Monthly Archives: June 2015
New gay boy in town …By Sebastian Saenz
A few days after I arrived to the windy city, a friend of mine told me that Chicago has the advantages of big cities, without it actually being to big and chaotic. Also that it is beautiful and the gay scene not too complicated; and so far he has been right. I got here a month ago from Mexico City, and so far my expectations have not been let down. I actually visited this city a couple years ago for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and I have great memories from those crazy days, but this time it’s different since I intend to stay for a few months, looking for a change in my life.
I’ve actually been privileged and visited and even lived in some of the most exciting and multicultural cities in the world: London, Paris, Berlin, Florence, Lima, Cancun, Oslo, New York, and of course, Mexico City, just to name a few. And even though I love the beach for quiet vacations every now and then, and I am capable of camping for a few weeks, I have to admit I’m a city boy. I love the people, the night life, the culture, the history, the food, the streets, the fashion… So, of course, I am having a lot of fun adapting to this city.
Of course Chicago has a lot to offer to everybody, tourists and locals. Seems a bit unnecessary to mention Millennium and Lincoln parks, the zoos, the museums, the shops, the baseball and hockey games, the theaters, the river, the breathtakingly tall buildings, and of course, the deep dish pizza and the hot dogs. However, I must confess, I come from a blessed place in terms of weather, and this June has been a roller coaster, and I’ve been told to get ready for a very cold winter if I am still here by then.
But let’s get to the point, the scene: Soho, Les Marais, The Pink Zone, Castro, WeHo… and now we have Boystown and Andersonville. Gay districts all over the world have become famous for welcoming our community, offering friendly entertainment and nightlife options that satisfy our taste of music and people. And I could not have arrived to Illinois in a better time of the year for my community, since June is Pride month, and expectations have been exceeded. The gay scene in Chicago has given me some interesting perspectives.
Obviously the locals are gorgeous, and the variety is immense: twinks, bears, daddies, redheads, Middle Eastern, Caucasian, Black, Hispanic, athletic, jocks, preppy, trashy, trendy, and the list goes on. But this has gone beyond: an unintentional social experiment. In some ways Chicago hardly differs from other cities in the Western hemisphere. We all wear Calvin Klein and Banana Republic, we all smell of Abercrombie and Paco Rabanne, we all dance to RiRi and Madge, we all drink beer and Cosmos, and we all use Grindr. However, some differences have appeared too. Chicagoans do not dress up as much to go out dancing, they are more into Hip Hop (not my favorite style), and are a bit more aggressive when it comes to… let’s say getting numbers (not that I’m complaining, but maybe I’m more used to Mexico’s more timid approach).
Even though in Mexico we celebrate Pride every last Saturday of June, I had no idea Chicago made a month out of it. Parties, festivals and special events throughout the whole month have been vast and fun. Pride Month was everything I could have asked for, with maybe some extra harnesses. I loved that the parade was not only for fun, but that actual activist groups (such as police men, politicians, NGOs, judges and families) were present, raising civic participation. All the festivities were organized, clean and amusing. And of course, we all had to celebrate the now national possibility to walk down the aisle.
Chicago has been welcoming, and a great experience so far. I really hope to find ways to stay longer. It is, without a doubt, a city that offers everything, no matter your background. I definitely made the correct decision coming here, and most people that have visited this city might agree with me. So, for those who have not come, put it at the top of the To Do pile.
Gerber House is 2nd National LGBT Landmark
The Henry Gerber House is a house at 1710 North Crilly Court in the Old Town Triangle Chicago Landmark District of Chicago, Illinois, United States. The house was built in 1885. In the 1920s it housed the apartment occupied by Henry Gerber, founder of the short-lived Society for Human Rights, which was incorporated in Illinois as the first American organization working for gay rights. The building was designated a Chicago Landmark on June 6, 2001. This month, it was designated a United States’ National Historic Landmark.
The Gerber House is only the second LGBT-related property in the country to receive the recognition. The iconic Stonewall Inn in New York City is the other building listed primarily for its impact in LGBT history, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Carrie Barnett, board president of the Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, said the spotlight on Gerber and his home helps to fill in the historical narrative of the gay rights movement. The library in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood is named for Gerber and Pearl M. Hart, an attorney who also fought for the rights of gays and lesbians.
“Given the often hidden and erased nature of gay and lesbian history, and the frequent difficulty of finding even basic documents pertaining to such history, it is doubly fortunate that this house has remained so well preserved,” the landmark application states.
The recognition of the Gerber House is part of an effort by the Interior Department to document a more complete story of the gay rights movement. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced the initiative in May 2014.
Italian Cooking Demo June 20th
CHEF CHRISTOPHER TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF SHARES AN ITALIAN MENU AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME STORE, MEDINAH TEMPLE
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef, is enthusiastic about European flavors and cuisine. He has been invited back to present an Italian-themed menu inspired by his travels.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare: Saffron Farfalle;
Sicilian-Style Tuna Steaks; and Nutella-Mascarpone Mousse with Strawberries.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation, and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on shopping, ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 2-4 pm, at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo Kitchen on 1.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
My Private Chef is now established as one of Chicago’s favorite resources for private gourmet dining. Using his many years of experience at fine restaurants and hotels, Chef Tong offers the finest cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Pride Fest Weekend at Kit Kat Lounge
Pride Fest Weekend at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Two Day Celebration Includes Magic Mike XXL Brunch
Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club, located at the corner of Halsted and Waveland, will celebrate Pride Fest with a two day party on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21. Throughout the weekend, live performances will take place on Kit Kat’s alfresco, elevated runway stage, including female impersonators, acrobatics, burlesque, boylesque and more (schedule is outlined below).
Each day, the Lakeview-located lounge and supper club will offer their “Divalicious” brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring performances by Diva Madam X. During brunch services, Kit Kat will raffle off advanced screening passes, complimentary movie tickets and schwag from the upcoming film, Magic Mike XXL (prizes include official t-shirts, duffel bags, dog tags, beach balls, collectable post cards and more; the movie is in theaters on Wednesday, July 1).
In addition to the regular dinner menu, Kit Kat will offer a special Pride Menu, as well as Pride Martinis and Magic Mike XXL Martinis (outlined below). Kit Kat will be open on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. For table reservations, call 773-525-1111.
Saturday, June 20
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Magic Mike XXL Brunch with Diva Madam X
2 p.m.-2 a.m. Divas Sara Andrews and Kinley Preston will perform intermittently
4:30 p.m. Emcee Joseph C. Vorteque will introduce Angela Eve’s and Eve’s Parlor Cabaret Acts and Jet Adore will perform boylesque
5:30 p.m. Strong men acrobatics by Mr. Spring and Tulga
6:30 p.m. Shana Vaughn Gabor will perform ballet with a twist
7:30 p.m. Ray Gun will perform burlesque
Sunday, June 21
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Magic Mike XXL Brunch with Diva Madam X
2 p.m.-2 a.m. Divas Sara Andrews and Kinley Preston will perform intermittently
3:30 p.m. Emcees Angela Eve and Joseph C. Vorteque will introduce Angela Eve’s and Eve’s Parlor Cabaret Acts and Jet Adore will perform boylesque
4:30 p.m. Ray Gun will perform burlesque
5:30 p.m. Angela Eve and Big Mike will perform burlesque and boylesque
6:30 p.m. Strong men acrobatics by Mr. Spring and Tulga
Pride Menu
available 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Mac ‘n Cheese & Salad – creamy cheddar and parmesan in a light truffle cream sauce with bacon, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, served with an arugula side salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette $12
Croque Monsieur Panini – applewood smoked ham, gruyere cheese and mustard aioli, served with parmesan truffle fries $14
Ravioli – ricotta and spinach stuffed ravioli in a pesto parmesan cream sauce with asparagus, shallots, mushrooms and peas with crunchy bread crumb garnish $14
Sliders – two mini burgers with Brie, caramelized red onions, dijon aioli and arugula tossed with balsamic dressing, served with parmesan truffle fries $14
Quesadillas – grilled chicken, caramelized onions and pepper jack cheese, served with salsa, guacamole and sour cream $13
Quinoa – Cajun spiced chicken breast served atop a quinoa salad with kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and feta cheese $14
Steak Salad – grilled skirt steak served atop mixed greens tossed in balsamic vinaigrette with crumbled blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, garnished with an onion ring $17
Buffalo Glazed Chicken Sandwich – coleslaw and pomme frites $14
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
773.525.1111
KitKatChicago.com
Chigaygo LGBT Gay Pride Comedy
Chigaygo, Laugh Factory Chicago’s premiere queer comedy showcase, is kicking off Pride Week with “The All-Star Sparkly Unicorn Pride Show” on June 21, 2015 at 8pm.
Chigaygo is celebrating its second anniversary and third Pride show (we know…the math is confusing) with Chicago’s most fabulously funny queer comics.
Hosted by Scott Duff (WCPT’s OUT CHICAGO, Laugh Factory), the evening features a veritable who’s who of queer Chicago comics including Cody Melcher, Peter Kim, Gwen La Roka, Ali Clayton, Marla Depew, and Rachel McCartney. “It has been such an incredible journey,” says Duff of working on Chigaygo. “Over the past two years, we have been lucky enough to have hosted some of the funniest comics in the country. And, I couldn’t be more excited about this amazing line up of local talent for our Pride Show.”
Since its beginning, Chigaygo has featured top gay and gay-friendly comics from Chicago and around the country including Poppy Champlin, Jessica Halem, Liza Treyger, Bill Cruz, Joel Kim Booster, The Puterbaugh Sisters, Candy Lawrence, Megan Gailey, Drew Anderson, Kenny DeForest, Matt Griffo, The Fruit Flies, and many more!
Doors open at 7 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m. It’s first-come-first-serve seating, and you never know what surprises might show up. So bring your family, your big gay lover, or gay best friend and come out for a night of pride and laughter.
Laugh Factory Chicago is located 3175 N. Broadway at Broadway and Belmont. All shows are 18 and over. For details and reservations please go to www.LaughFactory.com or call (773) 327-3175.
Scott Duff (Host/Producer):
Scott Duff is a Chicago based comic, radio host, and professional gay. He is the host/producer of OUT CHICAGO, a weekly live talk show for the LGBT community airing Sundays from 11am-1pm on WCPT, Chicago’s Progressive Talk AM & FM, as well as a founding member of About Face Theatre, Chicago’s premiere LGBT theatre dedicated to creating and producing plays that advance the national dialogue on gender and sexuality. In addition to over performing at stand up venues across the city, Duff’s theatre credits include work with the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare, Lookingglass, iO, and ATC.
Laugh Factory’s History in the Gay Community:
The Laugh Factory has always fought against adversity. It was born during a time when comedians were striking against the very clubs that they perform in. Laugh Factory and its owner Jamie Masada started with one simple philosophy, “Let’s treat comics with respect.” As the Laugh Factory grew into the brand it is today, the philosophy grew with it. Masada and the Laugh Factory had front row seats to the gay rights movement of the 1980s. As AIDS began to ravage the gay community, Masada began passing out condoms at all of his shows. Masada was also instrumental in the creation of West Hollywood, which is considered one of the most gay-friendly cities in the country. Soon, this little underdog of a club was receiving national news coverage for its efforts to fight the AIDS epidemic. Masada, a noted philanthropist, has always strived to make his clubs a forward thinking, progressive and safe place for all who enter. When Masada discovered that some of his comics were remaining in the closet for fear of crowd backlash, he decided to start “Coming Out of the Closet” one of the nation’s first all gay comedy shows. The show became a huge success and to this day the Laugh Factory is seen as a shining beacon of the now safe and gay-friendly West Hollywood. In 2012, the Laugh Factory brought its brand, and philosophy of respect to Chicago. Laugh Factory Chicago set up camp in Boys Town, where it hopes to continue its tradition of supporting those in need. Masada is excited to work with the Chicago’s LGBTQ community to keep the city loving, tolerant and of course, laughing.
Cazwell at Chicago PrideFest
HE’S BACK! CAZWELL!
The seventh single from Cazwell’s Hard 2 B Fresh album is a head-to-toe ratchet trap club banger with hard twerk beats, raunchy, sex-fueled lyrics and a killer drop.
Produced by Richie Beretta, “Downtown” was originally composed for Major Lazer, the electronic music project comprising of record producing DJ Diplo and DJs Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. Cazwell admits he begged Beretta for the opportunity to write lyrics to and record the single as he felt it was the one crucial sound missing from his album. “I needed this vibe for Hard 2 B Fresh,” he explains. “I can be pretty convincing when I want to be.” Cazwell’s “Downtown” is available on iTunes and at all major online music retailers now.
“To take it “downtown” means you’re gonna turn up and not give two fucks about the repercussions,” explains Cazwell from his Manhattan home. The term has become something of a mantra for the party-going rapper whose songs defy convention by mixing gay themes with sharp-edged east coast Hip Hop. He’s even adopted Hip Hop’s large-living lifestyle, something he raps about it in his song.
“I have the money now but there was a time I was ‘downtown’ bougie,” he admits. “That’s when you spend way more money than you can actually afford on dumb shit, not caring about what happens next. If you spend the last of your savings on a bottle of Goose at the club so you can impress your friends, you’re just dead wrong bougie.”
He traces his attraction for lavish street flash to a youth spent listening to classic nineties rap. “I remember the legendary MC Lyte singing how she was ‘funky fresh, dressed to impress, ready to party’. That line always resonated with me.”
It’s even echoed in “Downtown” when Cazwell raps how he is ‘pressed fresh and I don’t give a fuck’. “It essentially means the same thing,” he acknowledges. “I’m squeaky clean, I’m dressed fly as all hell, I’m moisturized, my clothes are wrinkle free and my kicks are crispy. I’m about to show off and nobody can tell me nothin’.”
It’s not the song’s only throwback to pre-millennium fabulousness. There’s also a nod to nineties supermodels Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Naomi Campbell. “You know I had to give a little old school shout out to the ladies,” he laughs. “If you’re sitting pretty that’s one thing, but if you’re sitting pretty with the original supermodels than you must be fresh and pressed.”
The larger than life downtown fantasy is carried into the song’s music video, directed by 19-year-old first-time music video directors, Bob Bottle and Ben Evans. It’s a style of video fans will likely view as atypical for Cazwell, harkening back to the homegrown (and initially banned) feel of his first hit, “All Over Your Face”.
“We were inspired by the films “Spring Breakers” and “Clockwork Orange”, and the new generation of gay teenagers on Tumblr who are curating sexy boy pics like they’re some kind of world renowned art collection,” explains Cazwell. “We bring their digital fantasy to life by submerging gay porn stars, models, and go-go boys in a surreal New York City house party overloaded with Tumblr-inspired imagery.”
When conceiving the video, they paid close attention to creating shots they thought would make great GIFS and still frames. Many contain pop culture references, including a cameo from New York nightlife icon, Amanda Lepore, who truly embodies the magic of Downtown. “Amanda is the extra something special with any video she has a cameo in, and since the song is very New York, it made a lot of sense to have her included,” says Cazwell.
“I thought it would be especially funny if she showed up when the party was over and was basically like ‘where is everybody?’”
A Massachusetts native, Cazwell has been described as what would have happened if Eminem had grown up on Madonna’s front lawn. He became a You Tube sensation after a million people viewed his ‘Ice Cream Truck’ music video in a single week. He has since earned hipster credibility with a steady flow of danceable hip hop tracks that impressively showcase his hypomanic take on pop culture.
Earlier this year, Cazwell released his first full-length album in four years, “Hard 2 B Fresh” on Brooklyn indie, Peace Bisquit. The new batch of Hip Hop comedy gems features seventeen tracks including his latest that is currently tearing up dance floors, “Dance Like You Got Good Credit,” “Spicy”, “The Biscuit” and “Don’t Get It Twisted.”
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO DOWNTOWN
Catch Cazwell in Chicago at PrideFest Sunday June 21st at 5pm!
For more information, visit Cazwell.com and PeaceBisquit.com. The “Downtown” Tumblr page is at: http://downtowncazwell.tumblr.com/
Kit Kat Lounge Benefit June 16
Tuesday, June 16 6-8 p.m. $20 donation
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, Illinois 60613
773.525.1111
KitKatChicago.com
Chicago pride Week new Events
Now that PrideFest and the Parade have been pushed apart on 2 different weekends, promoters are filling in the week, to make Chicago a real destination for out of towners visiting the city!
6 new events this year!
Monday June 22nd – From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ Six Flags Great America, comes a brand new exclusive LGBTQ Event; OUT IN THE HARBOR @ Hurricane Harbor! Hosted by Andrew Christian! SPLASH, DRINK AND DANCE! 5pm – 10pm
Music by the DJs of Scarlet and DJ Jalil Z from Miami. GO GO GODS! and Costumes by NVRLND!
Hostess with the Mostess Trannika Rex! Lots of food and drink choices available for purchase. Tickets $33 and FREE Parking (TAXES INCLUDED) SEASON PASSES ARE NOT VALID FOR PRIVATE EVENTS.
A portion of ticket price will benefit Northalsted Business Alliance this year! Transportation to and from Boystown $30! All ages welcome – must be 21+ to drink.
Get Tickets and Info @ www.PrideSplashChicago.com
Thursday, June 25th –
Zoo Pride @ Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo celebrates LGBTQ Pride! Brookfield Zoo becomes the 2nd Zoo in the country to recognize and celebrate PRIDE!
2 Events: Daytime and Evening:
During the day from 10am-5pm, the Zoo will be open to the public but with an Officially sanctioned PRIDE Day at the Zoo. Rainbow flags will be flying and there will be entertainment in the afternoon! During the day there will a LGBTQ vendor expo with gay and gay-friendly businesses showcasing their business and /or products. – There will also be a short program with inspirational speakers and some entertainment. $15 Advance Tickets and transportation info @ www.ZooPrideChicago.com
Then From 7-10pm, a very special exclusive evening cocktail party will take place in the Pavilions area. TALK TO THE ANIMALS! Only a portion of the zoo will open from 7-10; Curators and docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the exhibits.
Most of the excitement will happen in the Pavilions area! We’ll be able to sip cocktails and taste delicious lite snacks and sweets. Here, we will Lounge with the Animals and Talk to them! As curators create a very special experience for us, by bringing out numerous animals for us to have an up close and personal meet and greet, and learn more about them. Lounge music will set the tone with the Dj’s of Scarlet. Silent Auction with cool animal items from artists and local businesses. Tickets are $60 includes open bar, food and the experience. Tickets and transportation info @ www.ZooPrideChicago.com
Chicago pride Week Events
June 27th 2 parties by Neverland
June 28th Parade day with another evening party by Neverland!
The brilliant boys of Neverland Anthony DiFiore and Martin Luna are delivering 3 new events for Chicago Pride Weekend!
Known for their high-concept themed dance parties, they are ready to up to ante with a series of three fabulous, high-end Pride weekend parties designed to bring Chicago into the running with the other major cities holding Pride celebrations the last weekend in June.
On the Saturday before and Sunday of the Chicago Pride Parade (June 27 and 28, respectively), Neverland is hosting a daytime Pride Pool Party at Deuce’s & Diamonds on Clark Street, a fabulous all-night “Bougie Ball” themed dance party at the Metro and a post-parade Pride Closing Party Sunday night at The MID.
Tickets for all events are available online, both individually and as a “weekend pass” deal, and at Egoist Underwear at 3526 N Halsted in Boystown (for those who want to avoid paying the online service fee).
Ty Herndon at Chicago Pride Parade
Country singer Ty Herndon hopes that the support he received after coming out last year is indicative of a progressive Nashville, one that’s becoming more tolerant toward the LGBT community than in years past.
“One of the biggest fears I had in coming out and being authentic was that I wouldn’t get to continue doing what I do for a living, and that’s country music,” he told The Huffington Post in an interview. “How great is it that I have the opportunity, for the first time in my life, to sing about truth? That makes me a very happy man.”
Herndon, 53, sees his latest project as a prime opportunity for him to pay that happiness forward. On June 12, he’ll take the stage at the first Concert For Love and Acceptance at Nashville’s City Winery, which he is co-hosting with Meghan McCain, the daughter of former Republican presidential hopeful John McCain and an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights.
PRIDEChicago, the organizers of Chicago’s annual gay pride parade, announced Monday that out country star Ty Herndon will be the Grand Marshal for the 46th Annual Chicago Pride Parade.
“I have struggled with being gay my entire career and life,” Herndon told ChicagoPride.com just days after that interview. “Of course, I’ve had so much support from my friends and close family that supported me, that knew I was gay. But it’s been so freeing for the fans to know; the fans in country music, especially. They have really been supportive and awesome.”
AIDS Foundation Chicago
IN THIS MOMENT
Learn how the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) has worked to change the HIV epidemic over the past 30 years — and how together we can change the future of HIV through breakthrough resources like PrEP, the Affordable Care Act and Treatment as Prevention.
MAKE THIS MOMENT MATTER
This moment in the history of HIV relies on your support. Make a donation to AFC today.
Help us share this pivotal moment by using #30YearsofAction.
WATCH THE VIDEO
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) commemorated its 30th year of action in the HIV/AIDS community with a celebratory gala on Saturday, May 16, at the Hilton Chicago. The milestone event hosted 680 guests and raised significant funds for ongoing prevention, care and advocacy services in the fight against HIV epidemic nationwide. Actress Amy Landecker, of the Golden Globe award-winning series Transparent, served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
President/CEO John Peller set the tone for the evening with powerful remarks about the evolution of the HIV/AIDS community.
“New cases have been cut by 40 percent in the past decade, but with that progress came apathy. We have made great strides over the years but AIDS is still a problem and we must not lose this moment to continue the fight,” Peller stated.
