Category Archives: Youth
Cinema Q – Free LGBT Films On Wednesdays
presents Cinema Q,
a new film series celebrating outstanding LGBT movies made in Chicago.
The free screenings will take place on four Wednesdays: March 16, 23, 30, and April 6, 2011 in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater. All screenings will feature a discussion and Q&A following the film. Films contain mature subject matter. Viewer discretion advised.
Wednesday, March 16
Quearborn & Perversion (2007): Join filmmaker Ron Pajak for a screening and discussion of his documentary about the history of gay and lesbian culture in Chicago.
Wednesday, March 23
Go Fish (1994): Rose Troche’s shot-in-Chicago lesbian romance has become an indie classic! Also showing, never before seen outtakes from Fish Out of Water, the acclaimed 2009 documentary that explores the relationship between homosexuality and the Bible, with filmmaker Ky Dickens in person!
Wednesday, March 30
JoJo Baby (2010): The Clive Barker executive produced documentary portrait of artist and Chicago nightclub legend JoJo Baby, with JoJo in person! Also showing, Peter Neville’s music videos of local gender bending rock-n-roll group The Joans with Peter Neville in person!
Wednesday, April 6
Were the World Mine (2008): The award winning gay musical reimagining of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream,” with local cast and crewmembers in person! Followed by a complimentary dessert reception in the G.A.R. Rotunda (courtesy of J & L Catering)
ALL SHOWS at 6:30 ALL SHOWS ARE FREE
Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater 78 E. Washington
BestGayChicago.com
Isaiah Grass….Model and Singer in Chicago
You know the saying…
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover..
You may look at this young man and would never guess he has a powerful voice, but in fact he does!
Meet ISAIAH GRASS from Chicago.
Isaiah was recognized at a young age where he raised attention to a voice that carries with potential, soul, and purity in its sound. Since middle school he has performed at many different venues such as special events, celebrations,weddings to name a few… When Isaiah writes and composes his music, he is inspired and influenced by an array of genres which carries a deep respect for hip-pop, soul, R&B, rock and others.
Isaiah’s Single “I’M A FREAK” was released in January with an immediate success with more than 100,000 hits in 3 weeks on his website and over 3,000 “likes” in the well-know Facebook website. The song is a mix of pop and dance.
The agents for Isaiah released “Starting Over” in February. This song is totally different from his first single “I’m a Freak”. Think Levi Kreiss / Jay Brannan.
Over the years, Isaiah had explored into what most guys his age only dream of. He has captivated those from many facets of entertainment and revealed incredible potential to make his mark in not only music and modeling, but also as a positive influence and inspiration to those who follow.
While I was trying to figure out the direction to take about my singing career, I was contacted by a modeling agency to attend one of their castings, which after some serious talking with my parents, I went.
Out of over 300 people at this casting I got selected. For the first time, I learned what a contract was but it wasn’t for music instead for modeling. I had mixed feelings because I knew music was my main goal and passion so I juggled the thought in my head of which I really wanted to do…”
So here he is DOING BOTH!
ISAIAH GRASS….One to Watch in 2011!
Dan Savage and Terry Miller Read in Chicago March 23
Equality Illinois,
the State’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) people, is pleased to partner with Unabridged Bookstore to bring Dan Savage and Terry Miller to Chicago to read, discuss, and sign their newest book, IT GETS BETTER, based on the immensely popular web video series.
Come see why millions of people have taken to this positive and touching message for LGBT youth.
This event is free and open to the public.
Dan Savage and Terry Miller Read, Discuss, and Sign IT GETS BETTER
Wednesday, March 23 at 7:00pm
Nettelhorst Elementary School 3252 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60657
Equality Illinois was founded to secure, protect and defend the civil rights of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. It is one of the Midwest’s largest gay civil rights organizations.
BestGayChicago.com
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
Chicago LGBT Youth Homeless – FREE Movie TONIGHT
January 10th at 7:00 P.M.,
join Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and the DePaul A.V. Club for our screening of “Turning the Corner,” an eye-opening documentary about homelessness in Chicago.
The A.V. Club will provide FREE FOOD (but we encourage you to bring some to share as well) and will be lucky enough after the presentation to hear from two inspiring women who survived homelessness and the sex trade in Chicago.
We will also be joined by members of the Video Action League, who will briefly present an exciting project they are working on “Facing Up to Queer Youth Homelessness.” Interested in getting involved? Look them up at Facebook at: http://on.fb.me/hKgCvf
The screening will take place in Room 220 of the Student Center, which is also known as the glass room inside the cafeteria. Admission is free and open to non-students, faculty and whomever would like to join us.
So, spread the word, bring friends, bring your student group and prepare to get inspired.
2250 N. Sheffield, Lincoln Park Student Center, Room 220
(the glass room inside the cafeteria) 7-9pm
Best Gay Chicago.com
Q The Series – LGBT Comedy and Queer Life
It’s a comedy about queer life on campus that addresses a wide range of topics in the LGBT community and how our generation deals with them — the main characters include trans, bisexual, pansexual, and homosexual guys and girls.
Being a comedy, the show focuses on the positive aspects of living in a community and generation that’s closer to accepting queer lifestyles, but also addresses the natural tensions that can arise.
Currently, it is still in production (for an online release and advanced screening next spring), but they are trying to get awareness out now and already have a trailer for the series up online.
The show is produced completely by students in the city, mostly from Columbia University, and is a non-profit endeavor. Funding has been generously provided by the Gatsby Foundation (providing many on-campus arts grants), and equipment has been donated by Columbia University Film Productions (an undergraduate film club). The remaining funding will hopefully be raised through our Kickstarter account.
It’s the aim of the cast and crew to spread awareness of the different lifestyles that exist in our generation — we really want to show the fun side of being a young adult in this new cultural era. Our production team is working to make the best show out of everything we’ve got.
The show will be shooting over the month of January, and is planned for release over the months of March and April. The first few episodes of the show will be screened to our supporters and crew in New York City before the release of the series.
Check out Q The Series ! Also join them on Facebook!
Best Gay New York
Nathan Manske and I’m From Driftwood Arrive in Chicago
He’s HERE! Nathan Manske has arrived in Chicago!
Nathan Manske is the creator and editor of the gay, true-stories and very popular blog I’m From Driftwood . He is indeed from Driftwood, Texas, but has lived in Brooklyn, New York since 2003.
LGBT people have been submitting their stories online to Nathan for a couple years now. This year, he decided to go on the road, collecting more video stories, for a documentary. Chicago is on his stops this week, then off to Michigan!
Produced under his newly founded company, Crush Deviant Media, Marquise Lee serves as director and editor of the I’m From Driftwood original Video Stories.
MONDAY November 22, they will be at the Center on Halsted from 5 – 6:30pm.
TUESDAY, November 23rd, they will be at Roscoes at 11pm hosting a little fundraiser to raise additional funds for the documentary.
Come out and show them some love!
School of the Art Institute of Chicago Holiday Art Sale
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Campus Life and Student Association proudly hosts the annual Holiday Art Sale on Friday, Nov. 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the MacLean Center Ballroom (112 S. Michigan Avenue).
The immense talent and creativity of more than 120 SAIC students is on display at this unique sale, which offers exquisite one-of-a-kind gifts such as photographs, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, prints and drawings, jewelry, fashion accessories and handmade paper designs.
Prices of works for sale range from $1 to $1,000+. Participating students receive 85% of their total sales; the remaining 15% goes to the SAIC Student Association to support the Art Sale and to fund future projects and educational programs.
SAIC Holiday Art Sale admission is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call (312) 629-6880 or visit SAIC . SAIC’s New Artist Society also hosts a special Holiday Art Sale Preview Party Thursday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $35/person or $60/couple.
For more information about the New Artist Society Preview Party or to purchase tickets, call (312) 899-5158.
It Gets Better Project – Filming in Chicago Sunday October 3
15 minutes of your time
could make a lifetime of difference!
Dan Savage and his husband Terry, frustrated and horrified over the growing epidemic of gay teens who have attempted or committed suicide to escape brutal bullying at school and home, have created a brilliant way to reach out and give hope to gay kids.
The It Gets Better Project is a library of YouTube videos featuring happy, proud gay adults talking about how the… bullying will eventually end and life eventually gets better.
You can see the clips he’s collected so far here:
It Gets Better Project
The library is growing every day. But Dan has asked for more clips—particularly clips of couples and families ready to share the joy of their lives as gay adults—so we are working with the Center on Halsted to host a free six-hour videotaping marathon. And YOU can participate!
TIME: 15-minute sessions between 1:00 and 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted
ROOM: Polk Brothers Foundation Youth Space, Second Floor
Dan Savage will be on hand to meet you and
help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Here’s all you have to do:
1. FORWARD THIS INVITATION to all your Chicago-area adult gay friends.
2. EMAIL JAKESTIGERS @ GMAIL.COM to schedule your 15-minute shoot. Please include your name, phone number and a range of times you’re available, and we’ll do our best to fit everyone in.
3. BRING A PHOTO OF YOU AS A KID if you want. We’ll scan it while you have your shoot and give it back to you.
That’s it! We’ll edit your video, add your photo and submit it to Dan to post on the It Gets Better Project page.
Thanks in advance for your participation. See you Sunday!
Gay Chicago Youths Need Host Homes with UCAN
An innovative approach to moving Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth beyond life on the streets
A statewide study conducted by the University of Illinois at Chicago Survey Research Laboratory found there were 24,968 unaccompanied homeless youth up to age 21 in Illinois in 2004.
On any given night within Cook County alone there are nearly 2,000 homeless youth with nowhere safe to sleep at night.
A recent study from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force stated that as many as 20-42% of these youth on our streets self-identify as LGBTQ.
Let’s get right to the bottom line.
Chicago has 193 emergency and long term shelter spaces for youth. With shelter space limited and long waiting lists many homeless LGBTQ youth in Chicago will remain on the streets and out of care.
The truth is, emergency and long term shelters aren’t enough.
This is a situation that will take everyone working together to solve.
There is a way you can help –
become a part of the LGBTQ Host Home Program.
UCANs LGBTQ Host Home Program is an innovative housing model that provides an alternative to the shelter system for LGBTQ homeless youth. We rely on our Host Home Volunteers to step forward and open their home for a period of time to a youth ages 17 – 21. Both the youth and the adult volunteer go through a rigorous screening and training process facilitated and supported by trained social work professionals. The provision of safe housing in conjunction with on-going supportive services for the youth and volunteers will create the safety and stability necessary for the youth to focus on pursuing educational and vocational opportunities.
Help TRANSFORM the life of an LGBTQ Youth.
4 homes have been trained but MORE are needed
If you have an extra bedroom, please reach out to UCAN and help.
To learn more about becoming a part of the LGBTQ Host Home Program please contact Bonnie Wade,
Associate Director at (312) 738-5966 or wadeb @ ucanchicago.org.
Para comunicarse con alguien en Español, favor de llamar a Francisco Monzon al numero 708-201-3028.
Author Dan Savage in Chicago fo ICAH June 15th
Dan Savage
is a somewhat controversial American author, media pundit, journalist and newspaper editor. Savage writes the internationally syndicated relationship and sex advice column Savage Love. Its tone is frank in its discussion of sexuality, often humorous, and hostile to social conservatives, as in the Santorum controversy.
Savage, who is gay, has often been the subject of controversy regarding some of his opinions that pointedly clash with both those of traditional conservatives and those put forth by what Savage has been known to call the “gay establishment”.
On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at the Chicago Cultural Center, ICAH will host their 5th annual event Let’s Talk about Sex. Dan Savage will be honored.
There will also be a presentation from About Face Theater’s production of Fast Forward.
You won’t want to miss this great event!
“This year the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH) has many reasons to celebrate. We have grown tremendously and touched the lives of thousands of young people. Your support is invaluable to our continued success and growth.”
Ticket Prices:
$150 Full program + VIP reception (5:00-6:00 pm)
$100 Full Program
When … Tuesday, June 15, 2010 5 PM – 9 PM
Where …. CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER 78 E. Washington, G.A.R Hall
REGISTER ONLINE FOR THIS AWESOME EVENT !
Author Dan Savage in Chicago fo ICAH June 15th
Dan Savage
is a somewhat controversial American author, media pundit, journalist and newspaper editor. Savage writes the internationally syndicated relationship and sex advice column Savage Love. Its tone is frank in its discussion of sexuality, often humorous, and hostile to social conservatives, as in the Santorum controversy.
Savage, who is gay, has often been the subject of controversy regarding some of his opinions that pointedly clash with both those of traditional conservatives and those put forth by what Savage has been known to call the “gay establishment”.
On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at the Chicago Cultural Center, ICAH will host their 5th annual event Let’s Talk about Sex. Dan Savage will be honored.
There will also be a presentation from About Face Theater’s production of Fast Forward.
You won’t want to miss this great event!
“This year the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH) has many reasons to celebrate. We have grown tremendously and touched the lives of thousands of young people. Your support is invaluable to our continued success and growth.”
Ticket Prices:
$150 Full program + VIP reception (5:00-6:00 pm)
$100 Full Program
When … Tuesday, June 15, 2010 5 PM – 9 PM
Where …. CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER 78 E. Washington, G.A.R Hall
REGISTER ONLINE FOR THIS AWESOME EVENT !
Gay Men Fight in Chicago’s Public Aid Office – Then Vogue
ALWAYS WELCOME!
Where am I? New York City?
No darling, you are in Chicago at the Welfare Office. A brawl broke out downtown and ended with a fierce attempt at Vouging!
Security guards were helpless to stop them.
Shocked onlookers began clearing the way as the two wielded chairs as weapons and used the floor space like a boxing ring as they engaged in a nearly minute-long battle.
But horrified gasps turned into bursts of laughter when the apparent winner of the fight began voguing to celebrate his victory. He even danced his way out of the building and blew kisses to the onlookers!
Best of Gay Chicago
Gay Men Fight in Chicago’s Public Aid Office – Then Vogue
ALWAYS WELCOME!
Where am I? New York City?
No darling, you are in Chicago at the Welfare Office. A brawl broke out downtown and ended with a fierce attempt at Vouging!
Security guards were helpless to stop them.
Shocked onlookers began clearing the way as the two wielded chairs as weapons and used the floor space like a boxing ring as they engaged in a nearly minute-long battle.
But horrified gasps turned into bursts of laughter when the apparent winner of the fight began voguing to celebrate his victory. He even danced his way out of the building and blew kisses to the onlookers!
Best of Gay Chicago
Gay Queer Chicago’s Alternative Scene Chances Dances and Guerrilla Gay Bar
and so is Andersonville.
But there are those who are always seeking something different. Something downtown. Something off the beaten path, something fresh and sexy…..and Chicago offers 2 alternative choices; CHANCES DANCES and GUERRILLA GAY BAR.
Chances Dances are 3 seperate party nights.
The original incarnation is held every third Monday at Subterranean,
2011 W. North Ave. Free Dance party.
Danny’s Tavern hosts “Off Chances” each second Tuesday, 1951 W. Dickens. More laid back, dive-style, dance optional. Free.
The Hideout gays it up every first Saturday, 1354 W. Wabansia. $5 Dance party.
The venues all have one thing in common: Though they are not gay bars, they are all gay-friendly venues, with drinks available on the cheap and a pretension check located just outside the door.
Chances Dances was co-founded in 2004 by Bruce Weist (pictured above, middle) and Latham Zearfross, artists who foresaw a party that would, in the words of the event’s mission, “function to bring together the varied LGBTIQ communities of Chicago.”
“Chances was a really inclusive space where a lot of different people could come together and dance to different kinds of music. We have a more relaxed and less flashy way of approaching a dance party, whereas at bigger clubs, people feel the need to dress up, spend lots of money and it’s a kind of competitive atmosphere.”
Going into their fifth year, Chance Dances continues to grow. When the parties began to generate a profit, the organizers created the Critical Fierceness Grant in 2008, a twice-yearly micro-grant awarded to queer-identified artists as an “opportunity for personal exploration, community development and radical change through art.”
“We saw a lot of people around us creating queer art and we wanted to give these artists an impetus to move their projects along,” said Rita Bacon, another Chances organizer, of the grant.
The next Chances party is at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, on Saturday March 6, featuring DJ sets from John Twatters and Nina Ramone and an interactive performance from Anthony Romero. $5 cover. GET THERE EARLY! IT FILLS TO CAPACITY!
Guerrilla Gay Bar: South Loop Chicago is a group dedicated to bring a fun bar atmosphere to the South Loop area of Chicago. Beyond this the goals are open to members and they expect them to be edited, like a wiki.
The Guerrilla Gay Bar concept has been around for about 10 years, in cities all over the US. In Chicago, a different location is chosen each month. It’s always in a straight, but gay-friendly establishment.
Events are announced about a week out. They don’t want to overwhelm an establishment or be met with an anti-gay slap in the face. “and we don’t want to promote it too heavily…” says Scott Feldman, one of the organizers. “part of the charm is mixing in the regular crowd and exposing people who normally wouldn’t be exposed to our community.” If it’s promoted too much in advance, regulars might stay away.
Their next event –
Follow them on Facebook for more details and upcoming events!
The Best of Gay Chicago
