Monthly Archives: October 2015

Chicago Homeless Youth

chicago homeless youth

Chicagoans know fall means bitter cold is on its way. People will soon scurry to stay inside day and night. Yet, more than 20,000 young adults and students are looking for a permanent home, not just overnight shelter.

In the spirit of giving back this upcoming holiday season, the Chicago-area community will come together on Friday, Nov. 20, for an overnight sleep out to raise visibility and funds to help provide a stable living environment for youth experiencing homelessness.

The first-of-its-kind event in Chicago, the Out In the Open Sleep Out, will bring together members of the community to raise funds for 18 organizations serving youth experiencing homelessness. The event will be at Cricket Hill near Montrose Ave. and Lake Michigan.

Attendees will hear from individual teens and participate in a variety of activities. There will also be dozens of entertainers performing during the event.

“We are striving to bring new people and resources to this critical issue in Chicago,” said Tracy Baim,Windy City Times publisher and executive producer of the event. “We’ve modeled the event after similar events in other cities, and we plan to also showcase the talents of this next generation.”

The following nonprofit partners will benefit from the event:  AIDS Foundation of Chicago; Care2Prevent, the University of Chicago; Center on Halsted; Chicago House; Chicago Youth Storage Initiative; Howard Brown Health Center’s Broadway Youth Center; Illinois Safe Schools Alliance; La Casa Norte; Lurie Children’s Hospital – Division of Adolescent Medicine; Neon Dorms – Heartland Human Care Services; New Moms; Puerto Rican Cultural Center – El Rescate; TaskForce Prevention and Community Services; Teen Living Programs; The 750 Club Apartment Adoption Project; The Night Ministry; Thresholds; Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc.; and YEPP: Youth Empowerment Performance Project.

The event is hosted by the newly formed Pride Action Tank, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Edelman, Agency EA and Windy City Times newspaper, along with a wide range of other partners. Best Gay Chicago is a proud media partner of this event.

To donate or sign up for the inaugural event as well as to learn more about individual teen’s stories, please visit sleepoutchicago.org

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Day of Wedding Coordinator

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NEW CHICAGO-LAND WEDDING BUSINESSspacer (1K)

Business booms in Chicago’s NW suburbs, where Rev Pam announces the expansion of her already successful wedding chapel business, which she operates out of her home. The sister business will be called Day-of Coordinator for Weddings & Social Events, and will be overseen by Rev Pam. The business will reach out through the Chicagoland area to assist couples who have planned their own weddings and need day-of management during the wedding and reception, while the couple is obviously “busy”.

Rev Pam will also make her custom florist services available, making most of the bridal bouquets and bridal party flowers herself.

The new website:http://Day-OfCoordination.com launched October 15, 2015. The home-office for the business will be located at Pine Manor 401 S Pine St in Mt Prospect, IL where the officiant has been providing in-home style wedding ceremonies in her 1920’s Dutch Colonial and backyard garden since 2011.

The expansion of her wedding business to include the new company’s day-of coordination services seemed like a natural progression from the wedding planning and day-off coordination she already has done for years in her home, Pine Manor Chicago Weddings.  “It’s time I shared my experience and discount wedding partners outside my Pine Manor clientele.
Rev Pam has made strategics partnerships with what she feels are the best wedding vendors in Chicagoloand. Discounts are available to her couples for everything to complete their wedding planning like, venue for up to 300 people, brides maid dresses, bridal gowns and accessories, sweets table, wedding rings, cake, photography, video, live violin, dinner / after party location, overnight stay, even wedding dress restoration. Couple’s can go down the list and plan their entire wedding from this one page.

Over the past 30 years, Rev Pam has seen it all. A certified wedding officiant, and retired Chicago advertising producer, Pam Magnuson plans and manages day-of for hundreds of weddings, and social events every year. She comes highly recommended with dozens upon dozens of 5 Star reviews and has won awards for her service and attention to detail. She’s quick on her feet, and without even a mention to the couple, any hiccup will be managed and solved. It’s this the kind of person you want to implement the plans you have worked so hard on? The public is invited to RSVP a tour time to meet Rev Pam and see her home, Pine Manor. Couples can RSVP by calling 847-873-7463
Pine Manor Walk-through event Sunday, December 6th

Couples interested in holding their ceremony at PineManorChicago.com or contracting The Rev for day-of coordination can schedule a walk through at the manor and meet Rev Pam. Once a month she holds a special “walk through day” Scheduled for Thursday, December 6th, 2015 8-8pm. This special event includes delicious baked goods from her wedding cake partner CentralContinentalBakery.com in Mount Prospect, IL Couples must call and RSVP a walk-through Time

847-873-Pine (7463)

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Chicago Gay Rapper Milan Christopher

milan christopher chicago gay rapper

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) – An openly gay Chicago rapper says it’s time to change hip hop. However, his music world is openly unaccepting of his lifestyle.

And as FOX 32’s Darlene Hill reports, Milan Christopher is out to change that.

“One of the funniest comments I hear from ladies is that he’s too fine to be gay. And I’m like, what does that mean?” Christopher said.

Sick of the comments and sick of the secret life, that’s why the Chicago native says he signed on with a cable reality show that highlights his relationship with another up and coming male rapper.

“There’s never been a successful openly gay black rapper so it was hard thinking, am I going to be successful when I came out. So I did have a time when I was actually playing straight,” Christopher said.

Christopher has appeared in videos for Kanye, the Game and Beyoncé, and is said to be a major player in the hip hop industry.

He says he kept his two year relationship with Miles Brock a secret because they were afraid of the backlash from rappers and fans who buy hip hop records.

Afraid of the hate, the slurs and afraid of being “out” in a world that’s been historically homophobic, Christopher says gay relationships like his will force hip hop to make a liberal, accepting change.

“It made room for people who weren’t thugs, not standing on street corners and not living that hard core thug life. Although, I am from 77th & Hermitage, which is considered the killer ward of Chicago, don’t get it twisted,” Christopher said.

Christopher and Brock’s relationship is working on and off the screen, and while they’re given equal time as their straight counterparts, this is the first time viewers have seen this kind of black love on TV.   See the clip on FOX 

Milan Christopher.com

 

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Early Halloween Party Chicago!

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Kick off Halloween  THURSDAY  @  EL MARIACHI!

There is something for everyone at El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill’s “Casa de Espantos”. The evening includes a costume party, delicious appetizers and specialty cocktails in our back private party rooms. And the costume contest is no joke, so be sure to bring your A-game this Thursday.

Tickets are limited, so call the restaurant or email us as soon as possible and reserve your spot.

 

Tickets will include 4 cocktails and unlimited appetizer buffet from  7pm9pm.

 

Raffles & Prizes for the best costumes!

El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill
3906 N. Broadway
Chicago Il 60613  Phone: 773-549-2932     RESERVE TODAY!

 

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Jess Godwin and Kristin Chenoweth

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DUET WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH AT CHICAGO THEATRE SATURDAY  October 24th

“I can’t believe I’m actually writing this…

Last spring, through the wonders of twitter, Kristin Chenoweth let me know that she liked my music. Crazy. This past week, I jokingly tweeted at her and said “Hey! When you’re in Chicago this Saturday, I’ll play Fool Me Once on the piano while you sing!” Didn’t think anything of it. That night, she messaged me privately and asked if I would sing “For Good” with her on stage. After MUCH deliberation (I screamed and jumped up and down on my bed at 1AM) I said YES.

I have looked up to Kristin, sung her music, and adored her performances in tv shows for years. She has been so kind to me about my songwriting, and she tells me to keep pushing forward. I try my hardest not to do this for the validation…it’s a constant struggle…but it’s so nice to get little pushes and words of encouragement like this along the way. So, thanks to her, I’m ready to put myself out there again with a new video today.” (Say Love).

 

“Say Love” was supposed to be a chapter from the very beginning of the anthology, but that relationship ended. The song has taken on a new meaning and life for me since then, and I’m so glad my friends encouraged me to release it anyway.

I’m incredibly grateful to director Bradley Bischoff for having a vision and pushing me out of my comfort zone. To Yuri Lysoivanov and students for tracking at Flashpoint Tribeca. To Brian Allison for laying down guitar. To Paula Heckenast for hair and makeup. I’m most grateful to actor Gabe Ruiz. We had just become friends a few weeks before, but he didn’t hesitate when I asked him to do a shoot at sunrise in the middle of Lake Michigan. It was SO COLD. Gabe had my back the whole time.

JESS GODWIN  DECEMBER 4 SHOW

Don’t forget to grab your ticket for the December 4 show. Why not do it today? I’m going to performing all of the songs from the past year live for the first (maybe the last?) time!

 

FYI – I would like to give a shout out to one of our newest sponsors! We have used them and feel they are one of the best cleaning services in Chicago!
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Winter Get Away Deals

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Chicago men LOVE INNdulge!  and today  is their 20th anniversary! Plan your winter get away  today!

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are bringing back our 2 FOR 1 SPECIAL!!
Stay one night and get the second night FREE!
This offer is available December 1, 2015 – January 31, 2016
and June 15, 2016 – September 15, 2016.
(not valid for weekends or holidays)
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YEPP Chicago Needs Your Help!

yepp-chicago

The Youth Empowerment Performance Project (YEPP) is a unique youth theatre initiative that seeks a safe environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth impacted by homelessness and housing instability to explore their history, investigate new ways to address their struggles and celebrate their strengths through the process of developing a theatrical performance piece. In order to achieve its mission, they blend harm reduction, social justice, popular education, theatre of the oppressed, transformative and restorative justice work. YEPP is MOVEMENT BUILDING!

YEPP’s training program operates all year. However, within the course of six months, a cast led by director Bonsai Bermudez and supporting coordinators focus the work towards developing an original production to be shown in January 22, 23, 24, and 29, 30, 31 of 2016, at the Athenaeum Theatre.

What makes us unique? Our approach blends art, social justice and healing work in a way that encourages our ensemble members to create a performance that celebrates the strengths and advocates the needs of this often overlooked aspect of society.

We need your support. Annual funding assists our ensemble with the provision of a safe space, meals, transportation, workshops, and individual stipends.  HELP NOW!

Act now! Whether or not you are able to make a monetary contribution, we invite you to be a part of our community and keep up with YEPP news through our website at www.WeSayYEPP.com.

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BRUNCH at Kit Kat Lounge Chicago

rocky-horror chicago

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club is getting into the Halloween “spirit” with a bevy of boo-tastic brunch events and creative costume contests, from Rocky Horror Picture Show parties, to a Dia de los Muertos celebration.

In addition, the Lakeview lounge and supper club will offer an array of Halloween martinis ($14 each; half-priced Sunday-Thursday) and Poison Apple shots ($5 each) throughout the month of October. 

 

Rocky Horror Picture Show Brunch
Sunday, October 25         11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

“Let’s do the time warp again” this Halloween season, as Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club holds their sixth annual Rocky Horror Picture Show brunch on Sunday, October 25. Diva Madam X will perform songs from the campy cult classic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the film will be shown on seven large screens. Guests are encouraged to arrive dressed as their best Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Magenta, Riff Raff or other costumed character for the chance to win a $100 cash prize. Kit Kat’s Sunday brunch menu will be available, and all martinis will be half-priced (all day). 


Dia de los Muertos Brunch

Sunday, November 1         11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Feeling like a zombie after a long night of Halloween revelry? Revive with the hair of the dog, and celebrate the Day of the Dead, at Kit Kat Lounge. On Sunday, November 1, Diva Madam X will lift your “spirits” with live performances from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.Nosh on comfort food brunch fare (Bacon Truffle Mac ‘N Cheese; Biscuits and Gravy; Huevos Rancheros), while imbibing with a build-your-own beverage package that includes mimosas, bloody martinis, bellinis and sangria ($14.95).
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
KitKatChicago.com
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HYDRATE October Special Events

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HYDRATE October happenings!

Five shows only, Oct. 16-17, 23-24 and 30! The show’s stars, Katerina, Erin Daly, Casi Maggio, Stephanie Hansen and Erika Lecaj, will sing Halloween, pop and musical classics throughout the hour-long comedic set that’s sprinkled with dark moments. Hosted by the one and only Dixie Lynn Cartwright.
Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets are on sale here for $15.

Halloween Massacre
Hydrate kicks off Halloween weekend Friday, Oct. 30  with London’s international DJ duo, SEXSHOOTERS, from 11:30 pm to 4 am. Hydrate’s dance floor won’t stop moving to David and Claudio’s addictive, uplifting house beats. Hostess Serena Fierce will make sure the party is a ghoulish good time.
$10 cover after midnight

On Saturday, Oct. 31, stop by Hydrate’s outdoor stage before or after the Halsted Street Parade to catch Dee Jay George G from 2-9 pm and DJ Greg Drescher from 9 pm to midnight. Mz. Ruff N’ Stuff and Naysha will host on stage from 4-8 pm.
Head inside to catch the Hydrate gogo dancers from 5-9 pm. Stick around for the announcement of the winner of the costume contest at 7 pm, where $250 in cash and prizes will be handed out to first, second and third place. Grammy nominated house icon, DJ Ralphie Rosario, will tear up the dance floor from 11:30 pm to 5 am.
 $10 cover after midnight
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Latrice Royale in Chicago @ Seven

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SEVEN NIGHTCLUB is proud to present RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, LATRICE ROYALE performing live on Friday, November 20, 2015.

Latrice Royale was a fan favorite in both RuPaul’s Drag Race, Season 4 and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and featured as a guest start on multiple follow up seasons of the hit show, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.

The LARGE AND IN CHARGE, Latrice Royale, will perform two performances, at 10pm and 11:30pm. Advanced general admission tickets will be $7 dollars and VIP Meet N’ Greet tickets will be available for $15. Both options will be available for purchase via our website.

Seven Nightclub and Lounge is located at 3206 N Halsted, on the northwest corner of Halsted and Belmont. For most up to date information and to view our entire entertainment line-up, visit our website at www.whatisseven.com.

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Chicago’s PRIDE ACTION TANK

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Pride Action Tank, a new, results-driven group that addresses challenges facing individuals and groups within LGBTQ communities through a collaborative process of inquiry, advocacy and action, is launching this month as a project of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC).

Kim L. Hunt, former executive director of Affinity Community Services, will be Pride Action Tank’s executive director. Tracy Baim, founder of Pride Action Tank, will be the president of its advisory board.

The work of Pride Action Tank focuses on six overlapping issue areas: housing, health, safety, financial security, youth and aging.

Pride Action Tank will bring together and support the work of subject matter experts as well as people directly impacted by challenges facing the LGBTQ community to envision and realize practical and longer-term policy solutions. Moreover, Pride Action Tank will fuel collaborations among organizations, departments, experts, policymakers and community members in order to fill in gaps and ensure better supports for all people in LGBTQ communities.

The mission of Pride Action Tank is to “improve the health, safety and progress of individuals and groups within the LGBTQ community by inspiring, supporting and leading collaborative action that improves policy, service, access and community dynamics in the core areas of housing, health, safety, financial security, youth and aging.”

Sign up to receive updates and action alerts from Pride Action Tank!

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Neverland is hosting Chicago’s largest gay Halloween party

neverland chicago

Neverland is throwing Chicago’s largest gay Halloween party with “Alien Invasion“, 10pm-5am at Circuit Nightclub.

DJ Escape of NYC’s infamous Sunday Service parties spins alongside Alexis-R, for a night of high-energy music. The backdrop is a theatrical set by Timmie Foley and Jasmine Quintana, who transformed Circuit into a Mayan jungle for our Market Days party.

CLICK HERE for NEVERLAND tickets, special pre-sale offer

WHO is PERFORMING: We are teaming one of Chicago’s best dancers, The Vixen, with Alberto Arias, the choreographer behind Aurora Sexton’s killer Market Days “Origins” performance. Not to be missed.

WHO is HOSTING: Neverland’s main host & muse Kim Chi is joined by a new generation of hosts: Imp Queen, Nico, and Sara Andrews. We have sought out some of the best walking art in Chicago for this event.

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Chef Tong @ Bloomingdales Oct. 17th

chef tong bloomingdales chicago

CHEF CHRISTOPHER TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF SHARES A FRENCH BISTRO 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.

Join Chef Chris for a culinary tour of fabulous French Bistro fare.

A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare: Steak au Poivre, Haricot Verts Herb de Provence, and Chocolate Mousse with Coffee Liqueur.

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, October 17, 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

 

If you go – please tell  them you saw it on BEST GAY CHICAGO.com!

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

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LGBT Friendly Personal Trainers

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The gym I go to is about 10%  gay.

And out of 10 trainers, I know one male trainer is gay.

I know that only because someone who trained with him, told me! Some of the other trainers at my gym might be LGBT friendly….but how does one know?  I don’t want to work with some obnoxious testosterone filled male jock who has a thing against gay people.

If you’re going to invest time, money, and trust in a person to guide you in the right direction, then you need to make the right choice. If you want to find the perfect person to help you, then you’re right to be picky. Choose a trainer who will cater to your personal needs and learning preferences. While some people want to be pushed to their limits by a drill sergeant type, others are going to work better with positive reinforcement and gentle encouragement. Your trainer should fit your personality and motivation style.

Chicago entrepreneur Sam Provenzano launched Right Fit For You (RightFitForYou.com). He says, “I just really felt that there was a need for Right Fit for You. The client/trainer relationship is very intimate. Personal Trainers not only help their clients get into tip-top shape, but many of them become a client’s friend and someone they confide in and trust. If you aren’t comfortable and can’t truly be yourself with your Personal Trainer, chances are you will not reach your full potential.”

 

Right Fit for You, is the premiere LGBT-Friendly Personal Trainer Referral Service!

 

Right Fit for You wasn’t solely created because of a fear of running into a close minded Personal Trainer, but because I wanted to provide the LGBT community with an online marketplace of Personal Trainers that the LGBT community can relate to– no questions asked, no insecurities. At the end of the day, Right Fit for You is all about ensuring a comfortable personal training atmosphere for the LGBT community from beginning to end. Every certified Personal Trainer profiled on Right Fit for You will not only will help you get into shape, but will also identify as LGBT or as a straight ally to the community.

Although our focus is primarily geared toward the LGBT community — anyone is welcome to utilize Right Fit for You as a means to find the right Personal Trainer who will fit all of their needs and budget. So whether you are just starting to work out or looking to gain some muscle or lose a few pounds, Right Fit For You can help!

personal trainers chicago gay lesbian

Step 1: Search through their Personal Trainer database

Search their personal trainer database at no cost! All of the trainers are hand-screened and confirmed to be currently certified. All you have to do is enter your zip code and radius, and browse through the database. You  should read the trainer bio’s and pick the Right Fit For You!

Step 2: Contact Trainer

Send your goals and contact information directly from the site to your desired trainer. If he/she has their contact information listed, give them a call or send them an email to schedule a consultation with your personal trainer and get started on achieving your fitness goals. Tell them you found them through Right Fit for You!

Step 3: Tell your friends about Right Fit for You!

 

It’s  easy  and FREE!    Check it out today!   RIGHT FIT FOR YOU.

*If you are a personal trainer, looking to join Right Fit For You, here is the link with more information.

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World of Chocolate 2015

 

world-of-chocolate-2015

SAVE  THE DATE!!!

 

The BIGGEST and MOST DECADENT party  of the holiday season  returns, December 3rd  to Chicago’s gorgeous Union Station! Sip cocktails, sample outrageous chocolate concoctions  and socialize  to benefit Aids Foundation of Chicago.  Tickets on sale  Oct. 21st!

 

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Alexandra Billings Nov. 2nd

alexandra billings

Pride Films and Plays’ annual fall benefit – Simply Sensational –  celebrates Chicago legend Alexandra Billings.

WGN’s Dean Richards serves again as the emcee. Billings will headline the event on Monday, November 2 that will  feature Pride Films and Plays’ Company Members, along with several guest performers. It will be a magical and moving event indeed!

A select number of VIP tickets are available for the benefit at $175, and include a pre-show reception at 6 p.m. with appetizers and open wine bar at the Marketa Sivek Gallery at 1123 West Belmont.  VIP ticket holders also enjoy reserved center-section seating for the 7:15 pm performance at Stage 773 at 1225 W. Belmont, and a post-show meet-and-greet reception and photo opportunity with Miss Billings and the cast.  General Admission tickets are $75 and include the performance and a post-show reception. Tickets can be purchased here.

Alexandra Billings is an actress, singer, author, teacher and activist. She stars as Davina in Amazon’s multi-award winning television series ‘Transparent’  and she has been seen on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘E.R.,’ and ‘Nurses’ among others. She has acted in Chicago and across the United States, in many instances being the first transgender actress to tackle rolls like Mama Rose in Gypsy.  She has worked at Bailiwick Repertory, Court Theater, and Steppenwolf, and has performed Off-Broadway. Ms. Billings’ activism stretches across the continent. She was inducted into the Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in Chicago in 2007. Living with AIDS since the mid-eighties, she chronicles her life’s journey in her blog ‘Stilettos and Sneakers’ and is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post. Her life story “From Schoolboy to Showgirl” produced by Alex Silets (WTTW) was nominated for an Emmy in the Best Documentary category.

Tickets for Simply Sensational can be purchased here.

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Miss Richfield at Hydrate Oct 9-10th

Miss-Richfield

2 Nights Only Friday October 9 and Saturday October 10!!


Join the Return of… Miss Richfield 1981 in her new show “Cone of Silence!!”

Ever want to talk about something, but felt you couldn’t? You can now! In her new show “Cone of Silence,” Miss Richfield 1981 opens the discussion up to all forbidden topics! When she lowers the Cone of Silence, anything goes!

Enjoy new music, new videos, and new activities with the audience!

Limited VIP tickets are available for $33 which include seating in the first three rows

General admission tickets are available for $23.

Doors open at 6 PM both nights and showtime is 7:30 PM

Facebook page  here

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