Monthly Archives: November 2013
A WICKED Night Before Christmas December 8th
Members of the National Touring Company of WICKED will host “THE WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,” a staged holiday performance at The Laugh Factory Sunday, December 8, at 8:00pm.
“A WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” is part of an ongoing series of performances and appearances by the touring company to support charitable causes which advance WICKED’s theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical’s message that people should not be judged on first impressions. The company believes that in these divisive times we must come together to support those in need throughout the country and around the world. In its eight years on the road, the company has raised over $2.5 million in donations for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and local AIDS service organizations all over the country.
A throwback to the holiday variety shows of yesteryear, the WICKED company comes together to celebrate the joy of the holidays. Haul out the holly, spin the dreidel, harvest the fruit and celebrate the season in a way that only WICKED can. Company members making special appearances in the event include: Alison Luff (Elphaba), Jenn Gambatese (Glinda), Curt Hansen (Fiyero), as well as TV’s Kim Zimmer (Madame Morrible) and John Davidson (Wizard). The production also includes members of the ensemble, band, and touring staff. A WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS proves to be a once in a lifetime evening of magic and fun.
General Admission to “A WICKED NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” is a $60 donation (includes 2 drinks). A limited number of VIP tickets are available for a $125 donation and include priority seating as well as a 6:30pm pre-show reception with members of the company. All proceeds from the evening benefit BC/EFA and Chicago House and admission donations are tax deductible. Tickets are available online at www.chicagohouse.org or by phone (773) 248-5200 ext 303. The evening is intended for mature audiences. Must be 16 or older to attend; 21 or older to purchase alcoholic beverages.
In addition to the performance, there will be live and silent auctions including several opportunities to join the company backstage at the Oriental Theatre, and a chance to bid on a walk-on role in a performance of WICKED. WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster is playing through December 21 at the Oriental Theatre. Tickets for WICKED at the Oriental Theatre start at $40.
CREAM CHICAGO – The Monday Night Hot Spot
Lots of drinks specials including a brand new $5 martini list. More than 20! Ranging from Pop Champagne, The Marilyn, to Root Beer Russian and Purple Rain. LOTS of shots as well. Fruit Loop Vodka, Rumchata and Fireball, and more. The specialty drink menu is huge – something for everyone.
Illinois Exorcism in Springfield by Bishop Thomas Paprocki
As promised,
Springfield, Illinois Bishop Thomas Paprocki delivered a “Homily for
Prayers of Supplication and Exorcism in Reparation for the Sin of
Same-Sex Marriage” simultaneously as Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed the marriage equality bill Wednesday. That homily
provides many insights into the anti-gay beliefs still maintained by
the Catholic Church that inform its ongoing campaigns against allowing
legal recognition for same-sex couples’ civil marriages.
Here are some highlights:
The Devil Is Responsible For Promoting Same-Sex Marriage:
Same-Sex Parenting Harms Children:
The Only Way To Help Gay People Is To Tell Them To Be Chaste:
Chicago Santa Speedo Run December 7th
Santa Speedo Run Supporting Center on Halsted
Sign Up to Run or Donate to Support the Local LGBTQ Community
Santa’s suit just got a lot less heavy. On Saturday, Dec. 7th, the Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run will raise money to support the Center on Halsted. Over 250 community members are expected to brave the cold this year for their annual one-mile run through the heart of Lakeview, clad in nothing more than Santa hats and speedos!
The spectacle is being held at Sidetrack Video Bar, 3349 N Halsted. Registration starts at 12:00pm, the 1 mile run begins at 2:00pm, with entertainment and prizes afterward. Participants are encouraged to wear swimwear and a Santa hat for the event, but it’s not mandatory. In fact, you’ll see a wide array of holiday costumes that are festive and sometimes hilarious! Runners are asked for a minimum $25 donation to participate. Donations may also be made directly to Center on Halsted. The full donation for the event will support Center on Halsted.
For more information, or to register in advance, visit: http://community.
About the Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run
The Most Fabulous Santa Speedo Run is an annual event organized by partners Karl Sponholtz and Jeff Colgan. They are dedicated to helping the LGBTQ community with the support of their friends, families, and volunteers. For more information please contact Karl (773)972-9292 or Jeff (773)9720-8292.
This post sponsored by: City Suites , The Majestic and the The Willows .
Family coming to town for the holidays?? 3 great choices in Boystown!
USE CODE BGC!!!!
I AM BIG show Showcases Project Fierce Chicago
AM BIG focuses on what makes everyday life extraordinary. We believe
that there is‘ bigness’ in each one of us. The purpose of this weekly
show is to bring folks from day to day life and talk about what’s
working in their life- what’s working in the personal lives, what’s
working with their careers’ and what’s working with their connection to
the community. We want to learn how they balance these 3 aspects of
their lives. Most importantly learn and share what makes them them. I AM
BIG draws its inspiration from Karma Yatra.
Am Big, which is an online talk show that focuses inspirational
Chicagoans and redefining what it means to be “big.” The latest episode
came out 11/20 and features Cassandra, who is one of the founders of
Project Fierce, which is a grassroots collective working to create a
safe space for Chicago LGBTQ homeless youth.
Dallas Buyers Club at ShowPlace ICON Theater
An imperfect man fights for survival during an uncertain time in
America. Inspired by true events, Ron Woodroof’s story of strength is
told in Dallas Buyers Club, directed by Jean-Marc
Vallée from an original screenplay by Craig Borten & Melisa
Wallack. Spirit Award winner Matthew McConaughey portrays the real-life
character, whose self-interest is galvanized into something much more.
A son of Texas, Ron Woodroof is an electrician and rodeo cowboy. In
1985, he is well into an unexamined existence with a devil-may-care
lifestyle. Suddenly, Ron is blindsided by being diagnosed as
H.I.V.-positive and given 30 days to live. Yet he will not, and does
not, accept a death sentence.
Are You a Creative Person in the Kitchen? New Food Show WANTS YOU!
The team behind the successful show Man vs. Food featuring Adam Richman are currently casting a brand new fun competition series called
Frankenfood for SPIKE TV.
and have a deal worked out with their unique winning dish featured on a
restaurant menu!
home cooks in the Chicago.
There will also be a casting call in the Chicago area on December 6th & 8th but if people apply to the link below, we can move them along quicker without them having to attend.
CHICAGO CASTING CALL
Friday, December 6 & Sunday, December 8
10 am to 5 pm
Theatre Momentum 1800 Cornelia Avenue Chicago, IL 60657
yourself, please have them submit their info and tell us what their
creative dish is at ffood@sharpentertainment.
Best Thin Crust Pizza in Chicago
this popular carry-out neighborhood spot serve’s up fresh and healthy
Italian cuisine. Family-owned and operated since 1994 all their food is
homemade from the sauces to the sausage. If you are a lover of
NYC-style pizza you’ll love their cheesy, thin-crust pies. They also
offer appetizers, soups, salads, pasta and delicious desserts.
The owner, Craig was a former chef of the Chicago Yacht Club and the
Ritz Carlton. At the urging of his family Craig left the chef world to
open this business.
We moved into the neighborhood at the edge
of Boystown/Buena Park/Uptown discovered BoJono’s about 9 years ago and
have been loyal customers ever since. I swear their Hot Buffalo Chicken Wings are the BEST I have ever had. And we love to order a thin crust Margherita-style pizza with fresh sliced tomotoes, fresh basil or spinach and their chopped spicy cajun chicken!
The pizza is available thin crust, pan or stuffed.
They do an awesome Vegetarian Delight Pizza with
Broccoli, Mushrooms, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Onions.
A Mexican-style Taco Pizza with Refried Beans, Tortilla Chips, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion & Ground Beef.
And a tangy BBQ Pizza with Chicken, BBQ Sauce & Onions.
Besides pizza, they also offer soups, sandwiches, salads and a great selection of entrees.
Specialty dishes among our favorites are their Stuffed Shells. Jumbo Shells Stuffed with Spinach & Ricotta Cheese, Baked with Mozzarella & Marina.
also BoJono’s Cajun Pasta with Chicken, Red Peppers & Onions in a Special Tangy Cajun Cream Sauce.
Don’t take our word for it – look at what others have to say….
“Chopped Chicken Pasta Salad, great amount for a great price.”
“Mostly
however I come here for the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a side of
steak fries and a extra container of Bleu Cheese dressing. The first for
the sandwich, the second for the fries. This is what it is all about!”
“I
first had Bojono’s about 4 years ago when I had a bite of a friend’s
taco pizza. It was pretty good. So the next time that I wanted to
order delivery, my friend suggested Bojono’s but not their pizza. I
ended up ordering Bojono’s salad and Bojono’s Cajun Touch pasta all on a
recommendation! Since then, I have probably ordered this 50 times.”
“Bojono’s absolutely has the BEST thin crust pizza I have ever had. It’s fresh, always well made, and I love their sauce!”
If you can’t make it in, have it delivered.
They just launched an interactive online ordering system. Place your order online and the system will remember you next time! Delivered right to your home or office.
Order from work and have their delicious cuisine arrive at your door right after you get home!
BoJono’s Pizzeria
OPEN seven days 11 am to 10 pm
4185 N. Clarendon (773) 404-9700 
Marriage Legal Guide and Resources for Everyone in Illinois
advocacy organization for LGBT Illinoisans, stands ready to assist you,
your family and the state in understanding and implementing the new Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.
Here are important resources:
marriage? What rights come with marrying a same-sex partner? The
answers to those and all of the frequently asked questions on the
workings of the Iaw can be found in Equality Illinois’ authoritative
legal guide, Marriage Rights in Illinois.
Couples already in a civil union will always be able to get married in Illinois by going through the same steps as any couple, proved they meet certain requirements (be the same parties to the civil union, not be in process of dissolving their civil union, etc.). They will incur the same waiting periods and process requirements as any other eligible marrying couple, except there is no fee for the marriage license.
Can I get married if I am in a civil union?
You can only convert your civil union into a marriage if you meet the requirements described above. If you convert your civil union to a marriage within a year of the law’s effective date, you can avoid paying a fee.
How much will it cost to get married if we are already in a civil union?
If you convert your civil union to a marriage within the one-year grace period, the fee for doing so is waived ($0).
Marriage Help Desk – At 773-477-7173 and info@eqil.org, the Equality Illinois Marriage Help Desk stands
ready to answer your questions or direct you to the correct sources to
find the answer. We are open for your phone call 11 am-2 pm
Monday-Friday at 773-477-7173. Or you can email the Equality Illinois Marriage Help Desk 24/7 at info@eqil.org.
being scheduled throughout Downstate, the suburbs and in Chicago to walk
you through the law and answer your questions. We will announce the
times, dates and locations on Facebook, Twitter, in emails and our website www.eqil.org as they get confirmed. Look for the events IN THE CITY AND SUBURBS.
Haters of Marriage Equality prepare their ATTACK in Illinois
November 20th – Governor Quinn signs the Marriage Equality bill. BUT While Illinoisans across the state are
rightfully celebrating the marriage victory, our opponents are launching
an attack. They are not only ramping up efforts to marginalize gay
and lesbian couples and their children, but are pledging to go as far as
creating obstacles to full implementation of the law and to unseat
lawmakers who helped pass the marriage bill.
As the New York Times reported just a few days ago,
some anti-marriage extremists are preparing to “run and elect people
who vote with us,” signaling their plans to break our 61-vote
pro-marriage majority in the House and 34-vote majority in the Senate.
ABC News reported a more direct threat: “A vote for same-sex marriage
from any of our legislators … means that you have seen your last days
in office.”
Here’s a sampling of what Equality Illinois is doing to defend our historic marriage victory:
EDUCATION & EMPOWERMENT. On Thursday,
we announced our statewide education and empowerment campaign, aimed
at increasing support for marriage equality, dispelling myths, and
empowering same-sex couples and their families to understand and use all
their state and federal marriage rights. We’re coming to you: from
Rockford to Carbondale to Chicago, and every place in between. We will
announce the where and when of the forums in the days ahead in emails,
Facebook and Twitter.
In the meantime, you can also read and download our Marriage Rights Guide here.
IMPLEMENTATION. Just as we had successfully done with
civil unions, we have already begun working with public and private
actors to help them fully implement the freedom to marry. And our
corporate best practices manual will help corporations and businesses
smoothly and efficiently roll out equal benefits for employees with
same-sex spouses.
ELECTIONS. With an over 80% success rate in 2012, Equality
Illinois PAC is the most successful and best recognized political
action muscle for the LGBT equality movement in Illinois. We have
already allocated over $70,000 to defend early supporters of marriage
equality, and plan to spend an additional $180,000 by the end of the
2014 general election.
We achieved marriage equality in Illinois because you got
engaged. And we can only defend the newly-won freedom with your
support.
Transgender Day of Remembrance November 20th
On Wednesday, November 20th
2013, members of the LGBTQ community and its allies are invited to
participate in Transgender Day of Remembrance at Center on Halsted, 3656
N. Halsted. St., Chicago, Illinois 60613. The event will take place
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
and will include a reception and welcome address with light food and
refreshments, a reading of names, videos and performances by several
prominent members of the trans* community. This event is free, and open
to the public.
A
week before the event, Center on Halsted will tie purple ribbons in the
trees outside its building to commemorate the lives of trans* community
members who have lost their lives as a result of anti-transgender
hatred or prejudice. The ribbons will serve as a public memorial to
those who lost their lives, as well as to the resilience of the
community. During the ceremony, participants will be able to add ribbons
to the trees with the names of someone they personally memorialize.
The
2013 Transgender Day of Remembrance is hosted in partnership with
Howard Brown Health Center, Broadway Youth Center, Chicago Women’s AIDS
Project, Chicago House Trans Life Center and Center on Halsted.
About Transgender Day of Remembrance:
Transgender
Day of Remembrance serves to raise public awareness of hate crimes
against transgender people, to publicly mourn and honor the lives of
those who might otherwise be forgotten and to express love and respect
for trans* people in the face of national indifference and hatred. For
more information, visit www.transgenderdor.org.
Cold Chicago Weather Could Mean Plumbing Issues
It’s Here!
The arrival of the winter season and cold weather = potential plumbing problems in our homes and apartments. Whether you rent or own, you can have Frigid morning showers, frozen or cracked pipes, broken radiators, flooding, and leaks are just a few of the many unwanted plumbing issues brought on by winter weather.
begin to eat their way into the waste that has accumulated on the sides
and top of the drain pipe. Cool!
Brought to you by the plumbing experts GOODE PLUMBING.
1-800-662-1875
5 RABBIT BREWERY BEER DINNER at Revolucion
5 RABBIT BREWERY BEER DINNER
Thursday, December 5th, 2013
7:00 pm Reception/7:30 pm Dinner
Includes:
4 Course Food Pairings
4 Featured Craft Beers
5 Rabbit Golden Ale
5 Rabbit Huitzi Belgian Ale
5 Grass American Pale Ale
5 Vulture Oaxacan Dark Ale
$35/person (Excludes tax & gratuity)
Will YOU be at the Edge Alliance YOU Ball November 16th?
organizations whose contributions make our work possible. Last Year’s
YOU! Ball marked EdgeAlliance’s 20th anniversary. Join them on November
16, 2013 to celebrate the second annual YOU! Ball. Nearly 400 people are expected this year!
Witness Governor Quinn Sign the Marriage Equality Bill November 20th in Chicago
at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum as Governor Pat Quinn
signs Senate Bill 10: the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act
into law.
While this event is free and open to the public, you must
apply for tickets. Apply for tickets to Governor Quinn’s
historic signing by clicking here.
And The Williams Institute says….
rigorous, independent research on sexual orientation and gender identity
law and public policy. A national think tank at UCLA Law, the Williams
Institute produces high-quality research with real-world relevance and
disseminates it to judges, legislators, policymakers, media and the
public.
Hair and Fashion Show for EQIL November 8th at Hydrate
For a $10 donation at the door, you will be able to enjoy an hour-long
hosted bar as well as a finale performance from America’s Got Talent Top
Twelve Finalist Branden James.
hairstyles as well as underwear and accessories provided by Cram
Fashions. You won’t want to miss this fun night on the town, plus you
can even have a chance to win some great raffle prizes. RSVP on our Facebook and invite your friends to join you!
Illinois WILL VOTE By Thursday on SB10 Marriage Equality Bill!
BREAKING NEWS! The CHICAGO TRIBUNE just said, “Illinois lawmakers return to the Capitol on Tuesday for the final
scheduled week of the fall session with a measure to legalize same-sex
marriage at the forefront and a vote to deal with the state’s massive
public pension debt unlikely to happen.
Instead, the yearslong debate over changing retirement benefits to
address a $100 billion shortfall may mean lawmakers head back to town in
a few weeks after number crunchers finish their work and if a proposal
can be agreed upon.
That delay shifts the
attention this week to the issue of gay marriage and the fate of a bill
the Senate passed in February that’s been stalled in the House ever
since……read more.
From GAY LIBERATION NETWORK…..With a vote by
Illinois’s House on the state’s equal marriage rights bill expected by this Thursday,
Nov. 7th,
regardless of the result, there will be a community response rally at
7 PM, Thursday at the corner of Halsted and Roscoe Streets in the heart of
Chicago’s LGBT entertainment district.
we win, we will celebrate our long-fought victory,” said Gay Liberation
Network spokesman Bob Schwartz, one of the organizers of the event. “We will also spread the message that
the fight for LGBTQ rights does not end with marriage equality in
Illinois. If we lose, we will not take
defeat passively. We will take note of those who stood in the way of our
achieving victory this week and promise payback for their failure to promote
equality.”
two weeks ago this bill was widely seen as dead in the water for this fall veto
session,” said GLN co-founder Andy Thayer.
“What changed? It was the people that forced this bill onto
the agenda for this Fall Veto session, not the politicians and insiders. It was the explicit threat of political
retribution to those in Springfield who stood in our way or only half-heartedly
supported equal rights. And make
no mistake, simply calling a vote will not be enough to calm our wrath. If the House Democratic caucus does not use
it’s super-majority to pass this bill, we will put the failure
right at their and House Speaker Mike Madigan’s doorstep.”
