Category Archives: News and Happenings
AIDS Walk Chicago 2015 Sept. 26th
Runners, walkers will put their feet down at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 26
Thousands expected to gather at annual day of remembrance, fundraising and awareness
WHAT: Chicago-area residents will gather to change the HIV epidemic at the 14th annual AIDS Run & Walk Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 26. The event will start and finish at Soldier Field in Chicago, and courses for the 5k walk and the 5k/10k runs will stretch along Lake Michigan.
WGN-TV’s Dean Richards will be the master of ceremonies for the morning’s festivities, which will include brief speeches by AFC President/CEO John Peller and two longtime HIV advocates, Evany Turk and Patricia Johnson.
The opening ceremony will also include a performance from the Broadway musical RENT by Artists Giving Back, which is producing a production of “RENT” to benefit AFC on Dec. 1. Afterward, participants will warm up before their run or walk with Fitness Formula Club trainer Joy Miles.
Panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will also be on display, and free HIV testing will be available on site.
Funds raised through AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and 35 other metropolitan organizations that provide life-saving services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Since it was established in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has netted nearly $5 million to battle the epidemic.
For more information, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
WHO: Media are invited to attend the event and speak with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s President/CEO, John Peller, as well as additional AIDS Foundation of Chicago representatives, event volunteers and race participants.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 26*
7:15 Registration and packet pickup open
8:00 Opening Ceremony begins
8:25 Warm-up stretch led by Joy Miles of Fitness Formula Clubs
8:45 10k run start
8:50 5k run start
9:05 Walk start
9:30 The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt display opens
10:00 Closing Ceremony begins
*Times are subject to change. Check aidsrunwalk.org for more details.
WHERE: Soldier Field (1410 Museum Campus Dr., Chicago, IL 60605)
*Media may park at Waldron Garage (600 E Waldron Dr., Chicago). Parking fees apply.
RENT to Benefit AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Local startup nonprofit Artists Giving Back announced today that tickets for its World AIDS Day production of the musical RENT are officially on sale.
World AIDS Day RENT is the inaugural production for Artists Giving Back, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Chicago performers and professionals who have a passion for the arts and for giving back to the community. This one-night engagement production will take place on Worlds AIDS Day – December 1, 2015 – and all net proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Artists Giving Back’s philanthropic partner in and beneficiary of the production.
Additionally, Artists Giving Back is thrilled to announce that LGBT singer/songwriter superstar and Chicagoland native, Steve Grand, will be joining the cast as a special featured guest artist. Mr. Grand, singer of the viral sensation “All-American Boy,” released his independent debut album, also titled “All-American Boy,” in March of 2015, which landed the #3 spot on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. Mr. Grand will perform “Seasons of Love” during the production, and will attend the RENT cast-and-audience after party, which will be hosted by Progress Bar (3359 N. Halsted, Chicago).
When addressing the choice of RENT for Artists Giving Back’s inaugural production, Artistic Director Peter Ruger had this to say: “Rent is a show that has inspired me for years. The passion of the music and the story, and the connection I felt to the wonderful characters brought me not only to the fight against AIDS, but also helped guide me to my life as a singer. I’m so excited that we at Artists Giving Back are getting to share this amazing show with Chicago to celebrate World AIDS Day 2015. I hope it touches our audience as much as it’s touched me over the years.”
Artists Giving Back’s World AIDS Day RENT will take place at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. Anyone interested in purchasing tickets can buy them from the Athenaeum Theatre’s website, www.athenaeumtheatre.org, under “buy tickets.”
Performance Details:
World AIDS Day RENT
7:30pm, December 1, 2015
Athenaeum Theatre 2936 N. Southport Avenue Chicago, IL
About Artists Giving Back:
Artists Giving Back is a Chicago-based startup nonprofit founded by local performers and professionals who feel that the arts are a perfect vehicle for advancing philanthropic and charitable endeavors. Artists Giving Back’s mission statement proclaims:
We believe in philanthropy through self-expression and creativity. Through the production of art in all its forms—music, dance, drama, visual—we aim to support artists and our community. Artists Giving Back is an opportunity to interact with our community through the healing power of art.
Artists Giving Back aims to enrich the community in two primary ways: first, by providing quality artistic experiences to the public, and second, by donating all proceeds raised from its productions and artistic endeavors to local charities. While a new organization – Artists Giving Back was incorporated as a nonprofit in February 2015 – Artists Giving Back is proud to say that it is already full steam ahead on its inaugural production of RENT. More information about Artists Giving Back can be found on its website, www.artistsgivingback.org.
The production of Artists Giving Back World AIDS Day RENT is entirely funded by tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Anyone interested in donating to Artists Giving Back can do so through the Artists Giving Back website.
College Football player from Barrington Comes OUT
One of college football’s oldest programs has its first openly gay player.
Princeton offensive lineman Mason Darrow told Outsports.com in a story posted on Tuesday that he is gay. Darrow, of Lake Barrington said everything has gone well at home and school since he came out to his teammates and coaches.
“People will surprise you,” he said. “I was definitely concerned that people, teammates, would react poorly. I think in this day and age people really just don’t care about it. It’s really not a big deal anymore.”
Darrow is believed to be the only openly gay player in major college football right now. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound junior is expected to play in the Tigers’ opener Saturday at Lafayette.
Pandora Boxx at Center on Halsted
TKO – September 6th, 2015 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Center on Halsted brings you the hottest Labor Day bash!
TKO: greatest t-dance ever.
battle for your pleasure and a Technical Knock Out
jump in! groove to the killer sound of our dueling djs.
Billy Brown vs. Gina Kozar……mc Pandora Boxx officiates
sept. 6 2015 T-time: 3 – 6 pm……..coh rooftop & indoors
$20 entry/one drink, cash bar feat. our one-two rum punch
community.centeronhalsted.org/TKO
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Pride Films & Plays: LezPlay Weekend – September 11th – 13th, 2015
LezPlay Weekend features five outstanding new works* – the finalists of this year’s Pride Films and Plays’ LezPlay contest!
LezPlay enhances the visibility and advances the viability of women who write plays, screenplays, and teleplays. The program not only advocates for more dyke drama; it honors excellence in scripts written by women in which lesbian characters and themes – past, present, and future – play a pivotal role.
The finalists’ scripts showcase Sapphic-centric narratives with a positive outlook. These are stories that elevate and celebrate us, refine and redefine us. Regardless of how you identify (or ident-defy) and even if your identity is not queer-cut, you’ll have a gay old time at LezPlay Weekend, where we’ll introduce you to women whose writing reflects, resonates with, and is relevant to your lives.
*The scripts will be presented as enhanced staged readings.
The performance schedule is as follows:
Friday, Sept 11, 7:00 pm
Black-Hearted Bitch, a teleplay by Lynn Kear
Saturday, Sept 12, 2:00 pm
The Patron Saint of Dead Dogs, a stage play by Katie Grotzinger
Saturday, Sept 12, 7:00 pm
Resolution, a play by Nancy Nyman & Heather McNama
Saturday, Sept 12, 2:00 pm
Missed Connections, a play by Hallie Palladino
Sunday, Sept 13, 5:00 pm
The Terror Fantastic, a play by Nicole Jost
For play synopses, visit the Pride Films and Plays website.
Queer Clothing Swap – September 13th, 2015 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Please join Center on Halsted and GenderQueer Chicago at the 3rd Annual Queer Clothing Swap! Trade in your skirts for a pair of slacks or your loafers for a pair of heels or maybe you’re just looking to update your wardrobe!
This event is free, but we ask that each participant bring at least 3 items of gently worn clothing (or shoes and accessories) to be donated to the swap. In exchange, you’ll have the chance to take home the new items you find! BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag). Please refrain from donating stained clothing, t-shirts and undergarments. While the swap is particularly intended for Trans* and gender-variant folks to have a safe and fun space to exchange clothes, the event is open to all queer-affirming allies!
Say you’re attending on Facebook!
Gay Milwaukee Fun August 22nd

Billed as, “The podcast where straight men talk about gay things,” Yeah, Bro! is hosted by Milwaukee funny man/T.I.M. The Improvised Musical guru Jacob D. Bach.
Yeah, Bro! is doing it’s second ever live show this weekend, AUGUST 22nd at ComedySportz 420 S. 1st Street in Milwaukee.
Come watch as we do a special midnight show, where three guest panelists compete (for nothing) in games and trivia on gay history, pop culture, and personal questions!
Some categories: Hanky Panky, Who is that Person?, and But Maybe Just Once?
GUESTS:
Nick Young (So You Think You Can Dance, GLEE, Ted 2)
Justin Barney (88.9 Radio Personality)
Kyle Ullsperger (Vollyball player and Model)
Tickets… $10
Reservations… 414 272 8888
Full Bar and Kitchen
Chicago Green City Market Event
Chef Christopher Tong, of My Private Chef, will share his culinary
expertise as he presents a cooking demonstration featuring locally
produced seasonal ingredients offered by the Green City Market. The
demonstration is on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.
able to taste it on the spot.
between Clark and Stockton Drive (approximately 1750 N. Clark).
The Gay Gayme – Drinking and Fun
A gay boy, a kickstarter campaign and an idea! Last year Matt Sauve had an idea for an innovative party game for gays and allies that will have you laughing, drinking, and doing random yoga poses.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM AT MARKET DAYS – The Gayme is an innovative party game that consolidates the gay lifestyle and coming-of-age experience into hundreds of stimulating cards. The best part is anyone can play! LGBT or ally, it doesn’t matter.
There are 500 unique cards, each crafted to promote bonding, story-telling, and maybe a bit of intoxication. Unlike traditional games, The Gayme changes each time you play. You can play with 2 players or 20, it’s versatile. You can play in your kitchen, in your bed, at your mom’s house, in a bar: all you need is a surface, drinks, and people!
Created by Matt Sauve ( 3rd guy to the right in picture), 2-20 players can play and a game runs around 60-90 minutes. Matt and his partner live here in Chicago.
- All players have a beverage
- Each player takes a turn picking a card, reading it out loud, & doing what it says
- Most cards are normal All Play without a title, meaning anytime that a card applies to you, you play.
- All Play cards with a title include: Question, Categories, Storytime
- Individual & Rule cards refer to the person reading the card
- Trivia cards are for the person sitting directly across from you
Matt invented The Gayme in 2012 when he discovered a lack of “social lubrication” at a party he was hosting. Originally hand-written on colored notecards, The Gayme’s popularity at college parties encouraged Matt to start his own company. He spends his spare time entertaining his friends and constantly conjuring new Gayme cards. Each card has been carefully crafted to promote bonding, story-telling, and laughter.
It’s clever, cute and fun! ORDER today for $25!
Chicago House Trans Event August 29
TransReelization: An Evening of Film at Kinowerks Studio will again take place at Kinowerks Studio, founded by the Wachowski Siblings, Creators of The Matrix Trilogy.
The 2nd annual TransReelization film fest, features a selection of films highlighting Transgender characters and stories. This evening of cocktails, celebrities and film supports the critical work of the Chicago House – TransLife Center, which continues to deliver the nation’s most comprehensive programming to Chicago’s transgender community.
This years honoree is COL (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), who is being honored for her continued advocacy and support of the Transgender community. Read her full bio here.
VIP Guests will meet and mingle with stars from Netflix’s new hit show, “Sense8,” receive a private tour of Kinowerks Studio led by movie writer, producer and director, Lana Wachowski, watch an exclusive behind the scenes film about the making of “Sense8,” with live commentary by Lana Wachowski, and receive a gift bag of swag from some of Netflix’s top shows.
All guests will enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and be able to bid on unique silent auction items. Guests will also have an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the 20,000-square foot movie production studio. Renowned for its “cleverly sustainable design elements and the best of green technology,” the studio is a museum of Wachowski artifacts, trophies and memorabilia from their films.
MORE INFO HERE
AIDS RUN WALK Chicago 2015

AIDS Run & Walk Chicago is AFC’s grassroots fundraising event where people from all walks of life help change the story of HIV in our lifetime.
As beneficiaries of the event, AFC and our CommunityDirect partners are greatly impacted – beyond just the obvious ways.
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago stands up to the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS allowing progress to continue toward ending the epidemic. Run & Walk invigorates the sector by increasing awareness for the cause, growing our passionate community and allowing new leaders to emerge.
In 2014, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raised over $394,000 net to benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
Over and above that, we granted $240,000 to our CommunityDirect partners. These funds allow us to continue saving and improving the lives of those living with or at risk for HIV.
SIGN UP TODAY!!





















































