Category Archives: News and Happenings
Candlelight Vigil in Remembrance of Gay Teen Suicides October 8th
A collective of grassroots organizations in Chicago have joined
together to hold a community-wide candlelight vigil honoring nine LGBTQ teens that committed suicide due to homophobic bullying. The vigil will be held on Friday, October 8, 2010, at 7:30 PM on DePaul University’s quad near the corner of Fullerton and Seminary, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.
“After the recent suicide of Tyler Clementi,” said DePaul University sophomore and event co-organizer Jeremy Kauffman, “I felt compelled to do something that would raise awareness of this crisis.” Over the past several months, a number of homophobia-induced suicides have come to national attention, including the deaths of children as young as thirteen and as old as nineteen.
The organizers believe these senseless deaths did not occur in a vacuum, but rather in a society that lacks respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and their right to dignity and equality. This vigil is being held in the hopes that both the LGBTQ and straight communities will come together to remember those lost, to provide support for the living, and to inspire hope and action for the future.
“LGBTQ teens are four times more likely to commit suicide than their straight counterparts,” stated Anthony Martinez of LGBT Change. “With the outrageous number of deaths this past month it has become very clear that as a community we cannot wait to take action. We must stand together and work harder to address bullying and homophobia in schools. In September alone we lost eight teens. It is truly horrifying“
Organizers request that those attending bring a candle and lighter if they have one. There will also be an opportunity to leave behind something for those we are remembering. “We want to allow people to offer something in the remembrance of these kids,” said Andrea Crain of Join the Impact Chicago. “A flower, a balloon or something personal to you – a remembrance.”
The collective of organizations coordinating the event includes: LGBT Change, Join The Impact Chicago, Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Gay Liberation Network, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 50 Faggots, Adler Pride, The Civil Rights Agenda, Genderqueer Chicago.
For more information please contact endgaysuicide @ gmail.com
Facebook event page
Is Chicago Ready for a Gay Mayor? George Pudlo Thinks So!
For the first time in 64 years, an incumbent will not be running for the office of Mayor of the City of Chicago. It’s time for the people of Chicago to dissolve the machine politics and elect a Mayor for the People.
Meet George Pudlo ! “I am a regular Chicago denizen just like you and I am running for Mayor of the City of Chicago. I am the owner of Chicago Savvy Tours and Second City Pizza Tours and I am also a concierge at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. It is my full time job to promote this city to its highest standards and reveal all the magic within. I live for this city. Chicago is my pride and joy. Ask anyone who knows me and you’ll find out that my greatest passion is Chicago.”
“You are probably wondering what’s in store for our city over the next couple of months with the decision of our current mayor to not seek reelection. I promise you that if I’m elected for mayor, I will be a Mayor for the People. I’m not here for power, I’m not here for political gain -I’m here for you and I’m here to put a halt to the machine politics of Chicago. It’s about time we elected someone to take responsibility and accountability for the actions of the city; someone to help create jobs, to lower the city deficit, and bring democracy back to Chicago. It’s time we elect one of us!”
George Pudlo for Mayor !
George on FaceBook
Masquerade Ball at Crimson to Benefit AIDS Foundation Chicago October 16th
Be sexy,
be mysterious,
be anything you desire as premier special event marketing and media firm, K Dock Media, hosts Chicago’s tastemakers and movemakers
at The Masquerade Ball on Saturday, October 16th,
at the ultra chic Crimson Lounge,
333 N. Dearborn, from 10p – 3a in Chicago.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
Formal attire and masks are required.
K Dock Media’s not-for-profit partner for The Masquerade Ball is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago . Founded in 1985 by community activists and physicians, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago is a local and national leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We collaborate with community organizations to develop and improve HIV/AIDS services; fund and coordinate prevention, care, and advocacy projects; and champion effective, compassionate HIV/AIDS policy. Proceeds from the event will benefit the organization.
“We are proud to support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, states David Dodd, director of public relations for K Media. “They have been an incredible force in Illinois and in the nation to eradicate the disease as well as support thousands of people who have been affected by HIV/AIDS.”
Dress to impress, mingle and groove to the sounds of music provided by guest DJs for the night all for a good cause. To purchase tickets and for more information about The Masquerade Ball, please visit K Dock Media .
Gay Halloween in Boystown – 3 events in October!
Halloween
on North Halsted just got a whole lot more happening. Three events in the vibrant north side neighborhood make it a must for Chicagoans and tourists alike to take part in the festivities.
Free Movie Screening
At 7 p.m. on October 17th, the Northalsted Business Alliance sponsors a screening of “Little Shop of Horrors”. The movie, which serves as the theme for the street’s Halloween parade, kicks off the season. The free screening will be at the Center on Halsted (3656 North Halsted).
Horny Devil Pub Crawl
October 23rd marks the date for the Horny Devil Pub Crawl. The crawl, now in its second year, winds its way through 12 of Northalsted’s hottest bars beginning at 2 p.m. The event includes specials by crawl sponsors as well as the chance to earn cash and prizes at the final stop. Registration is $5 in advance and $10 the day of the crawl. The crawl begins at Spin. Participants can purchase tickets at any of the participating venues. (Buck’s, Circuit, DS Tequila Company, Halsted’s, Hydrate, Little Jim’s, Lucky Horseshoe, Minibar, Roscoe’s, Scarlet, Spin and The North End.)
Halloween Parade
The Halloween parade, now in its 14th year, goes bigger and bolder this holiday. A Little Shop of Horrors theme takes over North Halsted to create a Little Street of Horror. Floats make their way into the parade for the first time and a scarecrow competition has shops competing for the top prize for decorating and design.
The parade, which attracts several thousand spectators each year, kicks off at 6 p.m. on October 31st at Belmont and Halsted and continues north to Addison and Halsted.
Parade participants register at Spin (800 West Belmont) beginning at 4 p.m. A special kid’s area at Space Park on Roscoe engages little ones beginning at 4:30.
More information about all of Northalsted Halloween events is available at North Halsted .com
Kinetic Playground Owner Threatens Assault in Response to Protest Over “Kill Gays” Performer
UPTOWN –
Protest set for 10:30 PM,
Saturday, Oct. 9
In front of “The Kinetic Playground”
1113 W. Lawrence
(just east of the “Lawrence” Red Line el station)
Last week during a final attempt to persuade Kinetic Playground nightclub to cancel the October 9th engagement of performer Capleton, who calls for killing Lesbians and Gays in the lyrics of his song lyrics, the club’s manager owner Jim Gouskos threatened gay rights protesters with assault.
When GLN organizer Roger Fraser said that Kinetic Playground’s refusal to cancel Capleton would be met with a protest, Gouskos replied, “Don’t threaten me because I can get a bunch of goons outside to throw eggs at you guys.”
While in an earlier conversation Gouskos claimed that he was pro-LGBT and would never have knowingly booked someone with Capleton’s anti-gay M.O., he said that an $11,000 contract forced him to go ahead with the show. GLN’s Fraser replied that many other clubs, such as Chicago’s House of Blues, had managed to cancel contracts with kill-gays performers and that he or his lawyer should call them for advice on how to do this.
Instead Gouskos apparently called openly-gay Ald. Tom Tunney, and reported that Tunney said he’d never heard of Capleton, and used this as an excuse to dismiss GLN’s concerns. Well, just because Alderman Tunney may not be up on the latest Jamaican dance hall music hardly settles the matter of just where Capleton stands on LGBT people.
A simple Google search of Capleton shows 51,000 entries about the “murder music” aspect of him, and the Wikipedia entry says “Capleton has faced criticism for anti-gay lyrics in some of his songs” and his continuing to sing them has “caus[ed] the cancellation of a concert in Switzerland in 2008 and a United States tour in 2010.”
Capleton is actually one of the most obstinate of a small group of kill-the-gays musicians. He signed the Reggae Compassionate Act (RCA), a pledge to no longer perform or profit from music which calls for killing gays or other groups of people, and then lied by claiming he’d never signed it. Worse, he’s incited crowds in Jamaica – already a very dangerous locale for LGBT people – calling from a stage last Christmas to “All who a bun battyman and sodomite, hand up!” (“All who have burned queers and sodomites, put your hands up!”).
As for Kinetic Playground’s and Gouskos’ claims of being friends of the LGBT community, Fraser put it best in his last comment to Gouskos:
“It’s a sad fact that Kinetic Playground, though it claims to be gay-friendly, obviously doesn’t take anti-gay violence seriously. I wonder what they would do about a performer who urged his audience to kill Jews or blacks. Would they still be unwilling to cancel his appearance? Why is the bar so much higher for gays and lesbians?”
*********UPDATE*******
Once Again, Public Pressure Delivers the Goods
Please THANK “The Kinetic Playground” Nightclub for Doing the Right Thing!
Through a series of negotiations this week and last and with the threat of a demonstration, Gay Liberation Network (GLN) and other community activists were successful in persuading management at Kinetic Playground nightclub, 1113 W. Lawrence Avenue, to cancel “Kill Gays” dancehall performer Capleton for a show originally scheduled for late this Saturday night, October 9th.
The cancellation of Capleton is a victory that all human rights supporters should savor. The Gay Liberation Network, which initiated the campaign against Capleton in Chicago, commends Kinetic Playground management for putting human rights principles above dollars by canceling the show.
Please put an exclamation point on this victory by buying a drink or two this Saturday night at Kinetic Playground, 1113 W. Lawrence Avenue, so that the management and staff there know that Chicago is willing to stand behind those who follow their conscience.
CALL THEM, and tell them you appreciate what they did. The Kinetic Playground (773) 769-LIVE
EMAIL THEM with a brief note info @ thekineticplayground.com
Chicago Vegan Mania After Party to Benefit Mercy for Animals
Chicago VeganMania
Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, Chicago
Chicago VeganMania is a free, day-long celebration of vegan community, culture, cuisine, couture and commerce with an emphasis on local businesses. The first 100 in the door age sixteen and over will get a free swag bag, too, so get here early! There will be amazing speakers, including Nathan Runkle, Colleen Patrick-Goudreau and others, as well as great cooking demos (Isa Chandra Moskowitz!), fantastic bands and incredible vendors. Lots of food, too!
After the VEGAN MANIA EXTRAVAGANZA, join MERCY FOR ANIMALS for the official after-party !
OCTOBER 9th 7-10pm At the Funky Buddah Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave, Chicago.
Purchase your tickets today!
Tickets are $20 per person and include delicious vegan snacks and a complimentary drink. There will also be a raffle, a silent auction and a live DJ! You must be 21 or over to attend.
Tickets are limited so be sure to secure your spot at The Official VeganMania After-Party today!
B-52s at House of Blues October 7th – Two-for-one sale!
THE B – 52s are coming to HOUSE of BLUES Chicago, October 7th. And check this out! House of Blues would like to invite the friends and supporters of BEST GAY CHICAGO.com to see the B-52’s at the House of Blues, with a special “two for one” discount. Go to LIVE NATION and enter the password “loveshack” to take advantage of this special discount.
Can you believe the B-52s have been around since the late 70s?! It has been said that the B-52s are as quintessentially American as the Beach Boys. And twenty-five years and over twenty million albums into their career, the B-52s remain the among the most beloved rock stars ever.
Any mystery concerning the longevity and ongoing appeal of the B-52s is immediately solved when exposed to the B-52s unique concert experience. From the timeless gems of “Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire” and “Private Idaho” to the more recent classics of “Channel Z,” “Love Shack” and “Roam”, the B-52s unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time the music begins.
At the time of their greatest achievements, however, they suffered their greatest tragedy — the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson from AIDS. “He really had a vision…,” said sister Cindy Wilson. “He was one of the strongest elements of the B-52s from the beginning.” Ricky Wilson’s passing in 1985 came just after the sessions for Bouncing Off The Satellites (1986). The album, dedicated to Wilson, had taken nearly three years to complete but was worth the wait, serving up the fan favorites “Summer of Love” and “Wig.”
In 2008 the B-52s released their first new album in 16 years, the aptly titled Funplex. With its primal guitar hooks, driving drums and the B-52s’ unmistakable vocal style, Funplex is instantly recognizable as quintessential and contemporary B-52s. Newsweek Magazine declared, “Like a sonic shot of vitamin B12, the dance floor beats, fuzzy guitar riffs and happy, shiny lyrics keep the energy going.”
As the B-52s continue to take their party-music revolution into the 21st century they show no signs of slowing down, serving up their own unique blend of music and showmanship to millions of fans around the world. They have remained busy all these years! The B-52s, led by out gay frontman Fred Schneider perform upwards of fifty shows a year with old bandmates Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland.
You would think, with all that success comes tons of money. Not so. “I’m not wealthy,” Fred told Howard Stern. “We only started making money after ‘Cosmic Thing'” – the band’s fifth album, released in 1989 that featured singles ‘Love Shack,’ ‘Roam,’ and ‘(Shake That) Cosmic Thing.’
Which maybe explains the existence of his new spunky musical venture, The Superions. According to their MySpace profile, The Superions are the “most exciting group to hit the music scene since Elvis or Lady Gaga.” While that’s a little farfetched, they are exciting, or at least off-the-wall, much like their famous New Wave forebearers.
Leave it to The Superions to save the holidays from the usual stale chestnuts and dull oldie retreads. Following on the heels of their multi-plat… er, real popular hit song “Who Threw That Ham At Me,” the 11 future holiday standards on Destination… Christmas! perfectly capture the many moods of the season: despair, avalanches, deranged abominable snowmen, leaden fruitcakes, and of course, laughter. High-energy dance songs mixed with numbers to chill to, The Superions do it all on Destination… Christmas!
Destination… Christmas! will be released on Fanatic Records on October 25, 2010 and is destined to be a perennial Christmas favorite!
Illinois State Library Hosts Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame Exhibit in October
The Illinois State Library will mark Diversity Month in October by displaying an exhibit based on the 2009 inductees in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and featuring books written by or about lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender individuals.
The exhibit contains photographs and biographies of the 2009 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductees, highlighting their achievements and contributions
to Chicago.
The books include Ask and Tell: Gay and Lesbian Veterans Speak Out by Steve Estes, Ask and Tell: Gay and Lesbian Veterans Speak Out
by Kate Burns, and The Lesbian and Gay Movements: Assimilation or Liberation? (Dilemmas in American Politics)
by Craig Rimmerman.
The exhibit will be on display in the 2nd Floor Atrium and the books will be featured in the Illinois Authors Room from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, October 1 through October 31, at the Illinois State Library, Gwendolyn Brooks Building, 300 South 2nd Street, Springfield.
Viewers of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame exhibit will learn, for example, that:
· U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) is a long-time supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities who backs the movement to repeal the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy;
· Lou Conte is the founder of the Lou Conte Dance Studio and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, both of which contribute to the arts and culture community in Chicago and beyond;
· Sgt. Lori A. Cooper is an openly lesbian police officer who has helped create significant policy changes within the Chicago Police Department;
· Zaida Sanabia is a young filmmaker who documented the struggles of starting a gay-straight alliance in her Chicago high school in her film “A Fish Almost Eaten by a Shark,” which has been screened nationwide to educate and train school administrators on creating safe schools for LGBT youth;
· AIDS Foundation of Chicago is an organization that has helped lead the fight against HIV/AIDS for 24 years by promoting cooperation among service providers at work across Chicago’s various communities, making more than $18 million in grants to agencies coping with AIDS in those communities, aiding the housing needs of persons with HIV/AIDS, and advocating for sound government HIV/AIDS policy.
The exhibit is courtesy of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues.
Reverend Stan J.Sloan Receives Two Top Honors
On Thursday, September 16th, Stan Sloan, CEO of Chicago House, was honored at the “Who IS Chicago ” event hosted by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions . The “Who IS Chicago” event recognized influential Chicagoans active in the philanthropic community.
On Wednesday, November 10th, Stan will be inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame . The induction will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph. The reception begins at 5:30pm, is free, and open to the public.
BestGayChicago.com, The Chicago House staff, Associate Board, and Board of Trustees, feel these awards are well deserved for the the outstanding leadership that Stan continues to provide for Chicago House and the HIV and homeless communities. Way to go, Stan!
THIS WEEK – is Macy’s Men’s Designer Event !
Macy’s and OUT invite you to celebrate the latest designer collections.
When: Thursday, September 30th
Where: Macy’s on State Street, 111 North State Street, 2nd Floor Time: 5:30-7:30PM
Enjoy amazing fashion from Hugo Boss, Armani Jeans, Elie Tahari, and more!
Featuring informal modeling, music by DJ Chris Spinazzola, cocktails by Appleton Estate Rum, and hors d’oeuvres. Plus, meet special guest Micah Cohen, designer and creater for Shades of Grey. Spend $250 on Men’s Designer Deptartment and take $50* off your purchase. Plus receive a special gift bag** RSVP to (800) 329-8667. Door donations to benefit Chicago House.
The Legacy of Matthew Shepard with Judy Shepard September 30th
H.E.A.L. Ourselves:
Opening Eyes, Closing Wounds
(Healing, Engaging, Acting, Lifting)
H.E.A.L. Ourselves is a series of events
focused on advocacy against LGBT hate violence.
September 30th, 2010
Center On Halsted – 7pm:
“The Legacy of Matthew Shepard” – Judy Shepard
Speaking from a mother’s perspective, diversity speaker Judy Shepard has made the prevention of hate crimes the focus of her efforts, and urges her audiences to make their schools and communities safer for everyone, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or gender identity and/or expression.
Mrs. Shepard’s keynote speech is the highlight of a series of advocacy events in Chicago related to anti-LGBT hate violence. Center on Halsted has created this programming to increase advocacy in response to violence, engagement in violence prevention efforts, and healing in our communities.
PRICE
$10. Reserved tickets can be purchased online
Best Gay Chicago
Vote NAKED in Chicago Illinois – Party at Mini Bar September 24th
VOTING JUST GOT EASIER!
There is NO EXCUSE not to vote now!
Equality Illinois , the state’s largest organization advocating for full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (“LGBT”) people, announced the launch of its innovative get-out-the-vote efforts, capitalizing on new changes in Illinois election law. The effort, in coalition with Roosevelt University and Rock-The-Vote is called VOTE NAKED ILLINOIS.
The coalition is among the first to capitalize on the new changes in Illinois election law that allow properly registered voters to vote by mail for any reason.
“It is imperative that Illinois voters cast their ballots this November, regardless of how they vote or where; and we’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen,” – said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois Education Project. “It is so easy to vote in the privacy of one’s own home, one can even do it naked.”
In the face of record low voter turnout across Illinois, Equality Illinois has joined with Rock the Vote and Roosevelt University to get out the vote in a very unique way for the November 2nd election in a project called Vote Naked Illinois. A recent change in Illinois election law now makes it possible for voters to request no-excuse absentee ballots, allowing voters to cast a ballot from the privacy of their own home.
The change in absentee rules allows for voters to fill out an ballot request applications , mail it into their local election authority and receive an absentee ballot in the mail. Fueled by a dynamic social media campaign and supported by a strong field organization, Vote Naked Illinois plans to turn out thousands of absentee ballots. The organization is also urging supporters to plan their own Vote Naked organizing events to encourage ballot applications.
Vote Naked Illinois’ social media presence is a driving force of the campaign. Voters can log onto VoteNakedIllinois.org where they will find a video, slideshow and a sign-up form. The site features an eye-catching video featuring Illinoisans who share what they “get naked for” and explains how to vote by mail.
“Social media has changed the landscape of elections—it’s no longer a matter of if we use social media, it’s matter of how,” explains Kevin Hauswirth, Director of Advertising & Promotions at Roosevelt University who also teaches courses on social media marketing.
Absentee ballot applications can be turned in from September 23 until October 28 by mail and until November 1 in person. Vote Naked Illinois voter outreach services are available without regard to the voter’s political preference. Information or other assistance regarding registering or voting, including any services offered, shall not be withheld or refused on the basis of support for or opposition to particular candidates or a political party.
When you go to Vote Naked Illinois.org , you are routed to a FaceBook page. There, you enter your name, email and zip code, and a ballot will be processed for you.
VOTE NAKED PARTY! Friday September 24th @ Mini Bar
Ultimat Friday Vote Naked Party
Make your Friday and Ultimat one! Please join us at minibar Ultra Lounge & Cafe’ this Friday, and fill out your Vote by Mail application. Ultimat Vodka will be hosting a cocktail reception for us from 9-11PM.
This is a huge opportunity and great way to get your weekend started!
minibar Ultra Lounge & Cafe’ 3341 North Halsted Street
Best Gay Chicago.com
GLAAD Brings Their TGIF Party to Boystown this Friday, September 24
GLAAD presents “Thank GLAAD It’s Friday!” (TGIF) featuring ABSOLUT® VODKA, the national networking event series for young LGBT professionals and straight allies that supports GLAAD’s work to amplify the voice of the LGBT community.
A TGIF 2010 Chicago Series Pass is $35 and includes:
-Entrance to the Chicago event on September 24
Friday, September 24, 2010 7:00 – 9:00 pm
@ Minibar 3341 N. Halsted
-Hosted ABSOLUT® VODKA cocktails
-Chances to win sponsored prize drawing items
-One-year membership to GLAAD
$50 VIP Tickets are also available, and include admission to the VIP lounge, appetizers and access to the private VIP bar.
WIN FREE TICKETS!
Purchase your TGIF tickets before Wednesday, September 22 at 5:00PM CST and you could win free companion passes! Selected at random, winners will be notified Thursday, September 23 by 5PM CST.
Purchase your Thank GLAAD It’s Friday – Chicago tickets today !
the gardens at COCKTAIL bar Grand Opening Parties in Chicago this Weekend
Come check out one of the sexiest bars in Boystown. The new and expanded COCKTAIL with the gardens! 3359 Halsted. GRAND OPENING tonight , Friday, September 17th. Opening party 7-9pm
Join the celebration of their new GORGEOUS outside garden serving a fantastic food menu from the Cocktail kitchen!
Plus the addition of their new beautiful back bar – perfect for occasions such as this! Hosted bar sponsored by Absolut
Serving food starting @ 11am today , and all thru the weekend.
Sunday September 19th
garden brunch party 11am-4pm
be there for our first sunday brunch! it’s sure to be a great time in the gardens, with wonderful people and a mouth-watering brunch menu from the new kitchen at Cocktail.
Later that day…garden wonderland tea party 4-10p
dj uncle milty & sexy go go boys and drink specials!
Italian Expo at Navy Pier September 17-19th
Take a tour of Italy
and experience “La Dolce Vita” without event leaving the country at Chicago’s fourth annual Italian Expo during the weekend of September 17-19 at Navy Pier.
Food , wine, fashion , design, tourism, art and entertainment are showcased as the cultures of Italy and Chicago collide at Italian Expo . Over 100 companies and vendors from Italy and the U.S. will be present displaying and selling their products straight from Italy for three days only.
We welcome all to enjoy this family-friendly event by tasting delicious Italian cuisine, viewing fashion runway shows of apparel and fine jewelry, and discovering luxury cars, motorbikes, and travel and tourism information from various regions in Italy.
Italian Expo is held annually in Chicago and Houston and is organized by the Italian American Chambers of Commerce located in those cities.
Where: Navy Pier, Festival Hall A , 600 East Grand Avenue
Hours:
Friday 2:30pm – 9:00pm, Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm, Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm
Tickets:
Online pre-sale $10* / Doorprice $15 , Children 12 and under are admitted free
Purchase pre-sale Tickets
Openly Gay Chicago Alderman Tom Tunney Considers Running for Mayor
Mayor Daley has officially announced he will not seek relection in 2011. It is being said that Tom Tunney, Chicago’s first openly gay alderman, is considering a run for the mayor’s office.
Daley appointed Tunney to the Chicago City Council in 2002. The Chicago native was elected to his post the following year. He represents the voters of the city’s 44th Ward, which includes portions of Chicago’s largest gay neighborhood, Boystown.
Tunney is among the Chicago-area politicians being considered for the job after Mayor Richard Daley announced he won’t seek a seventh term next year.
“I’m not a candidate at this point,” Tunney told Chicago daily the Chicago Tribune. “I think we really need time to absorb the impact of the mayor’s statement, and the fact that he has been a terrific mayor.”
The 55-year-old Tunney turned a sagging Ann Sather restaurant in the city’s Lakeview neighborhood into a thriving four location chain. He purchased the original restaurant at the age of 23. He’s also a dedicated fundraiser for local and regional gay rights groups.
In 1995, Tunney was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
Daley has had a generally good relationship with Chicago’s large gay population. In 2006 he was inducted into the city’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame as a “Friend of the Community.” His administration’s achievements include establishing Chicago’s Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues and Office of LGBT Health; instituting domestic-partner benefits for city employees; and adding gender identity to the municipal human rights ordinance. He has voiced personal support for marriage equality.
Gay Bowling in Chicago – Pins for a Cure with BEHIV September 18
Pins for a Cure
Saturday, September 18 2010,
1:00pm – 3:00pm
3700 N. Western Ave., Chicago
BEHIV will be hosting its second annual Pins for a Cure bowling fundraiser at Waveland Bowl on Saturday, September 18 from 1:00-3:00pm.
Last year over 40 bowlers enjoyed a great afternoon of food, drink and fun.
You can register online . $30 Registration includes two hours of Cosmic Bowling and food.
There will be prizes and give-aways for bowlers. We hope you can join us for this fun event!
Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV) is one of only a few comprehensive AIDS service organizations in the Chicago area and the only comprehensive provider for the North Shore. Founded in 1989 by community volunteers, BEHIV provides case management, housing, prevention, testing, mental health counseling, massage therapy and art therapy services in Chicago communities that include some of the highest rates of AIDS in Illinois.
Billy Bragg at Dominican University Sept 10th
is an English alternative rock musician and left wing activist who blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, and his lyrics mostly deal with political or romantic themes. Bragg has been an outspoken opponent of fascism, racism, bigotry, sexism and homophobia , and is a supporter of a multi-racial Britain.
This week, BRAGG will perform at Dominican Univeristy.
Friday September 10th.
Billy Bragg’s next album will be a collaboration with singer Rosanne Cash , he revealed this week. The English rabble-rouser has already started writing new songs, and plans to record with Cash and producer Joe Henry in Los Angeles this November.
Dominican University Performing Arts Center
7900 West Division St. River Forest, IL 60305
Directions can be found online, or directions can be given via the phone by calling the DUPAC Box Office 708-488-5000.
BUY BILLY BRAGG TICKETS ONLINE .
Chicago’s 8th Annual Salute to LGBT Veterans September 3rd
GAY VETERANS
TO BE HONORED AT DALEY PLAZA
LGBT Vets and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley to Speak
Veterans from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities will be honored at “With Liberty and Justice For All” — the nation’s only municipally sponsored, military salute to LGBT veterans — this Friday, September 3, announced Dana V. Starks, Chairman and Commissioner of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). The event will take place from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Richard J. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. For more information, contact Bill Greaves at 312-744-7911.
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley will be a featured speaker. Congressman Quigley has issued a statement calling for the repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and he was a co-sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 1283). He voted to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t’ Tell” policy in June.
Renowned jazz vocalist Lucy Smith of the Lucy Smith Jazz Quartet will perform the national anthem, and the program will include a presentation of colors, a Mayoral proclamation, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
This unparalleled event is meant to pay tribute to America’s LGBT veterans and inspire dialogue and advocacy in their behalf.
Chambord Launches New Chambord Luxury Vodka
LAST NIGHT
we were invited to the
new Chambord Vodka launch party!
The party took place at EPIC downtown on their rooftop terrace area. Chambord, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur, introduces a groundbreaking new taste experience in Chambord Flavored Vodka.
The exquisite taste of Chambord Flavored Vodka is the result of fine ingredients and a delicate process that forms a perfect balance of premium quality French vodka and extraordinary black raspberry flavor.
Chambord Flavored Vodka delivers the floral aromatics of the hibiscus flower with notes of vanilla, white chocolate and the distinctive flavor of the original Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, delivering a unique and satisfying taste experience when enjoyed straight or in a wide variety of cocktails.
They sampled a delicious Fleur De Lis™, made with 2 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka,
3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur, 2 oz Lemonade, 1 oz Cranberry Juice. DELICIOUS!
They also served delicious food accented the rich raspberry Chambord liqueur!
DID YOU KNOW?
According to legend, in 1685 King Louis XIV visited Château Chambord, where he enjoyed a marvelous liqueur made from wild raspberries. This liqueur inspired the spirit that today is known as Chambord Liqueur Royale de France. The rich heritage of the Liqueur Royale is now celebrated in the reintroduction of Chambord, the world-renowned black raspberry liqueur for the modern mixologist.
Check it out Chambord and Chambord Vodka !
Vintage Drag and Fashion Runway Show and Market in Highwood September 18th
The City of Highwood and Image Pilots, producers of
Chicago’s high energy, retro-spectacle Randolph Street Market Festival, will end its inaugural season with a bang. Opening its arms to the gay community on Saturday September 18th from 10 am to 6 pm, the Fest will feature a Vintage Drag and Fashion Runway Show at 12:30 pm, along with a magnificent Martini bar, fabulous food, live music and, of course, shopping.
Attracting vendors from all across the U.S., the festival brings the area’s largest monthly vintage and indie designer event to the North Shore, where shoppers will find all the best in antiques, collectibles and vintage treasures from the 1800’s to Mid-Century Modern to Punk 1980’s. Interior designers and decorators, personal shoppers and stylists can find some of the most unique items from jewelry, furniture, clothing, linens, silver, glass, and more, at this unique and eclectic upscale antique market.
“It has been great being a part of Highwood this year, and we want to make sure the gay community is aware of what this Festival and wonderful city offers,” says Sally Schwartz, founder of Image Pilots. “Highwood is a great destination for dining, entertainment and shopping, and only a Metra stop away from the City of Chicago.”
The Last 2010 Weekend
Kicks Off with Martini’s & Drag in the Park,
Saturday September 18th
“Ladies” of Chicagoland will invade Highwood and be strutting their stuff around the Highwood Street Market on Saturday September 18th. Headlining the day will be a vintage drag and fashion runway show at 12:30 pm at the Festival’s gazebo. The show will feature local drag queens modeling vendors’vintage clothing, as well as impersonation performances. Local restaurant vendors will be selling their food and YES! Vodka will provide mouthwatering martinis, all the ingredients for a perfect picnic in the park. With Highwood being an easy Metra train ride from the city, Chicago’s gay community in encourage to come up, shop around, and enjoy the show while lounging with martinis.
Antique Appraisal Tent-
The Highwood Street Market Festival brings together some 100 vendors from all over the United States, as well as local independent designers, to showcase their high-end antiques and vintage wares,including jewelry, bags, artwork and furniture. Attendees will also have the opportunity to find out the value of their antique treasures at the Antique Appraisal Tent for $5 per item.
HIGHWOOD STREET MARKET FESTIVAL GENERAL INFORMATION
WHEN: September 18th and 19th
Saturday from 10am-6pm and special extended hours on Sunday from 10am-5pm(Drag Show on Saturday only.)
WHERE: The Festival will fill the parking lots of the Highwood Library (102 Highwood Avenue)and Everts Park
PRICE: Admission is $6 and good for both days, and is free to Highwood residents with ID. Military men and woman and kids under 12 are free. Advanced discount tickets can be purchased for $5 online at Highwood Street Market .
FREE TICKETS!
BEST GAY CHICAGO.com has a LIMITED NUMBER of FREE ADDMISSION TICKETS! CALL ME NOW, IF YOU WOULD LIKE A PAIR OF FREE PASSES! 773-878-5323
PARKING: Free and ample street parking is available. Valet Parking is also available. Parking also at the Oak Terrace School is located on S. Central Avenue off Route 22.
For more information call 312-666-1200
FYI – The Randolph Street Market Festival is an internationally recognized European-style indoor and outdoor market in Chicago’s West Loop district that features more than 200 select purveyors of high quality, value-priced “finds,” offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of shopping and entertainment. The Market is located along the 1350 block of W. Randolph Street and will take place on Sept. 25-26, Saturday 10 a.m.–5p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. General admission $12, good for both days. Tickets are $9 when purchased online at randolphstreetmarket.com; $5 admission for students with ID. Children 12 and under free. For more information, visit Randolph Street Market .
