Category Archives: News and Happenings
Center on Halsted ROOFTOP Alfresco Dining Returns July 13
Intimate dining experience on the Richard M. Daley Rooftop at Center on Halsted!
Led by celebrity chef Dan Smith of The Hearty Boys, sixteen burgeoning chefs enrolled in the Center’s Silver Fork Culinary Arts Program will present two weeks of fantastic four-course al fresco dining. Each week will focus on a different regional cuisine and feature dishes from guest celebrity chefs.
The Silver Fork Program at Center on Halsted is a twelve-week vocational training program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied young adults and adults (ages 18+), especially those who are unemployed or underemployed. The Dining on the Rooftop series is an opportunity for Silver Fork participants to showcase their new knowledge about fine cuisine and front-of-house dinner service. Potential employers will be in attendance at the dinners to discuss employment opportunities with the new graduates. Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14; 6PM Italy Under the Stars In our first week of the Dining on the Rooftop series, our young chefs will explore the savory and bold flavors developed over the centuries in the rolling hills of Italy. Expect refreshing appetizers, hearty pasta dishes, and tasty sweets from the birthplace of the Renaissance. Wine lovers should consider bringing a Chianti or a Cabernet Sauvignon to compliment tomato sauces. Beer lovers will prefer an American blonde ale or light lager for the evening. Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21; 6PM Une Nuit a Paris In the second week of our series, our chefs will make Julie and Julia blush as they master the art of French cooking. Traditional and modern techniques will be employed to achieve the refined flavors of several regions of France. Guests should consider bringinga Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the French flavors, or sneak across the French border by pairing with a tasty Belgian beer. Tickets are $25, and reservations can be made online at
During each session, 16 participants receive hands-on training in the culinary arts and job readiness training. Graduates of the program leave with BASSET (Beverage and Alcohol Sellers Servers Education and Training) Certification and State of Illinois/City of Chicago Food Safety and Sanitation (FSS) certification, along with the knowledge and skills to be successful placed in the hospitality and restaurant industry. COH also provides case management services to participants to link them to needed resources, and support them through the training, job search, and employment process.
The Schedule:
Centeronhalsted.org. The rooftop will be open for seating at 6pm, and dinner will begin promptly at 6:30pm. “Dining on the Rooftop” is BYOB, and drinks will be chilled and filled throughout the night. Artisanal iced teas and water will also be served. Please be sure to note all food allergies and dietary restrictions on the online registration form to ensure a positive dining experience. Vegetarian dishes will be available.
July 2 TAKE BACK Chicago BOYSTOWN From Gang Violence
STABBINGS!
THIS HAS TO STOP!
Boystown has been under attack for months now, with muggings and robberies….now in the last 2 weeks, 2 serious stabbings have taken place, with both victims being taken to the hospital.
We are being targeted. They rob, mug, stab, and rape us out of fun.. that is their answer. As the assailant on the 18th told the Hydrate Security Staff, we do it to “Just Cause Trouble”.
The Almighty Black P-stones Nation gang is targeting Gay Men. Both Knife Stabbings occurred in the 7-11 parking lot at Roscoe and Halsted. The brightest park lot on Halsted The stabbings occured on 18th and the other on the 28th. – But prior to that, there have been countless muggings.
SATURDAY July 2nd. @ 11:30, join us at the 7-11 parking lot. Halsted and Roscoe
We are going to do a Walk-About in the Neighborhood and a Positive Loitering at 7-11 ‘s parking lot.
The 23rd Precint Commander will be at the event to support the LGBTQIA community.
TAKE BACK OUR STREETS!
Chicago Black Gay Pride July 2-4
During Independence Day Weekend (Thursday, June 30th – Monday, July 4th), approximately 20,000 people from across the Midwest and the rest of the country will converge in the city of Chicago for Chicago Black Pride Weekend, the largest celebration in the Midwest for the African-American Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The weekend consists of dynamic workshops and seminars, feature performances and entertainment, film screenings, health outreach, discussion panels, and vendor exhibitions. As part of the Chicago Black Pride Weekend festivities, special event and lifestyle marketing firm K Dock Media will host the LUX SERIES, three days (Saturday, July 2nd – Monday, July 4th) of opulent events designed for networking, socializing and excitement in the most beautiful venues and areas of Chicago. With an expected attendance of more than 2000 local and national patrons, the events will include celebrity guest appearances/hosts, viewing of new urban LGBT television programs, discussions with movemakers in the LGBT community and overall good time with new and old friends.
Windy City Black Pride and LUX Series Events
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Gay Pride 2011 – And Tips for Next Year
HAPPY GAY PRIDE 2011!
Chicago’s gay pride usually brings out about 500,000 people…but last weekend brought out about 750,000 people! The BIGGEST Chicago pride ever. Thanks in part to perfect weather in a growing shift in heterosexual attitudes.
Behind the scenes, vandalism by haters struck the parade. Early in the day, it was discovered that tires had been slashed on each of the 51 floats being stored at a float-building company several miles south of the parade route. The company’s owner discovered the damage about 5 a.m. Sunday; the floats were fine when he left the building at 8 the previous evening, so the damage occurred late
Saturday night or very early Sunday. The vandalism appeared to be an antigay hate crime.
The parade stepped off on time at noon in the heavily gay north side Lakeview neighborhood. Chicago’s new mayor, Rahm Emanuel, was at the head, receiving loud cheers from spectators. This was the first appearance in the parade by a Chicago mayor since previous mayor Richard M. Daley’s first year in office, 1989. Daley, who was the first mayor to participate in the parade, did not make a repeat appearance because he declined to work on Sundays, and he instead hosted a Pride-related reception on another day.
“Behind Emanuel was a kaleidoscopic collection of politicians, teachers, motorcyclists, drag queens and librarians, among many others,” the Tribune reported. There were about 250 total parade entries, including floats, decorated vehicles, and marching contingents.
Cute gay boys in t-shirts…YAY!
Cute gay boys in hats…..YAY!
Cute STRAIGHT BOYS giving me NIP! BIG YAY!
It is a known fact straight girls love the LGBT’s. But more and more straight girls boyfriends are loving us. This year brought out record numbers of heteros, and everyone played along nice! Except for a couple bad hetero eggs I met near Addison, who started pushing and threatening us, the day was bliss!
Straight A&F models and their friends….YAY!
Tan gay boys and their girlfriends…..Fun Fun!
Families!
and then…..
OK – HEAR THIS LOUD AND CLEAR!
NO STROLLERS!
NO FLIP FLOPS!
AND NO BIKES!
PLEASE!!
ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING?
IN THAT CROWD! GET A CLUE!
And WHY can’t you pick up after your selves?
You are seriously going to leave all of that trash in the streets?
Really? I am sure these people do not leave around here, and could care less.
But show some respect next year.
BEST(and WORST)GayChicago
Latin Latino Pride in Chicago this Week
UNITED LATINO PRIDE – ULP is a group of individual community members, organizations and buisness that identify as Latino LGBTQ and allies. The group was formed to meet the need to educate and celebrate who we are as community.
“There are over 1 million Latinos in the Chicago Land Area meaning that statistically at least 30,000 fall in the LGBTQ spectrum. With such a large population, how can we not celebrate who we are!”
This week ULP is organizing a series of event for Latino Pride in Chicago. Including:
June 9, 2011 screening “I am the Queen” film Directed by Josue Pellot and Henrique Cirne-Lima
The Event will begin with a small reception and special performance, followed by the viewing of the film and a Q and A. This event is open to ALL AGES
We are asking for a minimum donation of $10.00 to benefit the transitional living center for Trans identified people, “El Rescate” that Vida Sida is in the processes of… establishing in Humbolt Park, Chicago.
About the Movie: “I am the Queen” takes a look at the often unobserved life of Chicago’s
Puerto Rican transgendered community documenting the Cacique Pageant, the first annual transgendered pageant held in Chicago’s Humboldt Park
neighborhood.
The film exposes the restructuring of the family unit
experienced by pageant participants who are often distanced from their
biological family only to find kinship among others in the Puerto Rican
transgendered community.
AND Saturday, June 11 · 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Latin@ PRIDE Summer Dance
Join us for Latin@ Pride Summer Dance at Harrison Park in Pilsen. Help us kick-off the pride festivities with music by some of Chicago’s leading queer Latin@ DJ’s and some of the queer friendliest DJ’s.
Spinning to the delight of your ears: Dj’s Reyna, Ang G., Feline and (((SONORAMA))).
There’ll be a dance contest, a guac-off (guacamole show down!) and so much more.
Location Harrison Park in Pilsen , 19th & Damen Chicago, IL
More events and details at United Latino Pride.
BestGayChicago.com
H.E.R. Day (Health, Recreation, Education) LGBTQA Women June 11
is a day-long symposium of exciting programs and workshops for LGBTQA women.
Facilitators from Howard Brown Health Center, the Chicago Women’s Health Center, Northwestern University’s Department of Psychology, and other organizations will lead health seminars, a cooking class, and recreation classes like self-defense, yoga, and salsa throughout the day.
Keynote speech will be given by Jessica Halem, comedian, activist, and former Executive Director of the Lesbian Community Cancer (now Care) Project. Jessica will also close the event with a special performance of her one-woman-show, “Bad Feminist” in the Hoover-Leppen Theater at 7pm.
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show) or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.
Seminars and workshops include:
“What I Learned from Cancer,” Jessica Halem
Sex Ed 101 for L/B/T/Q Women, presented by the Chicago Women’s Health Center
Women, the Media, and Beauty Ideals, presented by Renee Engeln-Maddox, Ph.D. and senior lecturer at Northwestern University
Healthy Cooking Class and Demonstration, presented by Chef Toni Rivera
Tickle Your Fancy: Female Sexuality, Orgasm & What Toys Can Do for You! Presented by Searah Deysach from Early to Bed
Transgender Health, presented by Lois Bates from Howard Brown
Intersex People: What you Should Know and Why You Should Care! Presented by Dr. Veronica Drantz and intersex spokespersons Alex and Mugsie
Salsa dance, instructed by Heidi Landgraf, She-She Salsa Instructor at Edge Gallery
Self Defense, instructed by Matt Cowell of Cowell Martial Arts
Yoga, instructed by Kerri Noto of Tejas Yoga
In Vitro Fertilization for LGBT couples, presented by Colleen Wagner Coughlin, Laboratory Director and Embryologist of aParentIVF
Saturday, June 11, 10AM – 4PM
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show)
or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago at T’s June 12 Andersonville
The Big Gay Brunch Club
(BGBC) takes over T’s
in Andersonville this
Sunday June 12th, 11am-1pm.
followed by
Andersonville Midsommarfest!
5025 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: 773-784-6000
$25 Includes bottomless Mimosas,
Bloody Mary’s, Coffee, Tea and Soda.
And one menu item from the list below
Mac & Cheese, Cobb Salad, Fish n Chips or Veggie Burger
RSVP on FACEBOOK
Next month – Sunday July 17th @ El Mariachi tequila bar & grill….3906 N. Broadway!
Gay Couples say Civil Unions a step in the Right Direction, for Chicago
Chicago – Cook County Clerk David Orr said his office issued 203 civil union licenses on the first day they were able to in Illinois.
Orr’s office said Wednesday evening that many couples arrived before the clerk’s office opened in downtown Chicago. But officials say the office saw a steady stream of couples applying for civil unions until the office closed at 7 p.m.
The first civil union license was issued Wednesday morning to Janean Watkins and Lakeesha Harris of Chicago, who arrived at midnight to be the first couple in line at the Daley Center, according to the release.
(They started the line at Midnight last night!)
“This is a day long in the making,” said Orr, who is on assignment in Macedonia as an election monitor.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 150 couples had obtained licenses at the Clerk’s downtown office, including a few dozen at the Clerk’s five suburban offices. At least two of the couples were heterosexual, the release said.
Harris and Watkins have six children and have been together more than a decade.
Another couple, Pam Voss and Melody Fairchild started dating 13 years ago. “It’s nice to finally have your relationship validated,” Voss said.
Qadree and Troy Holmes, who have been together for six years, met at a barbeque Qadree hosted. Although the couple had a wedding ceremony in 2007 at their church, they were grateful for the opportunity to have a civil union.
Hyde Park residents James Darby, 79, and Patrick Bova, 73, the oldest couple to obtain their civil union license Wednesday, have been a couple for nearly a half century. The youngest couple were Elena Denise Cano, 21, and Jannett Lopez, 20.
Because Watkins and Harris were first in line to receive their civil union license, they received a gift package from several sponsors, including: a two-night stay at the Palmer House Hilton; free Eli’s Cheesecake each anniversary for the rest of their lives; a $100 gift certificate to Wilde Bar & Restaurant; a Starbelly Studios photo shoot with three complimentary prints; a $100 Downtown Bar & Lounge gift certificate; and a $50 LaSalle Flowers gift certificate.
More than 80 other “presents” were donated and raffled off at a reception hosted by the Clerk’s office. Grand prize winners Jef Johnson and Allen Nichols received a 2-hour party cruise from Chicago’s First Lady Cruises, which includes complimentary wine and beer as well as a gift basket with champagne, chocolate and more (valued at $2,500).
In north suburban Lake County, County Clerk Willard Helander reported that six couples were in line for their civil union licenses by 8:30 a.m. As of 3:30 p.m. 15 civil union licenses had been issued in Lake County, according to Helander’s office.
Married couples have 1,138 federal rights, protections and responsibilities.
Civil Unions provides legal protection to couples at the state law level, but omits federal protections, as well as the dignity, clarity, security and power of the word “marriage”.
Civil unions give couples the right to make funeral and end-of-life decisions, the right to share a room in a nursing home, automatic hospital visitation, adoption and parental rights, pension benefits, inheritance rights, the right to decide how to dispose of a partner’s remains, and the right not to testify against each other in court. It is more than we had before! I’ll take it. For now.
BestGayChicago.com
ARF Brings Taste for a Change to Chicago June 9th
Abzyme Research Foundation Holds Taste For Change Benefit in Chicago
The Event Raises Funds and Awareness for Innovative Therapeutic HIV Vaccine Candidate
The Abzyme Research Foundation will host a benefit in Chicago to raise funds to propel HIV E-VAC, an innovative HIV vaccine candidate, into human trials. The work is being conducted at the University of Texas Houston Medical School and California Public Health Service with support from the National Institutes of Health.
Abzyme Research Foundation is committed to propelling HIV E-VAC into human trials because of its preclinical testing that show its incredible promise for both a prophylactic and therapeutic HIV vaccine. Despite over 27 million in NIH support of the past 25 years, the innovations of catalytic antibodies and covalent vaccination have not attracted the Pharmaceutical support of an industry discouraged by an inability to produce an effective HIV vaccine after 30 years of trying.
“We are so excited to announce the launch of our Taste For Change Program in Chicago. This grassroots wine tasting series to support a promising therapeutic HIV vaccine candidate has already launched in NYC, LA, Miami, and now we are thrilled to be launching in Chicago.
As Founder and Executive Director at ARF, I am thrilled at the opportunity to connect to Chicago and share w the enthusiasm that has me fighting with everything I’ve got to make sure this vaccine makes it to trial.
“What’s the big deal?” you may ask. My favorite piece of media to share is this CBS newstory entitled “Possible HIV Cure?’ (the most viewed YouTube clip under “hiv cure“).
For a modest $20 donation come taste delicious wines at Mini Bar paired with flatbread pizzas, tapas tastings, and small bites from Mini Bars delicious selection and TASTE FOR CHANGE.
RSVP on Facebook, and we look forward to seeing you there!”
Zachary Barnett, ARF.
@ Mini Bar 3341 N. Halsted Thursday June 9th, 7-9pm.
ARF is funding advancing a promising new therapeutic HIV vaccine into human trials through a national grassroots event series. Join us, and support hope for a future without HIV/AIDS.
To learn more about ARF and the vaccine candidate HIV-EVAC , visit endhiv.com
BestGayChicago.com
Birdhouse Art Auction and Cocktail Party for Chicago House
This year, Chicago House and our Co-Chairs Denise Antonucci, Jerry Sanfilippo and Spyros Petros are Branching Out with birdhouses and artwork for the masses!
Bring home the functional or funky birdhouse designs you’ve grown to love, plus traditional, modern, and contemporary art pieces, all auctioned off to benefit the men, women, and children of Chicago House!
Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011Time: 6 – 9PM
Where: Room & Board, 55 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Tickets online : $70 In Advance (ends June 22 at 5PM) $85 At the Door
Best Bike Tours in Chicago! Bobbys Bike Hike
Since the advent of the bicycle in the 1860s, Chicago has been distinguished as one of the premier cycling locations in the United States, with such public cycling destinations as Grant Park, Burnham Park and the Chicago Park District’s Lakefront Trail.
Chicago has been named a cycling capital of the United States by several magazines. The City of Chicago has achieved this goal by investing in bicycling infrastructure and promoting education, awareness and advocacy.
Bicycles arrived in Chicago in the 1860s. By 1900, there were 54 bicycle clubs with more than 10,000 members, and it has been growing every year.
Mayor Richard J. Daley, was a huge supporter of bicycling. When he was inaugurated, the city had a limited number of bike paths. By the 1970s, Daley’s administration had built a large network of lakefront bike paths, bicycle lanes on the road, a 34-mile (55 km) bicycle route and rush-hour bicycle lanes on Clark Street and Dearborn Street.
Chicago currently has more than 110 miles of on-street bike lanes, more than 30 miles of marked shared lanes, many miles of off-street paths (including the 18.5-mile Lakefront Trail), more than 12,000 bike racks, and sheltered, high-capacity, bike parking areas at many CTA rail stations. Daley has said, “My goal is to make the City of Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the U.S.”
Since the summer of 2002,
Bobby’s Bike Hike has offered a unique perspective on the sights and attractions of Chicago, incorporating quality information, group interaction, and most of all, fun.
“We provide you a cool, cruiser style bicycle and riders of all ages and fitness levels will find our relaxed-pace tours enjoyable. Bobby’s hand-selected guides make brief stops at Chicago’s most popular sights, providing light-hearted commentary that will keep you entertained and “in the know.”
Whether you live here – or are visiting, Bobbys tours offer something for everyone.
Lakefront Neighborhood tours –
Rated the best Chicago sightseeing tour of 2010 by Tripadvisor, Most organized bike ride of Chicago by the Chicago Reader, and Best Chicago Tour by Citysearch! This tour is what made Bobby famous, taking you off the tourist beat and onto the quiet neighborhood streets, city parks, and packed beaches of the North Side of Chicago, giving you a glimpse as to how Chicagoans enjoy their beautiful city. Highlights include the Gold Coast Mansions, Oprah’s House, the Playboy Mansion, Lincoln Park Zoo, Old Town Historic District, North Avenue Beach, and the Lakefront.
City Lights at Night – Bike through Chicago’s most attractive hotspots at night! Like a party on wheels, we’ll cruise through downtown to see brand new Millennium Park, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain, with its world-renowned light show. You’ll see our favorite jaw-dropping vantage points of the scintillating skyline.
And NEW THIS YEAR – the Bikes, Bites Brew tour – Working up an appetite won’t be a problem on this tour! We’ll be sampling from each of Chicago’s four favorite food groups — pizza, hot dogs, cupcakes and beer. You’ll learn the history behind the foods and also get a taste for some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods as we cruise through Wrigleyville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lakeview and Lincoln Park.
Bobby’s Bike Hike continues to set the standard in sightseeing bicycle tours of Chicago.
So come join in the fun – Bobby’s will be the highlight of your day!
Bobbys Bike Hike (312) 915-0995
KalaKranti 2011 Queer South Asians June 4th
A festival of
queer South
Asian short film
Saturday June 4,
12pm – 5pm
Columbia College
Film Row Cinema
1104 S. Wabash, 8th fl.
Chicago IL
Trikone-Chicago presents its annual arts festival: KalaKranti. This year we feature short films by and about queer South Asians.
Filmmakers hail from the U.S, Canada, and India, we include fiction, experimental, and documentary films, and content covers migration, race, online dating, Bollywood, gender identity, HIV, family, beauty pageants, sex work, rural life, and polyamory.
This is a unique opportunity to witness an incredibly eclectic range of aesthetics and images.
Co-presented with Columbia College’s Center for Asian Arts and Media & Kashish – Mumbai’s Queer International Film Festival
Ronnie Kroell and Mom Charlene Sonenberg Talk with Feast of Fun
RONNIE KROELL was in Chicago this week and we had the opportunity to hang out with him over dinner and drinks. Ronnie is humble, sweet, and wise beyond his years!
He also did a podcast with Feast of Fun, with his mom, Charlene Sonenberg. They talk about coming out and acceptance.
Ronnie was discovered by his mom snuggling in a sleeping bag with his high school boyfriend in his back yard, at the age of 16.
His mother was shocked and didn’t react well, splashing cold water on the boys, sending Ronnie crying to his dad’s house.
Since then, they have patched things up and become best of friends and his mom is now his biggest advocate and fan.
LISTEN TO Ronnie and Mom on FEAST OF FUN.
Watch for Ronnie in the upcoming EATING OUT 4. Rumor has it there may be just a dash of nudity! Gasp! – Ronnie really enjoys acting and he and his boyfried Taylor Proffitt are considering moving to Los Angeles to pursure more acting. Ronnie has his eye on a role as a super hero!
We’ll be doing a feature on Ronnie and Taylor next month for gay pride!
BestGayChicago.com
International Gay Pop Star Ivri Lider in Chicago June 12th
LGBT Change, a co-sponsor of the
“Ivri Lider Electronic Trio”,
is proud to announce a live concert featuring one of the world’s only platinum album gay artists performing during pride month on June 12, 2011 at the House of Blues.
“LGBT Change is excited to be working with a diverse group of friends to bring to Chicago a truly unique artist that captures the spirit of international equality,” said LGBT Change Co-Executive Director Matthew Zaradich. “For years his music has been inspiring the young generation and helping to build momentum in the connection between the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement”.
For nearly 15 years, countless people around the world have discovered this passionate artist who bares his soul on every record. With Lider’s keen sense of songwriting, myriad genre-hopping and gorgeous vocal melodies, his latest album highlights why he’s considered by many to be in a class of his own.
For Lider, who has already gained success throughout Europe, the decision to answer calls of outspoken fans to develop his presence in the U.S. was an obvious progression. “It’s gotten to the point where if Perez Hilton is blogging about my record, I’m probably doing something right,” says Lider candidly.
In January 2002 Lider spoke openly about his sexual orientation in a cover-story interview to the daily newspaper Ma’ariv, which attracted a lot of attention. He later said, “On a personal level, I felt complete and happy with my life and who I am, and I didn’t see any reason to not talk about it. It seemed strange to have an interview and not to talk about it, about my boyfriend, about my life. On a less personal level, I felt it’s kind of my obligation. When you’re an artist and you’re doing well and you’re successful, you get a lot of love and appreciation and energy and good things from people, and I think you need to give it back. Maybe I can influence people and help younger people that struggle — help them to be able to change their views, and stuff like that.”
Join us as we welcome Ivri to the House of Blues on June 12!
Pre-concert VIP Reception at a local lounge to be announced.
For more information visit LGBT Change.
Ivri Lider online
Cook County to Shower Happy Couples With Presents on June 1st – The first Official Day of Civil Unions
Illinois will begin offering Civil Union licenses at every county clerk’s office on June 1. The Cook County Clerk’s office will open its downtown office early to mark the momentous occasion. “I’m thrilled this day has finally come,” Clerk David Orr said. “This will be a joyous day for all couples – gay and straight – who want to make history as part of the inaugural group of civil unions.”
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 1. The Clerk’s downtown Chicago Vital Records office will open at 7:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Before 6 a.m., couples should line up outside the Daley Center’s northeast door, located near Randolph and Dearborn Streets. The Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., will open at 6 a.m. Couples should take the escalators down to the lower level (Pedway) and line up outside the Vital Records office, Room CL-27.
INFO FOR COUPLES:
Civil Union licenses will be available to same-sex and heterosexual couples. The Clerk’s office encourages all couples who wish to get a license on June 1 to visit the downtown office (not a suburban office). All couples need to meet the following criteria: • Be at least 18 years old; • Not be related to one another; • Have valid, current identification, such as driver’s license, state ID or U.S. passport; • Pay a $35 license application fee. Cash preferred. MasterCard, American Express & Discover accepted. Personal checks and Visa will not be accepted. • Couples who are currently registered as Domestic Partners in Cook County will receive a $20 discount and their domestic partnership will be automatically dissolved. • Any couple planning to participate in a June 2 ceremony – including the Millennium Park event hosted by the City of Chicago, Lamda Legal, Equality Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Judges – MUST obtain a license from the Clerk’s office on June 1. A license is valid for a ceremony held within 60 days of the issue date. By law, couples must wait until the day after they obtain their license to have their Civil Union ceremony performed so June 2 is the first day Civil Union ceremonies can be held. Within 10 days of a ceremony, Civil Union officiants must return the completed license for it to be certified and recorded by the County Clerk.
CELEBRATION:
Civil Union “presents” have been donated by 20 local businesses. The first couple in line at 7:30 a.m. will receive a gift package. Other presents will be distributed by raffle; couples in line by 7:30 a.m. will be eligible. The Clerk’s office will invite all couples back to a party room for cake and chocolate, donated by Eli’s Cheesecake and Illinois Nut & Candy.
SPONSORS:
Wilde Bar & Restaurant
Transistor Starbelly Studios Photography Restoration Salon
The Palmer House Hilton
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Sierzega & Associates, Ltd.
Mendell on the Move
LaSalle Flowers
Lambda Legal
Lady Gregory’s
Illinois Nut & Candy Goodman Theatre
Eli’s Cheesecake
Downtown Bar & Lounge
Crew Bar + Grill
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
Best Gay Chicago
Angel’s Restaurant
ADH Meetings & Events
CIVIL UNIONS Available in Chicago and Illinois June 1st
That is the first day couples can officialy register their CIVIL UNION with the State of Illinois! – It’s NOT gay marriage – but it a huge step in the right direction, for the state and MANY couples are expected to register.
“Here we are in 2011 on the eve of Abraham Lincoln’s 202nd birthday and I think this is very special,” Governor Quinn said. “We believe in civil rights and we believe in civil unions.”
With the move, Illinois joins five other states and the District of Columbia in establishing statewide laws to provide the equivalent of state-level spousal rights to same sex couples.
LOTS OF EVENTS WILL BE HAPPENING THAT WEEK!
Thirty Illinois Couples to Hold Civil Union Ceremonies in Chicago’s Millennium Park on June 2, 2011
Governor to Attend Chicago’s Celebration of Civil Unions
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues will host 30 civil union ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park, Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
“Our state’s first civil union ceremonies will mark a day of celebration and an historic milestone on the road to full marriage equality for LGBT Illinoisans,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I look forward to attending this joyful event.”
The event is co-sponsored by The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, Lambda Legal, Equality Illinois, and the Alliance of Illinois Judges. Governor Pat Quinn will attend, and Cook County Clerk David Orr, the Hon. Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and members of the Alliance of Illinois Judges will officiate the civil union ceremonies.
THEN on JUNE 3rd – @
Chicago History Museum
Chicago
Unite with Pride:
A Community Celebration , hosted by the Civil Rights Agenda. a multi-couple civil union ceremony to celebrate the enactment of civil unions in Illinois and the beginning of Pride Month in Chicago.
Unite with Pride will provide couples an opportunity to be civilly united in an historic outdoor community civil ceremony on the picturesque “Uihlein Plaza” just days after the civil union law takes effect.
The festivities will continue as couples, family, friends, and the community attend a black-tie optional cocktail reception with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by various vendors from the event planning industry.
In addition to the ceremony and reception, guests will be granted access to the newly opened Chicago History Museum exhibit “Out in Chicago”. The “Out in Chicago” exhibit will explore how the evolution of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years.
This fundraiser will benefit our Families United Project. The Families United Project is an exploration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer families in Illinois. The goal of the Families United Project is to gain equality for every family in Illinois through the use of social media, political advocacy and by building community. We seek to engage all people who believe that every family in America deserves to be equal.
Please go to www.jointcra.org to buy your tickets!
AND CHECK THIS OUT!
Those guests and couples who register or have already registered for the event by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday May 28 will be automatically entered in a drawing to have brunch with Al Franken when he is in town on June 12! This is a private event and you will be able to meet and brunch with the Senator. Senator Franken is a leader on progressive causes and is committed to advancing LGBT Rights.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the Senator and register now!
on Sunday June 5, 12:30PM Civil Unions – What do they mean?
St. Pauls United Church of Christ, 2335 N Orchard, Chicago 60614
As this new Illinois law goes into effect on June 1, what are the legal and financial implications for you and your loved ones? Is a civil union a good idea for you? Bring your questions to this panel discussion featuring legal professionals, including a representative from Lambda Legal.
Box lunch available for $10.
Please RSVP by May 31, indicating if you’d like a lunch, to: jcarlson@spucc.org or phone 773-348-3829.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR GETTING A CIVIL UNION?
OUT IN CHICAGO opens at Chicago History Museum
has presented the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Chicagoans since 2004 through the Out at CHM programming series.
Now, in its eighth year, the Museum will continue this educational programming and will also present the exhibition Out in Chicago opening May 21, 2011. (this past weekend) and runs through March 26, 2012.
The exhibition will explore how the evolution of these Chicago communities mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years. Out in Chicago is the latest in the Museum’s ongoing series of exhibitions addressing Chicago communities and neighborhoods.
Out in Chicago takes a new perspective on Chicago’s history through historical artifacts, documents, and individual testimonies. Based on research and new scholarship, the exhibition encompasses four thematic sections that reflect the evolution of the LGBT communities over the past 150 years: from the stories of individual Chicagoans, to the building of families and home life, to the evolution of communities and city neighborhoods; and to the communities’ expansion into political activism.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
LATER THIS YEAR – special events include –
Secret Historian Thursday, September 8
Author Justin Spring visits the Museum for a lecture and book-signing about his recent award-winning book, Secret Historian. Drawn from the never-before-seen stories of Chicagoan novelist, poet, tattoo artist, and university professor, Sam Steward, Spring re-creates a sensational reconstruction of one of the more extraordinary hidden lives of the twentieth century. Tickets are $12/10 members.
In the K/Now: Gays in the Military Thursday, November 10
This conversation about gays in the military led by community leaders and military veterans is presented in partnership with an array of gay military alumni groups. After more than a decade of debate, this is still one of the most controversial issues facing the LGBT community. FREE.
Chicago in Leather December 1
The LGBT leather community in Chicago has made a historic, cultural, and meaningful impact on the city in a variety of ways. A panel will discuss these contributions to LGBT history, Chicago history, and leather history. This program is in collaboration with the Leather Archives & Museum. Tickets are $12/10 members.
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Bulls NBA Player Joakim Noah Shouts ‘Faggot’
He used the slur while sitting on the bench after arguing a call with a referee. – You know he will say “I’m Sorry…..” – yeah, sorry for being caught on camera!
CBS Sports reports on the episode and the comparisons from some members of the media to last month’s incident with Kobe Bryant.
Noah then appeared to yell a string of profanities and finished with what appears to be the exact phrase that Bryant was fined for using. The only difference: Noah was not addressing one of the officials.
Where does that $100,000 go exactly? They should donate it to a LGBT rights group!
Immediately, NBA analysts and media members took to Twitter to predict that Noah would be fined by the NBA league office. “Because the NBA fined Kobe, you think they’ll have to fine Noah,” CNBC’s Darren Rovell tweeted. “But it’s really the luck of the draw whether you’re caught on TV.” “No question he said exactly what Kobe said,” SI.com’s Zach Lowe added. “Get that $100k ready, Joakim.”
“I got caught up in the moment,” said Joakim Noah, his explanation for why he used an anti-gay slur during a game on Sunday. Mr. Noah apologized for the outburst, and that’s a start. But the fact that Mr. Noah immediately and instinctively turned to anti-gay language when he was angry and frustrated speaks to a larger, more dangerous undercurrent. Hate language is more than a bad word – it has real, tangible consequences, and we must hold our role models accountable.
CENTER ON HALSTED said, “We have invited Mr. Noah and the Chicago Bulls organization to get involved in the work we do to provide young people, many of whom are homeless and the victims of hate violence, a safe place to participate in sporting activities, where they can learn the value of teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.”
BestGayChicago.com
Be All.org 6 days of Transgender Events in Chicago
This year, the Be-All will be celebrating it’s 29th year, and thgis is the 10th year in CHICAGO.
You’ll meet with great friends from your community.
You’ll be empowered, educated, and enlightened. The Be-All Conference will provide you with confidence to seek out your dreams. We have some of the finest professionals to provide you with all the information you need to make decisions and feel comfortable on your gender journey. You are in control and you will find comfort in meeting so many others with your same objectives.
May 31-June 5th.
On Saturday June 4th CHAZ BONO will do a book signing and be a keynote speaker!
Everyone’s welcome at Be-All!
Crossdressers, Transexuals, M2F and F2M, Wives, Partners & Friends
Complete schedule and more info online at BE ALL.BestGayChicago.com
Big Gay Brunch Club Chicago Takes Over Dana Hotel Rooftop May 15th
takes over the Dana Hotel Rooftop
this weekend!
Sunday May 15th 12pm-2pm.
This could be their BIGGEST BRUNCH to date! Over the last 2 years, Troy Karnoff has grown BGBC into quite a monthly event! The club was even profiled in PASSPORT Magazine this month!
Troy and a small group of friends were looking to get together over brunch at somewhere new and different. So this monthly roving brunch club was launched, and this weekend, over 120 people have RSVPd! – You don’t have to RSVP – just show up at noon. The cost is $30 – cash – but it helps if you RSVP for head counts, obviously. But I know there are still one or two of you out there, who refuse to join Facebook!
Vertigo Sky Lounge at the Dana Hotel & Spa.
2 W. ERIE STREET
Come see some spectacular views of the city at one of the most elite spot downtown. The usual $30 inclusive price tag covering the tax, gratuity and of course, unlimited mimosas and bloody mary’s.
“We will be served sliced riped market fruits, cinnamon rolls, croissants, pancakes with hot maple syrup, freshly prepared scrambled eggs, nueske’s smoked apple bacon, crispy potatoes and country breakfast sausage. Come check out the view and network with some new friends for the May BGBC!”
Rooftop lounge is perched above the 26 floors of the ultra chic Dana Hotel & Spa… fire pits, champagne, food, and fun people! With an unbeatable view of Chicago’s skyline. Rest amongst the highest of Chicago’s skyscrapers while relaxing with the rest of Chicago’s most fabulous!
Big Gay Brunch Club
BestGayChicago.com
