Category Archives: News and Happenings
Judy and Liza in Chicago
Pride Films & Plays presents two stars of The Boy From Oz in
“Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime:
The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute”
Pride Films and Plays will enliven the New Year by bringing back two leading actresses from its recent acclaimed production of the musical The Boy From Oz in a new show entitled Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime: The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute, featuring Nancy Hays (as Judy Garland) and Michelle Lauto (as Liza Minnelli), with music direction and orchestral arrangements by Robert Ollis (co-producer). This loving musical tribute recalls the historic concert by these two famous performers at the London Palladium, just as Liza’s singing career was beginning to take off. The Boy from Oz veterans Cameron Turner (choreography) and John Nasca (costume design) will round out the creative team for this dynamic new show.
Accompanied by a jazz combo, this lively cabaret show will feature those solos, duets and medleys that are Judy and Liza classics. This is an opportunity to celebrate the unique mother/daughter relationship that they shared and to see how Liza learned so much in performance from Judy — the consummate song stylist.
Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli — Once in a Lifetime: The London Palladium Concert — a Tribute previews Sunday, January 31st (7:00 p.m.) at Uptown Underground, 4707 N. Broadway, Chicago. Tickets range between $15 and $25. For ticket information call 773-867-1946 or order online at www.uptownunderground.net, Tickets are not for sale at the regular PFP phone number.
THE STARS!
Nancy Hays (Judy Garland) recently returned to theatre to portray Judy Garland in The Boy from OZ, presented by Pride Films & Plays, after performing for years as an opening act for Tommy Tune, Rita Rudner, Smothers Brothers, George Burns and others. Her country song Come Dance with Me is an international hit, and she was featured in the film The Minnesota Connection. Nancy has also made numerous TV appearances (including one on ABC dancing with Mario Lopez). Nancy has recorded five albums and toured the UK multiple times.
Michelle Lauto (Liza Minnelli) is so proud to be playing one of her idols again after an exciting run as Liza in The Boy From Oz with Pride Films & Plays this past summer. Favorite credits include Murder Ballad (Bailiwick Chicago), Next To Normal and Spring Awakening (NY Regional Premiere). Up next for Michelle is the Chicago premiere of 35mm (Circle Theatre), and Xanadu with the American Theater Company. www.michellelauto.com
Steve Grand @ SEVEN Jan 15th
Seven Nightclub brings you ‘All American Boy’ Steven Grand Live In Concert! Doors open at 8 show starts at 9.
Steve Grand became an overnight internet celebrity and was acclaimed by some to be the first openly gay male country musician to attract mainstream attention in the United States. The music video of his first hit “All-American Boy” went viral on YouTube in less than a week in July 2013. This attention landed Grand on Good Morning America, CNN and other national media. Buzzfeed ranked the video on its list of the “24 Most Brilliant Music Videos from 2013”, and Out magazine named Grand to its annual “Out100” list of the year’s most compelling LGBT people. In addition to being a musician, Grand has become an active figure in the LGBT equality movement.
VIP Meet and Greet Tickets (also includes seating in the first 3 rows) are only $30.
General Admission Tickets are only $20 before January 10, 2016.
Steve Grand Christmas Song
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO AND SHARE IT
Download the song: https://stevegrand.bandcamp.com/track…
ONLY AVAILABLE on BANDCAMP! It will not be made available on iTunes.
Chicago Rising Star New Years Eve
This graphic is hard to see – but the Tines Square Ball is 12′ and the Chicago star will be 70′!!!!!
This year, Chicago is starting a new tradition to ring in the New Year
with the inaugural celebration Chi-Town Rising. Corona Extra is the Presenting Sponsor of Chi-Town Rising and Hyatt Gold Passport is the Official Host Sponsor.
At 70’ 6” feet tip-to-tip and ascending to 360 feet into the night sky to welcome in the New Year, the Rising Star is truly the star of the show. Located on the West Tower of Hyatt Regency Chicago, the Rising Star will overlook the TV audience zone on Broadcast Boulevard and the Corona Beach House across the Chicago River.
Bucking the trend in the vast majority of cities around the world, the Rising Star will ascend at midnight versus descend. “Chicago has always been ‘a city on the rise,’ and never more so than in the aftermath of the Great Fire of 1871 when the City rose from the ashes to become the fastest growing city in the world by the end of the 19th century,” said Arena Partners President John Murray, “A Rising Star is fitting for a populace that rises to meet challenges head-on, and it is aspirational – symbolic of looking forward to the opportunities that the New Year holds in store for us.”
The Rising Star is inspired by the second star on the city’s flag, which represents the Great Fire of 1871 and the city’s phoenix-like rise in its aftermath.
The Chicago flag has four six-pointed stars on the center white stripe each representing a significant event in the city’s history. From left to right on Chicago’s flag, the first star represents Fort Dearborn; the second, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871; the third, the World’s Columbian Exposition; and the fourth, the Century of Progress Exposition.
“Our city’s spirit inspired our choice to have an icon rise – not fall – on New Year’s Eve,” said John Murray. “Our city’s flag inspired our choice to use the Chicago Star as that icon; and these combined to inspire our choice of “Chi-Town Rising” as our name.”
The Rising Star, designed and built in Chicago by ONE618 and The Chicago Flyhouse Incorporated, is a thing of beauty. With a span of 70’6” tip-to-tip, it dwarfs icons used in cities around the world. It weighs 12,000 pounds, which is the equivalent of three pick-up trucks, and it has amazing lighting and video capabilities that will be revealed on New Year’s Eve.
How Chi-Town Rising’s Star compares to other cities’ New Year’s Eve icons
Approximately 34,000 pounds of steel make up the support structure; 24,000 pounds of steel I-beams are used on the front of Hyatt Regency Chicago, which act as guides for the Rising Star and the remaining 10,000 pounds of steel are on the roof of the building to support the cantilever. The structural steel portion of the Rising Star contains 900 bolts and the Rising Star itself contains over 250 bolts.
The Rising Star is comprised of over 2,600’ of 2” tube, which is close to half a mile of 2” tube. An additional 850’ of 1” tube is used in the assembly of the Rising Star. There are four control boxes, each containing 200 electrical terminations that will guide the motors to allow the Rising Star to ascend the building. Each of the four winch motors weighs nearly 1,000 pounds.
Chi-Town Rising will be broadcast live on NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago for those wishing to view the event for free. Those interested in attending the event live have multiple options for securing a guaranteed spot, including purchasing tickets to the outdoor audience area, the Corona Beach House party, or other partner events nearby. Official Hotel Partners have packages available that include admission to the event as well. Chi-Town Rising is a privately-produced, ticketed event. At the present time, the city has not designated any formal public viewing areas for the Countdown, Rising Star, and fireworks.
To learn more about Chi-Town Rising and be kept up to date on talent information, please sign up for the Chi-Town Rising newsletter on www.Chi-TownRising.com. For ticket information or to book your New Year’s Eve stay, please visit www.Chi-TownRising.com, and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Shirtless Chicago Guy Spreads Prayer
A couple weeks ago Ethan Renoe, a hot shirtless jogger crashed a TV weather forecast in Chicago. During the rainy broadcast Renoe said, “It’s a great day for a run. Too wet to wear a shirt, you know?” He added, “I love running in the rain, and I’m also single!” – the video went Viral!
Renoe, an evangelical Christian, also made sure to get in a shout out to Jesus during the impromptu interview he did with WGN.
Now, NBC Chicago reports that Renoe, who attended a Christian Bible college and says he is a virgin who is saving himself for marriage, founded a ministry that has been offering “free prayers” outside gay bars in the city’s Boystown gayborhood for the last four years! – Damn, I keep missing him!
“My primary purpose of going there is to show this community love that has been severely damaged by those who claim to be Christians. That area has been hurt by people who claim Christ’s name.” – – Is it good? or bad? how do you feel about this?
One student member remarked that he understood the backlash the group sometimes receives while in the gay community:
“Some people come at us angrily, but I can understand that because that community is their stronghold and that’s where their identity lies and they feel like we’re attacking it, but that’s before they talk to us,” said student Andy Wood. “Regardless of lifestyle decisions we have the same opportunity to share the gospel and love people.”
New Years Eve Chicago Best Picks
New Years Eve – and New Years Day! Make Plans now!
Don’t be left out in the cold!
Revolucion and El Mariachi
Mario Lopez in Chicago Dec. 31
Chi-Town Rising, Chicago’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration Presented by Corona Extra and Hosted by Hyatt Gold Passport, today announces the celebrity talent set to host the New Year’s Eve broadcast both on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago. Mario Lopez will be the host talent for NBC 5 with Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Courtney Lopez, and Marley Kayden as co-hosts. Penelope Menchaca and Maria Elena Ponticiello will be the host talent for Telemundo Chicago with Maricela Vázquez and Lily Fragoso as co-hosts. In addition to NBC 5 Chicago, Chi-Town Rising will air on over 40 NBC affiliates in the central United States. The program will also air nationally on COZI TV and in Spanish on TeleXitos.
The Chi-Town Rising live broadcast will be centered between Michigan Avenue & Columbus Drive, with the Chi-Town Rising Countdown Stage directly in front of the Hyatt Regency Chicago along Upper Wacker Drive. The broadcast will feature the musical performances of Billboard 2014 Top Artist American Authors and legendary rock band Chicago®, a dazzling midnight countdown with a 75-foot tall Chicago Star rising 360-feet into the night sky, and an epic fireworks display linking the event site with Navy Pier’s annual fireworks in one grand display synchronized to a musical soundtrack.
NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will broadcast the event live starting at 11:08 p.m. and Telemundo Chicago will begin at 11:00 p.m.
NBC 5 CHICAGO BROADCAST: 11:08 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
World of Chocolate Raises $120,000
More than 1,100 guests,
some decked out in their finest 1920s costumes, came together at Union Station to celebrate the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) 14th annual World of Chocolate gala on Thursday, Dec. 3. The larger-than-life celebration really was the bee’s knees — offering guests the chance to try chocolate inspired creations from 27 of Chicago’s top chocolatiers, chefs and caterers. Held annually in commemoration of World AIDS Day, this year’s event raised approximately $120,000 net in support of AFC’s continued care, policy, advocacy and education work.
Treats ranged from sweet bites to savory selections, and attendees also flocked to the speakeasy-inspired bars for some scrumptious chocolate cocktails. An expert panel of judges, including local celebrities and renowned Chicago-area chefs, judged the participating vendors in five categories:
- Best Sweet Award – Kendall College
- Best Savory Award – Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
- Best Libation Award – CH Distillery
- Best Business Class, Small Business Award – Fred’s at Barneys New York Chicago
- Best Business Class, Large Business Award – The Peninsula Chicago
- People’s Choice Award – Intercontinental Hotel Chicago
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new HIV infections in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will:
· Help more than 5,000 people each year know their HIV status
· Support efforts to house 1,100 Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness
· Enable more than 5,300 clients to receive case management services
· Fund trainings for hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP
Generous vendors participating in World of Chocolate included: the Brass Monkey, CH Distillery, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Chocolat Uzma Sharif, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Fred’s of Barneys New York Chicago, Hilton Chicago, Intercontinental Hotel, Italian Village Restaurants, Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Life’s Sweeter Side, Loews Chicago Hotel, Mercat a la Planxa, the Peninsula Chicago, Prasino LaGrange, Riques Cocina Mexicana, RL Restaurant, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Starbucks, Summer House Santa Monica, Uptown Brownie, Vanille Patisserie, Virgin Hotels Chicago, Walgreens, Wow Bao and ZED451.
- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. We work toward a day when people living with HIV and related chronic diseases will thrive, and new HIV infections will be rare. To learn more, visit www.aidschicago.org.
Neverland Chicago Purity Ball Dec. 30
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New Year’s in Chicago: Neverland’s 4th annual Purity Ball white party featuring DJ Alain Jackinsky inches closer to New Year’s this year with a major event on Wednesday, Dec. 30th. Take off the 31st and plan on house parties that night, because we’re making the 30th the biggest gay party of the holiday season. |
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CLICK HERE for NEVERLAND PRE-SALE TICKETS
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The Facts Date: Wednesday, Dec. 30th 2 performances, a massive set, hot costumed dancers, and the magic of Boystown’s most creative and hard-working team. |
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For tickets, visit Egoist Underwear in Boystown, or CLICK HERE |
Holiday Reservations Chicago Celebrations
Don’t Wait Till The Last Minute!!!
Christmas and New Years in just a few weeks away!
Divas, Dining, Drinks and Donations this December
Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25
5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will host festive holiday celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As a nod to the giving spirit of the season, guests will receive half-off martinis, cocktails and Kit Kat’s Christmas prix fixe menu in exchange for a canned good donation. The non-perishable food donations will benefit Heartland Health Outreach, an organization that provides care to more than 12,000 needy individuals in the Chicago metropolitan area each year.
Chef JoAnn Witherell’s Christmas prix
Diva Kinley Preston will entertain guests each evening starting at 7:30 p.m. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.
New Year’s Eve at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Glitz and Glam Gala Starring Diva Kinley Preston
Thursday, December 31
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will hold an over-the-top “Glitz and Glam Gala” this New Year’s Eve. The fabulous affair will feature a four course prix fixe menu, martinis and live entertainment. Diva Kinley Preston will captivate dining guests with intermittent performances as Lady Gaga, Madonna, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, P!NK and more.
Chef JoAnn Witherell’s modern American supper club menu features the choice of starter, salad, entree and dessert. The menu, outlined below, includes two martinis, champagne toast and party favors for $65 per person (7 p.m. seating) and $85 per person (10 p.m. seating).
For New Year’s Eve dining reservations, please call Kit Kat at 773.525.1111. The lounge will be open for bar guests from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Menu
7 p.m. $65 per person / 10 p.m. $85 per person
Includes two martinis and champagne toast
Starter
choice of:
Smoked Salmon, creme fraiche, minced red onion, capers, toast points
Shrimp, avocado, chipotle mayo
Potato Leek Soup
Salad
choice of:
Beet Salad – roasted beets, orange segments, arugula, pistachios, goat cheese crumbles, champagne vinaigrette
Kit Kat Salad – romaine and spinach blend, sliced pears, dried cranberries, spiced pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Entree
choice of:
Surf and Turf – filet and crab cake with bearnaise sauce and grilled asparagus
Seared Chicken Breast – creamy mustard sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, bacon and parmesan vinaigrette
Seafood Pasta – bay scallops, rock shrimp, crimini mushrooms, light brandy cream, curry
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom – spinach, artichokes, goat cheese, rice medley
Dessert
choice of:
Brownie Sundae, burnt caramel sauce, candied pecans, whipped cream
Key Lime Pie
Chocolate Layer Cake
Chicago Jeweler Gregg Helfer
The clock is ticking! Just a few days till Hanukkah and a couple weeks till Christmas! Is your shopping done? Gregg Helfer Jewelers located in downtown Chicago, has lots of things that sparkle to make your holidays bright! Maybe you are planning a wedding for 2016? It’s not too early to look at rings.
The Helfer family has been importing diamonds and making jewelry for three generations starting with Gregg’s Grandfather David Helfer. A proud supporter of the gay community for many years, in 2000, after working in the jewelry industry on his own for over 12 years, Gregg continued the family tradition by opening a private office in the historic Maller’s building on Chicago’s Jewelers Row.
Gregg and his brother Michael work with clients to find the perfect product at the perfect price for them. Outstanding customer service and great prices make Gregg Helfer Jewelers the go-to jewelers, for all of your wants and needs. Whether you’re an experienced online shopper, or need some additional assistance with custom design or special order, we’re confident you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. They are available six days a week to help you find the piece of jewelry of your dreams.
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5 S. Wabash, 17th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603 -
312-265-3364
Amy and Freddy PLUS LESLIE JORDAN
A HOLIDAY SHOW
NOT TO BE MISSED!
- Friday, Dec. 11: Doors open at 6 pm, show at 7:30 pm
- Saturday, Dec. 12: Doors open at 6 pm, show at 7:30 pm
- Sunday, Dec. 13: Hydrate opens at 2 pm for Sunday Funday, show at 7:30 pm
World of Chocolate Chicago Dec. 3rd
6 days away ! THE BEST PARTY OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON!
Don’t fight the temptation. We give you permission to indulge to your heart’s content at World of Chocolate 2015 on Thursday, December 3 (Yes, that’s just 2 weeks from today)!
This year’s event is truly bigger and better than ever. We’re welcoming 9 new chocolatiers to Union Station who can’t wait to wow your palate with unique flavors. From classic sweets to surprising savories, 27 of Chicago’s best chefs are offering their talents at this commemorative World AIDS Day event.
| Try their creations—and so many more—only at World of Chocolate! |
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P.S. Online ticket sales close at 11:59 PM on Monday, November 30. Don’t delay! |
Gay Chicago Youth Group YEPP and Jess Godwin
When The Snow Thaws, By Jess Godwin features YEPP – Youth Empowerment Performance Project
“Over 100 chicago voices came together to support this song and video. Many thanks to Brian Bloye, Chicago Artists Chorale, Community Renewal Chorus, St. Alphonsus Choir, YEPP, and actors, musicians, artists, and humanitarian friends of Chicago for donating their time and incredible talents to this project.
“Thanks to Executive Producer Kat Fitzgerald, Director Jason Knade, Producer Kayla Ginsburg, Stylist/MUA Jacob Leatherman of Blown Chicago, Recording Engineer Yuri Lysoivanov (with students from Tribeca Flashpoint College), Mixing/Mastering Engineer Tim Timothy Rusin The Athenaeum, all of the people who brought food to the potluck, sent money in for the pizza…and stylists/MUA Paula CityLights Heckenast, Barbara Thomas, Deborah Sanchez, Cathy Geldmacher Nathan, and Garret Koski-Budabin who helped out on our rehearsal shoot day, and Youth Empowerment Performance Project director Bonsai Bermudez for doing an incredible amount of coordinating to make this happen.” Jess Godwin
Please support the YEPP Go Fund Me Project
WATCH THE VIDEO
Puerto Vallarta Contest
The start of winter in Puerto Vallarta is cause for celebration as December marks the beginning of the whale watching season, traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, free daily guided Artwalks in historic downtown, culinary treats all around town, the International Pro Am golf tournament, the release of baby sea turtles, perfect weather with temperatures in the low 80’s and a calendar full of holiday festivities and free activities.
The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is inviting everyone to join in the celebration with the launch of a mega “12 DAYS OF WINTER” (#12DaysOfWinter) promotion and participate for a chance to win daily prizes during the first 12 days of December, including artworks, bottles of tequila and raicilla and trip getaways, with the top prize being a 12-day all-expense paid vacation for two in Puerto Vallarta.
To participate register at visitpuertovallarta.com/12daysofwinter and tell the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board what you would do on a 12-day all-expense paid holiday for two in the destination. All registrants will have a chance to win one of 12 prizes. Drawings will take place every day from December 1st to 12th. Following are the details of the prizes that will be awarded:
Winners of the getaway prizes to be awarded between December 5th through 12th will also receive a choice of 2 activities in Puerto Vallarta courtesy of Vallarta Adventures and Dolphin Discovery.
ENTER!
2 HOT GAY MEN @ SEVEN Chicago
SEVEN Nightclub and Porn Superstar, Topher DiMaggio are proud to present Pablo Hernandez, performing live at Seven Nightclub.
Advance general admission tickets are only $7.
Photos along with Meet N’ Greets will be available post performance.
Doors open at 8pm, with performance at 10:30pm. GET YOUR TICKET NOW!
BITCH I’M A BOTTOM!
World of Chocolate Dec. 3rd
It’s finally the sweetest time of year is HERE!
Tickets for World of Chocolate 2015 are on sale now.
Get hotsy-totsy and party like Gatsby for an evening of chocolate galore! Inspired this year by the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, World of Chocolate is Chicago’s commemorative World AIDS Day event held at the beautiful Chicago Union Station.
Revel in chocolate delights from more than 25 of the city’s top chefs, imbibe to your heart’s content at our open bars and win fabulous prizes, including vacations to New York City, Las Vegas and more.
Kick off your holiday season with the AWESOME EVENT! Come Hungry!~
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| Since its inception, World of Chocolate has raised over $1.7 million to fund vital HIV services and programs at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Purchase your tickets today and savor the sweet satisfaction of making a difference!
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Hydrate TURN ABOUT Show for TPAN
IT’S BACK!
Don’t miss your chance to see staff LKH doing DRAG for charity!
The annual LKH TURNABOUT SHOW proceeds go to benefit TPAN via Hydrate, The Den, Replay Andersonville, and Replay Lakeview participants in BARLESQUE!
Doors at 8 pm
Show starts at 9:30 pm
$10 suggestion donation includes Hosted Bar and Hors d’Oeuvres from 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm!!
Join the Facebook page HERE
Chicago Homeless Youth
Chicagoans know fall means bitter cold is on its way. People will soon scurry to stay inside day and night. Yet, more than 20,000 young adults and students are looking for a permanent home, not just overnight shelter.
In the spirit of giving back this upcoming holiday season, the Chicago-area community will come together on Friday, Nov. 20, for an overnight sleep out to raise visibility and funds to help provide a stable living environment for youth experiencing homelessness.
The first-of-its-kind event in Chicago, the Out In the Open Sleep Out, will bring together members of the community to raise funds for 18 organizations serving youth experiencing homelessness. The event will be at Cricket Hill near Montrose Ave. and Lake Michigan.
Attendees will hear from individual teens and participate in a variety of activities. There will also be dozens of entertainers performing during the event.
“We are striving to bring new people and resources to this critical issue in Chicago,” said Tracy Baim,Windy City Times publisher and executive producer of the event. “We’ve modeled the event after similar events in other cities, and we plan to also showcase the talents of this next generation.”
The following nonprofit partners will benefit from the event: AIDS Foundation of Chicago; Care2Prevent, the University of Chicago; Center on Halsted; Chicago House; Chicago Youth Storage Initiative; Howard Brown Health Center’s Broadway Youth Center; Illinois Safe Schools Alliance; La Casa Norte; Lurie Children’s Hospital – Division of Adolescent Medicine; Neon Dorms – Heartland Human Care Services; New Moms; Puerto Rican Cultural Center – El Rescate; TaskForce Prevention and Community Services; Teen Living Programs; The 750 Club Apartment Adoption Project; The Night Ministry; Thresholds; Unity Parenting and Counseling, Inc.; and YEPP: Youth Empowerment Performance Project.
The event is hosted by the newly formed Pride Action Tank, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Edelman, Agency EA and Windy City Times newspaper, along with a wide range of other partners. Best Gay Chicago is a proud media partner of this event.
To donate or sign up for the inaugural event as well as to learn more about individual teen’s stories, please visit sleepoutchicago.org.
