Monthly Archives: January 2016
Team to End AIDS
For over 10 years, TEAM TO END AIDS (T2) has trained more than 5,000 athletes and raised $10 million benefiting AIDS Foundation Chicago and HIV/AIDS-related community charities.
Working with Fitness Formula Club (FFC) USA Track & Field/Triathlon coaches, T2 offers world class training programs for multiple endurance events.
T2 is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. Coaches, staff and athletes will help you train, fundraise and celebrate life, making your T2 experience unforgettable.
Attend an upcoming information session to learn more about T2!
ALSO
2015 was a big year for HIV! Not only were there huge advancements in science, but the epidemic also found its way back into mainstream media through art, pop culture and social activism. As we gear up for another stimulating year of progression towards putting an end to new HIV diagnoses, take a peek at these 10 tweets that tell the story of a big year in the HIV epidemic (in no particular order):
Volunteers Needed EQIL Gala
2016 25th Anniversary Gala Volunteer Sign-Up
Are you ready for the 25th Anniversary Gala? Last year, over 1400 people attended the Gala and we could not have done it without the hard work of our volunteers. This year will be no different, especially with high-profile guests, namely, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who will receive the Freedom Award.
The Gala will take place on Saturday, February 6th (6pm to midnight), at the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan Avenue).
In order for the events to run smoothly, we need volunteers like you to help. Please take a minute to look at the dates listed below for our needs.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
2016 Equality Illinois Gala
WHEN: Saturday, February 6th, 2016 (various shifts)
WHAT: This is the main event, and we will need approximately 120 volunteers on hand to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
DETAILS:
Volunteers are needed throughout the day of Gala, beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, and going until approximately 1:00am Sunday, February 7th. Various shift and time assignments will be set to cover the following positions: Silent Auction Set-Up; Silent Auction Monitors; Ballroom Monitors; Guest Registration; Greeters; Silent Auction Check Out (ONLY AVAILABLE SHIFTS WILL APPEAR AS AN OPTION).
The dress for volunteer staff at the Gala is Black-Tie Optional/Business, so you can wear a Suit/Tie, Cocktail Dress, Women’s Suit, Blazer/Slacks/Tie, Tux or Gown. Jeans and t-shirts are not acceptable dress UNLESS you are at the Hotel early for the Set-up shifts. If you are assigned to set-up, and you wish to stay for the event, please bring a change of clothes.
Illinois Republican Steps Up!
Rep. Bob Dold (R-IL) today became the first Republican congressman to co-sponsor the Equality Act, federal legislation which would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity illegal in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, and the jury system.
The Human Rights Campaign applauded Dold:
“Bob Dold is showing tremendous leadership today by becoming the first Republican to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Equality Act and we’re thrilled that he’s standing up for our fundamental values of fairness and equality,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Far too many LGBT people – nearly two thirds – have faced unfair and unjust discrimination in their lives, much of it in the workplace. In co-sponsoring the Equality Act, Congressman Dold showed how important it is that LGBT people be able to have a fair chance to earn a living, provide for their families, and live free from fear of discrimination.”
Last July, the Equality Act was introduced in both the House and Senate with a record number of original co-sponsors. Since then, several major companies, including Apple, the Dow Chemical Company, Hyatt, Levi Strauss & Co., Orbitz, and Target, have all endorsed the Equality Act. In addition, the bipartisan legal team David Boies and Ted Olson — who was a Solicitor General of the United States under former President George W. Bush — also announced their support.
President Obama threw his support behind the legislation last November after what the White House said was “several weeks of review” of the bill.
Precious Davis – Say YES to the Dress
Friday’s episode (Jan 15th, 2016, 8pm Central time) of Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta will mark a first for the show when it features a transgender bride.
In a sneak peek of the episode, Precious Davis visits Bridals by Lori to find the perfect gown for her wedding. Davis and her fiancé Myles — both of whom are activists — will share their story on the show before getting married in Chicago in front of 1000 guests from their community. (@ Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago ).
“We want people to be inspired of what love can look like in its many forms,” Davis says. “We want to bring this kind of royalty because we feel we are royalty.”
Precious Davis is lauded both locally and nationally as an award winning diversity professional, social justice facilitator, and performance artist. She currently is the Assistant Director of Diversity Recruitment Initiatives at Columbia College Chicago , her alma mater from which she received a BA in Liberal Arts. Precious currently implements and oversees the Campus Wide Diversity Initiative and is the first woman of color to hold this position. see more HERE.
SNEAK PEAK of the show HERE.
EQIL Gala Feb. 6th
THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST LGBT GALA and FUNDRAISER
SUPPORTS THE WORK OF EQUALITY ILLINOIS
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 South Michigan Avenue
The Equality Illinois 25th Anniversary Gala promises to be a night to remember. The Midwest’s largest LGBT formal event will celebrate a quarter-century’s worth of accomplishments and the exciting work that lies ahead to achieve full equality. Some very special honorees will also make this one of our most exciting galas.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will receive the 2016 Equality Illinois Freedom Award. The Mariano’s grocery chain will receive the 2016 Business Leadership Award.
Whether you buy one seat or a full table, participate as a corporate sponsor, place an ad in the program book, or donate a luxury item to the silent auction, please join us in this Silver Anniversary celebration.
Purchase platinum, premier and standard tables and single tickets.
Become a Table Captain and invite friends to join you at the Gala.
Learn more about corporate sponsorships and premium table purchases.
Learn about the luxury silent auction and how your contribution can help our work.
Purchase an ad that will be featured in the 25th Anniversary Program Book.
Volunteer for the gala and be part of this historic celebration.
OUR MISSION
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBT community.
OUR VISION
Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
All Star Blues Bash Feb. 13th
The best blues artists in the world give a high dose of southern-style soul blues, house-rocking blues, contemporary blues, and genuine Chicago blues all rolled up into one awesome blues show that will be stuck in your memory forever. Bobby Rush headlines the All-Star Blues Bash bringing his Billboard R&B and Blues chart topping hits to highlight the bash.
Joining the bash as co-headliner is Joe Louis Walker, who is without a doubt one of the most exciting and innovative artists gracing contemporary blues. Kicking things off is Chicago’s very own and Chicago Blues Hall of Famer Wayne Baker Brooks, bringing his distinctive contemporary style of Chicago Blues with a fully formed new vision that updates the sound of the blues without falling into the same tired blues-rock clichés. Joining this all-star lineup is rising blues star Shawn Holt, son of blues legend Magic Slim.
Tickets: $40 General Public / $35 Seniors, Students, Staff
BUY TICKETS –
Media SponsorAbout Face Theatre LE SWITCH
In Philip Dawkins’ world-premiere romantic comedy, Le Switch, marriage equality finally reaches the U.S., and commitment-shy David finds himself unsure how to react to the nation’s honeymoon phase. When his best friend’s bachelor party takes him to Montreal, he is unexpectedly swept off his feet by a beautiful, young florist. In the months that follow, David and his non-traditional family (his sister, grieving activist roommate and best friend) must decide for themselves what it really means to be committed, married, and queer.
Written by Philip Dawkins
Directed by Stephen Brackett
Presented by special arrangement with Doug Nevin
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes with intermission
Judy and Liza in Chicago
Pride Films & Plays presents two stars of The Boy From Oz in
“Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime:
The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute”
Pride Films and Plays will enliven the New Year by bringing back two leading actresses from its recent acclaimed production of the musical The Boy From Oz in a new show entitled Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime: The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute, featuring Nancy Hays (as Judy Garland) and Michelle Lauto (as Liza Minnelli), with music direction and orchestral arrangements by Robert Ollis (co-producer). This loving musical tribute recalls the historic concert by these two famous performers at the London Palladium, just as Liza’s singing career was beginning to take off. The Boy from Oz veterans Cameron Turner (choreography) and John Nasca (costume design) will round out the creative team for this dynamic new show.
Accompanied by a jazz combo, this lively cabaret show will feature those solos, duets and medleys that are Judy and Liza classics. This is an opportunity to celebrate the unique mother/daughter relationship that they shared and to see how Liza learned so much in performance from Judy — the consummate song stylist.
Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime: The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute previews Sunday, January 31st (7:00 p.m.) at Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway, Chicago. Tickets range between $15 and $25. For ticket information call 773-867-1946 or order online at www.uptownunderground.net, Tickets are not for sale at the regular PFP phone number.
THE STARS!
Nancy Hays (Judy Garland) recently returned to theatre to portray Judy Garland in The Boy from OZ, presented by Pride Films & Plays, after performing for years as an opening act for Tommy Tune, Rita Rudner, Smothers Brothers, George Burns and others. Her country song Come Dance with Me is an international hit, and she was featured in the film The Minnesota Connection. Nancy has also made numerous TV appearances (including one on ABC dancing with Mario Lopez). Nancy has recorded five albums and toured the UK multiple times.
Michelle Lauto (Liza Minnelli) is so proud to be playing one of her idols again after an exciting run as Liza in The Boy From Oz with Pride Films & Plays this past summer. Favorite credits include Murder Ballad (Bailiwick Chicago), Next To Normal and Spring Awakening (NY Regional Premiere). Up next for Michelle is the Chicago premiere of 35mm (Circle Theatre), and Xanadu with the American Theater Company. www.michellelauto.com
Steve Grand @ SEVEN Jan 15th
Seven Nightclub brings you ‘All American Boy’ Steven Grand Live In Concert! Doors open at 8 show starts at 9.
Steve Grand became an overnight internet celebrity and was acclaimed by some to be the first openly gay male country musician to attract mainstream attention in the United States. The music video of his first hit “All-American Boy” went viral on YouTube in less than a week in July 2013. This attention landed Grand on Good Morning America, CNN and other national media. Buzzfeed ranked the video on its list of the “24 Most Brilliant Music Videos from 2013”, and Out magazine named Grand to its annual “Out100” list of the year’s most compelling LGBT people. In addition to being a musician, Grand has become an active figure in the LGBT equality movement.
VIP Meet and Greet Tickets (also includes seating in the first 3 rows) are only $30.
General Admission Tickets are only $20 before January 10, 2016.
