Monthly Archives: August 2018
Camp Wannakiki Hits YouTube
Summer Camp is a Drag!
The premise is simple… take eight drag queens to see who can last the week at an actual Summer Camp and claim the crown “Queen of Camp!” CAMP WANNAKIKI is a new drag reality show airing on YouTube.
This hilarious new show features eight of the campiest campers in the Midwest (O’laysia Prime, Dominique DeGrant, VajayJ Snappinturtle, Pagan Holladay, Sylvia Nixx, Alexis P Bevels, Muffy Fishbasket and C’est Kevvie), along with kooky Camp Counselor Dear Ruthie and Camp Directors Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi!
Each episode reprises a day at camp, where campers perform various activities best suited for 10 year olds, as opposed to grown-ass drag queens. Tune in for the hilarity that ensues!
This entertaining competition keeps the focus on fun and friendship, while giving drama and backstabbing the cold shoulder, as was the goal of creators and producers Ashley and Brandon Wright.
The Wrights are real life twin brothers and drag life twin sisters Apple Brown Betty and Cherry Pi Sugarbaker. The twins are also co-owners of Hamburger Mary’s International, and were recently featured on the hit CBS show “Undercover Boss.” Going on 20 locations, Mary’s is known not only for their gourmet burgers, but also for putting on great drag shows across the country.
Let’s Eat, drink and be “Mary” this summer at Camp Wannakiki!
Follow the campy fun on YouTube
AIDS Run Walk Chicago Sept 23rd
2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Encourages Community to “Live True. Be You.”
On Sunday, Sept. 23, HIV advocates from across Chicago will live true at the 2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Held at Soldier Field, the 17th annual event will raise awareness and funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 34 CommunityDirect partners, with proceeds benefiting programs and services improving the lives of Chicagoans living with and vulnerable to HIV.
Approximately, 2,500 participants gathered last year to participate in one of the city’s most vibrant annual runs and walks. This year’s event will mobilize the community under the theme “Live true. Be you.”
“When individuals live authentically and are encouraged to share their truth and stories, it fosters a sense of community, understanding and acceptance,” explains Dustin Erikstrup, AFC’s Senior Manager of Special Events. “In this unpredictable political climate, it is important to live openly, unapologetically and free from stigma. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides that safe place for participants to express themselves freely.”
AFC isn’t the only beneficiary of this event; 34 community organizations serving Chicago’s South, West and North sides, as well as surrounding counties, are beneficiaries of the funds raised at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago as part of the CommunityDirect program. To kick off the race’s fundraising efforts, each participating organization will be entering their own team into the 5K walk or the 5K and 10K runs. Many CommunityDirect partners have been a part of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago for a number of years, which provides many opportunities for organizations to participate.
Recently, AFC, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and other statewide partners launched the planning phase for the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) campaign. The goal of this state-wide joint initiative is to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030 through partnerships with community-based organizations, health care providers, local government agencies and local members of the Illinois’ HIV community. If Illinois increases current rates of PrEP (a daily prevention pill that is up to 99 percent effective when taken consistently and correctly) and HIV treatment substantially, Illinois can reach fewer than 100 new HIV cases per year. The epidemic will then be unable to sustain itself, reaching, “functional zero.”
Approximately 43,500 Illinoisans are living with HIV, and AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides the perfect opportunity to raise money to support those in the community and help end the stigma around HIV.
Since its 2001 acquisition by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the event has netted more than $5 million to battle the epidemic. For more information or to participate, visitaidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
The pre-registration deadline is just a few weeks away!
Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon September 14th!
The Chicago House Speaker Series Luncheon never disappoints! This year I am SO EXCITED, two people I think are just fantastic, Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon will be speaking September 14, 2018!
I think everyone knows both of these names. Neither needs much an introduction.
In November 2008, Wanda Sykes publicly came out as a lesbian while at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas regarding Proposition 8. Her career was really just taking off. A month earlier, Sykes had married her partner Alex Niedbalski, a French woman, whom she had met in 2006. The couple also became parents on April 27, 2009, when Alex gave birth to a pair of fraternal twins, daughter Olivia Lou and son Lucas Claude.
Wanda was not planning to come out publicly as a lesbian during her impromptu 2008 speech in Las Vegas. But she did!
“When I came out, it wasn’t a planned thing at all. It was a national day of protest against the passage of Prop 8,” Sykes says in an exclusive clip from the documentary. “I said, ‘Okay where’s the rally, we are going to go to the rally.’ And I did. And in my speech I said that I got married and I’m p—–.”
She realized later the magnitude of the statement.
“I get to the hotel, turn on the TV and on the CNN scroll it says ‘Comedian Wanda Sykes: ‘I’m proud to be gay.'”
“I was like, ‘Oh, this is a big (expletive) deal. I’m a black woman. A celebrity. And I’m out.’ It was big deal. No regrets
In 2009, she was named in Out magazine’s “Annual Power 50 List”, landing at number 35. In 2010 she won a GLAAD award for promoting a good image of equal rights for gays and lesbians.
ADAM RIPPON was everywhere this past year and became a household name.
If you hadn’t heard of figure skater Adam Rippon before the Pyeongchang Olympics, there’s no doubt you know him now. Rippon won a bronze medal with the U.S. in the team skate competition … and he stole the show with his personality and courageous story. Before posing for ESPN’s Body Issue, the “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes” champ weighed in on coming out, overcoming injury and competing at the highest level.
Adam is an inspiration to so many !
The first openly gay man to qualify and win a medal for the U.S. Winter Olympics team, Rippon went on to win Dancing With the Stars: Athletes.
He recently signed up to be a judge on Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, which premieres October 7 on ABC.
Time said he is one the most influential people of 2018! CHER said, “He has humility, grace and an incredible sense of humor.”
We all know and understand the importance of coming “OUT”. 30 years ago, we did not have these awesome role models we have today!
His mother, Kelly, raised her kids with tolerance. They went to Catholic school, but she exposed them to various religions and wouldn’t let them use words such as “stupid” or “hate.” But kids at school and things he watched and read made him feel like something was wrong with him. His voice was always a little higher. He tried to speak lower so no one would notice. His mannerisms were different from the other boys’. He tried to change those, too.
“I think about it now, and it’s so sad,” Rippon said. “. . . I hope young kids don’t ever have to feel like that.”
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, is thrilled to announce the 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.” Tickets $200-$500.
Sexy Meat STK Steakhouse
Sexy chic lounge meets modern steak house. STK.
The ONE Group, based in New York, has positioned STK as “women friendly,” trying to break the conception that steakhouses are only meant for men. A DJ booth brings a curated playlist to diners, creating more of a nightclub vibe, hoping diners opt to party after their meal, or even while they’re digesting their wet-aged beef. No need to bar hop, as STK’s other spots haven’t been as concerned about the menu as they are in developing a trendy, and sexy, scene to draw the clientele who would normally roll their eyes at the notion of dining at a steakhouse.
From Forbes to Zagat to Facebook, dinners are loving this place!
Recently we had the chance to sample some of their new recipes from their Fall menu, being unveiled in October. But first, we started with their Strawberry Cobbler Martini.
Fresh strawberries, Belvedere vodka and a graham cracker rim.
Another classic that I could live on is their signature tuna tartare!
Besides what they are known for we got a sampling of some excellent new dishes!
*NEW Roasted Root Vegetable Salad: Squash, parsnip, celery root, living water greens, brown butter vinaigrette
*NEW Roasted Slagel Chicken: Celery root purée, celery salad, jus
*NEW Roasted Rack of Lamb: Charred broccoli, huckleberry vinaigrette, black garlic jus
*NEW Grilled Branzino: Roasted thumbelina carrots, kale, carrot purée, grilled lemon
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Apple, cranberry, aged goat cheese, marcona almonds
Potato Bar: Creamy yukon potatoes and sweet potatoes, bacon, scallion, sour cream, cheese, marshmallows, candied pecans, short rib. TO DIE FOR!
How about finishing your meal with fresh warm doughnuts covered in various toppings?
Or perhaps their signature Chocolate mousse layered cake?
Their menu features a nice variety of re-imagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes. STK defines the modern fine dining experience with incredible food, world-class service and the perfect atmosphere.
Aside from steak, signature items also include Parmesan Truffle Fries, Lil BRG’s, and sweet corn pudding. Incredible food and a wonderful hip atmosphere!
This is not your daddy’s steakhouse!
STK Chicago, 9 W. Kinzie St., (312) 340-5636
all photo credit goes to the incomparable Matthew Mitrick of Mitrick Photography!
Private Night at Six Flags Sept. 8th
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2018 for Year 7!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Presented by Toyota & BestGayChicago.com
That Will Help Benefit Lakeside pride Music Ensemble
Saturday, September 8th, 2018 from 7:30PM to 12AM
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35% full!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year helping to benefit various non-profits.
For 2018, it will benefit LAKESIDE PRIDE MUSIC ENSEMBLE! “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”
It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.
Singer, songwriter, producer and DJ ADAM JOSEPH will be playing his music in JB’s bar for 2 hours at the event. Then he play again from 1am – 3am at CHARLIE’S, the Official After Party in Boystown. (Charlies will also be offering a limited number of bus seats to and from the park – details soon!
“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!” says Derrick Sorles.
Advance $43 tickets can be purchased NOW HERE
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event!
September 1st the price goes up to $48.
$53 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.
This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to ensure lines stay short for the rides.
Season Passes cannot be honored for special events.
All ages event.
Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Market Days brunch deals
100,000 people are pouring into lakeview this weekend, for one of the biggest street festivals in the country! DON’T BE LEFT WAITING IN LINE! RERSERVE BRUNCH TIME NOW!
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Chicago’s Northalsted Market Days Aug 11-12
Northalsted Market Days® is the largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest and Chicago’s biggest summer party! Founded in 1980, the celebration now spans 6 blocks of North Halsted in Chicago’s Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood stretching from Addison to Belmont.
The 2 day/weekend long festival features an all day lineup of live music on 5 stages, unique vendors, arts, crafts, food and drink, DJ’s and dancing. Attendance approaches nearly 200,000 fairgoers, from near and far, all walks of life, and all colors of the rainbow.
The 37th Northalsted Market Days® will take over Chicago’s Boystown neighborhood on August 11-12, 2018!
Performing LIVE: Kristine W – Martha Wash – TRENYCE – Ty Herndon and many more!
Two days – Four stages – Dozens of performers – Top DJs – Over 100 Vendors: Food/Drink/Arts/Crafts/Shopping MORE INFO: marketdayschicago.com
Like our Northalsted Market Days Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
