Category Archives: Chicago Information
Historical Chicago Walking Tours with Broughton Hotels and Tour Guide Sawyer
My name is Sawyer, like Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. I’ve been
guiding individuals, middle school and high school groups, and senior
citizens for over two years.
I’m a midwestern boy with a love for our
region’s natural beauty, farmers markets, craft beers, small-batch
coffee roasters, antique shopping, thrift stores, vintage fashion, and
boutiques. I spend my free time studying Chicago’s rich history and
architecture, without which, Al Capone would never have been able to
host his most important clients and friends at the infamous Stratosphere
lounge in the crown of the Jeweler’s Building on the Chicago River. I
hope to see you on my next tour!
From JANUARY 7 – FEBRUARY 23, Join Sawyer (The Friendly Greeter!) and Broughton Hotels, on one of three historical walking tours and shop-alongs that take you off the beaten path in Chicago’s Loop, River North and East Lakeview Area’s. – I don’t care how long you have lived here! These tours are sure to show you new things. These are great tours for friends visiting and/or locals wanting to learn more about Chicago!
Majestic-chicago.com/chicago-hotel-deals Chicagocitysuites. com/packages Willowshotelchicago.com/ packages
Found In Town – Lost and Found Service
Did you LOSE something?
Did you FIND something?
First step –
REGISTER at FOUND IN TOWN.
What is Found in Town?
Found in Town is a community-based lost
and found program that creates an easy way to facilitate returning
lost items to their owners. FiT operates through a network of local
bars and nightclubs committed to helping out the members of their
community.
How does it work?
Users can register here for free to receive FiT tags for their personal belongings. All tags will bear a unique serial number, or FiT code, and will instruct the finder to visit found-in-town.com in the event that it’s found, where and when an anonymous message can be sent to its owner.
How many times have you left something in a cab? Found In Town (FiT)
is a new company based in Chicago that recently launched its free
online service that facilitates reuniting owners with their lost or
misplaced items. “120,000 cell phones are lost annually in Chicago taxi
cabs alone. Imagine how many keys, wallets and jackets are lost,” said
Zach Haller, of Lakeview, CEO and founder of Found in Town. “Everyone loses things.
People want to return lost items, but they often don’t know how. We make
it easy and hassle-free to be a good Samaritan.”
Zach, a Minneapolis native has stated the business is slowing growing. Less than 1000 participants signed up and he
has solicited four Boystown bars to advertise on the key-chain tags. But
the brand recognition necessary to make the service extremely helpful
isn’t there yet. “I think people may see the sticker and
think, Found in Town? I don’t get it.” – soon though, it will catch on!
SO SIGN UP TODAY. IT’S FREE!
Rahm is Proposing to Do Away With LGBT Council
Though an influential group of 200 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Chicagoans stood up behind Mayor Rahm Emanuel and endorsed his candidacy earlier this year, many LGBT activists in the Windy City expressed alarmed at the new mayor’s latest move: a proposed budget that eviscerates their community’s city-sponsored advisory council. At the latest meeting of the city’s Advisory Council on LGBT Issues, the Windy City Times reports that many council members are hoping to “go down fighting” against their council being combined with the city’s Women’s Issues Advisory Council under a new name: the advisory council on Gender and Sexuality. Some council members object both that the words “lesbian,” “gay,” “bisexual” and “transgender” have been removed from the council’s title and that they were not consulted with concerning the change. In a previous story addressing the cuts, the Windy City Times reported that the council’s director, Bill Greaves, will lose his job as of January 1. The council’s chair Beth Kelly said the change “sends a message that Chicago does not care about this community.” Kit Duffy, the first-ever LGBT liaison to the mayor, added that the change “signals a lack of recognition, and I think it signals an ignorance of impact.”
READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON HUFFINGTON POST
Chicago’s North Halsted Market Days 2011 Full of Surprises!
The 2011 Northalsted Market Days® will take place this weekend August 13-14, when a crowd of more than 100,000 from across the country will converge on Halsted Street to celebrate our annual event.
It’s the largest two-day street fair in the Midwest and lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest festivals!
It was recently announced GLEE STAR hottie Darren Criss will be here to entertain us – as well as the singing sensation Prince Poppycoock.
With temperatures expected to be 75-80, expect BIG CROWDS!
Other top names include Gloria Gaynor, Lisa Lisa and Expose.
See the full schedule online.
(check out the deep fried TWINKIES and DILL PICKLES
across the street from Steamworks!)
Marilyn Monroe in Chicago?
This is kind of odd, I think….. a 26-foot statue of Marilyn Monroe replicating her famous subway scene in “The Seven Year Itch,” will be unveiled this Friday at 7:00p.m. on Chicago’s Pioneer Court. As of today the statue, by New Jersey based artist Seward Johnson is half-complete with the lower part of Monroe’s body viewable. Visitors to the plaza will see her legs, her iconic white sandals, and the skirt of her white dress as it blows in the wind exposing her “hot” panties. The top part of the statue is carefully wrapped in a patriotic red, white and blue cloth.
Johnson, born in 1930, is famous for his trompe l’oeil painted bronze statues that although criticized for being kitsch always draw attention and controversy. The artist’s work appears around the globe including a 25-foot version of “Unconditional Surrender,” the V-J kiss in Times Square. Chicagoans may remember Johnson’s famous “American Gothic” sculpture that graced Pioneer Court in 2008 or his King Lear statue that spent the summer and fall of 2009 in the same spot.
The statue is located just south of the Tribune Tower in Pioneer Court at 400 N. Michigan. Visitors are welcome to view and take pictures of this striking piece of public art. Zeller Realty Group, is responsible for Pioneer Court’s installations. For more pictures of the Marilyn Monroe bronze go to the home page of WGN radio The statue is expected to remain in place through Spring of 2012.
Chicago Pride Fest 2011 is a Awesome DIVA Fest!
It’s all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®!
June 24-25, 2011 – immediately before Chicago’s iconic Pride Parade on June 26 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer.
Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.
Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.
(Deborah Cox , above)
Entertainment
Friday, June 24
South Stage
6:00pm – The Personnel
7:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
8:15pm – Sixteen Candles
North Stage
5:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Deborah Cox
8:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chciago’s Best Female Impersonators
9:00pm – Ultra Nate
Saturday, June 25
South Stage
Noon – Lakeside Pride Show Band
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
2:30pm – Chicago RedLine
3:30pm – ROTC
5:00pm – ROTC
6:00pm – Rock Candy
7:30pm – Windy City Cowboys
8:00pm – Wedding Banned
North Stage
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
1:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
2:30pm – Mya
3:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
4:30pm – Xelle
5:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Crystal Waters
8:00pm – Kim English
8:45pm – Inaya Day
Your gate donation benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance.
The Northalsted Business Alliance works cooperatively to maintain a diverse, safe and thriving shopping and entertainment district. In 1980, a small group of retailers in a four-block area along Halsted Street joined forces to promote the street and improve business conditions.
Since its inception, the Northalsted Business Alliance has grown to represent more than 80 businesses along North Halsted Street from Barry Street to West Irving Park Road. The Association has been recognized by the media, the City of Chicago and local residents as a major force in the community, championing positive change and growth.
BestGayChicago.comCook County to Shower Happy Couples With Presents on June 1st – The first Official Day of Civil Unions
Illinois will begin offering Civil Union licenses at every county clerk’s office on June 1. The Cook County Clerk’s office will open its downtown office early to mark the momentous occasion. “I’m thrilled this day has finally come,” Clerk David Orr said. “This will be a joyous day for all couples – gay and straight – who want to make history as part of the inaugural group of civil unions.”
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 1. The Clerk’s downtown Chicago Vital Records office will open at 7:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Before 6 a.m., couples should line up outside the Daley Center’s northeast door, located near Randolph and Dearborn Streets. The Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., will open at 6 a.m. Couples should take the escalators down to the lower level (Pedway) and line up outside the Vital Records office, Room CL-27.
INFO FOR COUPLES:
Civil Union licenses will be available to same-sex and heterosexual couples. The Clerk’s office encourages all couples who wish to get a license on June 1 to visit the downtown office (not a suburban office). All couples need to meet the following criteria: • Be at least 18 years old; • Not be related to one another; • Have valid, current identification, such as driver’s license, state ID or U.S. passport; • Pay a $35 license application fee. Cash preferred. MasterCard, American Express & Discover accepted. Personal checks and Visa will not be accepted. • Couples who are currently registered as Domestic Partners in Cook County will receive a $20 discount and their domestic partnership will be automatically dissolved. • Any couple planning to participate in a June 2 ceremony – including the Millennium Park event hosted by the City of Chicago, Lamda Legal, Equality Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Judges – MUST obtain a license from the Clerk’s office on June 1. A license is valid for a ceremony held within 60 days of the issue date. By law, couples must wait until the day after they obtain their license to have their Civil Union ceremony performed so June 2 is the first day Civil Union ceremonies can be held. Within 10 days of a ceremony, Civil Union officiants must return the completed license for it to be certified and recorded by the County Clerk.
CELEBRATION:
Civil Union “presents” have been donated by 20 local businesses. The first couple in line at 7:30 a.m. will receive a gift package. Other presents will be distributed by raffle; couples in line by 7:30 a.m. will be eligible. The Clerk’s office will invite all couples back to a party room for cake and chocolate, donated by Eli’s Cheesecake and Illinois Nut & Candy.
SPONSORS:
Wilde Bar & Restaurant
Transistor Starbelly Studios Photography Restoration Salon
The Palmer House Hilton
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Sierzega & Associates, Ltd.
Mendell on the Move
LaSalle Flowers
Lambda Legal
Lady Gregory’s
Illinois Nut & Candy Goodman Theatre
Eli’s Cheesecake
Downtown Bar & Lounge
Crew Bar + Grill
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
Best Gay Chicago
Angel’s Restaurant
ADH Meetings & Events
CIVIL UNIONS Available in Chicago and Illinois June 1st
That is the first day couples can officialy register their CIVIL UNION with the State of Illinois! – It’s NOT gay marriage – but it a huge step in the right direction, for the state and MANY couples are expected to register.
“Here we are in 2011 on the eve of Abraham Lincoln’s 202nd birthday and I think this is very special,” Governor Quinn said. “We believe in civil rights and we believe in civil unions.”
With the move, Illinois joins five other states and the District of Columbia in establishing statewide laws to provide the equivalent of state-level spousal rights to same sex couples.
LOTS OF EVENTS WILL BE HAPPENING THAT WEEK!
Thirty Illinois Couples to Hold Civil Union Ceremonies in Chicago’s Millennium Park on June 2, 2011
Governor to Attend Chicago’s Celebration of Civil Unions
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues will host 30 civil union ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park, Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
“Our state’s first civil union ceremonies will mark a day of celebration and an historic milestone on the road to full marriage equality for LGBT Illinoisans,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I look forward to attending this joyful event.”
The event is co-sponsored by The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, Lambda Legal, Equality Illinois, and the Alliance of Illinois Judges. Governor Pat Quinn will attend, and Cook County Clerk David Orr, the Hon. Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and members of the Alliance of Illinois Judges will officiate the civil union ceremonies.
THEN on JUNE 3rd – @
Chicago History Museum
Chicago
Unite with Pride:
A Community Celebration , hosted by the Civil Rights Agenda. a multi-couple civil union ceremony to celebrate the enactment of civil unions in Illinois and the beginning of Pride Month in Chicago.
Unite with Pride will provide couples an opportunity to be civilly united in an historic outdoor community civil ceremony on the picturesque “Uihlein Plaza” just days after the civil union law takes effect.
The festivities will continue as couples, family, friends, and the community attend a black-tie optional cocktail reception with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by various vendors from the event planning industry.
In addition to the ceremony and reception, guests will be granted access to the newly opened Chicago History Museum exhibit “Out in Chicago”. The “Out in Chicago” exhibit will explore how the evolution of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years.
This fundraiser will benefit our Families United Project. The Families United Project is an exploration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer families in Illinois. The goal of the Families United Project is to gain equality for every family in Illinois through the use of social media, political advocacy and by building community. We seek to engage all people who believe that every family in America deserves to be equal.
Please go to www.jointcra.org to buy your tickets!
AND CHECK THIS OUT!
Those guests and couples who register or have already registered for the event by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday May 28 will be automatically entered in a drawing to have brunch with Al Franken when he is in town on June 12! This is a private event and you will be able to meet and brunch with the Senator. Senator Franken is a leader on progressive causes and is committed to advancing LGBT Rights.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the Senator and register now!
on Sunday June 5, 12:30PM Civil Unions – What do they mean?
St. Pauls United Church of Christ, 2335 N Orchard, Chicago 60614
As this new Illinois law goes into effect on June 1, what are the legal and financial implications for you and your loved ones? Is a civil union a good idea for you? Bring your questions to this panel discussion featuring legal professionals, including a representative from Lambda Legal.
Box lunch available for $10.
Please RSVP by May 31, indicating if you’d like a lunch, to: jcarlson@spucc.org or phone 773-348-3829.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR GETTING A CIVIL UNION?
OUT IN CHICAGO opens at Chicago History Museum
has presented the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Chicagoans since 2004 through the Out at CHM programming series.
Now, in its eighth year, the Museum will continue this educational programming and will also present the exhibition Out in Chicago opening May 21, 2011. (this past weekend) and runs through March 26, 2012.
The exhibition will explore how the evolution of these Chicago communities mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years. Out in Chicago is the latest in the Museum’s ongoing series of exhibitions addressing Chicago communities and neighborhoods.
Out in Chicago takes a new perspective on Chicago’s history through historical artifacts, documents, and individual testimonies. Based on research and new scholarship, the exhibition encompasses four thematic sections that reflect the evolution of the LGBT communities over the past 150 years: from the stories of individual Chicagoans, to the building of families and home life, to the evolution of communities and city neighborhoods; and to the communities’ expansion into political activism.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
LATER THIS YEAR – special events include –
Secret Historian Thursday, September 8
Author Justin Spring visits the Museum for a lecture and book-signing about his recent award-winning book, Secret Historian. Drawn from the never-before-seen stories of Chicagoan novelist, poet, tattoo artist, and university professor, Sam Steward, Spring re-creates a sensational reconstruction of one of the more extraordinary hidden lives of the twentieth century. Tickets are $12/10 members.
In the K/Now: Gays in the Military Thursday, November 10
This conversation about gays in the military led by community leaders and military veterans is presented in partnership with an array of gay military alumni groups. After more than a decade of debate, this is still one of the most controversial issues facing the LGBT community. FREE.
Chicago in Leather December 1
The LGBT leather community in Chicago has made a historic, cultural, and meaningful impact on the city in a variety of ways. A panel will discuss these contributions to LGBT history, Chicago history, and leather history. This program is in collaboration with the Leather Archives & Museum. Tickets are $12/10 members.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
BestGayChicago.com
What Exactly Does the Center on Halsted Do?
I am really amazed when I talk to friends here in Chicago who really have no idea of what goes on at the CENTER ON HALSTED . They just think it’s a place to hang out and have no idea of what the Center has to offer!
Everyone should sign up for their monthy newsletter . And from time to time, we’ll provide a snapshot of some of the months highlights. There really is something here for everyone!
For March –
“When Romeo Was A Woman,” a presentation of the Out at CHM series
Thursday, March 10, Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. event at 6:30 p.m.
$12/ $10 students/CHM members
Charlotte Cushman, 1816-1876, was the nineteenth century’s most famous cross-dressing and woman-loving actress. Her performance of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lover was legendary, and she wowed male and female audiences alike at local theaters, like McVicker’s in Chicago, during her American tours. Join cultural historian Lisa Merrill for a behind-the-scenes look at how spectators and critics talked and wrote about sexuality on stage. Jill Austin, museum curator, will begin the program with a brief introduction to LGBT-related life and themes in mid-19th-century Chicago. About Face Theatre Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar and the Laramie Project’s co-author Leigh Fondakowski will join the discussion to talk about how gender-bending pioneers continue to impact our stages.
Speed Dating for Men 21+
Thursday, March 10, 7PM $12 at the door
Looking to date, make friends or to meet that special someone? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time speed dating at Center on Halsted. You will have an opportunity to meet everyone and leave with contact information for your matches! Cash bar opens at 6:45 PM.
a conversation with Atty. Ray Koenig
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30PM FREE
Beginning this summer, Illinois will offer civil unions to same-sex couples. Hear from legal expert Ray Koenig about what this will mean for you—whether you have partnership arrangements or not.
Ray J. Koenig III, is a member in Clark Hill’s Litigation Practice Group in its Chicago office. He practices in the areas of probate litigation, trust litigation, fiduciary litigation, elder law and estate planning. Ray has represented individuals, families, financial institutions, medical institutions, and governmental organizations in all areas of his practice. Ray has extensive trial, appellate and mediation experience in state and federal courts.
Ray is frequently appointed Guardian Ad Litem and defense counsel by judges in guardianship cases, and has been appointed Special Administrator in probate matters. Ray has also been appointed Special Assistant Attorney General in numerous matters. Ray served on a task force formed by the Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department on Aging to develop and draft legislation to significantly revise the Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act.
Introduction to PowerPoint
Begins Thursday, March 17, 10AM (3-week series) $15. Sliding scale available.
Call (773) 661-0730 to register. Pre-registration required.
This class is designed for the beginning PowerPoint user and includes: creating a presentation, working with text in slides, working with slides, using design templates, different presentation views, and printing presentations.
Thursday, March 17, 6PM FREE. Pre-registration required.
Interested in a night of fine dining, smooth live jazz, and apple martinis –and getting home by 10pm? Want an alternative to your traditional St. Patty’s Day celebration? Then come on out for the SAGE Early Bird Jazz Supper Club. Bring a date, rendezvous, or live on the edge and meet someone new! Come for the sumptuous cuisine prepared by Center on Halsted’s “What’s Cookin’” program and stay for our three sassy song stylists and apple martinis. Space limited to 36.
Bisexual Movie Night
Monday, March 21, 7PM (3rd Mondays)
A casual, FREE movie night with popcorn and refreshments.
SAGE Women’s Creative Writing
Thursday, March 24, 6PM (Thursdays weekly)
Experienced facilitator from Northwestern University will guide the group through expressions of self through poetry, fiction, and journal writing. Class is limited to 15; please call or e-mail (773) 472-6469 to register.
Speed Dating for Women 21+
Thursday, March 24, 7PM $12 at the door
Looking to date, make friends or to meet that special someone? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time speed dating at Center on Halsted. You will have an opportunity to meet everyone and leave with contact information for your matches! Cash bar opens at 6:45 PM.
Legal Clinic at Center on Halsted
Tuesdays 4PM-7PM and Wednesdays 6PM-8PM
(please call to make an appointment)
Center on Halsted’s free legal clinic allows LGBT and Ally people to speak one-on-one with a licensed attorney about their specific legal concern and receive appropriate information and referral options. There is no fee for this service. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact 773.472.6469, ext. 290.
This is just a small glimpse into the Center on Halsted. Every day more than 1,000 visitors, participants and clients walk through the doors of Center on Halsted. Come experience the richness of their theatre, gallery exhibits and cultural programs. Take a class in the Computer Technology Center or use the free wi-fi throughout the building. Be a part of The Center .
Chicago Restaurant Week February 18-27
For ten days, over 200 restaurants will offer special prix fixe menus starting at $22* for lunch and $33/$44* for dinner. Take this opportunity to discover new dining hot spots and re-visit a few of your favorites.
Participating restaurants may offer Restaurant Week menus for lunch, dinner or both – at their discretion. Please view individual restaurant profiles for menu details .
*Beverages, tax and gratuity are not included
Breaking News – Civil Unions for Chicago and Illinois is One Step Closer
PASSES IN ILLINOIS!
THE CIVIL RIGHTS AGENDA
& LGBT CHANGE MOVE
FORWARD WITH MARRIAGE
EQUALITY IN ILLINOIS
Springfield, Illinois – Tuesday, November 30, 2010 – Today, the Illinois House of Representatives voted to pass the Illinois Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act by a vote of 61 to 52. After passage by the Senate (hopefully this week) and being signed by Governor Quinn, the Act will take effect July 2011.
With this vote, the Illinois General Assembly has taken one more step towards equality in Illinois. “Today the Illinois House of Representatives made history,” stated Anthony Martinez, Executive Director of The Civil Rights Agenda and Co-Executive Director of LGBT Change. “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) families in Illinois have gained desperately needed protections that surround the most personal times of our lives. With this victory, The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA) and LGBT Change have verified that our strategy is effective and impacted this vote for the better.”
TCRA and LGBT Change have already shown that their grassroots approach to organizing the community and working with allies has been effective. In the last election, The Civil Rights Agenda Fund and LGBT Change, working in coordination with a number of allied groups, reached nearly 70,000 LGBT friendly voters and saw a 75% turn-out in targeted precincts across Illinois. The organizations also identified specific races where the stakes were high for LGBT civil rights, and impacted the outcome by driving voters to the polls. As civil unions came close to a vote, TCRA and LGBT Change used their grassroots strategy to mobilize hundreds of volunteers, made close to 20,000 calls to constituents in target legislative districts and had a continuous lobbying presence in Springfield.
“When our organizations became engaged in this issue, we realized that Representative Harris, the Chief Sponsor of the Bill, was diligently working in the absence of support from the community and was lacking support from community organizations in critical areas. Immediately we deployed a legislative team and began working to secure votes on both sides of the aisles,” said Lowell Jaffe, Political Director of The Civil Rights Agenda.
LGBT Change and The Civil Rights Agenda will be working together to ensure that those Legislators that voted ‘NO’ will be exposed, targeted and defeated. We will also ensure that the Legislators that stood by the LGBT Community will be thanked and protected.
The Illinois Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act will grant the same benefits, obligations and responsibilities of marriage, under state law, while protecting the rights of religious institutions to define marriage as they choose. The major benefits include hospital visitation, healthcare decision making, disposition of a deceased loved one’s remains and probate rights. Civil unions would be available to any couple, same-sex or opposite-sex, in a committed relationship who are: 18 years of age or older, not in an existing marriage or civil union, and are not related. The Act will also provide for the dissolution of civil unions in the same way as divorce. This Act will take effect July 2011.
“We are finally on the bus,” said Jacob Meister, President of The Civil Rights Agenda, “but we will keep fighting until we are no longer relegated to the back. For too long the leadership in the LGBT community has been willing to accept ‘separate but equal’ status. The Civil Rights Agenda and LGBT Change’s success with civil unions proves that if we continue to organize and build coalitions, we will reach a point of full civil rights for all people.”
Additionally, The Civil Rights Agenda and LGBT Change will now turn their efforts to marriage as a matter of full equality. “It’s time to open a new chapter and start the march toward full marriage equality,” Matty Zaradich, Co-Executive Director of LGBT Change added, “We won’t drink from a separate water fountain; we won’t accept ‘separate-but-equal’ treatment, and we won’t tolerate a government that discriminates against its own citizens.”
Chicago Taxi Cabs May Get More Expensive
ONLY TOURISTS TAKE
TAXI CABS IN CHICAGO,
RIGHT?
Um, WRONG!
According to Alderman Ed Burke, he thinks only tourists use cabs and he is asking for a new increase of $1 to be added on to the already high $2.75 for a single passenger, to just step into a cab.
What’s a buck?! “It’s not a big amount.” he says, as he cashes is $3000+ weekly check.
If only tourists take cabs – than pass the buck to THEM.
Allow RESIDENTS with an ID, to waive the $1 surcharge!
“it seems to me to be a painless, easy way to generate about $70 million that we sorely need,” Burke said. “A $1 surcharge isn’t going to hurt anybody in my opinion, and it doesn’t impact Chicago citizens.”
Gilbert Uranta, 50, who has been driving a cab in Chicago for 15 years, threw his hands up in exasperation when he heard about the plan. In Chicago, cabbies pay a $78 per month ground transportation tax and a gasoline tax.
Uranta said that ultimately the added $1 will mean fewer tips for the drivers.
“They are trying to use us to collect their money,” Uranta said. “The driver always loses.”
Read the full article at the Daily Tribune .
CALL AND COMPLAIN TODAY!
Call the Committee of Finance at 312-744-3380
Send the Committee of Finance an e-mail!
Inside Your Chicago
Gay Chicago Police – HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED!
The City of Chicago
is currently accepting applications
for entry level Police Officer positions.
Applications are only available online and will be accepted through Friday, November 26, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Some of the basic requirements for entry level Chicago police officer positions include:
Age – At least 21 years of age at time of application and 25 years of age at time of hire for non-military personnel.
At least 21 years of age for military personnel with appropriate service.
Must be less than 40 years old at the time of hire.
Education/Military Experience:
60 semester (90 quarter) hours of college credit, or
3 years (36 months) of continuous active duty in the U.S. Military, or
30 semester (45 quarter) hours of college credit and one year of continuous military service.
Valid driver’s license.
Payment of registration fee of $30.00.
A fee waiver is available for qualifying individuals.
This position requires applicants to complete the application process, to submit all required documents, and to complete a written exam.
The written exam will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2010.
Individuals interested in applying should go to City of Chicago Police Officer .
Applicants should call the DHR hotline/customer service at 312-744-4976 if they have ANY questions before they push the “submit” button on application. Customer service representatives are available Monday-Saturday from 8:30-4:30.
DuPage College Has Anti-Gay and Hate Groups on Campus
You think we live in a tolerant city in the Midwest…not so. Don’t be fooled.
Many think Gays and Lesbians DO NOT deserve rights.
The College of Dupage, based in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, (but with a large campus here in Chicago) is one of the larger community colleges in the nation with 31,000 students. A few days ago, this hideous opinion piece published in the October 29 edition of its student newspaper, The Courier. He compares homosexuality to INCEST and PEDAPHILIA!
The piece was authored by WAYNE LELA, and by the extremist group HOME , Heterosexuals Organized for a Moral Environment.
Lela, in addition to staging anti-gay protests at college campuses, and once running for U.S. president, has the backing of NARTH, the wildy discredited group whose “research” is often cited by anti-gay groups. Lela has been active in the anti-gay movement for some time.
The paper’s editor can be reached at editor@cod.edu.
TOWLEROAD actually first broke the story. And he contacted the editor.
TODAY, TOWLEROAD reports, “I received an email from the paper’s editor, Vikaas Shanker, today, which I’ll share:”
“The Courier will print an editorial in this Friday’s issue (Nov. 5) which will address the decision to print Mr. Lela’s letter in the Oct. 29 issue. Due to space issues, we will not be able to print all letters to the editor, but we will print the petition sent to us and some letters from the college community. Most other letters will go on the web in a viewable PDF format. All letters are subject to editing for grammar, style, language, length and libel as stated in our Courier policy.”
Wait and see I guess. I contacted to editor also – and he has not responded. I am sure his in box is FULL!
Pat Quinn Trailing Bill Brady in the Polls
GLEE inspired campaign! Pat Quinn has a clever idea to capture the attention of voters! Recent polls show Quinn is behind in the polls against Republican (and anti-gay) Bill Brady .
From receiving an “F” for his voting record on minority rights, to multiple attempts to restrict rights for LGBT Illinoisans, it’s clear that Senator Brady wants to “return Illinois and America to John Wayne’s America.”
Brady has sponsored or co-sponsored a disturbing number of anti-LGBT bills in Springfield – from a constitutional ban on civil unions to gutting the Illinois Human Rights Act.
PLEASE GET OUT AND VOTE! VOTE PAT QUINN FOR GOVERNOR!
Absolutely The Best Segway Tours in Chicago!
This past weekend I had the pleasure of going on my first Segway Tour. Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours had been highly recommended to me, so that is who we chose. And it was a great tour and experience!
The owners of the company have over 50 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry, having owned and operated some of the most successful, recognized and reputable restaurants and companies in the Chicagoland area. When starting Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours it was clear that they wanted to create that same memorable service, and to leave visitors with a wonderful impression of Chicago.
The Segway itself is only one part of the total touring experience. “We believe that your tour guide will have the biggest impact on your experience. At the risk of bragging, we have the best guides in the business, bar none. That’s because we only hire the best. They have undergone extensive Segway certification training. They have to be professional, courteous, and articulate. So whether the group is comprised of teens, grandmas, or corporate execs, our guides can connect with everyone.” says owner Timmie McGuire Cortina.
They offer several different tours and those can change with the season, and the weather. We took the 8 mile / 2 hour Museum Campus tour. Before you can go on a tour, you have to watch a short safety film, then there is a short “class” learning session. Many people think you jump and go, and control your speed and braking with your hands and handlebar. This is not true.
Riding the Segway feels like nothing you’ve ever experienced because there’s never been anything like it. Step on and your instinct will be to steady yourself, as you would on anything with two wheels. But almost immediately you’ll realize that the Segway is balancing for you, almost like it has become an extension of you. Just lean forward a little and you’ll see that the Segway isn’t moving you on its own; it’s moving in response to you and what you tell it to do. It all feels natural and really cool.
The Segway uses LeanSteer™ Technology to move you from Point A to B. Gently move the LeanSteer frame and handlebar left or right in the direction you want to travel and feel the machine respond almost instantly.
The Segway balances by using five micro-machined angular rate sensors and two accelerometers that sense the changing terrain and your body position at 100 times per second.
For HALLOWEEN SEASON: There is the Chicago Haunted Tour! The first of its kind in Chicago. “Our Guides will be your ghost hunters on this guided segway tour. They will escort you to the most mysteriously haunted locations in Downtown Chicago while relating the stories of Chicago’s Haunted Hotels, houses, ghosts, murders, and gruesome disasters. Eerily we will creep through the shadows and darkness of the park to the sites that have claimed the lives of many tortured souls, places where paranormal experiences have been shared, where lingering spirits have appeared in the air.
This extraordinary Chicago Ghost Tour will visit the sites of Haunted Fort Dearborn, the Iroquois Theatre disaster, the Morgue on State, the Dead Alley, and the past home of Al Capone’s haunted yacht. Some say that the sounds of screaming can still be heard. We have more haunted places and stories to share, so come along and glide with us … if you dare!”
HAUNTED DISCOUNT! Get a group together of 4 or more for the 9:15 Wednesdays or Thursdays Haunted Tours and each person gets a $10 discount! or Get a $5 discount on Friday or Saturday tours IF YOU MENTION THIS ARTICLE !
Most tours are about $60-$65 – and well worth it! Explore Chicago by day or night on this picturesque Lakefront tour of Chi-Town. We travel along fragrant garden paths while viewing the famous Chicago attractions of Grant and Millennium Parks, Soldier Field, Buckingham Fountain, and the Museum Campus. Our evening tours provide views of Chicago’s fabulous skyline at dusk.
Absolutely Chicago Segways is located right near Millenium Park at 337 E. Randolph.
If you drive downtown and tour with them, you can park with them for $10 for the day.
Call 312-552-5100 to make your reservations
Tell them Best Gay Chicago.com sent you!
Kathy Osterman Hollywood Gay Beach House Grand Opening
Kathy Osterman Beach
is the official name of the lovely crescent of sand known to most Chicago residents as Hollywood-Ardmore Beach. Others call it the Hollywood Beach, or some call it the Gay Beach. Located off Lake Shore Drive, between Bryn Mawr and Hollywood.
The beautiful beach is nestled amongst high-rise buildings and sunsets there are nice as the sun drops behind the tall buildings. The southern end is a very popular spot for gays, but the beach overall remains a family beach. Parents and kids come here to swim, (when the water is warm enough!) and also to enjoy volleyball and frisbee. But don’t take balls in the water – that’s a no-no, for some reason. On any given weekend you will find a few hundred LGBT people here at the southern end.
Just hours ago was the official grand opening of the new beach house / comfort station. A One-story, 2570 square feet, fully accessible facility providing a Concession Area, called PICNIC, Family Restroom, Men’s and Women’s Restroom and a Life Guard Lockerroom. Plus outdoor rinse-off shower heads and more bike racks. The new building is filled with environmental sustainability features like rainwater harvesting, skylights and solar powered trash compacters!
Mayor Daley spoke at the ceremony and gave praise to Kathy Osterman as being a true visionary and he applauded her achievements including being at the forefront of the progress of human rights and LGBT issues.
The PICNIC concession is an off-shoot of The Waterfront Cafe , located just up the street at Berger Park. They are providing a much smaller menu here, but have a very nice seating area patio and will be offering beer and wine soon. Fresh made sandwiches ($7-8) and things like guacamole and hummus ($5-6) plus lots of assorted cold drinks are available.
Kathy Osterman was a known as a “Friend of the Community”, 48th Ward alderman, city special events director, and longtime political activist, she helped to forge critical links between Chicago government and the lesbian and gay community. She played a crucial role in passage of the city’s human rights ordinance.
An ebullient, optimistic, dynamic individual, Osterman was a fierce and outspoken lobbyist for the passage of Chicago’s Human Rights Ordinance. She worked closely with gay and lesbian activists, helping formulate logistics. She personally introduced many of the key players to each other, and is also credited for developing the imaginative “bring in the nuns” strategy, calling on women of the cloth to lobby the large Roman Catholic bloc of aldermen within the City Council. The Human Rights Ordinance was passed in 1988, and Osterman considered this to be one of her greatest accomplishments in public life.
On May 1, 1992, Osterman was married to Bruce DuMont, founder and President of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and host of the nationally syndicated radio program “Inside Politics.” She was the mother of two sons, Harry Joe and Matthew, who live and work in Chicago. Kathy Osterman died that same year of cancer on December 8, 1992.
Though the beach officially closes Labor Day, you will find people out thru the early fall if the weather is nice. But there are no lifeguards on duty after Labor Day – but I am told the PICNIC concession will remain open thru October 1st.
Gay Boystown Neighborhood Walking Tours
WANT THE 411 on BOYSTOWN?
Whether you live here and think you know it all or maybe newly relocated and want to learn more, or just visiting – This 90-minute walking tour highlights the Boystown gayborhood, presented by improviser Margaret Hicks of Chicago Elevated, and lends a deeper, historical perspective to the area known for its overwhelming gayness and well-endowed rainbow pylons.
DID YOU KNOW?
-that when the rainbow rocket-shaped pylons were installed in 1998, Boystown became the first officially recognized gay neighborhood in the country?
-that Little Jims was the first gay bar in Boystown?
-that Roscoes was the first bar to open their windows to the public?
“Come join me in a trip through one of Chicago’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Boystown was the first officially recognized gay village in the country and believe me, it has a lot to show for it. We’ll start at one of Boystown’s oldest bars – Roscoe’s.
We’ll taste some wine at Kafka and learn about “queer space.” We’ll talk about the pansy craze of the 1920’s and end at a bar that survived one of it’s own Chicago Fires, Scarlet. The price for the tour includes a wine-tasting and other gifts, drinks at bars will not be included in the price!”
Margaret loves Chicago and its many unique neighborhoods, and if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to take one of her walking tours, you no doubt agree.
Hicks’s excitement for and understanding of Boystown, gay rights, and Chicago history creates a contagious enthusiasm as you travel through the neighborhood. Yet, it’s not just a history excursion, but an interactive, sometimes hilarious, evening of engagement with local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Boystown Tour runs until October 31st!
Reservations are required and the tour is cash only.
Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays at 5:00PM – 6:30PM – $20.00
Call 773.593.4873 or email margaret @ chicagoelevated.com for reservations.
Open Door Clinic in Elgin and Aurora
We talk so much about the city of Chicago and everything going on here, we sometimes forget about the suburbs and the LGBT communities and organizations there.
When AIDS was recognized in the early 1980’s as being a sexually transmitted disease, the Board of Directors of Open Door Clinic (ODC) felt it was important for the STD Clinic to extend its diagnostic, treatment and prevention services to include HIV/AIDS.
ODC was one of the first HIV Antibody testing sites in the State of Illinois, a service still offered today. In 1988, ODC became the first Illinois testing site to offer one-week results and can now provide results within a few days. The Clinic also offers the antigen test, which reduces the window period. In January 1993, they initiated a pilot project of a broad spectrum “early intervention” HIV Clinic (hereafter named HIV Clinic).
Among the services provided are
- laboratory testing (CD4, viral loads, etc.)
- primary physician service.
- specialist referrals.
- nutrition Counseling & supplements.
- substance abuse referrals.
- mental health referrals
- information, forms and applications for federal, state and local assistance programs
- along with professional, compassion, caring & support.
“Most significantly, we have been able to offer our clients the assurance that the clinic, its services and staff remain available throughout the illness.”
2 Clinic Locations
Elgin, IL
Open Door Clinic 164 Division Street, Suite 607 Elgin, IL 60120 Phone: 847 695-1093
Aurora, IL
Open Door Clinic 157 S. Lincoln Avenue, Room K , Aurora, IL 60505 Phone: 630 264-1819
