Monthly Archives: January 2011
Anti-Gay and Pro-Christian CHICK FIL A Opens in Chicago
Chick-fil-a has been reserved
for our right wing suburbs
but they are planning a few
downtown stores now –
first signs are up now downtown.
Over the years, the company’s operators, its WinShape Foundation and the Cathy family have given millions of dollars to a variety of causes and programs, including scholarships that require a pledge to follow Christian values, a string of Christian-based foster homes and groups working to defeat same-sex marriage initiatives.
“If you’re eating Chick-fil-A, you’re eating anti-gay,” one recent headline read. The issue spread into Christian media circles, too.
The company’s Christian culture and its strict hiring practices, which require potential operators to discuss their marital status and civic and church involvement, have attracted controversy before, including a 2002 lawsuit brought by a Muslim restaurant owner in Houston who said he was fired because he did not pray to Jesus with other employees at a training session. The suit was settled.
On a petition posted on the Web site change.org , it asks the company to stop supporting groups perceived as anti-gay, including Focus on the Family, an international nonprofit organization that teamed up with Chick-fil-A a few years ago to give away CDs of its Bible-based “Adventures in Odyssey” radio show with every kid’s meal. As of last weekend, it had 25,000 signatures.
Yes, Chick-fil-A Says, We Explicitly Do Not Like Same-Sex Couples !
Bet Chick-fil-A wishes this month would end. Over the past few weeks, the restaurant chain’s deep ties to the anti-gay movement have been exposed and uncovered by a number of activists, most notably Jeremy Hooper at Good As You. Whether it’s Focus on the Family, the National Organization for Marriage, the Pennsylvania Family Institute, or Exodus International, Chick-fil-A ties run deep.
Of course, the President of Chick-fil-A wants gay people to share no hard feelings. The restaurant will gladly feed homosexuals gobs of chicken sandwiches, after all. But when it comes to marriage, Chick-fil-A believes strongly that same-sex couples just don’t deserve equal rights. W T F?!
Join the Chicago Boycott !
Best Gay Chicago.com
Lambda Legal Chicago Freedom to Marry Party February 8th
SAVE THE DATE!
Tuesday, February 8 · 6:30pm – 9:30pm
For the last ten years, Lambda Legal has hosted the “Freedom to Marry” Gala. After this year’s passage of the Illinois Civil Unions Bill, the tenth anniversary of Freedom to Marry is sure to be an energetic celebration.
There will be food, cake-cutting, entertainment, and liquor. Freedom to Marry 2011 is a free event and open to the public. This year guests will also be invited to participate in a secret Valentine game. Guests can pick up a number from our Cupid station. If another guest wants to say hello, or send a nice message over, there will be valentines available that Cupid will be delivering throughout the night.
Please save the date. More information will be coming soon!
JOIN THEIR PAGE ON FACEBOOK
Location this year – The National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th St Chicago, IL
Best Gay Chicago.com
CREW’S Chill Contest Raises $1050 for Food Pantry
held its 5th Annual Charity
Chili Contest this past weekend, and raised $1050 for the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real. Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community. The annual chili contest lets patrons sample different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation.
Wayne Johnson, food and lifestyle reporter for NBC Chicago, hosted the event which featured nine contestants with a wide range of chili flavors and styles. The winning chili was submitted by local author of The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second, Drew Ferguson, who graciously donated his $100 prize to the Care for Real food pantry.
Crew’s contest also features a design and presentation award, named for out lifestyle designer Christopher Lowell. This year’s entries included a cowboy themed setup, a Glee parody, and a Chicago style stuffed ballot box theme. The Lowell Award winner was Dawn DeGroot with a Las Vegas Casino table theme, complete with a light up Welcome To Las Vegas sign, tuxedo coat and tie.
“We are so thrilled with the outcome of the Charity Chili Cook Off,” Steve Milford, co-owner of Crew Bar + Grill, said, “Before the contest, I said I’d be happy if we raised just a little bit more than 2010’s $540, but our customers really came out and supported the event and the Care for Real pantry . At the end of the day, we doubled the amount of money raised from the previous year.” Crew co-owner, Brian Wells added, “Care for Real has been in the neighborhood doing good work for many years, but they told us that this January was one of their busiest on record. These are tough economic times, and I’m so thankful for the generosity of our customers. They never cease to amaze me.”
Crew Bar + Grill , located at 4804 N Broadway , Chicago, IL 60640 (Broadway and Lawrence), is Chicago’s premiere, award winning gay sports bar. In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Gov. Pat Quinn to Sign Civil Unions Legislation into Law Monday, Jan. 31
closer to gay marriage!
Gov. Pat Quinn will sign the
civil unions bill into law on Monday Jan. 31.
With this law, Illinois joins the handful of U.S. states that have expanded recognition and rights to all families. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the signing of this historic legislation. In 2006 LGBT couple were recognized in Cook County under the
Domestic Partnership Equality Amendment Act of 2006.
Civil unions will provide legal recognition of gay couples and give them some of the same benefits automatically available to married couples, including the right to visit a sick partner in the hospital, disposition of a deceased loved one’s remains and the right to make decisions about a loved one’s medical care.
Mind you I said SOME. It is still not a civil marriage. Marriage comes with about 600+ perks. Check out Strangers in the Eyes of the Law: 648 Reasons Why Marriage Equality Matters . But we are getting one step closer to marriage.
The ceremony will take place in downtown Chicago. 4 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street.
The civil unions law won’t take effect until June 1 (?) or July 1st (?), which will give registrars and county clerks time to get ready to hand out civil union licenses.
Homosexual and heterosexual couples will be allowed to form civil unions. This is a great idea for heterosexual seniors who may be coupled but don’t want to be married, but still need and want some rights and perks. Even two aging straight men who are best friends can benefit from this new law.
Dissolving a civil union will mean a trip to divorce court.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago House SnowBall 2011 Raises $35,000
SNOWBALL 2011 Champagne Wrapture
Last night on the 80th floor of the AON Building, Chicago came out to support Chicago House . Veuve Clicquot champagne, Grand Marnier and Belevdere vodka flowed!
Wonderful live Jazz was supplied by Erin McDougald
and guests opened up their wallets and purses to bid on an artistic
assortment of goodies! $35,000 was raised !
LOTS MORE PHOTOS ON
OUR FACEBOOK PAGE !
LIKE US and SEE MORE
Lesbian Comic Judy Gold in Chicago January 30th
Judy Gold
is an Emmy Award-winning actress, producer and comedienne whose credits include The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The View, The Joy Behar Show and her own hit Off-Broadway production, “25 Questions for a Jewish Mother.”
She can regularly be seen on Comedy Central, LOGO and HBO with her many comedy specials. Judy is currently starring in the Off-Broadway run of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore” and touring for her new stand-up show, “It’s Judy’s Show – My Life As A Sitcom.”
The 6’3″ lesbian got teased a lot in school, she admits,”Six foot three plus marching band equals unpopular. I ended up really kind of hating high school. I was teased incessantly, but I knew deep down inside, I was really cool!”
“I moved to NYC (my dream)… …and lived with a marijuana addicted opera singer and his cat. I started taking acting classes and got a job working at a company that sold ad space on behalf of military base newspapers. It was a riveting job. I can’t believe I ever left.
I met this girl named Sharon there and we became very close friends. After telling Sharon several times how I had done stand-up (I was trying to be cool), she said, “Either do it, or don’t talk about it anymore.” She might regret that she said that because she definitely created a monster. I started doing open mics. I would go onstage anywhere that they did stand-up and try to get on.”
“Performing at clubs all over the country was exhausting and lonely, but there’s really no other way if you want to be a stand-up.” Judy confessed. “TV shows followed, then my first regular part on a sitcom, living in LA, an HBO special, a Cable Ace Award, a child, back to NYC, writing and producing, 2 Emmy awards, another child, and lots more stand-up and TV. I’m a lucky gal!”
Judy is in town this Sunday January 30th 7pm
at the Center on Halsted ! 3656 N Halsted
$40 tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Seating is limited.
Garage parking is available at 808 W. Addison as is street parking.
For more information, call 773.472.6469 ext. 252. Cash bar available.
Opening Act: Betty and Wilma: One Night Only!
Betty and Wilma are legendary recording artists, Broadway stars, and best friends. This is the very first time they’ve ever been on stage together, and possibly the last. This homage to stage divas was developed for the Annoyance Theatre’s Triple Feature Series. Starring Kellen Alexander and Wes Perry. Directed by Christina Boucher. Music by Charles Worth. Accompanied by Andrew Sinko.
VISIT JUDY GOLD ONLINE
Best Gay Chicago.com
Ride for AIDS Chicago Kickoff Event January 30
Co-chairs Angie Frank,
Matt Daniel, Rick Heintz,
and Shaine Wynsma
cordially invite you to the
Ride for AIDS Chicago
Kickoff Event.
Sunday, January 30
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. T’s Bar and Restaurant 5025 N. Clark St.
To date: 17 Teams Have Registered, there are8 Community Partners
133 Registered Riders and Crew Members and $15,636 Raised to Fight HIV/AIDS!
$50 Early Biker Registration ends January 31! ($85 after)
Register now online !
For more information, contact Richard at TPAN, (773) 989-9400 ext. 230
Best Gay Chicago.com
Russia’s Foremost LGBT Leader Nikolai Alekseev in Chicago Feb. 26th
The Gay Liberation Network is proud to announce that through working with activists in several other cities, we have organized a USA tour by Russian gay leader Nikolai Alekseev and GLN co-founder Andy Thayer for Feb. 26th through March 7th.
The tour will kick off with a 2 PM, Saturday, Feb. 26th event at the Merlo Public Library, 644 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago.
LGBT activists in Russia have faced beatings, government bans, intimidation and arrests simply for trying to establish their right to demonstrate for equal rights, let alone winning the rights themselves.
All major religious denominations and political parties in the country have called for continued government repression. Yet after more than five years of “illegal” protests and legal battles in the courts, Russian LGBTs may be on the verge of a major breakthrough in the struggle for LGBT rights in Russia. If so, it will be a victory for greater Russian democracy as well.
While organizing for rights in the streets through protests, Russian LGBTs alone among the numerous opposition movements in the huge country have also pursued a lengthy battle in the Russian and international court systems. Their strategy bore fruit late last year with a sweeping, landmark victory in the European Court of Human Rights. Combined with the recent firing of virulently homophobic Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov,
Russian LGBTs now face a unique opportunity to finally win the right to demonstrate in Moscow without threats of violence or arrest.
Russian authorities are confronted with a choice: Jeopardize closer ties to Western Europe by ignoring the court ruling, or gain greater international legitimacy by being seen as a nation improving its human rights record. The answer will come on May 28 when LGBTs have scheduled Moscow Pride 2011.
Please join Russia’s foremost LGBT leader, Nikolai Alekseev of Gay Russia (www.gayrussia.ru ) for a community meeting to discuss how we can win greater LGBT rights worldwide. Joining Alekseev will be Andy Thayer of the Chicago direct action LGBT rights group, Gay Liberation Network (www.gayliberation.net ), who has participated in the last two “illegal” pride demonstrations in Moscow and written extensively on the subject.
Other cities in their Feb. 26 – March 7 tour are New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Palm Springs and San Francisco. For more information on events in these cities, email LGBTliberation@aol.com
Rahm Emanuel Fighting to be Mayor of Chicago
Rahm Emanuel, the former White House chief of staff who had been the overwhelming favorite in the Chicago mayoral election, has been taken off (?) the ballot, court officials said – creating an opening for the Latino candidates in the race.- Actually there is confusion and conflicting stories if he is ON or OFF! First he was said to be taken off the ballot – then the Illinois Supreme Court decided that Rahm Emanuel can run for mayor.
With only a month to go before Chicago’s mayoral election, the campaign has taken a series of headline-grabbing turns while candidates continue to court the city’s LGBT voters.
The field has narrowed from the 20 candidates who had initially filed petitions to succeed outgoing Mayor Richard M. Daley to the four who will appear on the Feb. 22 ballot.
Rahm Emanuel, Carol Moseley Braun, Gery Chico and Miguel Del Valle all have relatively strong pro-LGBT records, including support across the board of marriage equality-an issue also championed by Daley. While Emanuel is the frontrunner in both polls and fundraising, many of the city’s leading activists continue to urge LGBT Chicagoans to closely follow the campaign.
A coalition of LGBT leaders, including representatives from many of the city’s leading service and advocacy groups, organized a series of three community forums held in November and December that allowed Chicagoans from across the city to provide input on a questionnaire distributed to each of the leading candidates.
Responses to that comprehensive questionnaire -which addresses HIV/AIDS funding, homelessness, police harassment and other issues-have now been posted on Equality Illinois’ Web site in advance of one final community forum at the Alder School of Psychology on Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 6-8 p.m.17 North Dearborn Street, Chicago.
The primary to replace to longtime mayor Richard Daley is scheduled for Feb. 22..
Mayoral candidate Gery Chico, who is running second in the polls to Rahm Emanuel, is proposing a departure from current policy when it comes to the residency of Chicago police and firefighters.
Chico said it might be time to drop the mandatory requirement that Chicago police and firefighters have to live in the city.
EMANUEL is scheduled to make an appearance at Center on Halsted, Friday morning, 10am. The Center on Halsted is at 3656 N Halsted. He will meet with LGBT leaders there and discuss topics of concern.
Best Gay Chicago.com
NUDE DUDES Chicago Mens Nudist Group Gains Popularity
grows in popularity
and attracts the attention of TIME OUT.
NudeDudes Chicago was founded in August 2006 when its founders, mostly a group of younger and gay male nudists, were discussing how way too many of their friends do not want to come to nudist or naturist groups’ events because they are far younger than most of the people that attend them. Realizing that more of their friends who are interested in the nudist or naturist lifestyle would be more comfortable in an environment made up of peers of similar ages, the original founders set out to throw a nude party.
This month TIME OUT did a feature about their nude Poker Game . About 45 naked guys ages 20-40 showed up in Boystown for a night of gambling!
Strike A Pose! LGBTQ Balls Thrive on Chicago’s South Side
It’s a snowy December night
on the South Side
and the ballroom has
filled up quickly.
There are guys in tailored suits, girls in red-heeled Louboutins. There are pop-gothy capes and futuristic glasses. The crowd is gathered around a catwalk — and everyone is young, black and queer.
This is a ball. An underground LGBTQ contest where participants compete by “walking” — showing off themed outfits and voguing — a stylized house dance that continues to evolve. They are competing for trophies and the hope to become “legendary” — famous not only in Chicago but the entire community, which now spans the globe. Balls found fame with Paris is Burning, a documentary about the New York scene, but Chicago’s had its own ball circuit for as long as New York — one that has its own trends, culture and history. And as the Internet popularizes the community, Chicago is seeing another wave in the resurgence of balls.
An awesome article by Rachel Rabbit White. (with photos by Edmund X. White.), ran this week on GAPERS BLOCK about the scene happening on Chicago’s South Side!
The competition is ferocious. Grade Fs are flipped easily from the judges table. A dancer doesn’t need to just be spectacular, but adhere perfectly to the rules of the category. The wrong color in your outfit and you are out — chopped! Ball Houses are necessary for competition. At the December Ball, the crowd chanted their house name in time with the DJ. When one of their members walked, the room filled with “E-vis-u, E-vis-u.” This way the judges know if someone from their house is walking — no one denies nepotism has its place.
The next Chicago ball everyone is abuzz about is in March; it’s a best-of-the-year for the 40 major balls held in 2010 across the Midwest. There is now about a ball a month in Chicago and more and more kids keep getting turned on to the movement. Chicago’s ballroom scene would do best to forget about competing with New York, and own being the destination for a majority of the country — the place where all of the ball kids nearby look for inspiration and direction.
Read the full article now !
Sweet Miss Givings Mobil Food Trucks
TO MY WAISTLINE!
Sweet Miss Giving’s bakery has entered into the food truck race. Unlike other bakery food trucks that only sell cupcakes, Sweet Miss Giving’s offers breakfast options such as scones and muffins and sweet treats including brownies, cookies…and of course cupcakes!.
The oversized white van will stand out on Chicago’s city streets and bring a smile because of its original artwork by some of Chicago House’s youngest clients. “We’re so excited about today’s food truck launch and extending the Sweet Miss Giving’s brand beyond catering and our stand at the French Market,” says Rev. Stan Sloan founder of Sweet Miss Giving’s and chief executive officer for Chicago House.
Bakery lovers can follow Sweet Miss Giving’s on Twitter at @SMGFoodTruck to find the latest truck whereabouts or give a location suggestion. The truck travels around Chicago from 7:15 a.m.- 9:45 a.m. for the breakfast shift and restocks for the afternoon sugar rush between 10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m. – or whenever they sell out!
Call 312-575-0212 to place your order or visit Sweet Miss Givings to purchase online.
Cirque du Soleil DRALION in Chicago Area January 26-30
About 10 years ago I saw one
of my first Cirque du Soleil shows….
Dralion.
Fusing the 3000 year-old tradition of Chinese acrobatic arts with the multidisciplinary approach of Cirque du Soleil, Dralion draws its inspiration from Eastern philosophy and its never-ending quest for harmony between humans and nature. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the lion, symbolizing the West.
In Dralion, the four elements that govern the natural order take on a human form. Thus embodied, each element is represented by its own evocative colour: air is blue; water is green; fire is red; earth is ochre. In the world of Dralion, cultures blend, Man and Nature are one, and balance is achieved.
I own it on DVD and watched it the other night – I forgot just how fabulous it was!
Pas de deux is a languorous aerial dance. A couple, intertwined, flies over the stage in a long band of blue cloth. Within the cloth, they perform various acrobatic figures that demand great feats of strength and flexibility. The man is beautiful and so muscular and a feast for the eyes.
And there is an AMAZING male juggler.
With stylized choreography that makes the most of his incredible flexibility, the artist incorporates a fast-paced performance with hints of modern dance.
His incredible precision and mastery of his art are evident as he juggles up to seven balls simultaneously.
The blend of juggling mixed with balance against his body is truly wonderful to watch.
And then the music! The voices of Cirque du Soleil – Dralion sing an invented language to which only Cirque du Soleil holds the key. Their mysterious accents echo down through time: L’Âme-Force symbolises ultimate harmony between the four elements.
If you’ve seen any of the now-numerous Cirque du Soleil shows, you’re well aware that these modern-day circuses offer an engaging display of color, lights, acrobatics and in no small part, music. It’s the haunting music, in fact, that has always served to set the mood and theme of each Cirque show.
Violaine Corradi is largely responsible for the music. She says, ““At Cirque du Soleil, music offers a window to the spectator that opens on the multiple dimensions of the narrative framework of the show. The emotional fabric that the music conveys makes the audience feel the range of the acrobatic movement more intensively.”
DRALION will be back in the Chicago area, January 26-30th!
at the Sears Center in Hoffman Estates
Get tickets now online !
HomeSharing Program at Center on Halsted – Innovative Program for Aging LGBT Community
launched nation’s first
LGBT homesharing program!
From Beginner’s French to twice-weekly lunches, SAGE Center on Halsted has a wide variety of programs and services for individuals 55 and older.
A $475,000 federal grant is allowing SAGE to carry out a number of special projects. From a groundbreaking survey of Chicagoland LGBT older adults to a new film on HIV prevention to exciting day trips, it’s a pretty special time to become involved with SAGE!
But even beyond SAGE, officials at the Center on Halsted recently unveiled the nation’s first LGBT homesharing program, matching up LGBT seniors with younger renters who can help with chores and other support services in exchange for reduced rent.
For a growing number of persons faced with losing their independence and struggling to keep housing costs within their budget, shared housing is an affordable and viable alternative. Shared housing offers companionship, affordable housing, security, mutual support and much more.
“I truly believe in this program,” said Britta Larson, homesharing manager at the Center. “We really have put a lot of time and effort into making sure this program is the very best it can be.”
DID YOU KNOW? LGBT senior adults, are twice as likely to be single and three to four times more likely to be without children than their heterosexual counterparts? That lack of a family support makes it more difficult for LGBT seniors to continue living independently as they age, Larson said.
“Aging for the LGBT community is particularly challenging,” Larson said. “This community is facing financial hardships.”
Being lonely is hard for everybody, regardless of the gender or orientation. Loneliness is a huge problem for many LGBT seniors – a Chicago-based needs assessment survey ranked isolation as the No. 1 concern of LGBT older adults.
The Center’s role, which is provided free of charge, is to help match up potential applicants with each other.
Homesharing applicants who wish to rent space must have a minimum of two bedrooms in their apartment, condominium or home.
Applicants who want to rent must have an income of at least $750 per month and be willing to assist with household tasks.
The extent of the duties of the renters is negotiated between the two parties and will vary depending on the needs of the LGBT senior and other factors. Some seniors may need more help with household tasks than others, while some may just be looking for a few extra dollars a month to help pay off mortgages or other bills.
Homesharing has become increasingly popular but Larson said this is the first formal homesharing program in the U.S. to target LGBT seniors. It matches up applicants who wish to take on a renter with someone who is willing to live with an older adult and take on some household tasks.
The Center’s role, which is provided free of charge, is to help match up potential applicants with each other, thoroughly screen all applicants through reference checks and background checks and to provide ongoing support the homesharing matches.
“Each applicant has a really strong role in who they’re matched with,” Larson said. “There will be an agreement worked out between the two parties talking about responsibilities and things like shared space.”
For information on SAGE and the homesharing program go to CenteronHalsted.org or call 773-472-6469
William Greaves Birthday Party January 24 to Benefit About Face Youth Theatre
In 2000 he was asked to be the Council’s Director, and he has served in that capacity since.
Bill is well known and respected throughout the city of Chicago! On Monday, January 24th, join Bill and Friends as he celebrates his 60th BIRTHDAY! with a benefit at Mini Bar and Lounge.
3341 N. Halsted. from 6 – 8pm.
DJ Lori Branch, DAAN, and DoubleDJ will rock the night! Check them out on Facebook!
A $10 cover charge will benefit About Face Youth Theatre. With your admission, enjoy an open bar, hosted by Ultimat Vodka, and appetizers. A lovely gift basket of Ultimat goodies will be raffled off as well.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Older Adults – Gay and LGBT Seniors and Aging Research Being Done in Chicago
Face it!
Have you thought about it?
While many older adults suffer from health issues stemming from stigma, isolation and unequal treatment, aging dilemmas for gay men are even compounded by other than just medical issues.
Citing a 2009 study, a report noted that lesbian couples’ Social Security benefits are typically 31.5 percent smaller and gay couples’ benefits are 17.8 percent smaller than are those of heterosexual couples.
Family members provide about 80 percent of long-term care in the United States, but that’s not the case with LGBT elders, since they are more likely to be single, childless and estranged from their biological families, said the report.
That’s just the beginning of the cycle of discrimination. The stunning report cited “official policies, laws and institutional regulations” that offer same-sex partners few of the resources afforded to spouses and biological family members.
ARE YOU 50 or OLDER?
Center on Halsted and AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA ) are doing a survey to collect data on the health and psychosocial needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender older adults who live in Chicago. This is only the 2nd survey of its kind to ever be done and the first in the Midwest.
Participants must be age 50 and over and identify as LGBT. The survey takes 45 minutes to complete and the participant will receive a $25.00 debit card as a “Thank you”. All information is anonymous and confidential.
THEY NEED PEOPLE NOW! The survey deadline is January 28th. PLEASE, if you are over 50, call for an appointment. It would be a HUGE HELP for the COH.
Researchers suggests LGBT older adults are more likely to rely on friends and family of choice than on more traditional caregivers such as family members and children. As the family of choice network ages, there may be more of a reliance on formal support systems that may not be prepare to meet LGBT needs.
For those interested in taking the survey, please contact Betty at 1(773)472-6469 ext 448 or bakins@centeronhalsted.org to set up an appointment.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Red Dress Party Cocktail Event at Kit Kat January 17th
In just about 12 weeks, the newest, hottest Chicago benefit comes to town! April 16th, 2011, The Red Dress Party (a national event) is dedicated to creating awareness and visibility for the HIV/AIDS movement and raising funds for organizations that provide vital community services. The Chicago version will happen at a cool venue to be announced in the coming weeks!
On Monday, January 17th, JOIN US at KIT KAT LOUNGE for an EVENING OF RED! as we celebrate with a kick-off party 6-9pm.
50% OFF all drinks, martinis and food! Wear something red and get your first drink FREE. Also purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win an amazing Effen Vodka basket, a Veuve clicqot basket, tickets to the Chicago Red Dress Party and more.
Join the Facebook page! See you there!
Best Gay Chicago.com
William S. Burroughs A MAN WITHIN opens at Music Box January 21st
Jonathan “Yony” Leyser is a 25-year-old filmmaker and photographer, from Chicago, who’s been kicked out of two art schools!
With help from Burroughs editor and executor James Grauerholz, Leyser has interviewed more than 100 friends, associates, and admirers of the writer, including John Waters, Gus Van Sant, Iggy Pop, Laurie Anderson, Jello Biafra, Amiri Baraka, and a poisonous snake collector named Dean Ripa. The result is a brilliant documentary and it will debut in Chicago at the Music Box, January 21st.
Leyser’s William S. Burroughs: A Man Within is the first full-length documentary to look at the entire life of the Beat and punk icon, author of Junky, Queer, and Naked Lunch. “I’m trying to figure out who the man was behind the persona, behind the monster,” Leyser says. “He opened up queer and junkie culture and new avenues of thinking, but in his personal life he really struggled. You see through the interviews a deeply tortured man, who spoke openly about queer things yet couldn’t bear to be in a relationship.”
“My respect for Burroughs, the queer icon, is equal to my respect for him as a literary artist, a counterculture superstar and a rabble-rouser par excellence,” Leyser says. “His being queer was only one of many ways in which his proclivity to spit in the face of religious, conservative, thoughtless moral judgments attracted me.” William S. Burrounghs A MAN WITHIN
The film has already ganered lots of attention at film festivals around the world, and we are excited to see it coming to Chicago this month!
Opens January 21st @ Music Box 3733 N. Southport Ave.
Homophobic Hetero Tears up Mario Lopez in Chicago bar Mullets
The Chicago Tribune reported that Police were called last week to Mullets Sports Bar & Restaurant in Homer Glen (out just past Orland Park) to deal with an angry customer who allegedly shattered a framed photo of A.C. Slater, a fictional, mullet-wearing jock played by Mario Lopez in the 1990s television series “Saved by the Bell.”
Tip number one – with a name like MULLETS, do you think this place is sort of redneck?
“I just don’t like Slater,” the man reportedly told the owner after allegedly yanking the photo from its place of pride above a urinal and smashing it on the floor. The owner told police the bathroom door also was damaged.
I find it interesting that this straight bar had a shrine dedicated to Mario Lopez’s 90s persona above one of the urinals in the bathroom! Hmmmmm…..
Step away from the pitcher of beer buddy!
Chet Haze – Chicago Northwestern Hottie and Rapper
So I am walking down the street the other, down near Michigan Avenue. And there are always hotties everywhere! And we are always on the lookout for potential new male models .
I run into this young guy with a great face! I stop him and I give him a card, and said he should call us for a “test shoot” sometime. He blushed, and explained he had never done any modeling, but had done a bit of acting and right now is in school and trying to become known as white rapper. He said his name was Chet Haze and we should friend each other on Facebook.
So I ran home and did!
Chet has had roles in the Bratz movie and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls, AND he is the son of TOM HANKS!
TOM HANKS is not someone
I would necessarily call a HOTTIE! But Chet….could stop traffic.
Some people find him sexy, I guess. And you may know Colin Hanks? He’s Tom’s other son, and you’ve probably seen him in Orange County, King Kong, or Mad Men. He’s very cute and charming, just like his old man.
CHET HAZE, the OTHER son, has the internet is going mildly berserk over the fact his song ‘White and Purple (Northwestern Remix )’ is inspired by the prestigious college he attends. – Yes, he goes to Northwestern in Chicago!
I am not a fan of rap…but he is such a hottie, you just have to check it out.
Come on….You know you want to follow him on Facebook and Twitter !
Best Gay Chicago.com
