Category Archives: FREE
Pride Fest Chicago 2012, June 22-23
| Date: | Friday & Saturday, June 22-23, 2012 |
|---|---|
| Time: | Friday: 4pm-10pm | Saturday: 11am-10pm |
| Location: | Halsted & Waveland | Chicago |
2 days of fun and music before the big Pride Parade Day!
Festive … Jubilant … Fun … are just a few of the words to
describe this two day-long gathering that’s a non-stop, early-summer
party.
Hosted by (and benefiting) the Northalsted Business Alliance — the same
group behind the wildly popular Northalsted Market Days (set for the
weekend of August 11-12) — this equally crowd-pleasing gay and lesbian
celebration of community pride will be back bigger than ever in its 10th
year!
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 finest GLBT performers.
Entertainment
|
Friday, June 22 South Stage 6:00pm – The Personnel 7:30pm – Chicago Spirit Brigade 8:00pm – Sixteen Candles Saturday, June 23 |
North Stage 5:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 7:00pm – JoJo 7:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chciago’s Best Female Impersonators 9:00pm – Inaya Day North Stage 12:00pm – Miss Foozie’s Pet Parade 1:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 2:30pm – Thea Austin 3:00pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 4:30pm – Martha Wash 5:30pm – Drag Show featuring Chicago’s Best Female Impersonators 6:30pm – Simone Denny 7:00pm – Guinevere 8:00pm – Frenchie Davis 8:30pm – Janice Robinson 9:00pm – Sandy B |
Magic Mike Movie Night at Kit Kat June 19
“Magic Mike” Night at
Kit Kat Lounge
Magic Mike Movie Tickets,
Merchandise and Themed Martinis
Tuesday, June 19
8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Free to attend
Magic Mike is set to hit theaters on Friday, June 29. In advance of the hotly anticipated male stripper-themed film, Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will hold a movie promotion event on Tuesday, June 19. Starting at 8 p.m., dancers from “SinZation,” Chicago’s sexiest male revue show, will put on a high-energy, provocative performance. Kit Kat Diva Kathryn Cole will perform throughout the evening as well.
The Lakeview/Boystown restaurant and lounge will hold a “Magic Mike” raffle with prizes including passes to the advance screening of Magic Mike on Tuesday, June 26, along with Magic Mike merchandise (t-shirts, hats, gym bags, dog tag necklaces and more). Gift certificates to Kit Kat and tickets to SinZation will also be given away.
In addition to shakin’ up half-priced martinis all night, the movie premiere party will feature three specialty drinks: “The Big Cucumber Richie” martini, “Magic Mike” martini and “Dallas” cocktail ($6 each).
See you all there!
Civil Unions in Illinois and Estate Planning May 16
LAVELLE LAW LTD,
ATTORNEY HOLDS SEMINAR
ON ILLINOIS CIVIL UNION LAW
Robert Iverson, an attorney at Lavelle Law, Ltd. will give a seminar at the Center on Halsted entitled, “Civil Unions:
Important Estate Planning Considerations.”
The seminar will take place on Wednesday, May 16th from 6:30 -8:00 p.m. The Center on Halsted 3656 North Halsted.
The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act became effective on June
1, 2011. The law recognizes a new legal relationship that is in many ways similar to marriage,
but with certain limitations. Iverson will review the law and explain the rights and benefits of
Illinois citizens with Civil Union status. The seminar will include information about obtaining and
dissolving a Civil Union in Illinois, inheritance rights, the right to renounce a partner’s will,
factors involved with making important health decisions for an incapacitated partner, as well as
issues such as filing a joint state income tax return. “The new legislation is a big step for Illinois,
but it is important that partners fully understand what their union means legally,” said Iverson. “I
hope that, after the seminar, participants will have a clearer picture of the rights afforded by the
law, and how to best move forward with their legal relationship.”
Following the lecture, Iverson will make time for questions and an interactive discussion
about the law and its impact on those present.
Iverson focuses much of his practice at Lavelle Law on Estate and Tax Planning, Trust
and Estate Administration, Trust Controversy Litigation, and Contested Decedents’ Estates.
While attending John Marshall Law School, Iverson earned the CALI Excellence for the Future
Award in Taxation of Trusts and Estates and served as a Staff Editor of the Law Review.
Space is limited for the event, so pre-registration is required. To register for the event,
email legal@centeronhalsted.org with the event title in the subject line or call 773-472-6469 ext436.
(PHOTO ADH COMMITMENT CEREMONIES)
LGBT Travel Expo TODAY 4-8pm FREE
GLBT TRAVEL EXPO! – May 1st – FREE Admission!
The 2012 Travel Expo Tour is an exciting event where
you can learn about new travel destinations, rediscover old ones, find
glbt friendly travel providers and get information to plan your next
vacation.
Airlines
Hotels
Trains
Cruise lines
Car Rentals
Resorts
Exotic Destinations
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Travel Magazines
Attendees will be able to get the latest travel information, get
special travel packages and great deals from the very best travel
providers as well as win great prizes.
Tuesday – May 1, 2012 – Center on Halsted. 4-8pm.
FREE EVENT!
Best Gay Chicago.com Turns 5 – Join us May 10th @ Roscoes
COME CELEBRATE!
as BEST GAY CHICAGO.com celebrates our
5th Year Anniversary! And You are Invited!
Thursday, May 10th 7 – 9 pm @ Roscoes 3356 N. Halsted
Hosted bar by Svedka Vodka
Private invite – You are invited but You MUST RSVP
by May 7th to get on the guestlist. SPACE IS LIMITED!
LIKE us and RSVP on Facebook
or send an email or call with your names to be on the list.
bestgaycities @ gmail.com 773-878-5323
Casting Call for Scrooge and Marley
Scrooge
& Marley is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens’ classic
story of the holidays, A Christmas Carol. Recounted from a gay
sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens’
timeless tale of a man’s redemption at the holidays-thanks to the help
of three ghostly spirits-comes alive from a fresh perspective that will
appeal to audiences of every persuasion.
& Marley is a modern-day variation on Charles Dickens’ classic
story of the holidays, A Christmas Carol. Recounted from a gay
sensibility, with heart, comedy and music, the magic of Dickens’
timeless tale of a man’s redemption at the holidays-thanks to the help
of three ghostly spirits-comes alive from a fresh perspective that will
appeal to audiences of every persuasion.
Several actors are already tentatively signed to the project, including: Megan Cavanagh (A League of Their Own, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Exes and Ohs); Rusty Schwimmer (North Country, The Surrogate, Drop Dead Diva, Bones,
Louie); Ronnie Kroell (Bravo’s Make Me a Super Model, Eating Out-Drama Camp and Into the Lion’s Den); and Becca Kaufman, a renowned Chicago-area vocalist.
EXTRAS ARE NEEDED –
“We are NOT casting
the NON-PAID EXTRAS for this film, but the production company (a good
group to work with) will provide a meal should you work more than 6
hours, and will make every effort to provide parking. “
All Chicago Locations.
A breakdown of extras needed:
Monday, May 7th – Cabaret Scene – Male/Female, Age 35-50, All Ethnicity – 15 extras
Tuesday, May 8th – Cabaret Scene Continues – 10 extras needed to repeat (must have open availability for the entire day)
Wednesday, May 9th – Disco Scene, circa 1975 – All Ethnicity – as it is
an independent film, they are looking for as many people as possible
who have some 70s wardrobe in their collection – please state your
wardrobe options in the email submission.
3 Males, very
attractive, strapping hunks with extremely nice bodies (20 to 30 years
of age), 3 Young Male go-go dancers (at least 21 years of age), 5 ragged
looking Male street hustlers (19-23 years of age), and 1 Older Man (40
to 50 years of age), who is cruising the hustlers.
Saturday,
May 12th – Bedroom Scene – 2 attractive and fit Males, Age 25 to 35, All
Ethnicity, who are okay being in bed together with their shirts off.
an independent film, they are looking for as many people as possible
who have some 70s wardrobe in their collection – please state your
wardrobe options in the email submission.
attractive, strapping hunks with extremely nice bodies (20 to 30 years
of age), 3 Young Male go-go dancers (at least 21 years of age), 5 ragged
looking Male street hustlers (19-23 years of age), and 1 Older Man (40
to 50 years of age), who is cruising the hustlers.
May 12th – Bedroom Scene – 2 attractive and fit Males, Age 25 to 35, All
Ethnicity, who are okay being in bed together with their shirts off.
To submit, send an email directly to casting@ScroogeandMarleymovie.com
with name, age, height, weight, ethnic background, phone number, email
address and recent photo (attach a jpeg no larger than 1MB), and
reference the date/scene/character in the subject line.
with name, age, height, weight, ethnic background, phone number, email
address and recent photo (attach a jpeg no larger than 1MB), and
reference the date/scene/character in the subject line.
REGISTER TO BE AN EXTRA: Go to www.atmospherecastingchicago.com and follow the instructions!!! Be sure to “LIKE” this page to receive casting notices and updates in your News Feed!!
GLBT Travel Expo May 1 at Center on Halsted
GLBT TRAVEL EXPO! – May 1st – FREE Admission!
The 2012 Travel Expo Tour is an exciting event where
you can learn about new travel destinations, rediscover old ones, find
glbt friendly travel providers and get information to plan your next
vacation.
Airlines
Hotels
Trains
Cruise lines
Car Rentals
Resorts
Exotic Destinations
Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Travel Magazines
Attendees will be able to get the latest travel information, get
special travel packages and great deals from the very best travel
providers as well as win great prizes.
Tuesday – May 1, 2012 – Center on Halsted. 4-8pm.
FREE EVENT!
Circuit Mom Revolution Party April 25
REVOLUTION – The parties that revived Chicago nightlife last year – ARE BACK!
Amazing, Awesome, Beautiful,
Spectacular, Eye-Popping, First Rate, Remarkable,
Wonderful….these were just some of the adjectives people were saying about last years sold-out parties!
KICK OFF the season of Revolution parties April 25th in the fantastic
Vertigo Sky Lounge @ The Dana Hotel downtown. 2 W. Erie st. 6PM SHARP!!
Complimentary Absolut Cocktails from 6 – 7, great giveaways from 2(x)ist
and A|X Armani Exchange, and the reveal of our 2012 Revolution Poster
Model.
RSVP by April 23rd by emailing chip@bigdaddyproductionsinc.
Sponsored in part by BestGayChicago.com
Candace Gingrich in Chicago March 29
It’s poetic justice (or perhaps just an accurate reflection of real
life) that GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has a half sister who
is not only lesbian, but also married and a gay-rights activist.
Candace Gingrich-Jones visits Northeastern Illinois University for a speaking gig Thursday 29.
Accidental Activist: A Personal & Political Journey
March 29, 2012
Thursday 7pm FREE
The Accidental Activist, the title of Candace Gingrich-Jones’
1996 autobiography, captures best her path to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender (LGBT) advocacy well. Her involvement in the movement for
queer equality began in 1995 when her brother, Rep. Newt Gingrich,
R-GA., was elected House speaker and she had an opportunity to make her
voice heard. Since then she has not stopped advocating for the issues
importance to the LGBT community.
LGBT Wedding Expo Sunday March 25th
This is a very fun event – we went last year and you got lots of great ideas! Flowers, cakes, photography, caterers , cocktails and more!
4th Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo in Chicago!
Couples throughout Illinois are continuing to joyfully plan their civil union ceremonies
– JOIN US as we celebrate together!
The
4th Annual Same Love, Same Rights LGBT Wedding Expo will be hosted once
again by the beautiful Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, with a signature
view of the river and is scheduled for Sunday March 25th, 2012.
(easy access right off the Brown Line M. Mart exit!)
This year’s event promises more excitement than ever, with New
Planning Trends, Fresh Giveaways & Samples, and over 30 select
gay-friendly exhibitors to help create the ceremony of your dreams.
Event planners, officiants, ceremony & reception venues,musicians
and DJs, photographers, caterers, floral artists and more! Travel,
health, home and family-planning businesses will also be represented.
First 200 couples will receive a
keepsake fabric Swag Bag! Exciting Raffle Giveaways this year include
Sightseeing Tours courtesy of Anita Dee Yacht Charters!
This
event is free to attend; $5.00 donation per person is suggested, but we
do ask that you pre-register for free tickets. 25% will go directly to
Equality Illinois!
RESERVE NOW ONLINE!
HollyWood to DollyWood FREE Screening Feb 25
Peace on Earth Film Festival (POEFF) is a not-for-profit festival
established to celebrate and encourage the work of independent
filmmakers from around the globe on the themes of peace, nonviolence,
social justice and an eco-balanced world. POEFF invites filmmakers’ challenging perspectives on issues such as
human rights, neighborhood violence, food deserts, domestic violence,
bullying, war, world politics, environment, economics and more, while
presenting alternatives of peace from all cultural perspectives.
The Film Festival takes place Feb 23 – 26, and all movies are FREE. First come, first served seating.
on Saturday, Feb. 25th – 2 great LGBT films will be shown.
INSPIRED: The Voices Against Prop 8 (89 min)
Directed by Charlie Gage
On November 4, 2008 the voters of California passed Proposition 8 revoking marriage rights for same sex couples.
The next day in Los Angeles a movement was born.
INSPIRED is a documentary film chronicling several people’s lives in the
wake of the passage of Prop 8. Arresting live footage follows average
people from all walks of life, inspired to action in ways they never
dreamed. Experience the passionate rallies and defiant marches of the
new gay rights movement as it swept through Southern California.
Intimate interviews reveal all the ways the movement comes together, and
the subtle and not-so-subtle ways it can be pulled apart from within.
INSPIRED: THE VOICES AGAINST PROP 8 goes behind the headlines and propaganda to explore the real people who make up a movement. More details about INSPIRED!
THEN, the Award Winning HOLLYWOOD to DOLLYWOOD by the Lane Twins!
On the fumes of a dream, twin brothers Gary and Larry Lane have
written a script with a plum roll for one of their idols, Dolly Parton.
Having had no luck getting the screenplay into her hands, they embark on
a cross-country journey to personally deliver it to her. They set off
from Dolly’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame heading East for Pigeon
Forge, TN. Driving an RV they (named Jolene) is friend and partner Mike
Bowen. All along Interstate 40 at rest stops, RV parks, bars, and hair
salons our intrepid band of travelers meet everyday Americans, as the
encounter everything from Floods in Nashville to an Oklahoma Tornado.
The journey is also one of discovery for the brothers, as well: their
relationship with their parents; their hopes, fears and ambitions; the
bigotry they’ve encountered; as they search for tolerance and acceptance
and the joy of realizing their biggest dream handing their screenplay
to Dolly Parton.
Featuring appearances by Leslie Jordan, Chad
Allen, Beth Grant, Dustin Lance Black, Ann walker, and maybe even Dolly
herself! Hollywood to Dollywood is a documentary of chasing dreams down
the road of life.
The film will be followed by a Q&A with the Lane Twins.
Hollywood to Dollywood official site
The festival takes place at the historic Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E Washington. Chicago.
I would suggest getting there about 6:00-6:30 – if you want to both films.
Schedule that evening –
6:08 pm – 6:20 pm Break
6:21 pm – 6:42 pm Admissions (21 min)
6:43 pm – 6:45 pm White + Black = RED (2 min short)
6:45 pm – 8:14 pm INSPIRED: the Voices Against Prop 8 (89 min)
8:15 pm – 8:45 pm Q&A with Filmmakers of INSPIRED
8:46pm – 10:07 pm Hollywood to Dollywood (81 min)
10:08pm – 10:38 pm Q&A with Hollywood to Dollywood Filmmakers, THE LANE TWINS!
10:39pm – 10:44 pm Festival Closing
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!
GLENN CLOSE in ALBERT NOBBS Get Your FREE PASS
FREE MOVIES PASSES!
SEE THE NEW GLENN CLOSE MOVIE ALBERT NOBBS
Glenn Close plays a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive
in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing,
she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.
7:30 pm shgowing Jan. 23rd @ Century Landmark, 2828 N. Clark.
Just right click image, save and PRINT!
LIKE US on Facebook for Special Stuff
Ok – I don’t get it. We have 7500 friends on Facebook (Michael Snell and Derrick Sorles)
yet only a couple hundred people LIKE US for BEST GAY CHICAGO.
Did you know, if you LIKE US – we won’t bother you. But we will start offering those who LIKE US, special contests and special invitations to parties we host in Chicago! Don’t you want to be special??
So what are you waiting for – LIKE US!!
Winter Soup To Warm Your Soul – with Private Chef Tong
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE SOME
HOT SAVORY SOUP ON
THESE COLD CHICAGO WINTER DAYS!
January 21
Soup for a Winter’s day
with My Private Chef
at Bloomingdaleʼs
Home & Furniture Store
Chef Christopher Tong of the Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef,
will present delicious soups from around the world.
This free
cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, January 21 from 2-4pm Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo kitchen on 1.
PHOTO – My Private Chef in the
January 2012 issue of Food Network Magazine. An exuberant photo of Chef
Chris and Sous Chef Manny from their recent Chicago Botanic Garden
appearance will be in the Jan/Feb issue of Food Network Magazine. Look
for it on newsstands now.
What could be more elegant… and memorable… than serving a one of-a-kind meal created by a world-class chef?
My Private Chef takes private dining to a professional level of excellence.
Monda Guerra Talks at Center on Halsted Dec 2
Fashion designer, reality TV star and public advocate Mondo Guerra is coming to Center on Halsted in honor of World AIDS Day.
He will be speaking Dec. 2 (the day before World AIDS Day) at 7pm in the 3rd floor theatre, followed by a meet and greet.
Mondo is perhaps most famous from Project Runway, where his designs won him critical praise and a spot as runner up on season 8. He also made headlines by coming out as HIV-positive on the runway, becoming one of the few reality TV stars in history to do so.
Last year, in commemoration of World AIDS Day, he designed a limited edition of
T-shirts, one with a Day of the Dead sugar skull and one with a tree of
life. These shirts were sold on Piperlime.com
For each shirt sold, $20 was donated to amfAR.In his statement to Fox News Latino for his motivations in doing this,
he said, ““The Day of the Dead is celebration of our loved ones who have
passed. When I was thinking of World Aids day I wanted to create
something very true to who I am, and what I know. Who I’ve known and
miss and those people in my life that still fight this disease. It’s
about love and continuation.”
Center on Halsted presents Mondo
7:00pm, December 2nd
(Cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres 6:00pm – 7:00pm, event follows directly after)
3rd floor theatre
3656 N. Halsted Street
Free and open to the public
Seating is Limited!
Please RSVP to RSVP@centeronhalsted.org.
FREE Film Screening -CUT: Slicing Through the Myths of Circumcison Oct. 13th
The Whole Network
is proud to present independent film maker Eliyahu Ungar-Sargon and his film “Cut: Slicing Through the Myths of Circumcision.”
The 70 minute film takes a critical look at the usually unquestioned practice of infant circumcision from the director’s Jewish perspective. Mr. Ungar-Sargon will host a discussion after the screening.
CUT is a documentary which discusses male circumcision from a religious, scientific, and ethical standpoint. Using cutting-edge research, in addition to interview footage of rabbis, philosophers and scientists, CUT challenges the viewer to confront their biases by asking difficult questions about this long-standing practice.
The screening is free to the public. To cover room rental snacks and drinks will available for sale. Children are welcome to attend the event with an adult, but please note that the film does contain footage of a circumcision.
For more information visit the film’s website at
Thursday October 13th, 2011
7:00pm Introductions and screening
8:30pm Discussion
Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington (enter at 625 Church St)
Evanston, IL 60201
World Gym – Voted #1 in Chicago! Try it Now For Free and Sign up For Deals
Are you looking for the best gym
in the Lakeview/Uptown area?
WORLD GYM! at Montrose and Sheridan.
And there is no better time than NOW to try them! FREE DAY PASSES available Now thru Oct. 19th to give them a try!
Memberships as low as $19!
They give the most for the best price in town.
And on Oct. 19th They are hosting an OPEN HOUSE.
-No enrollment fees
-Sweet deals
-Food and cocktails
-Free Fitness Assessments
Stop in and tell them you saw it here!
World Gym Chicago 909 W. Montrose 773-348-1212
Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame 20th Anniversary
The persons honored in 2011 are:
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.
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
Broadway Show Tunes Comes to Chicago’s Millenium Park July 13
Part of the Grant Park Music Festival,
Wednesday July 13th.
Summer is here and it’s time for one of the best things about living in Chicago. Free evening concerts!
Who wants to wait until Sundays for show tunes? This event will feature music from some of our favorite shows like The Wiz, Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia, and Tommy.
Songs lively and loud enough that we won’t get shushed by anyone this time.
So grab your blankets, lawn chairs, picnic baskets and wine as we gather to take in the scene and sing along.
Concert at about 6:30pm
