusted to her new title as American’s Next Drag Superstar, Chicago’s premier DJ, Mark Picchiotti (pronounced “Pick-ee-ah-tee”) is pulling records for his diva-licious gig as the official DJ of RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner’s Tour (also known as The Absolut "Real Fruit" Tour).
Throughout the month of April, lucky “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fans in Chicago, Miami, San Francisco and Los Angeles will get to see Mark and Bebe live, but those not fortunate enough to live in tour cities can still put some bass in their walk. Fans can snatch DJ Mark Picchiotti's Megamix. It’s free, it’s fierce (includes his remixes of songs by Solange, Kylie, Beyonce and Basstoy) and downloads with a single click. Work!
Chicago-based Mark Picchiotti’s been a star DJ, remixer and producer for over 20 years. He’s spun at the world's most respected international clubs (Crobar, Ministry Of Sound, Pacha), remixed all the top girls (Beyonce, Solange, Mariah, Madonna) and boys (Enrique, Pet Shop, The Killers, AC/DC), produced and co-wrote tracks for two Kylie albums, and released a number of hit solo productions.
Read More about DJ Mark Picchiotti -
RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner’s Tour (also known as The Absolut "Real Fruit" Tour).
April 2 in Chicago @ Roscoe's
The Best of Gay Chicago!