Category Archives: Alternative
Cat Film Festival in Chicago September 10
For those who love cats, a special film program, The Cat Film Festival, will be at the Century Centre 7 and Highland Park theaters on Tuesday Sept. 10. Showtime and programs are listed below.
The festival celebrates our love for cats, illustrated through film. Unlike Internet video festivals, these programs are works of art, thoughtfully curated by pet wellness expert and champion, Tracie Hotchner.
The Cat Film Festival is an exploration through film of the fascinating felines who share our lives, creating a shared audience experience that inspires, educates and entertains. For far too long, cats have been the “invisible” part of the human-animal bond and it’s time to shine the spotlight on these magnificent creatures and the humans devoted to them. The Cat Film Festival enhances our appreciation and understanding of how cats share our world, while benefiting cat welfare nationwide.
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
A portion of every ticket benefits local animal welfare organizations Treehouse Humane and Save a Pet.To purchase tickets or for more information: www.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:
The Cat Film Festival 2019 (2 Hours)
[The films are free of physical or verbal abuse toward people or animals. The only tears you might shed would be tears of joy for happy endings. The programs are designed for adult audiences but can be enjoyed by all members of the family, including mature children.]
The Pet Effect (2:00) Prescription: cat; Little Works of Art (13:00) Kim Best’s look at Harold “Cat Man” Sims and his self-styled American Museum of the House Cat in Sylva, NC, which houses over 10,000 cat-related objects and honors cats as “little works of art”; Art’s Automotive (6:00 )Erik Dumas’ animated tale of an orphaned kitten who bonds with an automotive repair robot in the future; Akamatsu the Cat (10:00) Ian Christopher Goodman’s documentary about life with a disabled kitty cat, Akamatsu, who was paralyzed but went on to live another 4 vibrant years with the use of a wheelchair; Pure Fluff (4:00) Sean Skelton’s documentary sketch of a professional cat groomer in New York City, who shows how to tackle this combative challenge; Winter Break (5:00) Rick Hamilton’s look at the thoughts of a school teacher who has only her cat for company during winter break; Guardians of Recoleta (21:00) Blake & Adrienne Kuhre (who run their own non-profit cat rescue in Los Angeles) examine the community cats living in the iconic Buenos Aires Recoleta cemetery, and what became of some kitties removed by well-meaning American rescuers; Scaredy, the Cat (8:00) Markie Hancock’s heartwarming documentary about a very shy cat who was adopted at the tennis courts in NYC’s Riverside park but avoids everyone except for a few choice people whom she eagerly greets; Marnie: The Cat Guru (2:00) Anca Vlasan’s philosophical tabby cat expounds on the meaning of life and happiness; Cat Nation: A Film About Japan’s Crazy Cat Culture (26:00) Tim Delmastro’s documentary about Japan’s extraordinary love of kitty cats; Instagram Cat Mom (5:00) Jess Spawn’s mockumentary takes us behind the scenes on the lengths people might go to for the purrfect photo to post online; Samantha and the Rock Cats (11:00) Jacob Feiring’s documentary follows a woman who travels the country with her cat show; Mittens from Kittens (4:00) Kim Best’s documentary shows how one woman was inspired by the nuisance of cat hair into spinning and knitting it into useful item; Beth Is Not a Cat (3:00) Beth is not a cat, but looks like one, which perplexes her orange tabby.
*Program subject to change without notice
About the Festival Founder
In 2015 the first NY Dog Film Festival™ premiered in New York City to a sold out theater. In 2017 the first annual NY Cat Film Festival™ followed suit, both events growing out of Tracie Hotchner’s desire as a pet wellness advocate to expand her Radio Pet Lady™ Network’s outreach to educate the public about adoption, health issues and philosophical aspects of pets in our lives. Today, both festivals travel the country, delighting pet lovers everywhere.
Hotchner is a nationally acclaimed pet wellness advocate, who wrote THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know as well as THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know. She is recognized as a thought leader in improving the lives of companion animals and is the premiere voice for pets and their people on pet talk radio.
She produced and hosted her own live, call-in show CAT CHAT® for over 7 years on the Martha Stewart channel of Sirius/XM until the channel was canceled. Tracie then created her own Radio Pet Lady™ Network, where she still produces and co-hosts CAT CHAT® along with 10 other pet talk radio podcasts with top veterinarians and pet experts.
Tracie continues to produce and host her own Gracie® Award winning NPR show DOG TALK® (and Kitties, Too!) from Peconic Public Broadcasting in the Hamptons after more than 12 consecutive years and 575 shows.
Free Queer Prom this week – Center on Halsted
MIDNIGHT IN PARIS: QUEER PROM FOR LGBTQ YOUTH
Friday, May 10, 2019
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Center on Halsted
FREE TO ATTEND
Cirque du Soleil VOLTA Extended
Cirque du Soleil is excited to add two weeks of performances of VOLTA’s Chicago engagement this spring. The show will be presented under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, May 18 – July 6, 2019. Tickets, starting at $49, are available for purchase by visitingcirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783).
The show
Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgment of others.
BMX & Street Sports
The creators of VOLTA drew inspiration from the spirit of adventure that pervades the world of BMX, street sports and acrobatics. Whether they are on a bike, hopping from rooftop to rooftop, or double dutch rope skipping, urban sports enthusiasts constantly challenge themselves and defy convention.
Sure to be a Chicago crowd pleaser, VOLTA features a full-blown BMX park mounted on stage in front of the audience’s very eyes for the breathtaking BMX finale as riders invade the stage to deliver a jaw-dropping, fast and furious performance of nonstop acrobatics on wheels. The riders go up the jump boxes and perform air tricks before landing and leaping off the ramps again, crisscrossing and spinning their bikes in midair in a spirit of brotherhood.
The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.
The Costumes
The stunning costumes of VOLTA have been designed by Zaldy Goco, famous for his work with Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Gwen Stefany and for TV show RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Ticket Information
VOLTA will be presented under the Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, starting May 18. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/volta. Discover our VIP package – a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’ oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more!
New Years Day Never Afters Party 7am
If you are like me, I hate the crowds, the lines and the high prices on New Years Eve!
We like to go out early, have some drinks with friends and be in bed by 11! I know, we’re old! But we have already done New Years Eve many many MANY times!
So this party sounds amazing! It starts at 7am New Years Day! So whether you stay up all night or want to take a break in between, the amazing folks at Neverland are presenting this Never Afters Party!
TUESDAY January 1st from 7:00am-1:00pm or later: Regarded by industry vets as one of the best afterhours dance parties in circulation right now, Happily Never Afters has taken the Chicago scene by storm.
This is a NO FRILLS event: No dancers, no hosts, no drama, no attitude, no one bothering you, and no fucks given. Party starts at 7:00am on New Year’s Day, so either stay up all night New Year’s Eve, or take a puppy nap. If you’re trying to look fresh for the party, don’t bother: it’ll be too dark and foggy for anyone to see clearly. Plus, Happily Never Afters isn’t about getting all dolled up. It’s about letting loose in a safe space and having the time of your life, all while ringing in the New Year.
MUSIC by DJ Serving Ovahness (Los Angeles) and DJ Alex Cabot (Neverland Resident)
Presale tickets NOW for just $20!
FYI – The best resource for New Years Eve parties in the gay community can be found at GRAB MAGAZINE.
Cirque du Soleil brings new production, VOLTA May 2019
Cirque du Soleil brings VOLTA, its newest Big Top production, to new Chicago location, Soldier Field South Lot, May 18 – June 23, 2019!
Tickets on sale exclusively to Cirque Club members November 20;
General on-sale begins November 26 (‘Cyber Monday’)
Get a sneak peek of VOLTA here!
Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago with VOLTA, a captivating voyage of discovery! Inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA explores the themes of celebrating differences and unique qualities in a world where technology often isolates people from one another rather than freeing them. Written and directed by Bastien Alexandre, with Jean Guibert as the director of creation, VOLTA weaves acrobatics in a visually striking world driven by a stirring melodic score, composed by Anthony Gonzalez from the international electronic group M83. For the first time, VOLTA will perform under its signature Big Top at the Soldier Field South Lot, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, May 18 – June 23, 2019.
Access to the best seats and prices are available for existing Cirque Club members beginning Tuesday, November 20. Visitcirquedusoleil.com/cirqueclub to sign up for a complimentary membership. Cirque Club members receive advance access to the best seats under the Big Top, at the best price.
Tickets
Tickets (starting at $49) will be available to the general public beginning Monday, November 26, 2018, aka ‘Cyber Monday,’ by visitingcirquedusoleil.com/volta or calling 1-877-9CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Discover Cirque’s Hennessy Black VIP Experience package which includes a cocktail reception with open bar and hors d’oeuvres inspired by the show, access to the best seats for greater comfort, complimentary parking and more!
The show
Energetic, urban and contemporary, VOLTA is a captivating voyage of discovery that showcases never-before-seen under the Big Top acrobatics in a visually striking world. Driven by a stirring melodic score and inspired in part by the adventurous spirit that fuels the culture of street sports, VOLTA is a story of transformation. It is about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s true potential, and recognizing one’s own power to make it possible. Ultimate freedom comes with self-acceptance, and with the liberation of the judgment of others.
The name VOLTA refers to a sudden about-face, a change in emotion or idea often used in poetry. It also speaks to the jolt of energy delivered through the show.
FOLLOW VOLTA!
Social Media:
Twitter: @Cirque #VOLTA
Instagram: cirquedusoleil #VOLTA
Undocumented and QUEER April 24th
Join us as we showcase the struggles and activism of undocumented queer people in this age of uncertainty. Delve into the history of the fight for immigrant rights in Chicago’s LGBTQ community. Take a closer look at the gripping stories, legal avenues, and layered past of undocumented queer persons in this lively panel discussion with immigration and queer activist Egle Malinauskaite, organizer and scholar Tania Unzueta Carrasco ofMijente, Antonio Gutierrez of Community Activism Law Alliance – CALA and LGBTQ immigration attorney Michael Jarecki.
Now in its fifteenth year, the Museum’s popular and provocative series delves into the storied history of Chicago’s LGBTQ communities. This season, join us as we explore the connections between activism of the past and today and how calls to action propel cultural disruption.
Schedule:
5:30 p.m. Reception with refreshments and appetizers
6:30 p.m. Program begins
-Introduction by Nancy Villafranca, CHM Elizabeth F. Cheney
Director of Education
-Two audio recordings from the Immigrant Youth Justice League
(IYJL)
-Panel discussion, Q&A to follow
8:00 p.m. Program concludes
Boystown Halsted Halloween Parade 2017
Summer is over and it’s time to think about what to wear this fall?
The Annual Northalsted Halloween Parade will be here before you know it!
HAUNTED HALSTED SET TO SPOOK BOYSTOWN FOR HALLOWEEN
Haunted Halsted is the theme for this year’s Halloween. The Northalsted Business Alliance invites ghouls, goblins, zombies and all haunted beings to go above and beyond for this year’s parade theme. Thousands will line the route, while hundreds compete for who rules the street.
The legendary parade, now it its 21st year, happens Halloween night at 7:30 pm.
Kicking off from the corner of Halsted and Belmont and traveling north to Addison, the competitive costume contest will award winners in four categories: Drag, Group, Scariest and Theme. Registration is now open at https://www.northalsted.com/northalsted-halloween-parade-registration/
A host of Halloween queens will adorn the parade route, as a ‘Thriller” dance party breaks out. Fire eaters and more complete the spooky scene.
Northalsted Halloween Parade
Tuesday, October 31
5 pm- 7 pm Registration at Halsted/Belmont
7:30 pm Parade kicks-off and travels north to Addison
Free to participate
Northalsted Business Alliance Executive Director Chad Honeycutt explains what sets Halsted Halloween celebrations apart.
“Simply put, there’s no other city neighborhood that does Halloween better. This year will be no exception, we expect everyone to bring their ‘A’ game for the contest and parade.”
Day of the Dead Chicago 2017
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Day of the Dead: Xicágo
Join the National Museum of Mexican Art for the annual Día de los Muertos Xicágo celebration on Sunday, October 29th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bring your friends and loved ones to celebrate Día de los Muertos as we transform the Museum and surrounding area into a beautiful work of art. To commemorate this special day, guests will enjoy face painting, art activities, ofrenda (altar) demonstrations, live musical performances, and Pan de Muerto (traditional Day of the Dead Bread). This year we are thrilled to be joined by Fernando Sic (Rimiyoho), who will create live animations projected on the Museum’s exterior.
Additionally, families and individuals are invited to participate by creating their own ofrenda (Day of the Dead altar) or sharing a photograph of a departed loved one as part of the large illuminated ofrenda. Read more about the event and how you can contribute.
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Enjoy a spectacular fall event complete with live musical and DJ entertainment, delicious culinary treats, and cocktails, all in support of the Museum’s programs.
More details to come! But early birds can purchase tickets now and take advantage of discounted pricing.
Out in the Park Chicago 2017
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2017 for Year 6!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & BestGayChicago.com
That Will Help Benefit Howard Brown Health
Saturday, September 9th, 2017 from 7:30PM to 12AM
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity fundraising 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 help benefit various non-profits. “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!”
This event started in 2012, as an LGBTQ night. In 2015 there was a huge shift in the public’s opinion on Marriage Equality and Equal Rights. (Joe Biden says Will & Grace was a huge influencer for the shift in public opinion!) Friends and allies “came out of the closet” as the showing of support more than doubled. It is for this reason, we chose to change the theme to a Celebration of Diversity. People of any color, size, body type, gender, gender expression(s), and sexual orientation are all welcome. Bullies and Bigotry will not be tolerated.
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, model, author SIR JET will do a meet and greet in the parking lot at 7pm, as we await the gates to open for the evening. Then he will perform live at 1:30am, at Charlie’s, the host of the Official After Party! 3726 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60613. $5 cover.
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $40,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 18 years and business partner,
“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com as well as Our Lives Madison 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 $42 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.CelebrateDiversityChicago.com
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event! September 5th the price goes up to $47.
$52 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+
House Music 5 Magazine Event
Saturday, August 26th, 2017
The leader in HOUSE MUSIC NEWS! 5 Magazine will celebrate their 12 Year Anniversary this month!
“It’s been a long road and we thank you all for continuing on with us. For this year we are so very excited to be having Baltimore and Phily representing!”
Karizma (R2/Kaytronik, Baltimore)
DEL (Do You Wanna Boogie, 5 Magazine, Philly)
CZBOOGIE (5 Magazine)
$12 Advance, $15 Before Midnight, $18 after
21 & Over / 10PM
http://5chicago.com/
https://soundcloud.com/
soundcloud.com/a-DEL-mix
https://soundcloud.com/
*Because of an early evening concert happening in Wrigley Field that night, we highly encourage people to take either the red line train (exit Addison) or an Uber. The nearby streets will be closed off until approximately 11pm.
Another option would be is to park several blocks away from Smartbar & then take an Uber from there. We will have more specific street information closer to the date.
We can’t wait to see you all!!! ♥
DJ BIOS:
KARIZMA
Kris Klayton is an award winning International DJ and electronic music producer/artist from Baltimore, Maryland, known for his wide genre of music production in Deep House, Deep Techno, Hip-Hop, Jazz and Broken bBeats, being sponsored by Pioneer because of
DEL
DEL is a senior editor for the leading house music source in America, 5 MAGAZINE, and his column, FOUNDATIONS, has connected music fans across generations. He is a resident partner in the Do You Wanna Boogie? events which are “must do” parties in the U.S. and Mexico! DEL has created edits and original productions including “NO FAKE” on Ospina Digital.
A true “selector” with knowledge and experience across nearly every dance genre… DEL always shares his positivity, energy, and soul! Dancers and music lovers know that when DEL is in the middle of it, SOMEBODY’S GONNA GET…
facebook.com/DELMIX
soundcloud.com/a-DEL-mix
mixcloud.com/DELmix
Twitter: discobush
Instagram: discobush
CZBOOGIE
Czarina Mirani (aka Czboogie) was originally a professional actress and dancer for most of her life with a serious love affair for House. In 2005 she launched 5 Magazine, North America’s only publication dedicated exclusively to underground House music. She has interviewed and worked with almost all of the House community’s biggest stars and continues to push for the next generation of talent.
Aside from being the publisher and editor-in-chief, she also does 5 Magazine radio shows and podcasts, promotes several House events in Chicago and has her own dance company (Fivestarboogie Productions) with dance performances and classes throughout the city. Her House dancing classes have been named by the Chicago Reader as the “best dance class in the city.”
Czboogie’s style of sexy vocal House music has made her an in demand DJ all over Chicago and in cities around the U.S. as well as in Asia. She has had DJ residencies at Smartbar (Chicago’s number one club for electronic music), Grandbar, Hydrate, 3 Degrees at Primary, Circuit, Evil Olive, Crocodile, Uptown Lounge, Cocktail, Drop Chicago, Urban’s House and with the legendary Boom Boom Room (the longest running House night in the world and renown host to world class DJs). One of the highlights was her Nu-Breed Residency with world-class House legends Cajmere and Chez Damier at Smartbar in 2012.
Check out www.5chicago.com for the digital version of 5 Magazine.
FREE TICKETS for SUPERHERO Resistance @ Aragon Aug 12
Market Days Saturday night will never be the same. After six consecutive years of sold out dance parties at House Of Blues, Circuit Mom / Matthew Harvat has moved the wildly successful Superhero themed party closer to Lakeview and into an epic venue that doubles our party’s size.
More lights, more lasers, more production, more sound and more people from around the globe to dance with.
After thirteen years, The Aragon Ballroom welcomes us back for what will become the biggest event of the year. You will not believe your eyes once you enter the space. They have tons of surprises in store for you and will welcome over 2,500 party goers to this new Market Days home.
PLUS this is the Chicago debut of DJ Grind and DJ Gauthreaux spinning together for this main event.
WHO WILL YOU COME AS????
WHO WANTS TO GO FOR FREE???
Leave a comment, any comment below with your email – your email is hidden from the public and we are not adding you to any lists. Just click READ MORE and you can leave a comment!
We will randomly draw 2 names, MONDAY Aug 7th 2 NOON. We will email the winners.
Each winning name will get one free ticket for the event!
This is going to be an amazing event, not to be missed! CircuitMom.com for ticket info
Tickets are available online now and with a new VIP option.
Visit www.circuitmom.com for all options.
People of any colour, size, body type, gender, gender expression(s), and sexual orientation are welcome. Bigotry will not be tolerated. Must be 21+ to attend.
Chicago’s Chuck Renslow Passed, 87
Pioneering Chicago Gay Activist and Leather Community Leader Chuck Renslow Passes Away At 87
It’s with a sad heart that we must report that Chuck Renslow, the pioneering gay activist who opened the first gay leather bar in the country, the Gold Coast in 1958, has passed away at the age of 87.
Mr. Renslow was the founder and photographer of Kris Studios, one of the earliest and most durable of the physique houses ( and one where leather always had a place ) He was the publisher of Triumph, Mars and Rawhide Male magazines. He was a founder of Second City Motorcycle Club, the first club in the midwest in 1965.
He was among the earliest members, often among the founders, of many gay liberation organizations and movements. He was the publisher of GayLife Newspaper and has sat on the Board of fourteen different GLBT organizations. He was also the founder of many gay bars and sex clubs including Man’s Country, which has survived for more than 30 years.
He is the founder, in of the International Mr. Leather, which meets yearly in Chicago and was inducted into Chicago’s Lesbian and Gay Hall of Fame in 1991.
At the Leather Archives & Museum’s September 2016 Board of Directors meeting Chuck was elected “Chairperson of the Board” of the world famous museum that he himself founded.
Specific details of his passing have not been released as of yet.
Chicago’s Angelique Munro Seeks Your Support
I think it’s a hard thing to do for most of us, to ask anyone for money or help. Requesting assistance from colleagues or friends, whether it be for a work assignment or to help when times are down for us, is something many people have trouble doing.
Trans activist and entertainment professional Angelique Munro has been a pillar in the Chicago community for many years now. And she is THIS CLOSE to having GRS ( Gender Reassignment Surgery). But she could use our help and support.
After talking with a Healthcare Advisor from Howard Brown Health Center and they contacted her insurance agency they will consider her GRS and she will be responsible for only $6000. She has already raised $3,000 of that.
Tis the season of giving and sharing ….please read her story and consider a contribution here.
Gay Voting in Boystown Chicago 2016
“Politics is theater. It doesn’t matter if you win. You make a statement. You say, “I’m here, pay attention to me” ~ Harvey Milk
LISTEN UP POLITICALLY ACTIVE CHICAGO QUEERS AND ALLIES!
Chicago Votes and Organized Grime Crew Present: Out of the Bars and Into the Street. THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR VOICES HEARD IN 2016.
DATE: Saturday, November 5th
TIME: 12:00PM
LOCATION: Replay Beer & Bourbon & Hydrate Nightclub Chicago
POLLING LOCATION: Merlo Branch Chicago Public Library
LQQKS: POLITICAL REALNESS
The queer community has a history of marching to protect the rights of all. After the unprecedented tragedy at Pulse Orlando, it is clear that queer visibility this election year is key to ensuring that people have the ability to be who they are.
Meet at Replay Beer & Bourbon promptly at 12:00PM November 5.
Dress in your best LQQKS.
We will hold a rally, and march down Halsted St. to the EARLY VOTING polls at the Merlo Branch Public Library on Belmont Ave.
ALL WHO MARCH WILL BE GIVEN 25% OFF ON ALL DRINKS AT REPLAY.
AFTER PARTY and FREE BARBEQUE to follow at Hydrate Nightclub Chicago with Harry Cross of Men’s Room Chicago and headliner, Cindel starting at 3:00PM.
If you cannot vote in the city of Chicago, or have voted already, please join us at the march, anyway.
If you are ARE NOT REGISTERED TO VOTE, you can register SAME DAY at the polling location.
BRING YOUR ID’s in the event you are turned away from the polls.
Be unapologetic. Be seen. Make our voices heard..
THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW.
Rooftop Pride June 24th
Center on Halsted presents TKO!
Start your Pride Parade weekend with community for Center on Halsted’s annual pride bash overlooking Halsted Street on the Richard M. Daley Roof Terrace. Jump in and groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs:
DJ Billy Brown vs. DJ Gemini Jones
Lady Bunny PERFORMS & OFFICIATES
$20 entry includes admission with two drinks, nibbles, and cash bar
PRICE
$20 entry includes admission with two drinks, nibbles, and cash bar
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Purchase tickets here: https://community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Gay Queer Rap Hip Hop June 23rd
Thursday, June 23rd
7:30 – 11:30PM @ MANHOLE
VIP Access $35 (Buy Tickets)
-Includes: 1 hour premium hosted bar
-Artist Lounge Access
Includes:
-1 hr premium hosted bar
-Artist Lounge Access
-Premium bottle service w/ table for 5 people
-Artist Meet & Greet
-Express entrance to AfterParty (Berlin) w/ Champagne service
Cuddle and Touch for Emotional and Physical Needs
We all want love, acceptance and connection with other people. We’re social beings, and this connection with others is part of our emotional, physical and spiritual DNA.
Touch plays an important role in building these connections, increasing scientific evidence clearly shows a connection that lack of touch can lead to depression, anxiety and a myriad of heath issues, and an inability to connect with others.
Most of us don’t get enough touch in our lives.
We’re touch-deprived, and most of us don’t even know it consciously. All we know is that there’s loneliness and stress and a deep sense of missing out. We feel this because there’s a biochemical yearning for something that is missing in our lives. And there is something missing: touch and the connection with others that it fosters.
“That’s why we started Cuddlist,” says Adam Lippin, Co-founder and CEO of CUDDLIST. “Safe, non-sexual, consensual touch fills a need that’s badly neglected in our society. Cuddling relaxes us and reduces stress at the very least, and on the deeper level it nourishes our soul and helps us get in touch with our higher self. Much like yoga and meditation, non-sexual touch is healing and transformative.”
Cuddlist brings together those who need touch (and that would be just about all of us!) with Certified, professional cuddlers who are experienced, safe, well-versed in cuddling techniques and follow a code of conduct that set the conditions for a great session. There have been LOTS of press on this group over the last year – check it out HERE.
THE CHICAGO NETWORK IS GROWING!
Become a certified CUDDLIST or FIND a CUDDLIST in Chicago
While any two people can cuddle, of course, what sets Cuddlist apart is that we are creating the marketplace for transformative cuddling, and we bring the professionalism and best practices that make it work; Cuddlist training is overseen by my co-founder, Madelon Guinazzo, and she both has years of experience as a full-time Cuddlist and knowledge of what works in practice.
While Cuddlist is something special, and fills an important gap in our world, I also want to share what it means to me personally.
“I’ve been a yoga and meditation practitioner for more than 20 years. Yoga has been an animating principle in my life that has seen me through college, drug addiction, the corporate world in New York, loss and death, and the birth of my son and my relationship with my amazing spouse. I’m also a touchy-feely “hugger,” and when I go to shake someone’s hand I’m keenly aware how restricted touch is in our society.”
Most would agree that touch is therapeutic, and the rush of oxytocin we produce when we cuddle is great, but in my experience cuddling also can be something deeper.
American Buddhist Jack Kornfield, in his book, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry: How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path, talks about how the simple act of being present can be a deeply spiritual practice. I think cuddling, if non-sexual and approached without expected outcomes in mind, can help us be present and raise our spiritual awareness.
So while I’m a “hugger,” and I immediately see the value that cuddling can play as a corrective in our society, I also think it contains a deeply spiritual component.
Indian civil rights leader Mohandas Gandhi said we must be the change we want to see in the world, and I want to play my part by encouraging non-sexual touch and the emergence of what might be called cuddle yoga.
“Touch is important, and we don’t get enough of it. I want to change that, and that’s why I, along with my Co-Founder, started Cuddlist. Will you join us?”
Are you ready to give yourself the gift of nurturing touch?
Book a therapeutic, non-sexual, cuddle session with a Certified Cuddlist today.
Find out more at CUDDLIST. Learn more; FIND a CUDDLIST and/or become a CUDDLIST!
Zip Line in Chicago Feb 13-15
So it’s not very high – not very long – and it’s COLD! But hey, you can Zip Line for free this weekend in Millennium Park. Folks will have an opportunity to enjoy the vacation-like thrill of zip lining right here in Chicago… in the chill of winter.
Florida tourism company Experience Kissimmee is taking its campaign to Chicago’s Millennium Park this month, where it will provide a 200-foot zip line for Chicagoans to enjoy among the brisk February air.
The company says the zip line will run from a three-story platform “down to a warm winter welcome below.” The company hopes the stunt will encourage Chicagoans to plan a vacation in Kissimmee, Fla., a city near Orlando that is known for several amusement parks.
The company’s zip line is free to the public and will be in Millennium Park from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Feb. 13-15. Experience Kissimmee is encouraging attendees to donate coats.
“For this campaign, we decided to bring some of the warm-weather fun to our freezing friends here in Chicago,” DT Minich, president & CEO of Experience Kissimmee, said in a statement.
Shirtless Chicago Guy Spreads Prayer
A couple weeks ago Ethan Renoe, a hot shirtless jogger crashed a TV weather forecast in Chicago. During the rainy broadcast Renoe said, “It’s a great day for a run. Too wet to wear a shirt, you know?” He added, “I love running in the rain, and I’m also single!” – the video went Viral!
Renoe, an evangelical Christian, also made sure to get in a shout out to Jesus during the impromptu interview he did with WGN.
Now, NBC Chicago reports that Renoe, who attended a Christian Bible college and says he is a virgin who is saving himself for marriage, founded a ministry that has been offering “free prayers” outside gay bars in the city’s Boystown gayborhood for the last four years! – Damn, I keep missing him!
“My primary purpose of going there is to show this community love that has been severely damaged by those who claim to be Christians. That area has been hurt by people who claim Christ’s name.” – – Is it good? or bad? how do you feel about this?
One student member remarked that he understood the backlash the group sometimes receives while in the gay community:
“Some people come at us angrily, but I can understand that because that community is their stronghold and that’s where their identity lies and they feel like we’re attacking it, but that’s before they talk to us,” said student Andy Wood. “Regardless of lifestyle decisions we have the same opportunity to share the gospel and love people.”
Experience Barefoot Walking!
