Monthly Archives: May 2011
HELP! These Dogs Need a Good Home in Chicago!
THE FOUR DOGS DESPERATELY NEED HOMES!
Gloria Lissner, owner
of Happy Tails,in Andersonville, is founder of a new Rescue & Adoption Alliance. She has 4 rescues in her shop that are ready & waiting for good homes. If you are interested in adoption, please give her a call today and make an appointment to meet the dogs. You won’t regret it!
5430 N Clark 773.907.0305
Daryl • 1.5 yrs, male
Shar Pei/Boxer mix. Has great energy and loves the outdoors
Foxy • 4-years, female Sheltie mix. She was badly abused and
could use a quiet home with consistent love and attention.
Lucky • 1-yr, male Terrier/ Bichon. Playful and loving,
he prefers consistency in routine and would do well with an affectionate family or individual.
Cookie • 1.5 yr, female Bulldog/ Boxer mix.Cookie was found
crated in the basement of a drug den. Despite this, she is super sweet and loves to play.
All are neutered & have their shots.
KalaKranti 2011 Queer South Asians June 4th
A festival of
queer South
Asian short film
Saturday June 4,
12pm – 5pm
Columbia College
Film Row Cinema
1104 S. Wabash, 8th fl.
Chicago IL
Trikone-Chicago presents its annual arts festival: KalaKranti. This year we feature short films by and about queer South Asians.
Filmmakers hail from the U.S, Canada, and India, we include fiction, experimental, and documentary films, and content covers migration, race, online dating, Bollywood, gender identity, HIV, family, beauty pageants, sex work, rural life, and polyamory.
This is a unique opportunity to witness an incredibly eclectic range of aesthetics and images.
Co-presented with Columbia College’s Center for Asian Arts and Media & Kashish – Mumbai’s Queer International Film Festival
Ronnie Kroell and Mom Charlene Sonenberg Talk with Feast of Fun
RONNIE KROELL was in Chicago this week and we had the opportunity to hang out with him over dinner and drinks. Ronnie is humble, sweet, and wise beyond his years!
He also did a podcast with Feast of Fun, with his mom, Charlene Sonenberg. They talk about coming out and acceptance.
Ronnie was discovered by his mom snuggling in a sleeping bag with his high school boyfriend in his back yard, at the age of 16.
His mother was shocked and didn’t react well, splashing cold water on the boys, sending Ronnie crying to his dad’s house.
Since then, they have patched things up and become best of friends and his mom is now his biggest advocate and fan.
LISTEN TO Ronnie and Mom on FEAST OF FUN.
Watch for Ronnie in the upcoming EATING OUT 4. Rumor has it there may be just a dash of nudity! Gasp! – Ronnie really enjoys acting and he and his boyfried Taylor Proffitt are considering moving to Los Angeles to pursure more acting. Ronnie has his eye on a role as a super hero!
We’ll be doing a feature on Ronnie and Taylor next month for gay pride!
BestGayChicago.com
International Gay Pop Star Ivri Lider in Chicago June 12th
LGBT Change, a co-sponsor of the
“Ivri Lider Electronic Trio”,
is proud to announce a live concert featuring one of the world’s only platinum album gay artists performing during pride month on June 12, 2011 at the House of Blues.
“LGBT Change is excited to be working with a diverse group of friends to bring to Chicago a truly unique artist that captures the spirit of international equality,” said LGBT Change Co-Executive Director Matthew Zaradich. “For years his music has been inspiring the young generation and helping to build momentum in the connection between the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement”.
For nearly 15 years, countless people around the world have discovered this passionate artist who bares his soul on every record. With Lider’s keen sense of songwriting, myriad genre-hopping and gorgeous vocal melodies, his latest album highlights why he’s considered by many to be in a class of his own.
For Lider, who has already gained success throughout Europe, the decision to answer calls of outspoken fans to develop his presence in the U.S. was an obvious progression. “It’s gotten to the point where if Perez Hilton is blogging about my record, I’m probably doing something right,” says Lider candidly.
In January 2002 Lider spoke openly about his sexual orientation in a cover-story interview to the daily newspaper Ma’ariv, which attracted a lot of attention. He later said, “On a personal level, I felt complete and happy with my life and who I am, and I didn’t see any reason to not talk about it. It seemed strange to have an interview and not to talk about it, about my boyfriend, about my life. On a less personal level, I felt it’s kind of my obligation. When you’re an artist and you’re doing well and you’re successful, you get a lot of love and appreciation and energy and good things from people, and I think you need to give it back. Maybe I can influence people and help younger people that struggle — help them to be able to change their views, and stuff like that.”
Join us as we welcome Ivri to the House of Blues on June 12!
Pre-concert VIP Reception at a local lounge to be announced.
For more information visit LGBT Change.
Ivri Lider online
Best Underwear and Swimsuits for Men in Chicago is at EGOIST
The beaches in Chicago officially open this weekend…but I am not sure if the weather is going to cooperate! This is Chicago, after all. Regardless, beach season is upon us and do you have a fabulous new swimsuit to wear to Hollywood beach??
EGOIST Underwear has ALL OF MY FAVORITE brands of underwear and now has lots of hot new styles of swimsuits in stock!
Egoist Underwear offers you the finest, coolest premium male underwear from all over the world. MANY BRANDS you will find NOWHERE else! And it’s more than underwear. Cool tanks and t’s plus an amazing collection of swimsuits making it THE BEST of GAY CHICAGO!
“We think that underwear says a lot about the owner’s personality. That is why on our shelves you will find a great selection of one tone classic underwear as well as a large range of colorful, sexy prints with edgy graphics and eye-catching styles. Egoist Underwear gives you the opportunity to touch and see the products yourself instead of having to choose from a picture only. After all, this is your package we are talking about!
Egoist Underwear offers a wide selection of men’s underwear (bikini, brief, pouch, boxer brief, long boxer brief, g-string, jock strap, thong and mesh), men’s enhancing underwear, men’s swimwear (board shorts, boy shorts, square cuts, bikinis, euro cut trunks and Brazilian cut trunks) as well as short and long sleeve t-shirts, v-necks, tank tops, shorts, designer sleepwear and accessories. We specialize in brands that cannot be found at department stores and shopping malls. At our boutique, you will find eco-friendly products, like underwear by Obviously, and exclusive brands that you will not find anywhere else in Chicago, like Cocksox and 2eros (Australia), Skmpeez (Canada), Gigo (Colombia) or XTG (Spain). “
Personally, I have never been a fan of the knee length board shorts! I wanna see what he’s got, OK? And at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week this year they actually discussed fashion trends in mens swimsuits for this year. I know what you’re thinking: there are no fashion trends in men’s swimsuits. But this year, there is ONE; Men will show more leg this year.
Aside from a strong showing of retro-looking swim trunks, board shorts are rising to volleyball short length (according to that old adage about hemlines and the economy, this should herald a recovery from The Great Recession).
The fashion-forward customer will quickly embrace the thigh-grazing looks as soon as they hit store shelves this month. Already slimmer silhouettes are quietly replacing the baggier below-the-knee styles in retail…well, on-the-trend retail.
Also look for: Americana plaids; solids with color blocking; neon hues; glossy finishes and vintage prints.
SYLVESTER, the owner of EGOIST says, “we’ve been selling lots of square cuts and trunks and right now selection of those is the biggest in my store. Hot this season are the Brazilian style trunks with no pouch – Skmpeez offers them too. Plaid is big, as usual. As far as brands go, Skmpeez and Pistol Pete rule!”
When it comes to gay men’s underwear and swimwear – there are only two requirements–they have to look great and they have to make you look great. Today’s fashion undergarments come in more styles, colors and patterns than you can possibly imagine, and that’s exactly what you need to show off your stuff. There’s a lot of competition on the gay scene, and you can’t afford to let your goods fade into the background.
Egoist Underwear is located at 3706 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60613.
You can also shop and buy online.
From Australia to Chicago! Only at Egoist.
Male premium underwear & swimwear in Chicago. Andrew Christian, Timoteo, Cocksox, Pistol Pete, 2(x)ist, XTG, N2N, Gigo, Mundo Unico, 2eros, Joe Snyder, Obviously, Baskit, Ajaxx63, LASC and Good Devil. Sizes XS to 3XL.
BestGayChicago.com
FREE FOOD with Restaurant.com Certificates
Taste the Savings in Chicago
It’s hard to talk about Chicago – with its vibrant architecture, music, culture and history – without mentioning Chicago restaurants. When dining in Chicago, the safe bet is that no matter which cuisine you select, you’ve probably made a good choice.
From deep dish pizza to hot dogs, steaks to pasta, Chicago is known as one of the top food cities in the world. If you’re on the lookout for great Chicago restaurants and a roster of nearly every cuisine from A-Z, RESTAURANT.com has you covered. They have Chicago restaurant gift certificates for your family, friends, coworkers and, of course, yourself. They have been satisfying hungry diners of all ages for years with Chicago restaurant discounts that are easy to obtain and use.
Why do they do it? Because they are passionate about food and drink, especially when local restaurants make them available at affordable prices.
Get $25 Restaurant Gift Certificates for only $10!
Tasty Savings are Just Around the Corner
If you’ve never purchased Chicago restaurant gift certificates or any restaurant gift certificates from RESTAURANT.com, don’t worry – they make the process a breeze. With a few clicks of the mouse, you could be next to discover Chicago restaurants! If you’re unsure about where to go for the best restaurants in Chicago they have gift certificates available for all areas, including restaurants in the north west suburbs to the far west suburbs, as well as those from Chicago north to Chicago south and beyond.
Find out now THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN RESTAURANT DINING IN CHICAGO!
CHECK THIS OUT!
Leave us a comment below, and tell us YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT. And we will enter you into a drawing for a FREE $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate! Comments will be closed on May 31 at Midnight. And a random winner will be announced on June 1st!
About Restaurant.com
Restaurant.com offers gift certificates to more than 15,000 restaurants and bars across the country for a fraction of their actual value. That means customers have access to $25 gift certificates for only $10. From appetizers to dessert, from wine to dinner, Restaurant.com provides diners with great value in a fun, new and cost effective way. Drinks and alcohol are included unless otherwise noted. Some conditions apply.
BestFoodWineChicago.com
Cook 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
Chicago Bulls NBA Player Joakim Noah Shouts ‘Faggot’
He used the slur while sitting on the bench after arguing a call with a referee. – You know he will say “I’m Sorry…..” – yeah, sorry for being caught on camera!
CBS Sports reports on the episode and the comparisons from some members of the media to last month’s incident with Kobe Bryant.
Noah then appeared to yell a string of profanities and finished with what appears to be the exact phrase that Bryant was fined for using. The only difference: Noah was not addressing one of the officials.
Where does that $100,000 go exactly? They should donate it to a LGBT rights group!
Immediately, NBA analysts and media members took to Twitter to predict that Noah would be fined by the NBA league office. “Because the NBA fined Kobe, you think they’ll have to fine Noah,” CNBC’s Darren Rovell tweeted. “But it’s really the luck of the draw whether you’re caught on TV.” “No question he said exactly what Kobe said,” SI.com’s Zach Lowe added. “Get that $100k ready, Joakim.”
“I got caught up in the moment,” said Joakim Noah, his explanation for why he used an anti-gay slur during a game on Sunday. Mr. Noah apologized for the outburst, and that’s a start. But the fact that Mr. Noah immediately and instinctively turned to anti-gay language when he was angry and frustrated speaks to a larger, more dangerous undercurrent. Hate language is more than a bad word – it has real, tangible consequences, and we must hold our role models accountable.
CENTER ON HALSTED said, “We have invited Mr. Noah and the Chicago Bulls organization to get involved in the work we do to provide young people, many of whom are homeless and the victims of hate violence, a safe place to participate in sporting activities, where they can learn the value of teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.”
BestGayChicago.com
QUEERGASM May 28th at Marys Attic
QUEERGASM!
A Cabaret of
Queer Performance
Saturday May 28,
7-9pm.
Mary’s Attic
5400 N. Clark Ave
Chicago IL
Northwestern University’s Queer Pride Graduate Student Association presents an evening of burlesque, drag, stand up, sketch comedy, belly dance, poetry, music, and more! Featuring DAAN, Candy Lawrence, Jay Welch, Rebecca Kling, Dan Stermer, Mo Welch, Trandroid, Oliver Bendorf, Lahore Vagistan and more!
Come find out what makes YOU queergasm!
Queergasm! is part of NUQPGSA’s annual Queertopia! academic festival, and is co-sponsored by The Sexualities Project at Northwestern, NU Performance Studies, and NU Gender Studies.
northwestern.edu/queerpride
Be All.org 6 days of Transgender Events in Chicago
This year, the Be-All will be celebrating it’s 29th year, and thgis is the 10th year in CHICAGO.
You’ll meet with great friends from your community.
You’ll be empowered, educated, and enlightened. The Be-All Conference will provide you with confidence to seek out your dreams. We have some of the finest professionals to provide you with all the information you need to make decisions and feel comfortable on your gender journey. You are in control and you will find comfort in meeting so many others with your same objectives.
May 31-June 5th.
On Saturday June 4th CHAZ BONO will do a book signing and be a keynote speaker!
Everyone’s welcome at Be-All!
Crossdressers, Transexuals, M2F and F2M, Wives, Partners & Friends
Complete schedule and more info online at BE ALL.BestGayChicago.com
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago Takes Over Dana Hotel Rooftop May 15th
takes over the Dana Hotel Rooftop
this weekend!
Sunday May 15th 12pm-2pm.
This could be their BIGGEST BRUNCH to date! Over the last 2 years, Troy Karnoff has grown BGBC into quite a monthly event! The club was even profiled in PASSPORT Magazine this month!
Troy and a small group of friends were looking to get together over brunch at somewhere new and different. So this monthly roving brunch club was launched, and this weekend, over 120 people have RSVPd! – You don’t have to RSVP – just show up at noon. The cost is $30 – cash – but it helps if you RSVP for head counts, obviously. But I know there are still one or two of you out there, who refuse to join Facebook!
Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel & Spa.
2 W. ERIE STREET
Come see some spectacular views of the city at one of the most elite spot downtown. The usual $30 inclusive price tag covering the tax, gratuity and of course, unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s.
“We will be served sliced riped market fruits, cinnamon rolls, croissants, pancakes with hot maple syrup, freshly prepared scrambled eggs, nueske’s smoked apple bacon, crispy potatoes and country breakfast sausage. Come check out the view and network with some new friends for the May BGBC!”
Rooftop lounge is perched above the 26 floors of the ultra chic Dana Hotel & Spa… fire pits, champagne, food, and fun people! With an unbeatable view of Chicago’s skyline. Rest amongst the highest of Chicago’s skyscrapers while relaxing with the rest of Chicago’s most fabulous!
Big Gay Brunch Club
BestGayChicago.com
1VU Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 30th
1VU was founded on the belief that one person can make a difference, but by forming alliances we can share One View:
A United World.
“Our goals are simple: to reinvent what pride means to the LGBTQ community, take that new found strength, apply it to our causes, and with this knowledge and experience that we have gained, reach out to help other communities and causes.
We all benefit and achieve our goals sooner when we pull together as a family and work as one. Our passion is to inspire everyone to understand that it is not What we have or What we are, but Who we are and What we leave behind.”
STEVE CRAWFORD is one of the Founding members of 1VU. Being a Chicago native, he has always had strong sense of Pride for the city and it’s people. With Steve’s dedication and desire to help others and the environment, he is very excited to be a part of 1VU and it’s efforts.
Steve and his organization is featured in Time Out Chicago this week. He wants to create a monument (Radiance) in memory of LGBT Service Members, which will stand at Space Park, 815-817 W Roscoe st. The monument will cost about $100,000 and fundraising is underway now, and we’ll be covering some of the upcoming events here!
They will holding their 2nd Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 30th, 2011 @ 2PM CST
at Space Park.
But check out the new Time Out Chicago for the full story and stop by thier site 1VU.
BestGayChicago.com
The Right Side of Forty…Increasing Happiness for Gay Men May 26th
With over two decades of clinical experience working with gay men, Bergeron provides insight into how being gay impacts comfort with aging. All ages of gay men welcome, and for gay men over forty – even decades over forty – this workshop is for you!
Right now is an unprecedented moment in our gay history. Today: we are the first large group of openly gay men to deal with the issues of getting older. How is that possible? The earlier generation, the Stonewall men: were decimated in numbers by AIDS in the 80’s and early 90’s.
“Think about how monumental that makes what we are going through now. I turn forty-nine this year and I cannot even imagine the added security and comfort I would possess with getting older if I saw packs of older gay men in their sixties, seventies and eighties. If they were still around, it does not guarantee I would be inspired by how they were aging. But because there would be so many examples of older gay men: it would assist my decisions building my own list of the do’s and the don’ts with getting older. I am painfully aware that I am forced to figure out my version of success and failure being older without this help.”
“The Right Side of Forty: The Complete Guide to Happiness for Gay Men at Midlife and Beyond is the first book on aging for the gay men of the twenty-first century that are struggling through this watershed moment. With its release in January, my book mobilizes us for taking on our next crucial assignment: helping each other’s aging. There’s a role for you to make a difference, my book is filled with thirteen chapters of options on how to get involved supporting other gay men while increasing your happiness about your own aging.”
This workshop is presented at Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted, Chicago
Thursday, May 26, 2011 – 7:00 PM – 8:30PM $5 suggested donation
Get a sneak peak online.
Registration required – call Zach Zimmerman, SAGE Special Projects Coordinator, at 773.472.6469 x 437
BestGayChicago.com
Wanda Sykes and Linda Eder Together in Chicago May 14th
has been called “one of the funniest stand up comics” by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand up has sent her career in many different areas.
Showcasing one of the greatest contemporary voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz. Most recently, Linda crowns her two-decade recording career on a new album, Now, which reunites Eder with Broadway and pop composer Frank Wildhorn. The new release marks the musical return of this legendary team after six years. Eder’s transcendent voice is the perfect complement to Wildhorn’s lush, imaginative music. Now introduces 12 dynamic tracks that elevate the spirit while capturing many moods.
See both ladies together,
one night only!
Saturday, May 14th
HUMAN FIRST 2011 GALA
at the Harris Theatre! Over 1200 tickets sold already!
GET TICKETS ONLINE
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago House Residents Say IT GET’S BETTER
Do you ever stop and count your blessings?
Take a moment and think about how lucky you are?
Have a moment of gratitude?
I think many of us, rush through day to day life and forget there are a lot of people out there worse off. Just this past weekend, hundreds of men and women came out for a festive gala brunch, thousands of dollars was raised, and we all get so caught up in the moment and the fun of it all, some of us, sometimes forget what it’s all about, if we don’t see it. We know it’s a good cause, but we sometimes may forget the face, the real people, attached.
At the annual Chicago House brunch this past week, I was personally humbled by Stan Sloan’s speech. And I felt compelled to share it with everyone, in case you missed the event…..
Hi, my name is Stan Sloan, and I’m in my 11th year as the CEO of Chicago House. And I just wanted to start out my talk today by saying, “It gets better.”
It gets better. Hopefully everyone in here is aware of the importance of that phrase from Dan Savage and from the Trevor Project that has done so much great work with for the subject of LGBT youth and LGBT suicide. But last Sunday, Easter Sunday, I promised myself that I was going to work on this talk for today. And without a clue of what I was going to say, I decided to go and spend the day with the residents of our Supportive Living Program.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV.
Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV. Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV. Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
So I went to SLP to be with those 16 residents on Easter, only to find out that none of them were there. One of our donors, who shall remain anonymous, had beat me there that day, and had left our staff member with money to take them all out for Easter pizza at Leona’s just down the street on Augusta. So I got back in my car and went to Leona’s to find four tables pushed together with 17 of the most diverse people that you can imagine packed next to each other. The oldest was 72. The youngest was 20. They were black and white and brown. They were men and women. They were gay and straight and transgendered, they were drop outs from Jr. High School and downtown executives who had lost everything to crystal meth and HIV. And they were laughing and eating together like brothers and sisters.
At least until I walked up. Nothing can ruin a party quite like the CEO walking in unannounced. “Listen,” I said as they pulled up a chair for me, “next Sunday I am giving a talk to 400 donors of Chicago House. What do you think I should tell them?” Most of them shrugged their shoulders until one of the women spoke up. “Tell them,” she said, “tell them that it gets better.”
At least until I walked up. Nothing can ruin a party quite like the CEO walking in unannounced. “Listen,” I said as they pulled up a chair for me, “next Sunday I am giving a talk to 400 donors of Chicago House. What do you think I should tell them?” Most of them shrugged their shoulders until one of the women spoke up. “Tell them,” she said, “tell them that it gets better.”
What gets better?
“Living with HIV…” she said. “Tell them that at Chicago House, living with HIV gets better.” “Is that what I should tell them,” I asked the rest of the group, and different people spoke up. A young intern from Sweet Miss Giving’s bakery who is only 21 and who was born with HIV from a crack addicted mother said how she had stopped taking her medication because she thought it was hopeless before arriving at our door. In her short time with us she has gone from a viral load of over 2,000 to being undetectable.
A man spoke up about the death of his partner and of the depression and drug abuse that left him homeless that followed. One of the older men spoke about how he had lived at Chicago House ten years ago and left because he didn’t want to follow the rules. “It took me 10 years,” he said, “but I finally realized that the rules weren’t near as bad as the rest of my life, so I came back and…” “It gets better” the original woman chimed in, and the whole table went up for laughs.
Today Chicago House provides housing and support services to over 1,100 people a year. Over the last 11 years we have worked hard to change the dynamic of that housing and services from a system that helps people get on benefits and supports that will let them live the rest of their lives with HIV in comfort to one that helps them move from those benefits and supports to lives that are fully engaged in the world and independent.
Over 500 people city-wide have been through our Employment Program which is the only program specifically targeting those with HIV and AIDS who are unstably housed in the nation. Our placement rate for the employment program is over 60% even in this economy. Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery, Unquestionably Kind, Unreasonably Good! has a 100% placement rate for those trained in baking, packaging, customer service, and delivery through its internship.
Our prevention and medication adherence programs are stopping the spread of HIV in the LGBT and other at-risk communities, and they are helping those who are already impacted live long healthy lives. And, of course, our housing programs which serve over 200 adults and 50 kids annually are helping people develop the skills they need to gain stability and eventually independence, so that they can move on to open a space for someone newly infected and in need of hope.
It gets better. For Dan Savage and the Trever project the simple message of “it gets better” only makes sense in the context of encouragement and support. A struggling LGBT kid may not be able to imagine a better life on his or her own, but now he or she doesn’t have to. Now they can simply go to Youtube and find people…from Lady Gaga and Ellen to President Obama…imagining it for the. The clients of Chicago House most often come to us…black and white, men and women, homeless and white collar executives, gay, straight and transgendered…but with one thing in common…they have lost their ability to imagine a hopeful life with HIV, but At Chicago House it gets better. It gets better because Chicago House believe in them, and that is possible because you are here and believe in us.
It gets better. With your help and support it gets better.
Chicago House. We were there at the beginning.
We will be here till the cure.
Chicago House can always use volunteers.
Maybe this is your year to lend a hand?
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Equality Illinois Wine Tasting Benefit May 11th
$20
75 WINES!
Join EQIL and Sidetrack for Spring Wine Tasting on May 11 from 6:00 to 9:00pm!
Tickets are now available. For just $20 you have access to over 75 wines from around the world and hors d’oeuvres provided by J&L Catering!
This super-popular event caters to all palates and budgets. Plus, those who preregister will be entered into our 3 DRAWINGS FOR 4 BOTTLES OF WINE EACH!
Due to the nature of PAC fundraising, each attendee must register and pay individually. A phone number is required to complete your online registration, but will ONLY be used as an identifier at the door at Sidetrack.
GET A TICKET NOW!
The Mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois. Come show your support!
