Category Archives: News and Happenings

  News and Happenings

Gay Couple Banned From Wal Mart in Niles


DO GAY PEOPLE
REALLY SHOP AT WAL-MART?

Gosh, I started boycotting that store 3 years ago after watching THE HIGH COST OF THE LOW PRICE! 

The two Bic multipurpose lighters and a package of smaller lighters Joe Paolucci bought at the Niles (MI) Wal-Mart on Aug. 16 cost $15.84.

So how did the lighters end up the centerpiece of a situation that resulted in Paolucci and his gay partner, Thomas Hitchcock, being banned from Wal-Mart, not only in Niles but everywhere? That’s the rest of the story.

Tribune reporter staff writer Lou Mumford reported, Paolucci said he and Hitchcock had visited the store often since the two Chicago attorneys — for 13 years, Paolucci was general counsel for the real estate investment company owned by Chicago billionaire Sam Zell — opened a store known simply as Front in downtown Buchanan.

The “high-end modernist gallery/shop,” as Paolucci described it, stemmed from an extensive rehabilitation project. He and Hitchcock own investment properties in downtown Buchanan as well, they said, plus a second home near Buchanan that they occupy with two special-needs 11-year-old twin sons they adopted from Romania.

At the Wal Mart store, Paolucci, went to a self-checkout lane to use scanning equipment he had operated before.

Later, he said, he returned to the shopping area to pick up additional items, including the lighters, which he scanned and placed in bags. He grabbed his receipt for the items, totaling some $60, and headed for the exit, as did Hitchcock and the boys.

Before they got outside, store employees stopped them.

“They asked if I had Bic lighters. I said, ‘Yes,’ and handed them over,” Paolucci said. “Then they asked if I had a receipt. I said, ‘Yes, you’re holding it.’ Then this group of Wal-Mart employees started forming around us.”

Paolucci and Hitchcock said the employees were threatening and that one used a vulgarity. Their accusations frightened the boys, who began “crying, screaming and freaking out,” they said.

Paolucci said that while he and Hitchcock were attempting to calm down the boys, the employees ordered them to enter a “detention room” for questioning. Fearful of what might happen behind closed doors, he and Hitchcock refused to enter and asked to speak to a manager.

“Some guy came up and said, ‘I’m the manager,’ then turned around and left,” Hitchcock said.

Paolucci said he and Hitchcock then asked store personnel to call police. Within minutes, deputies from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s Niles Township Patrol arrived, pleasing Paolucci who said he thought a few questions and a review of the store’s videotapes and computer records would quickly resolve the matter.

He said he was shocked when he was immediately handcuffed, without a question being asked, and placed in the back seat of a squad car. Hitchcock wasn’t handcuffed but also was placed in the back seat of a second squad car.

The twins, despite the protests of Paolucci and Hitchcock, were turned over to the store’s security personnel, who took them into the “detention room” or what police referred to as a security room.

Paolucci and Hitchcock estimated it was at least 45 minutes before officers told them they had reviewed the store’s tapes and had determined that the lighters hadn’t been shoplifted. The two said they expected an apology and were surprised once again when personnel from the store walked up to the squad cars with the twins and read from a statement that Paolucci and Hitchcock had been banned by the store chain for life. Rather than shoplifting, the reason they were given was “being uncooperative.”

“Everything they asked us to do, we did. We cooperated 100 percent,” Paolucci argued. “We objected only when they tried to get us to go into the detention room.”

By the time they were read the statement, Paolucci and Hitchcock said, the twins had told them that the security staff had allegedly threatened them in the security room and had made disparaging remarks about Paolucci and Hitchcock’s lifestyle. Paolucci and Hitchcock said they asked police to take statements from the boys but the officers refused, telling the couple they’d have to contact Child Protective Services.

They were told next that they’d have to leave the premises immediately, they said, or be arrested for trespassing. The men said they argued the store should at least replace such grocery items as a frozen pizza, ice cream and popsicles, which by then had thawed or melted, but those arguments, too, went nowhere.

WHAT  A  MESS!  I would not step  foot in a Wal mart store if YOU PAID ME!


Best Gay Chicago




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  News and Happenings, Political, Transgender

Boycott of Hunters is Called For by Some Transgender and Gays in Chicago



The Suburban Chicago gay bar Hunters Nightclub recently officially imposed a “new”  ID requirement that has several GLBTs—particularly transgender activists—up in arms.

The Elk Grove Village bar’s owners  have  implemented  a new policy that requires patrons to show a valid photo ID that matches their gender presentation. Therefore, if a person wants to enter Hunters in drag, his or her ID must match their current appearance. But Hunters says the rule isn’t exactly new, and they are just making sure they comply with local laws in order to keep their liquor license.

According to Hunters, the new policy was put in place to keep out transgender and cross-dressing prostitutes. Hunters manager Peter Landorf told the Chicago Tribune that the decision was made reluctantly after seeing Craigslist prostitution ads that mentioned Hunters. Management decided it was best to be strict about photo IDs in order to avoid potentially losing its liquor license.

Chicago Gender Society’s Katie Thomas told CFP  that the organization hasn’t taken much of a stand on the Hunters issue beyond telling people that “the law is the law.” Thomas said that she believes that Hunters is cracking down on IDs in order to maintain their liquor license and not for any other reason. In the meantime, she said, trans people can easily obtain a new ID. “Do what you’re supposed to do and get an ID,” Thomas advised.




MJ  from  One Voice Whispering in the Wind  blog  said in a recent post, “As many of you already know, this past Friday night I went to support a protest of Hunters Nightclub. A lot of people were asking me what brought on this protest. I very quickly explain to them about the discrimination of my fellow Transgender brothers and sisters.”

About 40 some people showed up this past weekend for a protest at the bar…”Well the night turned out like this: There were over forty people out on Friday night standing in the freezing cold parking lot waiting to challenge the new policy at Hunters. As we all made our way into the bar, two of us were turned away. The remaining people who were able to make it into the bar, were asked to leave the bar about an hour later. To clarify on this part a little; we were asking the manager about the policy and why they allowed some of us in and not others and next thing I know we were being asked to leave.

I can not comment on what was being said between our organizers and the management at Hunters for I was not there for the whole conversation. I just know that after we were asked to leave, most of us braved the cold temperatures outside because Patrick Volkert, a manager at Hunters, agreed to talk to us. We all waited for him to come out and talk to us. When he finally did come out, he would only talk to the group organizer. So the rest of us waited in the parking lot, talking and sharing stories until the meeting was done.

When the meeting was over we were told that our demand that Hunters repeal the policy was denied and so we decided to boycott Hunters.”

Chicago Gender Society’s Katie Thomas added that there are a lot of trans women who have gotten into Hunters without a problem because staff recognize them.

“It’s not that they don’t want trans girls here,” Thomas said.

On a Friday or Saturday night, patrons said there are typically a dozen or more men at the bar dressed as women. Most are just trying to be themselves. They go out  “in costume”  and  live most of their daily lives as men.


But now a whole can of worms has been opened. The bar,  could now have an additional problem on its hands. As of 2006, state law prohibits any establishment open to the public from discriminating against people based on gender identity.

Equality Illinois political director Rick Garcia told CFP that the organization has known about the situation at Hunters for “a while.”

Garcia said that Equality Illinois already spoke with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and hopes to talk to Hunters owner Mike Hunter shortly. The statewide GLBT organization hopes that they can sit down with Hunters management and come up with a solution that protects both transgender patrons and the bar.

“We respect his desire to keep his business safe and legal,” Garcia said. “But in protecting the business, you can’t also harm innocent people.”

Hunters declined to comment in the Chicago Tribune recently.

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  News and Happenings, Special Events, Summer Fun

Mad Boys Booze and Yacht Party Cruise Memorial Weekend in Chicago

 



MEMORIAL  weekend  has another exciting event! 

A private Yacht of drinking, men and dancing go-go boys!  Enjoy an OPEN PREMIUM BAR including a free elegant luncheon buffet featuring music by DJ PHIL DaBeatz on Sunday afternoon!!

Join BJPromos and DJ Phil DaBeatz as they  kick off the summer in style aboard Kanan Cruise Line (Last dock on Navy Pier). This is the first of many GAY CRUISES on Lake Michigan this summer.

The combination of Memorial Day Weekend, IML, Gabbys, and Bear Pride will be bringing thousands of gays to Chicago. What better place to celebrate than the MAD BOY CRUISE!

Tickets include OPEN BAR, FREE FOOD, LIVE DANCE MUSIC, BOYS, MEN and MORE MEN!

DJ Phil DaBeatz voted Best Club DJ 2008 and signed by Centaur Music as their next POPular DJ will be behind the decks.





Whether spinning live or compiling CD’s,  Phil  leaves you with no choice but to “feel the beats.”

 Its already been a year of accomplishments for DJ Phil DaBeatz. In April, DaBeatz was signed to Centaur Music, the 1 global GLBT record label. His contract includes the remixing and production of a cd in their POPular Series to be marketed and sold worldwide – CD Release scheduled for this month. 



Everyone always looks for a chance to get out of Boystown and do something different, and this is the perfect opportunity.

Sunday  May 24th
Boarding at 12:30pm and Cruise 1:00-3:00pm  Tickets $65

VIP tickets  $125  include Private Reception 11:30am-12:30pm

Buy tickets Online    for more  information  call (630)664-4203

Next cruise is  Pride Weekend,  Saturday  June 27th –  Brunch, Booze and Boys!


Best of Gay Chicago!

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  Center on Halsted, Music, News and Happenings, Theater in Chicago

LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE / CENTER ON HALSTED – JUNE 2 – 5

LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE
                  FOR MAJOR 4-NIGHT ENGAGEMENT JUNE 2 – 5!


Kristopher McDowell Productions is producing a June series at The Hoover-Leppen Theatre/Center on Halsted in Chicago. The supremely talented ladies featured in this series continue to garner praise from discerning critics. Each  artist presents one solo concert engagement each night at the Hoover Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted, 3656 Halsted Street.

Featuring …


 
Tony Award Nominee & Nightlife Award Winner
SHARON McNIGHT performs
SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE
on Tuesday, June 2 at 7:30 PM

 


SHARON McNIGHT returns to Chicago after having performed at Chicago Pride in 2007 and at the Chicago Gay Games the same year.  Brassy, sassy and full of life McNight will perform her hit show SONGS TO OFFEND ALMOST EVERYONE which recently played in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs, California. SF Chronicle said, “McNight gets saucy in (her) new show – Songs To Offend delights (the) crowd!”  In this hysterical show, Sharon performs songs that will have the audience rolling in the aisles.  Sharon was nominated for a Tony Award for her starring role in STARMITES and has appeared on SEINFELD.


 


Chicago Jazz Vocalist
SPIDER SALOFF performs
ENTERTAINING GUESTS “World Premiere”
on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 PM

 


 SPIDER SALOFF is a celebrated Award-Winning jazz vocalist and Chicago-based artist who will debut her all-new one woman show ENTERTAINING GUESTS.  Spider has been called “one of the finest jazz vocalists in this or any other city” by the Chicago Tribune.  This Sneak Preview will feature mostly original material written by SPIDER SALOFF.  She has seven solo albums including her most recent CD Cole Porter Live at Maxim’s which recently enjoyed performances at Maxim’s in Chicago and at The Metropolitan Room in New York City.


Ferociously Entertaining
MELISSA YOUNG performs
LUCKY STAR: A Madonna Tribute
on    Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 PM

 


 MELISSA YOUNG is a name that is catching on.  Another Chicago-based actress, vocalist and comedienne has performed LUCKY STAR: A MADONNA TRIBUTE to sold-out crowds at Davenport’s Show Room in Wicker Park and has wowed audiences at the Drury Lane Theatre and other well-known Chicago venues. 
“Young’s show is open, inviting and an awful lot of fun!”
says Chicago Reader.




Broadway Star and Brazilian Jazz Artist
LUBA MASON performs KRAZY LOVE on Friday, June 5 at 7:30 PM


“A voice as big and rich as a star-filled sky.” Jazz Times

Jazz vocalist, Broadway Star and wife of Latin superstar Ruben Blades, Luba Mason explores the arc of modern day relationships and infuses them with the music of Brazil in her newly released CD KRAZY LOVE on Sunnyside Records. Classically trained in voice and piano, Luba’s writing talents are premiered in 8 original songs alongside some Brazilian classics. A Broadway veteran of 8 shows including starring roles in CHICAGO opposite Brooke Shield’s, HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS… opposite Matthew Broderick and JEKYLL & HYDE as well as TV guest star appearances in LAW & ORDER, NYPD BLUE and RAINES. Luba has recently performed at both the 2009 PANAMA and COSTA RICAN JAZZ FESTIVALS and is happy to include Chicago on her current national tour of KRAZY LOVE.


 
PURCHASE TICKETS FOR  LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN   or call etix at 1-800-514-3849.


 
LADIES AT THE HOOVER-LEPPEN THEATRE performs 4 times with a different show each night: Tuesday through Friday June 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th.  All shows are at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are $30 per person per event. All tickets on sale NOW!
 
 
The Best of Gay Chicago

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  News and Happenings

LGBT Consumer Index Survey




Community Marketing, Inc. (CMI), the San Francisco-based gay and lesbian research, marketing and communications firm, is currently conducting a massive consumer research project – the LGBT Consumer Index™.




Complete the survey by September 14th and you will be entered into a drawing for two roundtrip airline tickets!




TAKE THE LGBT SURVEY NOW.




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  Movers and Shakers, News and Happenings

Feast of Fools – The Number One Best Gay Podcast

Live, from Chicago, it’s  Feast of Fools!

 

The Feast of Fools podcast features cocktails, gossip, news and interviews with some of the worlds most eclectic celebrities, newsmakers, and musicians.
 
Hosted by the flaming blue Fausto Fernós with his boyfriend Marc Felion, the Feast of Fools has been in the top 50 downloaded comedy podcasts in the world and currently ranks as iTunes’ #1 gay podcast.*

With over a million downloads to this date, the Feast of Fools has the distinction of having one of the largest audiences for a comedy show produced from Chicago, and the largest audience for a GLBT-themed podcast in the world. It remains as one of the most popular daily audio programs of its kind for any audience.

When the iTunes Music store celebrated it’s one year anniversary of podcasting, Feast of Fools was chosen as one out of 48 “pioneering shows… helping to bring podcasting from an underground movement to a mainstream phenomenon, [Feast of Fools] helped to pave the way.” -iTunes Music Store, June 28, 2006.
 

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  Chicago Information, News and Happenings, Theater in Chicago

Best Broadway Theatre in Chicago

  

Over the last two years  Broadway In Chicago, a leading Chicago-based presenter of live theatre and a joint entertainment venture between Live Nation and the Nederlander Organization, has seen breakthrough results, with  vitality and prosperity of Chicago’s Downtown Theatre District. 

A significant finding is Broadway In Chicago’s position as a premiere destination for the city’s many tourists and visitors.  With an annual attendance figure of 1.5 million theater patrons, over 42% of audiences are traveling to Chicago from out-of-state to see long-running shows like Wicked. Theatre patrons occupy over 500,000 hotel room nights per year, more than the top ten city conventions combined and  theatre patrons spend more than $75 million at local restaurants while visiting the area.

“The record-breaking success of Wicked combined with the growth of the Downtown Theatre District has changed the way Broadway producers view Chicago.  It is no longer simply a stop on the touring road.  It has become, instead, a place where long running success can be sustained with the support of the City of Chicago and Mayor Daley.  The future for Chicago as a national center for theatre looks very bright and everyone with Wicked is proud to be a part of the impressive results of this study,” explains Wicked producer David Stone.

And gay theatre blossoms as well. Since 1995, Bailiwick Repertory has made its home in the Bailiwick Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont. The 150-seat Mainstage, 90-seat studio, and 40-seat loft contained in the Bailiwick building have allowed Bailiwick to further explore its art with staged readings, performance pieces, and workshops of new work.

And right next door is theTheatre Building Chicago. Celebrating 30 years in Chicago, they are an incubator to develop original musical works and emerging theatre companies and artists.

For more “Off-Broadway” shows, visit Theatre in Chicago, the most comprehensive listings, news, reviews, and pre-theatre dining suggestions for the shows that are currently playing in the Chicago area as well as future productions of shows. 

 

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  Chicago Information, News and Happenings

Santiago Calatrava and the Chicago Spire


The Chicago Spire! The presentation at their site is AMAZING! The Chicago Spire is a supertall skyscraper that will stand taller than Chicago’s Sears Tower and New York‘s upcoming Freedom Tower, as well as Toronto‘s CN Tower, to become North America‘s tallest free-standing structure and the world’s tallest all-residential building.

Inspired by nature – Imagined by Calatrava! The building was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and is being developed by Garrett Kelleher of Shelbourne Development Group, Inc. The Chicago Spire is scheduled to be completed in 2010/2011  with 150 floors – a unique collection of 1200 residences overlooking Lake Michigan. No two residences  the same!

Christopher T. Carley of the Fordham Company, the project was supported by many Chicagoans and city officials. After several months of development, Carley failed to acquire necessary financing and the project was taken over by Garrett Kelleher of the Shelbourne Development Group. Since that time, three major revisions were made to the design.

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