Category Archives: Community

  Animals and Pets, Community, Retail and Services

Dog Poop in Chicago…The BEST bag ever Invented!

Is there anything worse, then walking down the street, minding your own business, and step in some business! Dog Poop. It stinks and it’s messy, it’s nasty, there is NO REASON for it  and Dog owners need to take responsibility.

 in some cities, people are SO LAZY,
they don’t bother to pick up their dogs poop! And I am so sick of it!
If you own a dog, clean up after it!

The island of Capri (Italy)  is going high-tech to deal with an age-old problem: dog
poop.They have solved the problem and more cities are talking about it.

The mayor of the island, located off the coast of Naples, is determined to
rid Capri of the rather distasteful predicament by using DNA testing.

The small island is a large tourist destination and is home to 7,305 people
owning 1,000 dogs. Unfortunately, some of the residents seem unwilling to scoop
up poop. In order to maintain the pristine setting Capri is famous for, the city
is using technology to track down pet owners who befoul the town by leaving
piles of scat behind.

The mayor plans to take advantage of a law that requires dogs to undergo a
blood test for canine diseases. The city will use the blood to perform DNA tests
on puppy excrement and identify the source of the smelly mess.

Ok – so lets say you ALWAYS pick your dogs poop. You grab one of those “recycle bags” that every store in the world  uses now, right? And you throw it away. But then what? Where does it go?? It gets sent
off somewhere, to live on forever and ever and ever.

You
may not think about it, but chances are if you have a dog you’re creating
excess waste, somewhere. There are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the
United States. That’s a lot of poop! 



A brilliant man in Chicago has come up with THE BEST solution, and THE BEST DOG POOP bags ever made!  Biodegradable Poop Bags by PoopBags.com meet the ASTM D6400
specification for biodegradability, compostability, and comply
with California’s compostable product claims.*
FACT  — 20-30% of all pollutants in waterways attributed to dog waste:
Pollutants originating from rainwater run-off via sewer systems, and
dogs pooping near watersheds or beaches. Overall, it is believed dog
waste is third or fourth on the list of contributors to bacteria in
contaminated waters.

Various
plastic bag manufacturers probably use the term “biodegradability” –
shall we say – loosely and lightly. The ASTM D6400 specification puts a
kibosh on all of that. Basically, the specification requires that the
material is fully tested to ensure that it will degrade at a similar
rate as an apple (composting), and that no large plastic fragments
should remain.

More than likely, the loose and light manufacturers’ bags do not meet
biodegradable/compostable standards of any sort, and are just regular
plastic bags. All in all, bag manufacturers – who claim their bags are
biodegradable or compostable but do not meet the ASTM specifications –
are misleading consumers and are acting negligently towards the
environment.

California’s law, SB 1749, maintains that bags should meet the ASTM
D6400 specification for compostable product claims. Several other states
are also instituting policies like California. The Original PoopBags
proudly meet this standard, and our other bags meet national ASTM
certifications as well.

Additional Facts about Poop Bags:
– Made from a combination of corn and other renewable products.

– Shelf stable just like paper plates or paper towels.

– There are no chemical additives to enhance decomposition. The bags
degrade naturally when exposed to the earth’s elements and
micro-organisms in the soil.

– “Breathe” – allowing heat and moisture to escape or evaporate. This
feature reduces bacterial build-up of collected waste, thus reducing
odor.

– Will decompose in a commercial composting environment between 60 and 90 days after use. PoopBags.com strongly urges consumers not to
place feces-filled bags into home composting systems or green bins as
this could lead to E.coli contamination. Basically, dogs eat meat.

– Will decompose in a natural setting at an extended rate comparable
to other naturally compostable materials, such as paper, leaves and food
waste.

If the poop bags are placed in an “open” or “turned” landfill they
will decompose at a rate similar to other biodegradable/compostable
materials in the same setting. 

If the landfill is anaerobic/locked, no
biodegradable/compostable products will degrade – even banana peels.
 

*Please note this statement does not apply to the flushable bags.



BUY the ORIGINAL     BUY THE BEST.

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  Community, FREE, Movers and Shakers, News and Happenings

Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Event Nov. 12

Twelve individuals and three
organizations will be inducted Nov. 12 into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of
Fame, the country’s only known government-sponsored hall of fame that honors
members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities.

 

The inductees were selected by a
committee composed of former inductees, which reviewed nominations submitted by
members of the public. The names were released by Friends of the Chicago Gay
and Lesbian Hall of Fame, a section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

 

The chosen nominees will be
inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony, which
will take place from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark
St., Chicago. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the program is scheduled
for 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. 

 

“It makes us proud that, even 21
years after our first ceremony, there are still important figures from the past
and a constantly growing list of current Chicagoans whose accomplishments and
community contributions merit being honored by the Hall of Fame,” said Israel Wright, executive director of Friends of the
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.

 

“We are grateful that individual
Chicagoans have stepped forward to assist us, through Friends of the Chicago
Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, in maintaining a needed and historically
significant institution,” said Gary Chichester, a co-chairperson of the Friends
organization.

FIND MORE INFORMATION AT

CHICAGO GAY LESBIAN HALL OF FAME

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  Alternative, Boystown, Community

Gay Deaf Men in Chicago Host 5 Day Event

DEAF QUEER MEN ONLY

A group of Deaf Gay men from the Chicagoland
is proud to present the third Deaf Queer Men Only (DQMO) gathering to
take place in Chicago, IL on August 1-5, 2012 for Deaf Gay men from all
over the world to socialize, network, and celebrate our identity as Deaf
Queer Men! DQMO 2012′s theme is ‘A Time to Debrief‘

This event is a very unique opportunity for Deaf Gay men who love
other men to get together and have fun! The long weekend extravaganza
includes exciting workshops, team building and bonding activities,
multiple contests, touring in the city of Chicago (you will be surprised
with what Chicago have to offer), nightly gatherings and many more.

DQMO

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  Chicago Information, Community, FREE, News and Happenings

Found In Town – Lost and Found Service

Did you LOSE something?

Did you FIND something?

First step –
REGISTER at FOUND IN TOWN.

What is Found in Town?


Found in Town is a community-based lost
and found program that creates an easy way to facilitate returning
lost items to their owners. FiT operates through a network of local
bars and nightclubs committed to helping out the members of their
community.


How does it work?

Users can register here for free to receive FiT tags for their personal belongings. All tags will bear a unique serial number, or FiT code, and will instruct the finder to visit found-in-town.com in the event that it’s found, where and when an anonymous message can be sent to its owner.

How many times have you left something in a cab? Found In Town (FiT)
is a new company based in Chicago that recently launched its free
online service that facilitates reuniting owners with their lost or
misplaced items. “120,000 cell phones are lost annually in Chicago taxi
cabs alone. Imagine how many keys, wallets and jackets are lost,” said
Zach Haller, of Lakeview, CEO and founder of Found in Town. “Everyone loses things.
People want to return lost items, but they often don’t know how. We make
it easy and hassle-free to be a good Samaritan.”

Zach, a  Minneapolis native has stated the business is slowing growing. Less than 1000 participants signed up and he
has solicited four Boystown bars to advertise on the key-chain tags. But
the brand recognition necessary to make the service extremely helpful
isn’t there yet. “I think people may see the sticker and
think, Found in Town? I don’t get it.” –  soon though, it will catch on!

SO SIGN UP TODAY. IT’S FREE!

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  Community, FREE, News and Happenings

Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame 20th Anniversary



Eleven individuals and four organizations will be inducted in November into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, the country’s only known government-sponsored hall of fame that honors members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities.

“It makes us proud that, even 20 years after our first ceremony, there are still important figures from the past and a constantly growing list of current Chicagoans whose accomplishments and community contributions merit being honored by the Hall of Fame,” said Lourdes Rodriguez, co-chairperson of the Hall of Fame Committee and of the Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
 
“Though municipal budget problems have restricted government financial support for the Hall of Fame this year, we are grateful that individual Chicagoans have stepped forward to assist us, through Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, in maintaining a needed and historically significant institution,” said Gary Chichester, the other co-chairperson of the committee and of the Friends organization.
 
The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in 1991 under the auspices of the Advisory Council, with support from the Chicago Commission on Human Relations and then-Mayor Richard M. Daley. Its purpose is to recognize the achievements of LGBT Chicagoans, their contributions to the development of the city, and the help they have received from others. In 2011, it marks its 20th anniversary, holds its 21st annual induction ceremony, and enjoys continuing status as an official recognition by city government of Chicago’s LGBT residents and their allies.


The persons honored in 2011 are:
 
Individuals



Paul Adams (1954-2000), an early AIDS campaigner who helped form Chicago for AIDS Rights (CFAR) and turned his status as a Mr. Windy City contest winner into an effective activism vehicle. Other involvements included Open Hand Chicago, the Pink Angels anti-crime group, Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, and a press column.
 
Greg Cameron, 53, an arts administrator and fundraiser. He formerly served as deputy director and chief development officer at the Museum of Contemporary Art, creating partnerships with LGBT groups. He has helped lead and fund several LGBT organizations and is now chief operating officer of broadcasters WTTW and WFMT.
 
Antonia “Tata” Flores (1958-2008), founder in 1987 of Chicago’s Dykes on Bikes motorcycle contingent, which appears in parades as a symbol of lesbian visibility. She coordinated and hosted its activities for the rest of her life, ran lesbian-affirming nightclubs, and aided diverse community causes before her death of breast cancer.
 
Grant Lynn Ford, 72, a former Assemblies of God minister who became an LGBT press pioneer and a dynamic Metropolitan Community Churches pastor in the Chicago area and in Florida, where he now lives. He was founding publisher of GayLife in 1975 and ran for election as 44th Ward alderman in 1978.
 
Robert Garofalo, M.D., 45, a national expert on promoting the health of LGBT youth and of youth affected by HIV/AIDS. He was director of youth services and deputy director at Chicago’s Howard Brown Health Center and now directs Children’s Memorial Hospital’s Gender, Sexuality and HIV Prevention Center.
 
Ted Grady, 42, co-owner of Chicago’s J&L Catering, through which he has helped to underwrite and sponsor many nonprofit groups. He has also helped to lead and raise funds for such causes as About Face Theatre, Equality Illinois, and Chicago House, and he works on global LGBT issues with Chicago’s Heartland Alliance.
 
Marcia Hill, 53, a participant, promoter, organizer, and official of LGBT sports teams and events for almost three decades. She was a chief force in growing the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association from about 200 members in 1983 to almost 4,000 today. She was also active in helping Chicago to host the 2006 Gay Games.
 
Tony Jackson (1876-1921), a pioneer in early-20th-century popular music. He brought musical influences from his native New Orleans to Chicago, gained fame as a talented and colorful performer, mentored such jazz figures as Jelly Roll Morton, wrote the 1916 hit “Pretty Baby,” and lived as an openly gay man when that was rare.
 
Owen Keehnen, 51, a writer, interviewer, editor, and activist. His articles have appeared in local and national LGBT newspapers and magazines, and his work includes short stories, novels, and historical essays. He has served on the board of Chicago’s Gerber/Hart Library, and a book of his interviews will appear this autumn.
 
Brett Shingledecker, 48, co-founder of People Like Us, which operated as Chicago’s only exclusively gay and lesbian bookstore from 1988 to 1997. The store became not only a source of books for thousands of customers but also an LGBT community information center, and it donated gift certificates to numerous organizations.
 
Jon Simmons (1955-1994), a city government liaison to LGBT Chicagoans under three mayors. Before being appointed by Mayor Eugene Sawyer in 1988, he had been Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre’s executive director and a freelance writer and researcher. He was found murdered in Beverly Hills, Calif., while on a 1994 vacation.



Organizations



Good Shepherd Parish Metropolitan Community Church, the first Midwestern congregation of the LGBT-oriented Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Active for some 37 years, the Chicago congregation met for the last time in 2007 after serving thousands of persons who were seeking religious support.



Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles, the umbrella group for a succession of instrumental ensembles that began in 1979 with the Chicago Gay Pride Band. Today, its four major components are still helping to promote LGBT equality and social acceptance through music, frequently appearing in parades and concerts.
 
Friends of the Community
 
Jenner & Block LLP, a distinguished national law firm headquartered in Chicago, which often has represented LGBT individuals and organizations in successful precedent-setting cases, besides providing pro bono legal assistance to others and financially sponsoring LGBT charitable and community organization events.



The Night Ministry, a social service organization that is Chicago’s leading provider of emergency housing for runaway and homeless youth, of whom LGBTQ youth constitute a disproportionate (20 to 40 percent) number. It also provides them with HIV testing, counseling, and referrals.

The chosen nominees will be inducted at the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony, which will take place on the evening of Wednesday, November 9, at the Chicago History Museum,1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. The event will be free and open to the public.

Gay Lesbian Hall of Fame

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  Community, Lesbian, News and Happenings

Celebration of Life Planned to Honor Christina Santiago Sept. 10



On September 10th at 1pm, friends and loved ones will gather to remember and celebrate the life of Christina Santiago.




Santiago was killed in the Indiana State Fair stage collapse on August 14, and is survived by her wife, Alisha Marie Brennon, who was injured in the collapse. The celebration in memory of Christina Santiago’s life will be held at the Chicago History Museum, and is open to the public.


  


Santiago, a self-identified ‘Nuyorican’ lesbian feminist, was committed to empowering queer women of color and advocating for access to healthcare in the LGBTQ community. She was a board member and programming chair for Amigas Latinas, and worked full-time as the manager of programming for the Lesbian Community Care Project (LCCP) at Howard Brown Health Centers. Amigas Latinas, LCCP, and Howard Brown have worked closely with Brennon to plan this event.


  


Celebration of the


Life of Christina Santiago


 


Saturday, Sept 10, 2011 at 1pm


 


@  Chicago History Museum


1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL


 


The Chicago History Museum parking lot is located at the corner of Stockton and LaSalle. CHM is also accessible by the #22 Clark bus and by the Sedgwick Brown and Purple lines.




Event is open to the public. For more information, contact Marissa Ellenby at Public Communications Inc.


 


In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to several funds created in Santiago’s honor:


 


Howard Brown and LCCP are collecting donations for two funds. The first provides assistance to Santiago’s relatives. The second supports the work of the Lesbian Community Cancer Project. (Howardbrown.org)





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  Boystown, Center on Halsted, Community, Theater in Chicago, Transgender

2 Events at Center on Halsted August 8th & 10th



     H.E.A.L. Ourselves
Monday, August 8, 7:00pm Center on Halsted

Two great performances on one great night. ‘The Faggot Who Could Fly’ stars KOKUMO, a 22 year old intersex/trans woman of color who uses her life of sexual and mental abuse as catalysts for personal and communal change. KOKUMO’s story is about realizing her gender identity in relation to domestic violence and societal oppression.

And ‘No Gender Left Behind’ stars Rebecca King who was fired from a teaching position for being a transgender woman. The experience left her wondering what America is teaching its children – and its adults – about gender, conformity and being just a little bit different. 

Free community event. To reserve seats, RSVP by  email : tflohr@centeronhalsted.org. 
 



Self-Defense Class

Wednesdays
starting August 10, 6:00pm
Center on Halsted

Gain the skills you need to recognize and avoid danger in this new self-defense class taught by internationally certified Taekwondo instructor Matt Cowell!  Learn how to protect yourself with basic hand and foot strikes, “See, Stand, or Breathe” techniques, and improvised weaponry.  Above all, empower yourself with skills that will improve your self-confidence, self-discipline, and self-respect. 

$10 community discount price. For more info,  email : mross@centeronhalsted.org.


BestGayChicago.com

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  Boystown, Celebrity, Chicago Information, Community, Dance, Special Events, Summer Fun

Chicago Pride Fest 2011 is a Awesome DIVA Fest!


It’s all about GLBT pride at Chicago Pride Fest®! 

June 24-25, 2011 – immediately before Chicago’s iconic Pride Parade on June 26 – this festive two-day event marks the first official party of summer.

Hosted by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian celebration of community pride showcases an eclectic lineup of arts and crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages with one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.

Pride Fest showcases an eclectic lineup of arts & crafts, food and other vendors. It also features entertainment on two stages including one dedicated to some of Chicago’s fine performers in the gay community.

(Deborah Cox , above)



 


Entertainment 
Friday, June 24
South Stage
6:00pm – The Personnel
7:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade
8:15pm – Sixteen Candles


North Stage
5:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Deborah Cox
8:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chciago’s Best Female Impersonators
9:00pm – Ultra Nate

(Crystal Waters, right )





Saturday, June 25
South Stage
Noon – Lakeside Pride Show Band
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
2:30pm – Chicago RedLine
3:30pm – ROTC
5:00pm – ROTC
6:00pm – Rock Candy
7:30pm – Windy City Cowboys
8:00pm – Wedding Banned
 


North Stage
1:00pm – Pet Parade with Miss Foozie
1:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
2:30pm – Mya
3:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
4:30pm – Xelle
5:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators
7:00pm – Crystal Waters
8:00pm – Kim English
8:45pm – Inaya Day



 Your gate donation benefits the Northalsted Business Alliance.


The Northalsted Business Alliance works cooperatively to maintain a diverse, safe and thriving shopping and entertainment district. In 1980, a small group of retailers in a four-block area along Halsted Street joined forces to promote the street and improve business conditions.


Since its inception, the Northalsted Business Alliance has grown to represent more than 80 businesses along North Halsted Street from Barry Street to West Irving Park Road. The Association has been recognized by the media, the City of Chicago and local residents as a major force in the community, championing positive change and growth.

BestGayChicago.com


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  Boystown, Community, FREE, Special Events

Anti Circumcision Advocates March in Chicago this Weekend

SAN FRANCISCO
may be the
first city in the United States
 to outlaw circumcision.

But here in Chicago the number  of anti-circumcision activists is growing as well.   

Intactivists from Illinois and beyond will march in the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26th to promote genital integrity for all. This is fun for the whole family and a great opportunity to get a human rights message to a very receptive crowd.  We will hand out about 8000 intactivist leaflets. 
 
“We will line up on Halsted Street south of Belmont at noon.  I’ll know the precise address just days before, so contact me to be notified of that, or just have my cell phone number (847 414-1692) with you. 

It’s a rain or shine event.  Have an umbrella, sun hat, sunscreen, and water bottle, plus comfortable shoes.  Backpacks and other gear can be stowed in our float (station wagon) during the parade.  

TLC Tugger and the Chicago NORM group are sponsoring this event.  Please help us make it a success.  Email me at TLCIntactivist@GMail.com with questions  –  and to let me know you’re coming. 

Thanks,
-Ron Low

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  Center on Halsted, Community, Lesbian, News and Happenings, Special Events, Wellness

H.E.R. Day (Health, Recreation, Education) LGBTQA Women June 11

H.E.R. Day (Health, Recreation, Education)
is a day-long symposium of exciting programs and workshops for LGBTQA women. 

Facilitators from Howard Brown Health Center, the Chicago Women’s Health Center, Northwestern University’s Department of Psychology, and other organizations will lead health seminars, a cooking class, and recreation classes like self-defense, yoga, and salsa throughout the day.

Keynote speech will be given by Jessica Halem, comedian, activist, and former  Executive Director of the Lesbian Community Cancer (now Care) Project. Jessica will also close the event with a special performance of her one-woman-show, “Bad Feminist” in the Hoover-Leppen Theater at 7pm.
 
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show) or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.


Seminars and workshops include:

“What I Learned from Cancer,” Jessica Halem
Sex Ed 101 for L/B/T/Q Women, presented by the Chicago Women’s Health Center

Women, the Media, and Beauty Ideals, presented by Renee Engeln-Maddox, Ph.D. and senior lecturer at Northwestern University

Healthy Cooking Class and Demonstration, presented by Chef Toni Rivera

Tickle Your Fancy: Female Sexuality, Orgasm & What Toys Can Do for You! Presented by Searah Deysach from Early to Bed

Transgender Health, presented by Lois Bates from Howard Brown

Intersex People: What you Should Know and Why You Should Care! Presented by Dr. Veronica Drantz and intersex spokespersons Alex and Mugsie

Salsa dance, instructed by Heidi Landgraf, She-She Salsa Instructor at Edge Gallery

Self Defense, instructed by Matt Cowell of Cowell Martial Arts

Yoga, instructed by Kerri Noto of Tejas Yoga

In Vitro Fertilization for LGBT couples, presented by Colleen Wagner Coughlin, Laboratory Director and Embryologist of aParentIVF

Saturday, June 11, 10AM – 4PM
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show)
or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.

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  Civil Unions, Community, News and Happenings, Political

Gay Couples say Civil Unions a step in the Right Direction, for Chicago

Chicago – Cook County Clerk David Orr said his office issued 203 civil union licenses   on the first day they were able to  in Illinois. 

Orr’s office said Wednesday evening that many couples arrived before the clerk’s office opened in downtown Chicago.   But officials say the office saw a steady stream of couples applying for civil unions until the office closed at 7 p.m.

The first civil union license was issued Wednesday morning to Janean Watkins and Lakeesha Harris of Chicago, who arrived at midnight to be the first couple in line at the Daley Center, according to the release.
(They started the line at Midnight last night!)

“This is a day long in the making,” said Orr, who is on assignment in Macedonia as an election monitor.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 150 couples had obtained licenses at the Clerk’s downtown office, including a few dozen at the Clerk’s five suburban offices. At least two of the couples were heterosexual, the release said.

Harris and Watkins have six children and have been together more than a decade.

Another couple, Pam Voss and Melody Fairchild started dating 13 years ago. “It’s nice to finally have your relationship validated,” Voss said.

Qadree and Troy Holmes, who have been together for six years, met at a barbeque Qadree hosted. Although the couple had a wedding ceremony in 2007 at their church, they were grateful for the opportunity to have a civil union.

Hyde Park residents James Darby, 79, and Patrick Bova, 73, the oldest couple to obtain their civil union license Wednesday, have been a couple for nearly a half century. The youngest couple were Elena Denise Cano, 21, and Jannett Lopez, 20.

Because Watkins and Harris were first in line to receive their civil union license, they received a gift package from several sponsors, including: a two-night stay at the Palmer House Hilton; free Eli’s Cheesecake each anniversary for the rest of their lives; a $100 gift certificate to Wilde Bar & Restaurant; a Starbelly Studios photo shoot with three complimentary prints; a $100 Downtown Bar & Lounge gift certificate; and a $50 LaSalle Flowers gift certificate.

More than 80 other “presents” were donated and raffled off at a reception hosted by the Clerk’s office. Grand prize winners Jef Johnson and Allen Nichols received a 2-hour party cruise from Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, which includes complimentary wine and beer as well as a gift basket with champagne, chocolate and more (valued at $2,500).

In north suburban Lake County, County Clerk Willard Helander reported that six couples were in line for their civil union licenses by 8:30 a.m. As of 3:30 p.m. 15 civil union licenses had been issued in Lake County, according to Helander’s office.

Married couples have 1,138 federal rights, protections and responsibilities.
Civil Unions provides legal protection to couples at the state law level, but omits federal protections, as well as the dignity, clarity, security and power of the word “marriage”.

Civil unions give couples the right to make funeral and end-of-life decisions, the right to share a room in a nursing home, automatic hospital visitation, adoption and parental rights, pension benefits, inheritance rights, the right to decide how to dispose of a partner’s remains, and the right not to testify against each other in court. It is more than we had before!  I’ll take it. For now.

BestGayChicago.com

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  Benefits, Community, HIV, News and Happenings, Non-Profits, Special Events

Birdhouse Art Auction and Cocktail Party for Chicago House


This year, Chicago House and our Co-Chairs Denise Antonucci, Jerry Sanfilippo and Spyros Petros are Branching Out with birdhouses and artwork for the masses! 

Bring home the functional or funky birdhouse designs you’ve grown to love, plus traditional, modern, and contemporary art pieces, all auctioned off to benefit the men, women, and children of Chicago House!

Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011Time: 6 – 9PM





Where: Room & Board, 55 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611


 Tickets online : $70 In Advance (ends June 22 at 5PM)      $85 At the Door

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  Art, Chicago Information, Community, Culture, News and Happenings

OUT IN CHICAGO opens at Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum
has presented the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Chicagoans since 2004 through the Out at CHM programming series.

Now, in its eighth year, the Museum will continue this educational programming and  will also present the exhibition Out in Chicago opening May 21, 2011. (this past weekend) and runs through March 26, 2012.

 The exhibition will explore how the evolution of these Chicago communities mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years. Out in Chicago is the latest in the Museum’s ongoing series of exhibitions addressing Chicago communities and neighborhoods. 

Out in Chicago takes a new perspective on Chicago’s history through historical artifacts, documents, and individual testimonies. Based on research and new scholarship, the exhibition encompasses four thematic sections that reflect the evolution of the LGBT communities over the past 150 years: from the stories of individual Chicagoans, to the building of families and home life, to the evolution of communities and city neighborhoods; and to the communities’ expansion into political activism.

Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago



LATER  THIS YEAR – special  events  include –

Secret Historian   Thursday, September 8
Author Justin Spring visits the Museum for a lecture and book-signing about his recent award-winning book, Secret Historian. Drawn from the never-before-seen stories of Chicagoan novelist, poet, tattoo artist, and university professor, Sam Steward, Spring re-creates a sensational reconstruction of one of the more extraordinary hidden lives of the twentieth century. Tickets are $12/10 members.

In the K/Now: Gays in the Military   Thursday, November 10
This conversation about gays in the military led by community leaders and military veterans is presented in partnership with an array of gay military alumni groups. After more than a decade of debate, this is still one of the most controversial issues facing the LGBT community. FREE.

Chicago in Leather    December 1
The LGBT leather community in Chicago has made a historic, cultural, and meaningful impact on the city in a variety of ways. A panel will discuss these contributions to LGBT history, Chicago history, and leather history. This program is in collaboration with the Leather Archives & Museum. Tickets are $12/10 members.


Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago


BestGayChicago.com

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  Benefits, Boystown, Community, News and Happenings, Non-Profits

1VU Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 30th


1VU was founded on the belief that one person can make a difference, but by forming alliances we can share One View:
A United World.


“Our goals are simple: to reinvent what pride means to the LGBTQ community, take that new found strength, apply it to our causes, and with this knowledge and experience that we have gained, reach out to help other communities and causes.


We all benefit and achieve our goals sooner when we pull together as a family and work as one. Our passion is to inspire everyone to understand that it is not What we have or What we are, but Who we are and What we leave behind.”

STEVE CRAWFORD  is one of the Founding members of 1VU. Being a Chicago native, he has always had strong sense of Pride for the city and it’s people. With Steve’s dedication and desire to help others and the environment, he is very excited to be a part of 1VU and it’s efforts.




Steve and his organization is featured in Time Out Chicago this week.  He wants to create a monument  (Radiance) in memory of LGBT Service Members, which will stand at Space Park, 815-817 W Roscoe st.  The monument will cost about $100,000 and fundraising is underway now, and we’ll be covering some of the upcoming events here!

They will holding their 2nd  Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 30th, 2011 @ 2PM CST
at Space Park.


But check out the new Time Out Chicago for the full story and stop by thier site  1VU.


BestGayChicago.com

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  Community, FREE, News and Happenings, Sports

LGBT Archery in Chicago April 16th FREE Event



The Chicago Archery Center is having a free Rainbow Family Fun Shoot on April 16th from 1-3 PM. It’s the new game in town! Come and see how much fun archery can be for the entire family. All equipment is provided. The address is 1529 W. Armitage (just east of Ashland/Elston), Chicago, IL 60642. There is plenty of free street parking. Chicago Archerycom

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  Benefits, Community, Gay Bars, News and Happenings, Special Events, Sports, Uptown

Crew Bar + Grill Hosts Proud to run Race benefit April 10th

Crew Bar + Grill,
Chicago’s award winning gay sports bar, will host a benefit for the 30th Annual Proud to Run Race on Sunday, April 10th, from 1pm to 4pm.

The Proud to Run Race celebrates gay and lesbian pride and is held on the same weekend in June as the Chicago Gay Pride Parade. This year’s race will be Saturday, June 25th.

For a $20 donation, attendees to the benefit at Crew will take part in an all you can drink beer bust and raffle for various prizes, including a Blu-Ray DVD player and two pairs of tickets to an upcoming Chicago Cubs game.
 
“One of the things that attracted us to the Proud to Run event is that it’s not just a race. It’s also a fundraiser to benefit a couple of charities in the Chicago Area,” said Crew co-owner Steve Milford. This year Proud to run will benefit Pride Youth Services, a North Shore Health Service program for LGBT youth, and the Gerber/Hart Library, a non-profit library focused on Chicago LGBT history and archival materials.  “We love doing these kinds of charitable events that benefit the community, and this particular event is also a sporting event, which is right up our alley,” added Mr. Milford.



 
Last year, the race had over 1,100 participants, and organizers hope to boost attendance by almost 20% to 1,300. Holding events and benefits, like the April 10th beer bust at Crew is one way the organizers hope to reach out to more people in the community. “I’ve run the Proud to Run race every year since I moved to Chicago almost a decade ago. It’s a great way to kick off Pride weekend with friends,” said Dave Davila, a manager at Crew Bar + Grill.  “I hope this year to get some more of my co-workers running with me.”
 
Crew Bar + Grill, located at the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere gay sports bar.  In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks. 
 
Crew Bar + Grill     4804 N Broadway     Chicago, IL   60640

PROUD TO RUN race


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  Civil Unions, Community, News and Happenings, Special Events

Mass Civil Union Ceremony and Reception June 3rd in Chicago

The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA),
an Illinois statewide LGBTQ
advocacy and political organization,
will be hosting a mass civil union
ceremony to celebrate the enactment
of civil unions in Illinois and the
 beginning of Pride Month in Chicago.
 
Unite with Pride:
A Community Celebration
June 3rd at 5:00pm at
The Chicago History Museum. 

Unite with Pride will provide couples an opportunity to be civilly united in an historic outdoor community civil ceremony on the picturesque “Uihlein Plaza” just days after the civil union law takes effect.  The festivities will continue as couples, family, friends, and the community attend a black-tie optional cocktail reception with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by various vendors from the event planning industry.

In addition to the ceremony and reception, guests will be granted access to the newly opened Chicago History Museum exhibit “Out in Chicago”. The “Out in Chicago” exhibit will explore how the evolution of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years.

(Top photo –  Life.com)
 
“Recognizing the historic significance of civil unions beginning in Illinois, we thought it most fitting to have Unite With Pride at the Chicago History Museum, which also happens to be one of the most beautiful venues in the City for couples who wish to celebrate their union,” said Derrick Taylor, Event Director for Unite With Pride and President of Taylor & Co. “The couples who are participating have so many different reasons for taking part. Some couples don’t have the funds to do their own event so they are participating in this and inviting their friends and family.  Other couples have already solemnized their relationship in Iowa or elsewhere so this is a great way for them to take part in recognizing their Civil Union here in Illinois. Others still just want to assist an organization that helped pass the law and is fighting for LGBTQ families across Illinois.”


 
Jayson Bernard and Roberto Rosario are one of the couples that are taking part in the ceremony. “Roberto and I met eight years ago and it was love at first sight,” stated Jayson.”It’s nice to know we can finally show the world that our love deserves to be recognized by laws and society.” “This is a huge step for our community and we are honored to be a part of this event and help TCRA,” said Roberto. 
 
Unite with Pride: A Community Celebration is a fundraiser for The Civil Rights Agenda which continues the fight to establish equality for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. All proceeds of the event will benefit the Families United Project. The Families United Project is an exploration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer families in Illinois through the use of social media, political advocacy and by building community.
 
“The goal of the Families United Project is to gain equality for every family in Illinois. We hope to build a community of families that are made up of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people,” said Anthony Martinez, Executive Director of The Civil Rights Agenda.  “We will help to empower this community to seek justice and equality for their families.”
 
Tickets for the event can be purchased at Joint CRA. Tickets for community guests are $50 and couples are asked to make a suggested donation of $75, but no couple will be turned away from participating due to financial capability.

*NOTE- Couples can apply for their actual Union license on June 1st or 2nd  with Cook County –  you will want to get your application in BEFORE 5pm on the 2nd, so that you can technically participate in the mass ceremony and have everything be legal.

more  info  email        info (at) jointcra.com


BestGayChicago.com


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  Boystown, Community, FREE, News and Happenings, Reccomended Reads, Youth

Dan Savage and Terry Miller Read in Chicago March 23


Equality Illinois,
the State’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) people, is pleased to partner with Unabridged Bookstore to bring Dan Savage and Terry Miller to Chicago to read, discuss, and sign their newest book, IT GETS BETTER, based on the immensely popular web video series.

Come see why millions of people have taken to this positive and touching message for LGBT youth.

This event is free and open to the public.


Dan Savage and Terry Miller Read, Discuss, and Sign IT GETS BETTER
Wednesday, March 23 at 7:00pm
Nettelhorst Elementary School    3252 N Broadway     Chicago, IL 60657


Equality Illinois was founded to secure, protect and defend the civil rights of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender Illinoisans. It is one of the Midwest’s largest gay civil rights organizations.

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  Boystown, Center on Halsted, Chicago Information, Community, News and Happenings, Seniors, Special Events

What Exactly Does the Center on Halsted Do?



I am really amazed when I talk to friends here in Chicago who really have no idea of what goes on at the CENTER ON HALSTED . They just think it’s a place to hang out and have no idea of what the Center has to offer!

Everyone should sign up for their monthy newsletter . And from time to time, we’ll provide a snapshot of some of the months highlights. There really is something here for everyone!

For March –


“When Romeo Was A Woman,” a presentation of the Out at CHM series
Thursday, March 10, Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. event at 6:30 p.m.
$12/ $10 students/CHM members

Charlotte Cushman, 1816-1876, was the nineteenth century’s most famous cross-dressing and woman-loving actress. Her performance of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lover was legendary, and she wowed male and female audiences alike at local theaters, like McVicker’s in Chicago, during her American tours. Join cultural historian Lisa Merrill for a behind-the-scenes look at how spectators and critics talked and wrote about sexuality on stage. Jill Austin, museum curator, will begin the program with a brief introduction to LGBT-related life and themes in mid-19th-century Chicago. About Face Theatre Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar and the Laramie Project’s co-author Leigh Fondakowski will join the discussion to talk about how gender-bending pioneers continue to impact our stages.



 


Speed Dating for Men 21+



 Thursday, March 10, 7PM       $12 at the door
Looking to date, make friends or to meet that special someone? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time speed dating at Center on Halsted. You will have an opportunity to meet everyone and leave with contact information for your matches! Cash bar opens at 6:45 PM.
 



Civil Unions: What You Need to Know 
a conversation with Atty. Ray Koenig
Tuesday, March 15, 6:30PM FREE

Beginning this summer, Illinois will offer civil unions to same-sex couples. Hear from legal expert Ray Koenig about what this will mean for you—whether you have partnership arrangements or not.
Ray J. Koenig III, is a member in Clark Hill’s Litigation Practice Group in its Chicago office. He practices in the areas of probate litigation, trust litigation, fiduciary litigation, elder law and estate planning. Ray has represented individuals, families, financial institutions, medical institutions, and governmental organizations in all areas of his practice. Ray has extensive trial, appellate and mediation experience in state and federal courts.


 Ray is frequently appointed Guardian Ad Litem and defense counsel by judges in guardianship cases, and has been appointed Special Administrator in probate matters. Ray has also been appointed Special Assistant Attorney General in numerous matters. Ray served on a task force formed by the Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department on Aging to develop and draft legislation to significantly revise the Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act.



Introduction to PowerPoint
Begins Thursday, March 17, 10AM (3-week series)        $15. Sliding scale available.
Call (773) 661-0730 to register. Pre-registration required.
This class is designed for the beginning PowerPoint user and includes: creating a presentation, working with text in slides, working with slides, using design templates, different presentation views, and printing presentations.



 

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SAGE Early Bird Jazz Supper Club


Thursday, March 17, 6PM         FREE. Pre-registration required.
Interested in a night of fine dining, smooth live jazz, and apple martinis –and getting home by 10pm? Want an alternative to your traditional St. Patty’s Day celebration? Then come on out for the SAGE Early Bird Jazz Supper Club. Bring a date, rendezvous, or live on the edge and meet someone new! Come for the sumptuous cuisine prepared by Center on Halsted’s “What’s Cookin’” program and stay for our three sassy song stylists and apple martinis. Space limited to 36.




Bisexual Movie Night

Monday, March 21, 7PM (3rd Mondays)


A casual, FREE movie night with popcorn and refreshments.









SAGE Women’s Creative Writing

Thursday, March 24, 6PM (Thursdays weekly)


Experienced facilitator from Northwestern University will guide the group through expressions of self through poetry, fiction, and journal writing. Class is limited to 15; please call or e-mail (773) 472-6469 to register.








 
Speed Dating for Women 21+
Thursday, March 24, 7PM       $12 at the door
Looking to date, make friends or to meet that special someone? It’s time for some real-time, fun-time speed dating at Center on Halsted. You will have an opportunity to meet everyone and leave with contact information for your matches! Cash bar opens at 6:45 PM.







Legal Clinic at Center on Halsted
Tuesdays 4PM-7PM and Wednesdays 6PM-8PM   
(please call to make an appointment)

Center on Halsted’s free legal clinic allows LGBT and Ally people to speak one-on-one with a licensed attorney about their specific legal concern and receive appropriate information and referral options. There is no fee for this service. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact 773.472.6469, ext. 290.




This is just a small glimpse into the Center on Halsted. Every day more than 1,000 visitors, participants and clients walk through the doors of Center on Halsted. Come experience the richness of their  theatre, gallery exhibits and cultural programs. Take a class in  the Computer Technology Center or use the free wi-fi throughout the building. Be a part of The Center .



 

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  Community, News and Happenings, Political, Restaurants and Dining, Retail and Services

Anti-Gay and Pro-Christian CHICK FIL A Opens in Chicago

Up until now,
Chick-fil-a   has been reserved
 for our right wing suburbs
 but they are planning a few
downtown stores now –
first signs are up now  downtown.

Over the years, the company’s operators, its WinShape Foundation and the Cathy family have given millions of dollars to a variety of causes and programs, including scholarships that require a pledge to follow Christian values, a string of Christian-based foster homes and groups working to defeat same-sex marriage initiatives.


“If you’re eating Chick-fil-A, you’re eating anti-gay,” one recent headline read. The issue spread into Christian media circles, too.


The company’s Christian culture and its strict hiring practices, which require potential operators to discuss their marital status and civic and church involvement, have attracted controversy before, including a 2002 lawsuit brought by a Muslim restaurant owner in Houston who said he was fired because he did not pray to Jesus with other employees at a training session. The suit was settled.




On a petition posted on the Web site change.org , it asks the company to stop supporting groups perceived as anti-gay, including Focus on the Family, an international nonprofit organization that teamed up with Chick-fil-A a few years ago to give away CDs of its Bible-based “Adventures in Odyssey” radio show with every kid’s meal. As of last weekend, it had 25,000 signatures.


Yes, Chick-fil-A Says, We Explicitly Do Not Like Same-Sex Couples !


Bet Chick-fil-A wishes this month would end. Over the past few weeks, the restaurant chain’s deep ties to the anti-gay movement have been exposed and uncovered by a number of activists, most notably Jeremy Hooper at Good As You. Whether it’s Focus on the Family, the National Organization for Marriage, the Pennsylvania Family Institute, or Exodus International, Chick-fil-A ties run deep.

Of course, the President of Chick-fil-A wants gay people to share no hard feelings. The restaurant will gladly feed homosexuals gobs of chicken sandwiches, after all. But when it comes to marriage, Chick-fil-A believes strongly that same-sex couples just don’t deserve equal rights.   W T F?!


Join the Chicago Boycott !


Best Gay Chicago.com


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