Category Archives: FREE
FREE Hiv Tests at Chicago Walgreens June 27th
As part of its ongoing commitment to fight HIV/AIDS, Walgreens is collaborating with Greater Than AIDS to help offer free HIV testing in support of National HIV Testing Day, June 27.
Free testing provided by health departments and AIDS service organizations will be available to the public with no appointment necessary at 27 Walgreens stores in Chicago. For more information, including a complete list of participating Walgreens locations, visit www.greaterthan.org/walgreens.
What: Free HIV testing, no appointment necessary
When: Thursday, June 26, 3-7 p.m.
Friday, June 27, 3-7 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 27 locations in Chicago including:
- 151 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60601 – phone: 312-863-4249
- 5401 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60609 – phone: 773-268-5664
- 2340 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612 – phone: 312-226-7913
- 953 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, IL 60613 – phone: 773-935-6414
- 1554 E. 55th St., Chicago IL 60615 – phone: 773-667-1177
- 3405 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 – phone: 312-326-4058
- 2924 E. 92nd St., Chicago, IL 60617 – phone: 773-721-6603
- 11 E. 75th St., Chicago, IL 60619 – phone: 773-224-1211
- 8628 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago, IL 60619 – phone: 773-651-8500
- 3401 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60624 – phone: 773-542-1232
- 3800 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60624 – phone: 773-826-1817
- 7410 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60626 – phone: 773-743-6784
- 6330 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 – phone: 773-324-8500
- 5440 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60640 – phone: 773-596-5022
- 833 W. 115th St., Chicago, IL 60643 – phone: 773-568-4034
- 5222 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60644 – phone: 773-287-0380
- 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60647 – phone: 773-342-9161
- 2015 E. 79th St., Chicago, IL 60649 – phone: 773-734-2492
- 7109 S. Jeffery Blvd., Chicago, IL 60649 – phone: 773-665-8990
- 912 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-665-8990
- 2817 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-327-6119
- 3046 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-325-0413
- 3201 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-327-3591
- 3245 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60657 – phone: 773-248-3160
- 111 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661 – phone: 312-463-9142
- 522 Torrence Ave., Calumet City, IL 60409 – phone: 708-868-5669
- 12854 S. Ashland Ave., Calumet Park, IL 60827 – phone: 708-239-1136
Why: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1.1 million people nationwide are living with HIV/AIDS. Yet, one in six do not know they are HIV/AIDS positive.1
Early diagnosis and treatment can improve health, extend life and help to prevent the spread of the disease. In fact, people with HIV who take prescribed medication regularly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by as much as 96 percent.2
Community pharmacists at Walgreens HIV-specialized pharmacies are specially trained to provide continued support to meet the unique needs of HIV-positive patients. Walgreens HIV-specially trained pharmacists can help patients better manage their health by encouraging patients to take medications as prescribed and providing tips related to coping with barriers to care.
Fresh Cooking Ideas with Chef Tong June 22 @ Chicago Bontanic Gardens
Foodies and their friends will be flocking to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden for this day of great tastes and gorgeous presentations.
Chef Christopher Tong of My Private Chef, one of Chicagoland’s most versatile Chefs, will share one of his favorite garden fresh recipes at Chicago Botanic Garden’s
popular annual Garden Chef Series.
Chef Tong will appear on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the
Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
The Garden Chef Series promotes the Garden’s message of growing and using seasonal vegetables,
fruits and herbs. Chef Chris will use the spectacular open-air kitchen and amphitheater at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden to present his cooking demonstration.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation,
and come away with a fabulous recipe that they can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is free.
Parking is $25.00 per car; free for Garden members.
For more information about this Garden Chef Series event, call 847.835.5440
or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners
to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love doing cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
Some recent appearances include cooking classes and demonstrations on local television, at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Stores, Whole Foods Market, Gilda’s Club Chicago, Taste of Chicago and this return engagement at the Chicago Botanic Garden
For more information about My Private Chef, call Event Services at 773-370-8131 or visit www.myprivatechef.net.
City of Chicago hosts Frankie Knuclkes Tribute June 3rd
Join this dance party and pay tribute to Chicago DJ and record producer Frankie Knuckles.
(1955-2014), “The Godfather of House Music.”
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Date:
June 3, 2014
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Hours:
6-9 pm
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Location:
Millennium Park, Chase Central Promenade (Rain Location: Chase North Promenade)
201 E.Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601
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Admission:
FREE
Howard Brown Health Center Celebrates its Past and Future at Annual Meeting
Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) has stood as a beacon for LGBTQ equality for 40 years, and our services only grow more vital in today’s changing healthcare landscape. To commemorate past accomplishments and unfold plans for the year ahead, HBHC will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 29, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the future home of the HBHC’s Brown Elephant Store in Lakeview at 3020 N. Lincoln Avenue.
Together with funders, community partners, and patients, HBHC’s newly appointed President and CEO David Ernesto Munar will trace the narrative of this remarkable community health center, which has provided compassionate and LGBTQ-affirming healthcare and wellness services to diverse patient populations since 1974.
“For 40 years, Howard Brown has led community-based efforts to improve the health and lives of sexual and gender minorities and our allies,” Munar said. “Since our founding in 1974, the modern gay liberation movement has made extraordinary gains we can all be proud of. But sadly, severe health disparities persist in our community as compared to the population at large. The next frontier of our struggle must seek full health and socio-economic justice for everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
The event will take place at the future home of HBHC’s flagship Brown Elephant resale store, opening for business on July 1. This new store symbolizes the expansion of HBHC’s affordable and community centered mission, with proceeds from all Brown Elephant locations expanding access to essential healthcare services to all people, regardless of their ability to pay.
The Annual Meeting, free of charge, will start with light refreshments. The presentation will include the introduction of HBHC’s newly elected members of the Board of Directors. At the event, HBHC will launch a year of activities commemorating 40 years of service to the community. HBHC thanks AbbVie, Barefoot Wine, Jewell Events Catering, MillerCoors, and others for providing generous support to make the Annual Meeting possible.
Please stand proudly with HBHC on May 29. RSVP online here or by calling 773.572.5117. Space is limited.
Howard Brown Town Hall Meetings on Health Issues
Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) invites community members to participate in a series of town-hall meetings to discuss the health and wellness needs of Chicago’s diverse LGBTQ community. The sessions are part of HBHC’s community needs assessment, conducted every five years to gauge health-related concerns for HBHC’s patient populations.
“Respondents to the 2012 LGBT Community Needs Assessment overwhelmingly identified affordable health services and care as their leading concern,” said David Ernesto Munar, President and CEO. “Our series is designed to dig deeper in order to better understand the community assets and barriers affecting the health of people in our community.”
HBHC will rely on the community needs assessment for planning and quality improvement initiatives. Input from the meetings will be shared widely to spur public awareness and support for LGBTQ health promotion activities.
Sessions will be held at HBHC’s Brown Elephant in Lakeview at 3651 N. Halsted, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Monday, May 12: LGBTQ Older Adults
Facilitators: Medical Director Magda Houlberg, MD and Cecilia Hardacker, Manager of Geriatric Education
Monday, May 19: Lesbians, Bisexual and Queer Women
Facilitators: Betsy Rubinstein, Manager of Lesbian Community Care Project, and Michelle Wetzel, Sr. Vice President for Policy, Strategy and Business Development
Monday, June 2: Gay, Bisexual & Queer Men
Facilitators: Staff Physician Alfred Torrence, MD and Serette King, Health Educator
Monday, June 9: Transgender Individuals
Facilitators: Blue, Program Manager of the Transgender Women of Color Project, and Taylor Casey, Manager of Transgender Health
Monday, June 16: LGBTQ Youth Under 24
Facilitators: Imani Rupert, Director of HBHC’s Broadway Youth Center, and Kristin Keglovitz, PA, Director of Clinical Operations
Interested participants who cannot attend in person can join the discussion virtually on Twitter with the hashtag #HBHCTownHalls.
My Private Chef of Chicago – Bloomingdales Event April 19th
Get a Taste of Spring with Chef Tong at Bloomingdale’s Home and Furniture Store
Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store is celebrating the approaching warm weather.
In anticipation of Spring, Bloomingdale’s welcomes Chef Christopher Tong to demonstrate the preparation of a savory Spring menu.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare a Spring focused menu featuring:
Cold Cucumber Soup with fresh Dill
Herb-Marinated Chicken Breast, Orzo Pasta Primavera tossed with Arugula Pesto
Strawberries marinated with Balsamic Vinegar, fresh Mint and ground Pepper.
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact 312.324.7678.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine,Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Aids Foundation Chicago Women and HIV Luncheon
Please join
Aids Foundation Chicago
and AbbVie for a candid discussion about the journey of HIV-positive women. This luncheon will focus on HIV disparaties among people of color and the need for support and better adherence. Q & A session to follow.
Speakers will include Willis Steele, National Advocacy Relations Manager, AbbVie-Virology
and Kathy Bennett, HIV-positive patient advocate, University of Maryland
Join us so you can be inspired for your journey.
Friday, April 25th 11:30-1:30pm
Lawndale Christian Health Center – Skyline Conference Center
3750 W. Ogden Ave Chicago, IL 60623
Please click here to RSVP by Tuesday, April 22.
HIV Cure Research – Community Forum April 23rd
Learn about exciting scientific advances to bring about a cure for HIV disease, featuring Timothy Brown, a.k.a. “the Berlin Patient,” who once had HIV. Recovered from a deadly form of leukemia and now virus-free because of a difficult bone marrow transplant, Brown embodies the hopes of scientists and millions of people living with the virus. Brown’s road to a cure is unlikely to be traveled by many others, except perhaps some who also have both HIV and cancer. But his journey provides critical proof of a concept that just may help lead to the end of AIDS-by offering clues for how to develop a safe, affordable cure for all. He also offers inspiration and hope for the road ahead. The evening will also include information about Chicago’s efforts on the HIV cure research agenda, and time for Q and A.
Wednesday April 23, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Chicago Cultural Center
Cassidy Auditorium
78 E. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
Free and open to the public – registration required by Tuesday, April 22.
Big Free Gay Wedding – Wedding Expo
Finally Forever:
A Wedding Expo
Now that marriage equality has come to the land of Lincoln, your GL Chamber wants to make sure that the public has access to the businesses that can make their big day a complete success.
To celebrate the passing of Marriage Equality in Illinois the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is giving away a Wedding Treasure Chest worth more than $10,000!
All entries are to submit a video about what marriage equality means to them and why they deserve $10,000 in products and services toward their BIG GAY WEDDING! All entries must be via video submissions and made through Facebook http://on.fb.me/1kwnvwg
The Chamber will be announcing the winner at their very first gay friendly Wedding Expo on March 9th, 2014.
“We have waited, and fought and prayed for this day for so long. We can’t wait to celebrate with the LGBT community and the businesses who are out there making a difference for equality of all forms. Within the community it is crucial to spend your money with gay business owners and allies. At the end of the day we all know that money is power, and if we want to empower the community it’s time to empower the small businesses that have been pushing money into it for so long.” says Christina Pinson, President and CEO of the CAGLCC.
Finally Forever: A Wedding Expo 3179 N Clark, 2nd floor
Holiday Cooking with My Private Chef December 21st
Looking forward to the holidays, Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef, has developed a marvelous assortment of recipes that your family and guests will applaud.
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, Deecmber 21, 2013 from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo Kitchen on 1.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit their web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Become a Facebook Fan: www.facebook.com/
Witness Governor Quinn Sign the Marriage Equality Bill November 20th in Chicago
at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum as Governor Pat Quinn
signs Senate Bill 10: the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act
into law.
While this event is free and open to the public, you must
apply for tickets. Apply for tickets to Governor Quinn’s
historic signing by clicking here.
LiveStream of Marriage Equality Rally/Concert in Springfield
of the March on Springfield for Marriage Equality will provide a live
stream of the concert and rally in Springfield, Illinois, on Tuesday, October 22, 2013.
will be available in high definition. The service is provided by the
same vendor that streams live coverage from the Illinois House and
Senate chambers. Programming will go live at 11:45 am on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. The event is outdoor at the corner of 2nd Street and Capitol, next to the State Capitol Building, in Springfield, Illinois.
- 11:55 am —————– National Anthem
- 12:00 to 1 pm ———– Rock the March Concert
- 1 pm ———————- Welcome by Governor Patrick Quinn and Senator Dick Durbin
- 1 pm to 2:30 pm ——– Rally with speakers from LGBT, labor, immigration, women’s health, business, sports and faith communities.
- 2:30 pm —————— March begins, led by drummers and marching band.
- 2:30 to 3:30 pm ——– March around the Capitol
the scheduled first day of the fall veto session of the Illinois state
legislature. The “March on Springfield” is part of a broad grassroots
strategy to secure final passage of Senate Bill 10, the “Religious
Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act,” already approved by the Illinois
Senate. Once adopted, Illinois will become the 14th state plus the
District of Columbia, to treat all of its citizens equally under state
marriage laws, and all married people in Illinois will be treated
equally under federal law. For more information, visit http://www.MarchOnSpringfield.
My Private Chef Demonstrates How to Cook Spanish Tapas October 19th
Fresh
from his trip to Barcelona, Spain, Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale
Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef, will
demonstrate how to cook and serve Spanish Tapas.
Chef
Tong has been a favorite at Bloomingdales for several years because
lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation and
come away with recipes that spice up their meals. And, everyone gets to
have a taste!
The demonstration will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 2-4 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact 312.324.7678.
My Private Chef is
enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining
services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine,Chef Tong
established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida,
California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the
world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says:
“Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including
many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my work
worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get
the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame To Induct 14 Individuals and 2 Organizations
Fourteen individuals and two
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 Hall of Fame’s annual ceremony, which will take place from 5:30
p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday,
Nov. 12, at the Chicago History
Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. A 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.
Mary F. Morten, a respected
Chicago women’s- and LGBT-rights activist and a former LGBT mayoral liaison
under Mayor Richard M. Daley, was recently elected as the new
co-chairperson of Friends of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
“I’m excited to step into this role as co-chair,” she said, “and I look forward
to supporting an institution that has consistently recognized the best and the
brightest from our communities and our allies. This year’s inductees are no
exception.”
“We welcome the 2013 inductees’ addition,” said Israel
Wright, executive director of the Friends organization. “It continues to show
how the important contributions from our LGBT communities and from our friends
pave the way for the future. It is humbling to recognize each inductee’s
special efforts to create change in ways that affect us all so greatly.”
Hall
of Fame inductees fall into one of three categories: “individual,” “organization,”
or “friend of the community.” Nominees represent all of Chicago’s
sexual-minority communities, including LGBT Chicagoans, past, present, living,
and dead, as well as those who have supported or assisted them.
Those honored in 2013 are:
“Individual”
Category
Gaylon
B. Alcaraz, 42, for almost 20 years of work on behalf of
women’s reproductive freedom, the interests of African American lesbian and
bisexual women, adolescent health, and other social concerns. She was a founder
of Affinity Community Services, a South Side social-justice group, and is the
Chicago Abortion Fund’s executive director.
James
L. Alexander, 63, for his contributions to Chicago cultural and
other nonprofit institutions, including LGBT- and HIV/AIDS-related
organizations, through board service, advice, and leadership and through
directing philanthropic support. He is co-trustee of The Elizabeth Morse
Charitable Trust and the Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust.
James
L. Bennett, 48, for his leadership in the nonprofit
community and a career as a comedic writer and performer. He has fought
for social justice in the United Methodist Church and through other groups. He has written and performed in 14
sketch- comedy revues and appears and emcees at radio and staged events.
He is the Midwest regional director for Lambda Legal.
Jorge
Cestou, 41, for 16 years of social-service activism,
organizing, and leadership in LGBT Latina/o and HIV/AIDS organizations locally
and nationally, as well as in the Chicago leather community. He is director of
programs and services for Vida/SIDA, a Latina/o AIDS service organization in Chicago.
Rocco
J. Claps, 52, for public service in political and government
roles as an openly gay man and for advancing LGBT rights goals. He began on
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s staff in 1987, worked in federal and
Democratic National Committee positions during the Clinton administration, and
since 2003 has been director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Rudolph
Johnson, Jr. (1947–2006), for 23 years as a well-known and
well-regarded North Halsted Street bar owner who led the Northalsted Merchants
Association and other neighborhood groups, instituted and promoted local
festivals, sponsored sports leagues and events, and lent and recruited support
for a wide array of LGBT nonprofit organizations and pro-LGBT politicians.
Lee
A. Newell II, 64, for his community service in Chicago from 1976
to 2001. He led the financial revival and growth of Gay Horizons (an early
precursor of today’s Center on Halsted); documented local events, assembling
what is now a Chicago History Museum collection of some 5,000 photos; led the
city’s first LGBT PAC; and was an officer in neighborhood groups.
Paté,
55, for her community involvement since 1986 as a bartender in numerous
venues, where she has built a loyal customer base, won mixology awards, and
volunteered and raised funds for numerous organizations, while also devoting
countless hours to organizations rescuing and rehoming lost, neglected, and
discarded pet animals, both locally and after Hurricane Katrina.
Andrew
Patner, 53, for more than three decades as
a journalist, editor, biographer, lecturer, teacher, and internationally active
arts critic and interviewer in print and electronic media, besides media
advocacy since 1979 for LGBT and HIV/AIDS concerns. A lifelong Chicagoan, he is
critic-at-large for WFMT Fine Arts Radio and contributing critic to the Chicago
Sun-Times.
Laura
Ricketts, 46, for generous donor support and board service to
LGBT and non-LGBT organizations, including Lambda Legal, Housing Opportunities
for Women, GayCo Productions, Opportunity Education, and Democratic Party
entities. She has backed ecotourism and, as a part owner of the Chicago Cubs,
is the first openly LGBT owner of a Major League Baseball team.
Burr
Tillstrom (1917–1985), a native Chicagoan, for his
contributions to the early days of television and in particular for his
creation of unforgettable puppet characters such as Kukla and Ollie. He
enriched the lives of children and adults through the Kukla, Fran and Ollie
show with co-host Fran Allison, as well as through other performances over five
decades beginning in 1936.
David
Zak, 58, for 31 years of producing and directing Chicago and LGBT theater as
well as developing new stage and screen plays, especially through the former
Bailiwick Repertory’s Pride Series and now through Pride Films and Plays. He
has won numerous awards, has directed in cities around the world, and has
helped to enrich LGBT lives and advance social equality.
“Organization”
Category
Lambda Legal, for
the 20 years of groundbreaking, precedent-setting work done by its Midwest
Regional Office since its 1993 establishment in Chicago, involving such local
issues as equal parade participation, HIV and fertility-treatment insurance
coverage, real-estate discrimination, adoption rights, and student organizing
rights, plus participation in critical national litigation.
POW-WOW (once
formally known as Performers or Writers for Women on Women’s Issues, Inc.), for
10 years of offering an open and affirming space for women, especially those of
color, to create and present artistic performances and writing, as well as
helping women and girls re-entering society to develop artistic careers and
providing socially relevant, arts-based literacy programs.
“Friend of
the Community” Category
Neil Steinberg, 53, for 26 years as a Chicago
Sun-Times writer or columnist who has repeatedly portrayed LGBT lives and
social-justice issues while insightfully commenting on them. His work has
contributed to better public understanding and has often been produced when
issues were more unpopular than now, such as human-rights laws in the 1980s and
marriage rights in 1996.
Brenda Webb, 60,
executive director of Chicago Filmmakers, for her 32 years of perseverance as
organizer of Reeling, the Chicago LGBT international film festival. Reeling is
said to be the world’s second-oldest such festival and has become a major
cultural event for Chicago’s LGBT communities and the city’s general arts and
culture scene.
The Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame was established in
1991 under the auspices of what was then the Chicago Commission on Human
Relations’ Advisory Council on Gay and Lesbian (later, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender) Issues, a municipal government agency. At the end of 2011, the
advisory council ceased to exist after a commission restructuring, and the
Friends organization succeeded it as caretaker of the Hall of Fame in
partnership with city government.
Beginning with the first ceremony in 1991, former Mayor
Richard M. Daley personally participated in the Hall of Fame’s induction
ceremonies. Current Mayor Rahm Emanuel has continued to do so.
The Hall of Fame’s 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 2013, it holds its 23rd annual
induction ceremony and continues to represent an official recognition by
Chicago’s government of the city’s LGBT residents and their allies.
Those selected for the “individual” category are or were
members of Chicago’s LGBT communities and have made single far-reaching or
significant long-term contributions to the quality of life of those communities
or of the city as a whole. Those in the “organization” category are LGBT
businesses and nonprofit groups that have done likewise. “Friends of the
community” are non-LGBT-identified individuals and organizations that have
contributed to the quality of life of the city’s LGBT communities.