Category Archives: News and Happenings
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 .
Steve Ross Kicks off new Cabaret Season Salon Series in Chicago
Kick-off the third annual salon season with
“The Crown Prince of Cabaret”
STEVE ROSS
Sunday, September 12th (4pm to 6pm)
STEVE ROSS rose to fame
as a cabaret entertainer during his lengthy sojourns at New York’s fabled Algonquin Hotel and Ted Hook’s Backstage in the late 1970’s. He has spent the ensuing decades singing and playing in smart clubs and swank parties all over the world. The Ritz in London, the Crillon in Paris and the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, in addition to festivals in Hong Kong, Perth and Spoleto – these are but highlights of Steve’s appearances on six continents.
In 1992 he made his Off-Broadway debut in his own tribute to Fred Astaire, I WON’T DANCE. He continues to tour with solo concerts, master classes, theatrical engagements and symphonic Pops appearances. In 1997 he made his Broadway debut in the acclaimed revival of Noel Coward’s PRESENT LAUGHTER, performing opposite Frank Langella.
Appetizers and champagne are provided along with a thirty minute performance all inclusive in the ticket price. The salon performance will commence in River North on Sunday, September 12th at 4:00pm with pre-show reception, performance begins at 5:00pm. After a ticket purchase has been made, patrons will be sent an exact address and directions to the private residence where the salon will be held. Due to the fact that these salon events are held in a private home, seating is limited.
$45.00 per person or $80.00 for a pair of two tickets
Tickets now available at Brown Paper Tickets – search “Steve Ross” at the abov elink to purchase tickets OR visit the Lake Shore Salon blog where you can find ticket links along with photos of past season events at Lakeshore Salon This event will sell-out, so don’t wait to secure seats!
The 3rd Annual Lake Shore Salon Series is sponsored by:KMP Artists
TPAN Presents Aware Affair: Totally ’80s Ultra Lounge September 11th
Test Positive Aware Network’s
signature fall event,
Aware Affair: Totally ’80s Ultra Lounge,
will be on
Saturday, September 11, 2010
at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory.
When the doors open to the spectacular Totally ’80s Ultra Lounge, guests will enjoy a tableau of fine cuisine, peruse an array of unparalleled silent auction selections, take their chance at high-end raffle prizes, and watch an eclectic variety of performance art and entertainment.
Schedule –
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Mile High Club/VIP Reception
($250/per person*)
~Private Cocktail Lounge with
Adjacent Outdoor Terrace
~Champagne and Premium Libations
~Hors D’oeuvres
~Exclusive VIP Lounge Access with
Cocktail Service
~Buffet Dinner and Dessert
~Silent Auction
~Raffle
7:30 p.m.-Midnight–Ultra Lounge with Dinner and Libations
($150/per person*)
~Cocktails ~Buffet Dinner and Dessert ~Silent Auction ~Raffle
*Purchase nine reservations; get the tenth reservation for free.
Where? Ravenswood Billboard Factory
4011 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Attire: Your favorite ’80s fashions
For more information about reservation details and pricing, the menu, silent auction items, raffle prizes, our honorees, or to download the official invitation, please log on to TPAN , or call Rhett Lindsay at (773) 989-9400 ext. 233.
You may also purchase your reservations directly at EVENTS AWARE AFFAIR
Gay Cities and Best Gay Chicago @ Scarlet Tonight
GAY CITIES.com
is in Chicago tonight hosting
a meet-n-greet at SCARLET !
GayCities is coming to Boystown!
GayCities is coming to town and will be throwing two fun parties to get you tipsy (read: free drinks) in Boystown the evening of Friday the 13th!
“We are taking on BoysTown for the GayCities Chicago Meet Up and would to see you out and about! Stop by and join us at Scarlet Bar (3320 N. Halsted) for a hosted happy hour from 6-8. Check-in, chat and get treated to some drinks on us. Just tell the bartender “I’m with GayCities”
We will be moving to the KitKat Lounge (3700 N. Halsted) from 10p-2a, where you can meet with us, get half price on our GayCities martini specials, and check-in with the fierce ladies of the night.
We cant wait to see all of you there. Tell your friends and dont forget that GayCities loves to get you in on the best of whats happening!”
Best Gay Chicago will be in the house as well! See you There!
Michael Snell
Derrick Sorles
The Great Gay Play Contest in Chicago
Pride Films & Plays
is proud to announce the
Great Gay Play Contest
held in conjunction with Center on Halsted. This contest seeks new works dealing with GLBTQ history, characters or themes that are important to the community and relevant to the world.
“Few theaters that do GLBT work have staff to read the countless scripts that are submitted,” says PFP Executive Director David Zak. “We hope to provide those theaters and other producers across the globe with scripts that are fresh takes on the GLBT stories that need to be told and are ready for immediate production.”
Fifteen semifinalists will be selected by an international committee and Five finalists will then be selected and read by a final committee. A complete list of readers and judges is available at Pride Films and Plays .
The five finalists will be performed as staged readings in the first of what will be an annual Great Gay Theater Festival in the Hoover-Leppen Theater in the Center on Halsted. The final five finalists will also receive $400. Contest Rules and Applications may be found online .
This is an open contest for all persons 18 years or older as of the date of entry. International entries are encouraged. Contest fee for entries submitted between September 1 and September 30 is $30; contest fee for entries submitted between October 1 and October 31 is $45. Final deadline is October 31.
Amanda Lepore Comes to Hydrate Saturday August 14th
Amanda Lepore
is an American model, nightlife hostess, fashion icon and performer. She is a transsexual icon who has received attention for entertainment skills. She has been the advertising face for Heatherette, M.A.C. (cosmetics), Mego Jeans, Swatch, CAMP Cosmetics and more. Fashion design company Heatherette has used Lepore’s image on much of their clothing and has chosen her several times to model their brand during Fashion Week.
Lepore comes to Chicago this weekend to promote her CD COTTON CANDY. Saturday, August 14th at HYDRATE .
The first time I met Amanda she asked me, “Would you like to see my mouse tattoo?” purred America’s number one transsexual and owner of a fully functional vagina, placing her hand on my knee. I look tentatively across her silicone-augmented body, but none can be seen.
“Oh my,” giggles the outrageous club diva in shock, fingers covering her mouth. “My pussy must have eaten it!”
Lepore, considered New Yorks ‘it’ girl, has been busy launching her career in pop music. With the help of super sexy Cazwell , they created fun pop dance tracks like “I know What Boys Like”, “My Hair Looks Fierce” and “Champagne.” Catch her this weekend at Hydrate!
Scooty and JoJo present Phenomenal Phantasmagoria
This new invention in entertainment from Scooty and JoJo, the Chicago-based creators of Carpenters Halloween and Diva Brunch offers adventurous audiences an experiential extravaganza where a Family of Freaks unite for an evening of magic and music, dancing and dreamscapes, comedy and curiosities.
See BigTop JoJo transform Chicago’s landmark nightclub Excalibur into a mystical midway bursting with audacious entertainments, mythical creatures, and thrilling acts of virtuosity!
Phenomenal Phantasmagoria premieres Friday, July 30, continues Fridays and Saturdays through August 28, 2010. Showtime 8pm. Excalibur, 632 N. Dearborn.
Each night, the Family of Freaks and other curiosities from the caravan will unite with a revolving roster of celebrity performers and specialty acts from the worlds of circus, burlesque, theatre, comedy, performance art, music, and the unexpected.
Scooty & JoJo offer fans $15 tickets!
Tickets are $20 to the Phenomenal Phantasmagoria at Excalibur but if you purchase your tickets early at Brown Paper Tickets and enter discount code mermaid all you fans of The Scooty & JoJo Show receive $5 off each ticket! Buy tickets online or call 800-838-3006.
Get a sneak peak on YouTube !
Best Gay Chicago
NOT The Best of Gay Chicago … DJ and Porn Star Arrested on Murder Charges
A club DJ who played gigs on North Halsted’s gay bar strip as recently as last fall was arrested last week in Tennessee for the brutal slaying of a tattoo shop owner in Florida in May.
Jason Andrews, 27, was known as DJ Veritas when he did gigs at Chicago clubs such as Circuit and Scarlet, where he was the regular Saturday night DJ for a while. He was also known as Addison when he starred in gay porn videos for Sean Cody.
Both he and girlfriend Amanda Logue, 28, are accused of brutally killing New Port Richey, Florida, tattoo shop owner Dennis “Scooter” Abrahamsen, 41, on May 15 after an all-night sex party at Abrahamsen’s home.
Police said the motive was robbery – the take by Andrews and Logue was about $6,000 in cash, a laptop, cameras and credit cards. The couple was caught after detectives obtained Twitters and text messages between the couple in which they talked about and plotted the crime. The girlfriend was in the house with Abrahamsen while Jason waited outside until all the guests left the party.
Andrews’ true background remains a mystery. At times, he’s told people he was from Kalamazoo, Mich. He’s often claimed to be an Iraq War veteran and told the Chattanooga Billiard Club owner that he was in the Marines for 10 years. In Chicago he told people he was from London and talked with a British accent. Club ads for his DJ gigs here billed him as a hot London DJ. People who worked with him briefly in Chattanooga, though, said he didn’t use a British accent there.
SCARY!
Chicago Red Dress Party Moved to 2011
The hottest event of the Fall season
is being delayed, just a bit!
The new date is
APRIL 16th, 2011
CHICAGO RED DRESS PARTY .
While it’s hard to trace the roots of a long standing tradition we’ll do our best to bring you the history of this grand standing event. In the early 1990’s two gentlemen were dating when they both contracted HIV/AIDS.
To show their love and dedication they vowed when one of them passed away the other would attend their funeral adorned in a red dress. From this promise the concept of the Red Dress Party began. Currently there are Red Dress Parties all over the United States from Seattle, Washington to Chicago, IL. Oh and yes… You must wear a red dress to attend!
Equality Project (EQPR) was founded in 2008. EQPR sets out to create innovative social interactions that focus on social consciousness and advocacy. Since the inception we have produced such events as StonewallForty, Equalityoga and Equalitybowl. EQPR is proud to have worked with many organizations and individuals including Lambda Legal, Equal Rights Washington, Gay City Health Project and State Senator Ed Murray. In 2009 Equality Project relocated to Chicago, Illinois.
More details later this year.
Best of Gay Chicago
HELP Michael Snell Become The Gay Travel.com Guru
OK, so I have a BIG FAVOR to ask.
I have applied for a very cool job with GayTravel.com
Out of hundreds of applications, after the first cut last week, they have narrowed it down to 54 finalists. And I have made it to the top 54!
From here, on August 1st, they will pick their top 8 finalists to go to New York City for the final selection of the winner.
The winner gets a 6 month paid job with GayTavel.com and will fly all over the US helping them build their brand with Social Media and blogging and Networking!
So here is my favor. I am asking to PLEASE go to GayTravel.com and sign up for a free profile/account for yourself. It just takes a minute.
THE VOTING HAS JUST BEGUN! And runs for 2 weeks. Till July 30th.
Look for MICHAEL – Scoll down and vote 5 STARS~!
Any help you can give me, would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
Michael Snell
America’s Next Top GAY TRAVEL GURU!
Alfresco BYOB Rooftop Dining in the Heart of Gay Chicago
THE CENTER ON HALSTED ROOFTOP
is the place to dine alfresco this month!
Enjoy a unique, intimate dining experience created for you by 15 talented youth enrolled in our After School Matters What’s Cookin’ Culinary Arts Program. Led by Chef Abraham Conlon, these burgeoning chefs will present Dining on the Rooftop: two weeks of fantastic three-course al fresco dining every Wednesday and Thursday night from July 21-22 through July 28-29!
Every week will focus on a different cuisine, each featuring an appetizer, main course, and dessert. A non-alcoholic beverage will also be provided. Every menu is vegetarian friendly. Please be sure to note all food allergies and dietary restrictions on the online registration form as to ensure a positive dining experience.
The Dining on the Rooftop series is BYOB.
The rooftop will be opened for seating at 5: 45, and dinner will begin promptly at 6pm. Tickets are $25. RESERVE ONLINE.
Gay Chicago Casting Call for Dr. Laura Berman’s New Harpo TV Show
Are you struggling with your sex life or relationship?
Dr. Laura Berman , a world-renowned Sex & Relationship Expert,
has a brand new show on OWN…and she’s here to help you!
Have you lost the spark in your relationship?
Is intimacy – or lack thereof –
a source of conflict between you and your partner?
Are you desperate to reconnect but don’t know where to turn, or don’t have the resources to get the information you need?
Chicago’s Dr. Laura Berman can help!!!
You’ve seen her segments on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Dr. Oz Show” and heard her great advice on “Oprah Radio” but now Dr. Berman has a brand new TV show, In The Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman, fully dedicated to helping couples achieve greater intimacy and connection, not to mention better sex!
Dr. Berman understands the juggling act you go through every day and the significance of keeping your sex life a top priority. If you’re struggling with your intimacy, want a better relationship and long for a more fulfilling sex life, Dr. Berman is here to shed some light. Let Dr. Berman show you how to get exactly what you want and need in the bedroom and beyond!
If you live in the Chicago area and you want Dr. Berman’s advice, contact us today ! Please be sure to include a description of your family and the issues you’re dealing with, along with a recent photo. Couples need not be married but must be committed to making a change and be willing to appear and discuss their private lives on Television, if selected.
GAY COUPLES ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO APPLY!
Richard Cordova and Richards Riders Break Fund Raising Records for the Chicago Ride For AIDS
Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 190-mile, bicycling event created by volunteers and designed to raise needed monies for TPAN and Community Partners.
This year the event is happening July 10-11.
Each rider is asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 and crew $500 in pledges to participate.
Unlike other rides of this kind, Ride for AIDS Chicago is committed to returning 100% of your pledges to the beneficiaries.
One determined crew leader happens to be a dear friend of ours, Richard Cordova . Earlier this year, Richard set quite an ambitious goal for the 2010 Ride For AIDS. He really hoped and wanted his 21-person team to raise $30,000 for the event’s sponsor/promoter—Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) —which would set the record for most money ever raised by a team.
As of last week, THEY DID IT!
“I knew that $30,000 was a lofty goal, but with so many people on the team I was really hoping we could rally enough support for such a great cause and make our goal,” said Cordova, 32, a gay Lakeview resident who will be participating in his third ride. He has also run five marathons ( 26.2 miles each ) and three half-marathons ( 13.1 miles ) .
Cordova, who has a boyfriend, is a health educator at the Center on Halsted; he also is a spinning instructor at the Lakeview Athletic Club.
Cordova’s team, appropriately dubbed Richard’s Riders, has members in their 20s, 30s and 40s. There are grad students, flight attendants and business owners. There also are professionals in education management, finance, advertising, insurance, non-profits and more.
Richard’s Riders is one of the bigger teams ever in the history of the ride and each member has their own reason for participating in the grueling gig, Cordova said.
With the race just 9 days away, Richard is still knocking on doors!
JUST IN THE LAST WEEK, 4 MORE RIDERS HAVE JOINED RICHARD’S
TEAM AND THEIR NEW GOAL IS $40,000, WITH THE CLOCK TICKING!
Cordova says, “My team would love it if the kind and benevolent LGBTQ community could find it in their hearts and their wallets by helping us support Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) through a donation. No matter how big or small; every bit counts. Whether it be information dissemination, outreach, testing and prevention, and positive living support groups and more, TPAN is on the front lines every day helping those, myself included, who are living their best life possible with HIV/AIDS. We ride to do our part and when you make a decision to support our ride you are doing yours. Thank You!”
Help Richard reach a new goal and shatter all records!
DONATE NOW!
Just add a couple bucks to the pile and make this
2010 THE BEST RIDE EVER for Richard and TPAN!
We applaud you and your team, Richard!
Richard Cordova and Richards Riders Break Fund Raising Records for the Chicago Ride For AIDS
Ride for AIDS Chicago is a two-day, 190-mile, bicycling event created by volunteers and designed to raise needed monies for TPAN and Community Partners.
This year the event is happening July 10-11.
Each rider is asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 and crew $500 in pledges to participate.
Unlike other rides of this kind, Ride for AIDS Chicago is committed to returning 100% of your pledges to the beneficiaries.
One determined crew leader happens to be a dear friend of ours, Richard Cordova . Earlier this year, Richard set quite an ambitious goal for the 2010 Ride For AIDS. He really hoped and wanted his 21-person team to raise $30,000 for the event’s sponsor/promoter—Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) —which would set the record for most money ever raised by a team.
As of last week, THEY DID IT!
“I knew that $30,000 was a lofty goal, but with so many people on the team I was really hoping we could rally enough support for such a great cause and make our goal,” said Cordova, 32, a gay Lakeview resident who will be participating in his third ride. He has also run five marathons ( 26.2 miles each ) and three half-marathons ( 13.1 miles ) .
Cordova, who has a boyfriend, is a health educator at the Center on Halsted; he also is a spinning instructor at the Lakeview Athletic Club.
Cordova’s team, appropriately dubbed Richard’s Riders, has members in their 20s, 30s and 40s. There are grad students, flight attendants and business owners. There also are professionals in education management, finance, advertising, insurance, non-profits and more.
Richard’s Riders is one of the bigger teams ever in the history of the ride and each member has their own reason for participating in the grueling gig, Cordova said.
With the race just 9 days away, Richard is still knocking on doors!
JUST IN THE LAST WEEK, 4 MORE RIDERS HAVE JOINED RICHARD’S
TEAM AND THEIR NEW GOAL IS $40,000, WITH THE CLOCK TICKING!
Cordova says, “My team would love it if the kind and benevolent LGBTQ community could find it in their hearts and their wallets by helping us support Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) through a donation. No matter how big or small; every bit counts. Whether it be information dissemination, outreach, testing and prevention, and positive living support groups and more, TPAN is on the front lines every day helping those, myself included, who are living their best life possible with HIV/AIDS. We ride to do our part and when you make a decision to support our ride you are doing yours. Thank You!”
Help Richard reach a new goal and shatter all records!
DONATE NOW!
Just add a couple bucks to the pile and make this
2010 THE BEST RIDE EVER for Richard and TPAN!
We applaud you and your team, Richard!
Gay Chicago Couple Heads to Toronto This Weekend to Get Married on a Float at Toronto Gay Pride!
Fireworks will be in the air
this July 4th weekend,
as over 1.3 million supporters gather to celebrate five years
of legalized same-sex marriages at the Toronto Gay Pride Festival.
To commemorate this milestone, six couples — including three from states in the U.S. where same-sex marriage is illegal — are being flown to Toronto to exchange their vows on a moving float as it makes its way through the Pride Parade – a first in Pride history.
Kevin Tindell & William Hall were selected from Chicago!
William tells their romantic story, “14 years and 4 months ago, I, Bill, decided to be happy being single and enjoy my life. I would concentrate on expanding my horizons and really take pleasure in what I already had. However, I promised myself that if I ever did see the man of my dreams, I would be proactive, brave and ask him out.
So, I really had a lot of fun, trying new things. For two months. Then, one night, I was in a Chicago bar, and saw Kevin. For a split second I tried to ignore him, because I knew he was it—he was the one. But I was having so much fun! I decided that I had to keep my promise and I went over and talked to him. He was a funny, handsome, caring 6’1” lug of a man with a huge heart. I couldn’t believe it. The love of my life was right in front of me.
I asked him out and we went on a date. Kevin says we were dating exclusively as of then. I like to think that I didn’t decide to date him exclusively for awhile, but that’s a lie. I haven’t dated anyone else since I met him. Two years later we moved in together and had a commitment ceremony. I was so happy that day that I don’t remember a lot of it. People come up to me to this day and talk about being at the ceremony and I don’t remember them.
Now, we have 3 sons, Carter, Christian and Camran, 4 dogs, Czar, Sarabi, Moses and Kimba, and a turtle, Sam. I love him as much as I ever did, if not more. My heart still beats faster whenever I see him. We are living out a life that I fantasized about when I was young, but never thought I could have because I was gay. Getting legally married would be another dream that I never thought I would be able to realize. We travel regularly (though not as much as we did pre-children) and would love to be married and recommit our vows in the fabulous city of Toronto during pride. Our story is simple but one deep with faith and family pride.”
Each couple was selected by the event sponsor, online relationship service ManCrunch.com , based on their story as to why they wanted to celebrate their love in front of the millions of supporters.
Congratulations guys! and best wishes for many more years of happiness! Have fun in Toronto this weekend!
Lightning Strikes 3 Chicago Buildings At The Same Time
Stunning photo from Craig Shimala .
“For the third time in the last 6 days, another line of nasty storms rolled through Chicago on Wednesday evening. I love coming home and being able to watch and capture nature’s beauty from my balcony. ‘Wed’s storms towered up to 63,000 ft, unleashed 80 mph gusts, local 3″+ rains and 15,000 cloud to ground lightning strikes in a single hour.”
Chicago Full Moon Fire Jam Monday June 28th
The Full Moon Fire Jam
is a FREE event that happens every Full Moon during the summer months in Chicago. Started in 2004 by a group of friends celebrating a birthday, the jams have grown in size to accommodate the increasing amount of drummers, fire spinners and families that come to enjoy.
(photo left –William Ching Photography)
It takes place on the lawns About 1/2 Mile SOUTH of Foster Ave Beach on the Lake Front. – Plenty of free parking.
Time is 8:00 this Monday, June 28th. If you want good parking and a good seat, I would advise getting there about 30 minutes early.
You will get see lots of Fire & Ultraviolet (UV) Performances – These artists continue to evolve their craft with an ever-increasing repertoire of fire and ultraviolet-based tools, weapons, and performance pieces, including, but not limited to:
* Poi, Staff & Double Staff
* Meteor
* Rope Dart, Fire Juggling
* Fire Hoop, Fire Fans
* Fire Eating and Bodywork
* Scimtars / Swords / Knives
* Snakes / Bones
* UV Flags
* Special effects like immersive fire ropes, torches, and lanterns
C’mon down to the Chicago Lakefront for this Full Moon Fire Jam performance!
Will Chicago BlackHawks Join Gay Pride Parade Next Weekend?
Will they?
or won’t they?
That is question people are pondering this week. The Chicago Blackhawks have lots of gay fans, and the Blackhawks were recently invited to be a part of this years Gay pride Parade.
The Chicago Sun-Times lists the progress thus far.
• To wit: At last check, the Chicago Gay Hockey Association was still awaiting a reply to their invite to the Chicago Blackhawks — and the Stanley Cup — to join them at the parade.
• The buckshot: “We’re optimistic, but we know the realistic chances of, say, Patrick Sharp or Jonathan Toews joining us for the Pride Parade are slim,” said CGHA president Andrew Sobotka.
• The upshot: “But who knows . . . our goal of having some of the players . . . skate alongside of us in the Pride Parade was to really let the Blackhawks know that there is a strong interest in hockey within the gay community,” he added.
• The parting shot: “We would be honored to have the Hawks organization show their support by being there,” said CGHA member Tony Tiet. The invite is to all the Hawks players, coaches, broadcasters, front office personnel and even the Stanley Cup itself.
CGHA member David Stefanski told sports blog Puck Daddy the following: ‘”The Blackhawks have never had a float in the pride parade as far as we know,’ he said. ‘They have a very good opportunity to reach out to a community that they wouldn’t reach.'”
UPDATE!
Chicago Blackhawk Brent Sopel, his wife, his four kids, and the Stanley Cup will represent the team in Chicago’s Gay Pride parade this Sunday, the Sun Times reports.
Said President John McDonough, who is sending the cup from the NHL Draft in L.A.: “The power of the Cup is incomprehensible, and we recognize the importance of doing this. It’s important for the city and important for the franchise…The Stanley Cup has become the biggest celebrity of all. It has its own personality and charm. We will be proud to participate in the parade. And Brent Sopel is one of the truly great guys. To have the cup part of the parade is just another great part of the celebration.”
Sopel will be marching in honor of the late Brendan Burke, who died earlier this year in a car accident after breaking barriers in the hockey world by discussing his sexuality in Sports Illustrated with his father, Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke.
Said Sopel: “When Brendan came out, Brian stood by him, and his whole family stood by him, like every family should. We teach our kids about accepting everybody. Tolerate everybody, to understand where everyone is coming from.”
The Chicago Cubs will also have a float in the parade, for the first time, and Ernie Banks will ride on it.
