Category Archives: News and Happenings
Equality Illinois Contributions to Help LGBT Rights Advancement

A personal letter, from Bernard Cherkasov, Equality Illinois..
As you know, this year has indeed been a year of tremendous successes for LGBT people in the state, including Illinois becoming just the sixth state to legalize civil unions. Because of your generous support of LGBT equality work and the efforts of supporters like you, we have taken a significant step toward full equality for every family in Illinois!
There is so much more to do to achieve full equality for LGBT Illinoisans. We have an incredible about of work to do in 2012. If you have not yet done so, please make an additional tax-deductible, end-of-year contribution to help Equality Illinois move forward with our statewide educational work next year.
My thoughts keep returning to the individuals and families for whom we fight every day. I think of the impact that our LGBT-rights progress has on them and our larger community. I am thankful for the greater protections and safeguards that are available in Illinois. Yet, there is still so much work to be done.
That is why I ask you to stand with us as we move forward in our battle for equal protections under the law. Will you, please, make an additional tax-deductible, end-of-year contribution to help us advance our aggressive statewide LGBT-rights agenda?
LGBT Illinoisans are counting on your support, and we cannot succeed in achieving full equality without you.
Thank you again for your support. Let’s keep moving forward!
Sincerely,
Bernard Cherkasov
Chief Executive Officer
P.S. Remember that your generous end-of-the-year donation to Equality Illinois Education Project, a 501(c)(3) organization, is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
306 a Short Gay Film by Elliot London, Filmed in Chicago

Check out the short gay film ‘306’; written, directed and produced by
film maker Elliot London.
Set in Chicago, IL, this 11 minute short film
shows a day in the life of a young man. Without a single word spoken,
‘306’ is full of emotion and shows us exactly how Eric (played by Brian
Estel, from Wisconsin) feels at all times. Beautifully shot and great acting.
In just 25 days, ‘306’ received over 44,000 hits on Vimeo and was viewed in over 150 countries in every continent of the world.
When you watch ‘306’ you will think you know it all, but you don’t. Judge for yourselves.
Elliot London is an OUT film maker living in Los Angeles. “I love
making film and had a great success with my short last year titled
(306). You can follow me on my weekly video Blog called the E Life on
Vimeo or Youtube. Currently I am putting a feature together titled
Perfect Lies. I think it is very important to make film that you love.
Right now it is about making film for my community and sharing it with
the world. “
UBER New Chicago Black Car Service Taxi

Going to a nice party and you’re all dressed up…and you have to crawl into a dirty smelly yellow cab? ICK!
What about fighting for a cab on a busy Saturday night? How fun is that? Especially if it is freezing cold outside?!
Personal car service has arrived in Chicago! UBER. Everyone’s private driver. A black car service, on demand, from your phone! What could be easier? While most black car or executive car services require a 24 hour advanced notice, this is on demand.
For years I have used black car services in New York City. But still, you usually need to give some kind of advance notice.

Now you can request a car from any mobile phone—text message, iPhone and Android apps. Uber will send the nearest driver to pick you up, and text message you an estimated arrival time. Cars usually arrive within 5-10 minutes. You can even track your driver right from your phone.
Your licensed professional driver will park curbside in a sleek black car. Uber will text you again when the car arrives. Hop in the car, tell the driver your destination and you’ll be on your way.
The fee’s are automatically charged to your credit card on file, and tip is included. No fuss with money and change. It is the law in Chicago, a cab driver MUST take your credit card. But how many times do they grumble or say their machine is broken?!
“We’re changing the way people are getting around by offering a convenient, cashless, and stylish on demand car request service from your mobile phone.”
Sign up with Uber.com and download the app. It’s that easy!
Sign up at UBER or by downloading the app and inputting “BESTGAY”. These special promo codes for our readers will get your $10 off your first ride.

Sure it’s a few dollars more than a cab. But it’s worth it to arrive in style and comfort. For me, I found it most economical to ride from Boystown to downtown for events, via Lake Shore Drive. If the cars have to cut through the city,and zig zag in traffic, the bill can get a little higher. But it’s about convenience. And a luxury ride.
Uber takes GPS data from your ride and charges for distance or time depending on your speed. When your Uber is traveling over 11mph, they charge a distance fee. When your Uber is traveling at or below 11mph, they charge a time fee. There is never extra charges for late night rides, weekend rides, extra passengers, or luggage fees, it’s always the same rate.
“We carefully select which fleet partners we work with and ensure that they have all the proper licensing. We’ve also implemented a rating system for drivers. If his or her rating goes beneath a certain level, we will no longer do business with them. We’re careful to maintain a standard of only doing business with quality, licensed drivers.
When Uber was started it was a service used by us and our friends. We will never allow our friends to be put into an uncomfortable or dangerous situation because of our service. One of the most important points about Uber service is to get away from those types of situations when looking for transportation around the city.“
Currently “UBER – Your Private Driver” in 7 cities:
San Francisco, NYC, Seattle, Boston, Washington, DC, Paris and now Chicago!
Cardinal Francis George compared Gay Pride Parade to the Ku Klux Klan

Cardinal Francis George compared next year’s Gay Pride Parade to the Ku Klux Klan! (Appearing on Fox’s Chicago station).
“You don’t want the gay liberation movement to morph into something
like the Ku Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against
Catholicism,” Cardinal George said.
“That’s a little strong analogy, Ku Klux Klan,” Fox Chicago’s Dane Placko noted.
“It is,” Cardinal George agreed. “But you take a look at the
rhetoric, the rhetoric of the Ku Klux Klan, the rhetoric of some of the
gay liberation people. Who is the enemy? The Catholic Church.”
State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D) on Wednesday called on Cardinal George to apologize.
The CCWC coordinators, already imagining a New Years/Epiphany ad in the
Windy City Times, are exploring options for a paid ad which will in
some way be a counter message to George. Watch for it in this week’s
WCT. And, watch Facebook and listserv traffic for further updates
including a press release which you might consider tailoring and using
yourselves.
You may call the Cardinal’s office (312-534-8230) and demand an apology for this offensive and hurtful statement.
La Cage Aux Folles in Chicago Till Jan 1

Winner of three 2010 Tony Awards® including the award for BEST MUSICAL
REVIVAL, this hilarious new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES was the
biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches
night after night!
LA CAGE starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber tells the story
of Georges (George Hamilton), the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely
Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin (Christopher Sieber), who
moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son brings his
fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds
of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! LA CAGE is a
tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together…
stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!
Playing at the Bank of America Theatre, this is an awesome theatre for this show!
2000 seats – not too big and no bad seats.
With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a dynamite cast featuring
the “notorious and dangerous Cagelles,” LA CAGE is an indisputable
musical comedy classic… and this extraordinary new version shows you
why!
Now thru January 01, 2012
Ticket prices are $32 to $100. LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
Boystown Landmark COCKTAIL to re-open Jan. 6th

STOP THE GOSSIP AND THE RUMORS, OK?
Cocktail DID NOT go out of business
Their landlord DID NOT take possession of the bar
They WERE NOT busted for drugs or any other violations
They WILL re-open Jan. 6th!
Chicago House Champagne Wrapture 2012 at Willis Tower

SAVE THE DATE! January 26th, 2012
Chicago House and Veuve Clicquot bring CHAMPAGNE WRAPTURE 2012 to WILLIS TOWER!
Date: Thursday, January 26, 2012
Time: 6pm
Where: The SkyDeck, Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL
The top winter event has finally reached the
highest high! On the 99th floor of the Willis Tower, high flying
treats and bubbly drinks await you!
Soar to new heights and join Veuve Clicquot and Co-Chairs David
Kaufman, Tom Segal, Matthew Harvat, Dennis Remer, Scott Silverman, and
Christopher Hubbard for Champagne Wrapture 2012: Clicquot in the
Sky.
New this year, when you purchase the VIP Ticket for
Champagne Wrapture receive a VIP Gift Pack that includes surprises from
Garrett Popcorn, Terry’s Toffees and Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery. Plus,
you will receive a commemorative SkyDeck photo taken on The Ledge!
Tickets $99 and $130. Get yours now – this party is always a hit!
BestGayChicago.com
DEC. 12th Benefit at HYDRATE

Originally from Detroit, the flamboyant Cyon Flare (facebook, twitter) is creator, promoter and host of United House, the Monday night residency at Hydrate that aims to bring House Music back in Chicago’s Boystown. He’s also a vocalist that’s recorded tracks with DJ Dealer, Georgie Porgie and Edson Pride. His fabulous personality brings light into every community, crossing every boundary.
“The vision is simple. It’s in the title: “United House, A Night of Unity
in House Music”. The bigger vision is to see more people – black,
white, latino (no matter the race), straight, gay, bisexual,
transgender, lesbian, all those that love House Music – come together.
And if you don’t love House Music, come to United House and experience
the energy in the room and I think you’ll change your mind!” (Read a great interview with CYON online).

Legendary LINDA CLIFFORD will also perform!
Rosie O’Donnell and Michelle Rounds Engaged

ROSIE O’DONNELL IS ENGAGED!
She broke the news to her audience today in Chicago during a break set aside for
commercials during the taping of her new show, at the Harpo Studios.
Rosie did not say if it would be a civil union in the state of Illinois or just what the plans would be.
On Friday, she posted a photo of Michelle Rounds
on her Instagram page with the word “love.” She also Tweeted a link –
this time with the caption “happy – in love” – of her new fiancée the
same day.
The lesbian couple met at a Starbucks. In October, O’Donnell joked
that her “gaydar was way off” because she thought Rounds was
heterosexual and just 28 years old, when really she is a gay woman and
40.
“It’s fun and very exciting,” O’Donnell recently said about the relationship. “I did not expect it.”
Santa Speedo Run comes to Chicago Dec. 10

The famous Santa Speedo Run is now happening in Chicago!
It began in Boston in 2000 with 5 guys just looking to spread some
holiday spirit. Since then it has attracted thousands, intent on
raising money for children in need, to run through the streets of
Boston, and several other North American cities, in December dressed
in Speedo’s and holiday flair.
SATURDAY Dec. 10th
12:00 – 3:00
The run will launch it’s first ever Chicago Santa Speedo Run in Andersonville!
Introducing
the new Santa Speedo Run in Andersonville! This first year, folks will be
running for Vital Bridges!
“We are asking for a $20 minimum donation to
participate in the race, so start your fundraising!”
Dress Code for the Run:
As the name of the event implies, you will
want to wear a speedo and a Santa hat. Elves, Reindeer, Hanukkah
Harrys, etc. ALL are welcome! Bags will be provided for you to check
your clothes at The Sofo Tap. 4923 N. Clark.

Schedule of Events:
12:00pm – 1:30pm / Sign-in @ The Sofo Tap (4923 N Clark)
1:30pm / A few words while we get ready, then sing our Christmas Carol!
2:00pm / We begin our run along Clark St. north to Balmoral and back to Sofo (1 mile)
2:30pm / Awards
Spread the word and invite your friends!
RSVP on Facebook

World Aids Day – FREE HIV Testing Today

TODAY IS WORLD AIDS DAY.
observed December 1 every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.
AIDS
has killed more than 26 million people. and an estimated 35 million
people worldwide live with HIV, making it one of the most destructive
epidemics in recorded history. It is NOT OVER.
Here
in the U.S. about 50,000 people become infected with HIV annually. New
numbers from the CDC indicate that nearly 1 in 5 people (about 240,000)
don’t know they are infected.
Today from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., staff members from Howard
Brown will offer free HIV testing at the Brown Elephant
(Andersonville), 5404 N. Clark.
Model, actor,
athlete, designer Jack Mackenroth has quickly become the most visible,
out HIV+ advocate and educator in the country… if not the world. With the release of his gorgeous, sexy 2012 calendar,
he is raising both money and awareness for AIDS research, and to
show through his photographs that a person living with HIV can be in top
physical form, healthy and sexy.All proceeds Benefit AMFAR.
His AUTOGRAPHED, high-quality, glossy, limited edition, 15-month calendar has been selling like hotcakes since September.
The calendar begins in January 2012 and continues through May
2013. Each month features a different photographer with a very different
style. $14.95!! Buy a couple. One for you and one for friends! This
is sure to be a sell out!! And every calendar sold helps the fight!
BUY ONLINE NOW
3 Men Acquitted in Chicago Gay Bashing

BEWARE OF THESE 3 MEN –
Sean Little, Benjamin Eder, and Kevin McAndrew were acquitted this week in the beating of gay man Daniel Hauff on a Chicago ‘L’ train in January 2010. A judge found the three Evanston men innocent!! WTF?!
A cell phone photo may have captured the
punch of a gay Chicago man by one of three Evanston men accused of
beating him on the CTA Red Line because of his sexual orientation.
But a Cook County judge acquitted the three
Wednesday, questioning the credibility of Daniel Hauff, the victim who
was cross-examined for about seven hours during the trial.
I happen to know Daniel personally – and this is appalling these 3 are getting off the hook!

the Sun-Times reports:
“The victim is not to be believed,” Judge Cannon said. “His inability to recall who did what is understandable. His inability to recall what he did the day after this incident is not understandable.”
Hauff, 35, testified during a bench
trial last month about what happened to him between 2 and 3 a.m. Jan.
10, 2010, as he rode the northbound CTA Red Line L toward his home.
He said the three men punched and kicked
him while calling him a “stupid faggot” after he asked them to stop gay
bashing another young man on the train. He replied dozens of times on
cross-examination that he couldn’t remember — where he’d been earlier
that night, who he spoke with the next day and more.
“We don’t choose our victims and we
don’t choose our witnesses,” Assistant State’s Attorney Dan Kirk said
during closing arguments. “This picture” he said, holding up the cell
phone photo a witness took of Eder punching Hauff, “is a perfect
witness.”
The witness who took the photos turned
out to be a convicted drug dealer, defense attorneys pointed out. And
his testimony was at odds with Hauff’s.
It’s very sad the system did not work. And three haters got off.
Breaking News! Illinois will Allow Same Sex Couples to File Joint Taxes

After months of discussion with the Illinois Department of Revenue, EQUALITY ILLINOIS received word today that the State of Illinois will allow same-sex
couples in a civil union to jointly file their 2011 state tax returns
just as married spouses are currently allowed to do so.
Since the beginning of June when same-sex couples
first started entering into civil unions, no one could speak with
certainty about how this new status would affect state tax policy. We
immediately reached out to the Illinois Department of Revenue and
started the process of figuring out a solid solution to this problem.
Illinois law specifies that couples in a civil union are afforded the
same rights and benefits as married spouses, so why should same-sex
couples’ state tax status be any different?
Under the new guidelines issued by the Department
of Revenue, same-sex couples in a civil union may elect to file state
taxes as “married, filed jointly” or “married, filed separately” – the
same options opposite-sex married couples may choose. If applicable,
couples would check a box for “same-sex civil union return.” To
determine the adjusted gross income to include on state filings, couples
will have to complete a pro forma federal IRS return.
In order to ensure that couples in a civil union
were afforded the same rights as other spouses, we needed the leadership
of Gov. Quinn and Revenue Director Brian Hamer, and we thank them for
standing up for equality. We are grateful to them and their respective
staffs for their commitment to equal treatment for same-sex couples.
With this new development, Illinois becomes the
tenth state, along with Washington, D.C., to allow same-sex couples to
file joint state tax returns!
Shop Local Chicago This Holiday Season

SHOP LOCAL is this theme this holiday season, all over the US.
Independent businesses are the breadth of our community.
It is important to understand the impact on where you spend your money and how it affects
the community it which you live, work or visit.
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce
has partnered with several business organizations along with Local First Chicago to help
build awareness to the independent businesses.


Start saving your receipts!
Awesome Chicago Holiday Dinner Dance Gala for Famous Fido

only will this event be a chance to eat, drink, dance, and shop at our
Holiday Bazaar, Silent Auction and Raffle, and the proceeds will benefit Famous Fido’s important work
in the year to come.
Dinner buffet, wine, beer and soft drinks! What a deal!
dollar will go back to the animals. Join us in ringing in the holidays
with some smiles, laughter, and joy, all for a great cause! Your support
keeps these animals off the streets and gets them into the homes they
deserve.
Purchase tickets
please call 773-907-0305 www.famousfidorescue.com
More details online.
Magician James Galea Nov. 19

Australiaʼs
No. 1 Magician and YouTube sensation James Galea will be performing at
the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Moraine Valley Community College
on November 19, 2011.
200 performances in the last year have seen
more than 100,000 fans flock to see his sell-out shows in over 15
countries. Galeaʼs award-winning magic grabbed the attention of ʻTheEllen DeGeneres Showʼ producers earlier this year and he was immediately
flown out to appear on the show.
Due to success of his introduction on
US television, James was invited to perform on ʻEllenʼs Somewhat Special
Specialʼ filmed for TBS in June to perform his signature trick, ʻ673
King Streetʼ.
James Galea is vastly different to the
stereotypical ‘pull a rabbit out of a hat’ magician – he breathes new
life into the dying art of magic and trades the traditional rigid tuxedo
and stiff top hat for a pair of sneakers, jeans and a tee shirt.
Energetic
and effortlessly cool, James presents the art of magic with a wicked
sense of humor disarming audiences with his youthful charm and
astonishing them with his talent.
James started learning magic at
age 14 from someone he thought was a magician. He later found out that
his mentor moonlighted as a professional con man who cheated in high
stakes poker games. While his colleagues were learning how to make
hankies disappear from old magic books Galea learnt how to deal aces
from the bottom of the deck from a professional card shark.
GET TICKETS!
Moraine Valley Community College
Fine & Performing Arts Center
9000 West College Parkway
Palos Hills, IL 60465
Phone (708) 974-5500
Ronnie Kroell and The Lions Den in Chicago Nov. 8th

“Into the Lion’s Den” is an incredible new thriller directed by Dan Lantz and distributed by Breaking Glass Pictures. The film has premiered in some cities already – And you can catch it in Chicago NOV. 8th!! 9:15 at Landmark Century Cinema.
The cast includes:Ronnie Kroell, Jesse Archer, Kristen Alex Griffith, Jodi Shultz, and Michael McFadden.
Bored with the West Hollywood gay scene, best friends Michael, Johnny and Ted have embarked on a cross-country road trip from LA to New York City. Though their friendship hits a few speed bumps along the way, the trio decides to have one last hurrah during their last night on the road. That’s when fate brings them to The Lion’s Den, a secluded backwoods bar where not everything is as it seems. …
As the three out-of-towners toast the end of their journey, someone at the bar is watching them and setting a deadly trap. Now, as closing time draws near, a night of unspeakable horrors is about to begin…
Jesse Archer (Violet Tendencies, Going Down in LA-LA Land) and Ronnie Kroell (Eating Out: Drama Camp, Bravo’s Make Me a Super Model) headline in this bold, uncompromising thriller that plunges into the depths of human depravity. With its unpredictable plotline and raw performances, Into the Lion’s Den is a twisted nightmare that viewers won’t soon forget.
GET A SNEAK PEAK NOW! GET TICKETS NOW ONLINE
PS – Ronnie will be in town for the Chicago showing!!
And he is hosting an after-party at Mini Bar, right after the movie.
Hollywood to Dollywood and the Lane Twins Arrive in Chicago!

IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM….
AND AN RV NAMED JOLENE.
Everybody has a dream. Most of us are only willing to go so far to see it materialize and often find ourselves waiting for the right opportunity to come to us. Not so for the Lane twins -they were not content to send their screenplay Full Circle to Dolly Parton’s manager or publicist. No, they were determined to get it into the hands of their idol and on the 25th Anniversary of Dollywood, no less.
“WE grew up listening to Dolly’s music and always thought she was an amazing person. So why not write a screenplay about her, and go on a cross country roadtrip to try to put it in her hands! “ say the Lane Twins, Gary and Larry.
And that’s just what they did.
And the result is An amazing film and journey about courage and acceptance.
Now in 51 Film Festivals Around the World …They won 6 Awards so far!
“Dolly Parton herself Is 100% behind Our Movie and Gave us 15 Of Her Songs Free For the Documentary and Her Image for the Movie Poster!”
Hollywood to Dollywood Plays in CHICAGO!!
Nov. 9th! 7pm ONE NIGHT ONLY! Landmark Theater.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW – SURE TO SELL OUT.
The twins are hosting an after-party at SPIN, right after the movie.
ALSO the guys taped the Rosie show NOV 8th “she has just seen HOLLYWOOD TO DOLLYWOOD and wants to Chat about it!! WE ARE SO EXCITED!” say the Lane Twins! – The show airs NOV. 9th! Rosie LOVED the film!

DON’T MISS IT!
Hollywood to Dollywood
Hollywood to Dollywood blog
The Lane Twins
































