Category Archives: Special Events
Gay Softball World Series Summer Kickoff Party June 29
Gay Softball World Series (GSWS)
is almost here!
From August 29 – September 3, more than 165 teams, from over 40 cities across North America, will descend upon the Windy City to play more than 500 games, making the GSWS the largest annual LGBT sporting event in the world!
Join them @ Sidetrack on June 29 at 6:00pm for our Summer Kickoff Party, where if you register to volunteer for the Series, you can win FABULOUS prizes that night! There is no cover charge for this event.
· Grand Prize: “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” NYC Getaway Weekend for two! Airfare, two-night hotel stay at the luxurious Benjamin Hotel and tickets to the Rokk Vodka-sponsored Broadway smash hit Priscilla Queen of the Desert!
· Buddy Scooter from Scooterworks
· Miller/Coors Bicycle
· (2) VIP Suite Tickets to Melissa Etheridge
· $100 Sir Spa Massage Gift Cards
To enter the drawing, simply register to volunteer during the Chicago GSWS. We have numerous volunteer needs both leading into and during the week of the Series. From registering athletes to providing information at the host hotels to assisting at the fields, there is an opportunity for everyone.
Can’t make the Sidetrack event? Visit the Series website at Chicagoseries2011 to learn more and to sign up to volunteer.
Series 2011 – Participate. Donate. Volunteer. Find them on FACEBOOK.
Anti Circumcision Advocates March in Chicago this Weekend
may be the
first city in the United States
to outlaw circumcision.
But here in Chicago the number of anti-circumcision activists is growing as well.
Intactivists from Illinois and beyond will march in the Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26th to promote genital integrity for all. This is fun for the whole family and a great opportunity to get a human rights message to a very receptive crowd. We will hand out about 8000 intactivist leaflets.
“We will line up on Halsted Street south of Belmont at noon. I’ll know the precise address just days before, so contact me to be notified of that, or just have my cell phone number (847 414-1692) with you.
It’s a rain or shine event. Have an umbrella, sun hat, sunscreen, and water bottle, plus comfortable shoes. Backpacks and other gear can be stowed in our float (station wagon) during the parade.
TLC Tugger and the Chicago NORM group are sponsoring this event. Please help us make it a success. Email me at TLCIntactivist@GMail.com with questions – and to let me know you’re coming.
Thanks,
-Ron Low
Latin Latino Pride in Chicago this Week
UNITED LATINO PRIDE – ULP is a group of individual community members, organizations and buisness that identify as Latino LGBTQ and allies. The group was formed to meet the need to educate and celebrate who we are as community.
“There are over 1 million Latinos in the Chicago Land Area meaning that statistically at least 30,000 fall in the LGBTQ spectrum. With such a large population, how can we not celebrate who we are!”
This week ULP is organizing a series of event for Latino Pride in Chicago. Including:
June 9, 2011 screening “I am the Queen” film Directed by Josue Pellot and Henrique Cirne-Lima
The Event will begin with a small reception and special performance, followed by the viewing of the film and a Q and A. This event is open to ALL AGES
We are asking for a minimum donation of $10.00 to benefit the transitional living center for Trans identified people, “El Rescate” that Vida Sida is in the processes of… establishing in Humbolt Park, Chicago.
About the Movie: “I am the Queen” takes a look at the often unobserved life of Chicago’s
Puerto Rican transgendered community documenting the Cacique Pageant, the first annual transgendered pageant held in Chicago’s Humboldt Park
neighborhood.
The film exposes the restructuring of the family unit
experienced by pageant participants who are often distanced from their
biological family only to find kinship among others in the Puerto Rican
transgendered community.
AND Saturday, June 11 · 3:00pm – 8:00pm
Latin@ PRIDE Summer Dance
Join us for Latin@ Pride Summer Dance at Harrison Park in Pilsen. Help us kick-off the pride festivities with music by some of Chicago’s leading queer Latin@ DJ’s and some of the queer friendliest DJ’s.
Spinning to the delight of your ears: Dj’s Reyna, Ang G., Feline and (((SONORAMA))).
There’ll be a dance contest, a guac-off (guacamole show down!) and so much more.
Location Harrison Park in Pilsen , 19th & Damen Chicago, IL
More events and details at United Latino Pride.
BestGayChicago.com
H.E.R. Day (Health, Recreation, Education) LGBTQA Women June 11
is a day-long symposium of exciting programs and workshops for LGBTQA women.
Facilitators from Howard Brown Health Center, the Chicago Women’s Health Center, Northwestern University’s Department of Psychology, and other organizations will lead health seminars, a cooking class, and recreation classes like self-defense, yoga, and salsa throughout the day.
Keynote speech will be given by Jessica Halem, comedian, activist, and former Executive Director of the Lesbian Community Cancer (now Care) Project. Jessica will also close the event with a special performance of her one-woman-show, “Bad Feminist” in the Hoover-Leppen Theater at 7pm.
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show) or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.
Seminars and workshops include:
“What I Learned from Cancer,” Jessica Halem
Sex Ed 101 for L/B/T/Q Women, presented by the Chicago Women’s Health Center
Women, the Media, and Beauty Ideals, presented by Renee Engeln-Maddox, Ph.D. and senior lecturer at Northwestern University
Healthy Cooking Class and Demonstration, presented by Chef Toni Rivera
Tickle Your Fancy: Female Sexuality, Orgasm & What Toys Can Do for You! Presented by Searah Deysach from Early to Bed
Transgender Health, presented by Lois Bates from Howard Brown
Intersex People: What you Should Know and Why You Should Care! Presented by Dr. Veronica Drantz and intersex spokespersons Alex and Mugsie
Salsa dance, instructed by Heidi Landgraf, She-She Salsa Instructor at Edge Gallery
Self Defense, instructed by Matt Cowell of Cowell Martial Arts
Yoga, instructed by Kerri Noto of Tejas Yoga
In Vitro Fertilization for LGBT couples, presented by Colleen Wagner Coughlin, Laboratory Director and Embryologist of aParentIVF
Saturday, June 11, 10AM – 4PM
$15 admission to H.E.R. Day (including the “Bad Feminist show)
or $20 tickets to “Bad Feminist” at 7pm.
Beyond the Civil Union License…Celebrate Your Union with a Party
Mayor Rahm Emanuel told the crowd yesterday as the first cermonies began being held!.
Illinois is the sixth state to allow civil unions or their equivalent, which provide same-sex or opposite-sex couples the same state-level rights as married couples. Wednesday was the first day couples could get civil union licenses and, as with marriage, there is a one-day waiting period before a ceremony can be held.
“This is indeed a historic day, a special day that all of us in the land of Lincoln can celebrate,” Governor Quinn said. “There are all kinds of families in Illinois, but we are all the family of Illinois.”
So you want to have a Civil Union?!Step One – register with Cook County –
And then you have a judge Civil Union-ize you.
Step Two – Do you want more of a formal
ceremony for family and friends?
You will need an officiant. Meet Reverend Vito Anthony! “My role as celebrant is to offer a non-judgmental, non-denominational, spiritual ceremony for you and your loved ones, for any variety of momentous occasions in your life. As the pages turn with every new chapter in your life-whether it be one of joy or sorrow-it is equally important to mark your new chapters with a dignified ceremony. It is my goal to provide you with a ceremony that will not only fit your exact needs, but also to conduct a unique and memorable ceremony to help you begin your journey, whether in grief or happiness. – I am VERY EXCITED that the State of Illinois is offering Civil Unions to the LGBT Community!”
Rev. Vito Anthony
1-800-436-9085
Every wedding or party HAS TO HAVE A CAKE!
OAK MILL BAKERIES has 6 locations in Chicago, are a family-owned retail and wholesale specialty Bakery committed to providing only the freshest and finest European style baked goods. The BEST I have ever seen or tasted!
Specializing in high-end cakes, superior pastries, tortes, sweet table displays, and baked goods made from scratch and fresh from their ovens daily. Their gourmet products are made from natural ingredients using only fresh fruits & purees, natural butter, fresh eggs, fresh whipping cream and parve (kosher) chocolate imported directly from Europe. Their products are guaranteed to make your special event delicious, and we invite you to stop by one of our stores to sample their daily selections.
Born of Polish heritage, Bogna Iwanowska-Solak came to the United States in 1981 with plans extending only to a short vacation. She ended up staying and launching a successful bakery business. With quality and freshness at the forefront, Oak Mill Bakery still imports some of its ingredients directly from Poland staying true to its roots. This combination of European and natural ingredients along with attention to detail has created what many consider to be a source of pastry perfection.
Oak Mill Bakeries
1-847-318-6400
What About Flowers?
FLOWERS CHANGE EVERYTHING!
Andrea North at FlowerPetal says, “We have earned the trust of many couples by delivering on the promise of providing the same high level of service to each and every one of our customers. We know you have a choice, and we encourage you to shop around and find the best fit for your wedding or ceremony. When you decide on FlowerPetal for your wedding, you will know you’ve made the right choice.
And we are very excited to be working with the LGBT community of Chicagoland! This is an exciting time!
Many wedding vendors hear the word “wedding” and automatically raise the prices! “We don’t charge a “Wedding Tax”. Many florists automatically double or triple their prices when they hear you are shopping for a wedding. FlowerPetal charges the same prices regardless of the event type, and allows each customer to decide for themselves how much time they needs with our wedding consultant and our professional florist. We automatically include 2 hours with our wedding consultant to ensure everything is tailored to your specifications.”
Andrea North at FlowerPetal 1-800-893-5719 ext 103
What else do you need? Invitations? A hotel and/or honeymoon package? A caterer? Decorations?? Many people do not realize how invaluable a planner can be to them.
Take a deep breathe, ADH EVENTS can help. Whether you’re planning your ceremony locally or internationally, ADH Meetings & Events can help. From an intimate wedding, buying out a small boutique hotel which allows for all the guests to get to know each other over a few days, or planning a wedding on a grand scale, ADH assists in provide the right balance. According to Alexander deHilster “your wedding might not seem a destination wedding to you when you’re planning it in your home town, for many of your guests who are traveling from afar it would be. Often the guests’ experience seems to get lost in the process of planning the perfect day.”
ADH Events can assist with any of the needs for your special day from locating the perfect wedding/reception venue to arranging hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests, a dedicated phone line for your guests to book air travel , to assisting in menu, floral, entertainment, transportation and decor selection all while staying within your budget. Their dedicated coordinators will plan every detail to make sure everything runs smoothly so you can enjoy your day.
Additionally, “The time spent to plan a gay or lesbian ceremony are just as involved as planning a conventional wedding, but for gay and lesbian couples there are a few important details to consider.” says owner Alexander deHilster. ” With constant changes in rules and regulations in cities, states and countries around the globe, and depending in which part of the world you’re planning to commit to your life partner, the names run from commitment ceremonies, civil unions and weddings, we at ADH Events are here to help you.”
“Some places only allows for you two to commit legally if one of the partners is either a residence or a national, other locations requires you’re both residents while at others there are no residency requirements at all.” ADH will make the entire planning experience a smooth one and helps you to find the perfect location to make this day a very special one! From Buenos Aires, Mexico City or Hawaii to Chicago, Paris or Amsterdam – they can help!
ADH EVENTS 312-265-9759
Now Go Get Hitched!
Best Gay Chicago.com
ARF Brings Taste for a Change to Chicago June 9th
Abzyme Research Foundation Holds Taste For Change Benefit in Chicago
The Event Raises Funds and Awareness for Innovative Therapeutic HIV Vaccine Candidate
The Abzyme Research Foundation will host a benefit in Chicago to raise funds to propel HIV E-VAC, an innovative HIV vaccine candidate, into human trials. The work is being conducted at the University of Texas Houston Medical School and California Public Health Service with support from the National Institutes of Health.
Abzyme Research Foundation is committed to propelling HIV E-VAC into human trials because of its preclinical testing that show its incredible promise for both a prophylactic and therapeutic HIV vaccine. Despite over 27 million in NIH support of the past 25 years, the innovations of catalytic antibodies and covalent vaccination have not attracted the Pharmaceutical support of an industry discouraged by an inability to produce an effective HIV vaccine after 30 years of trying.
“We are so excited to announce the launch of our Taste For Change Program in Chicago. This grassroots wine tasting series to support a promising therapeutic HIV vaccine candidate has already launched in NYC, LA, Miami, and now we are thrilled to be launching in Chicago.
As Founder and Executive Director at ARF, I am thrilled at the opportunity to connect to Chicago and share w the enthusiasm that has me fighting with everything I’ve got to make sure this vaccine makes it to trial.
“What’s the big deal?” you may ask. My favorite piece of media to share is this CBS newstory entitled “Possible HIV Cure?’ (the most viewed YouTube clip under “hiv cure“).
For a modest $20 donation come taste delicious wines at Mini Bar paired with flatbread pizzas, tapas tastings, and small bites from Mini Bars delicious selection and TASTE FOR CHANGE.
RSVP on Facebook, and we look forward to seeing you there!”
Zachary Barnett, ARF.
@ Mini Bar 3341 N. Halsted Thursday June 9th, 7-9pm.
ARF is funding advancing a promising new therapeutic HIV vaccine into human trials through a national grassroots event series. Join us, and support hope for a future without HIV/AIDS.
To learn more about ARF and the vaccine candidate HIV-EVAC , visit endhiv.com
BestGayChicago.com
Birdhouse Art Auction and Cocktail Party for Chicago House
This year, Chicago House and our Co-Chairs Denise Antonucci, Jerry Sanfilippo and Spyros Petros are Branching Out with birdhouses and artwork for the masses!
Bring home the functional or funky birdhouse designs you’ve grown to love, plus traditional, modern, and contemporary art pieces, all auctioned off to benefit the men, women, and children of Chicago House!
Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011Time: 6 – 9PM
Where: Room & Board, 55 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Tickets online : $70 In Advance (ends June 22 at 5PM) $85 At the Door
Cook County to Shower Happy Couples With Presents on June 1st – The first Official Day of Civil Unions
Illinois will begin offering Civil Union licenses at every county clerk’s office on June 1. The Cook County Clerk’s office will open its downtown office early to mark the momentous occasion. “I’m thrilled this day has finally come,” Clerk David Orr said. “This will be a joyous day for all couples – gay and straight – who want to make history as part of the inaugural group of civil unions.”
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 1. The Clerk’s downtown Chicago Vital Records office will open at 7:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Before 6 a.m., couples should line up outside the Daley Center’s northeast door, located near Randolph and Dearborn Streets. The Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St., will open at 6 a.m. Couples should take the escalators down to the lower level (Pedway) and line up outside the Vital Records office, Room CL-27.
INFO FOR COUPLES:
Civil Union licenses will be available to same-sex and heterosexual couples. The Clerk’s office encourages all couples who wish to get a license on June 1 to visit the downtown office (not a suburban office). All couples need to meet the following criteria: • Be at least 18 years old; • Not be related to one another; • Have valid, current identification, such as driver’s license, state ID or U.S. passport; • Pay a $35 license application fee. Cash preferred. MasterCard, American Express & Discover accepted. Personal checks and Visa will not be accepted. • Couples who are currently registered as Domestic Partners in Cook County will receive a $20 discount and their domestic partnership will be automatically dissolved. • Any couple planning to participate in a June 2 ceremony – including the Millennium Park event hosted by the City of Chicago, Lamda Legal, Equality Illinois and the Alliance of Illinois Judges – MUST obtain a license from the Clerk’s office on June 1. A license is valid for a ceremony held within 60 days of the issue date. By law, couples must wait until the day after they obtain their license to have their Civil Union ceremony performed so June 2 is the first day Civil Union ceremonies can be held. Within 10 days of a ceremony, Civil Union officiants must return the completed license for it to be certified and recorded by the County Clerk.
CELEBRATION:
Civil Union “presents” have been donated by 20 local businesses. The first couple in line at 7:30 a.m. will receive a gift package. Other presents will be distributed by raffle; couples in line by 7:30 a.m. will be eligible. The Clerk’s office will invite all couples back to a party room for cake and chocolate, donated by Eli’s Cheesecake and Illinois Nut & Candy.
SPONSORS:
Wilde Bar & Restaurant
Transistor Starbelly Studios Photography Restoration Salon
The Palmer House Hilton
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Sierzega & Associates, Ltd.
Mendell on the Move
LaSalle Flowers
Lambda Legal
Lady Gregory’s
Illinois Nut & Candy Goodman Theatre
Eli’s Cheesecake
Downtown Bar & Lounge
Crew Bar + Grill
Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
Best Gay Chicago
Angel’s Restaurant
ADH Meetings & Events
CIVIL UNIONS Available in Chicago and Illinois June 1st
That is the first day couples can officialy register their CIVIL UNION with the State of Illinois! – It’s NOT gay marriage – but it a huge step in the right direction, for the state and MANY couples are expected to register.
“Here we are in 2011 on the eve of Abraham Lincoln’s 202nd birthday and I think this is very special,” Governor Quinn said. “We believe in civil rights and we believe in civil unions.”
With the move, Illinois joins five other states and the District of Columbia in establishing statewide laws to provide the equivalent of state-level spousal rights to same sex couples.
LOTS OF EVENTS WILL BE HAPPENING THAT WEEK!
Thirty Illinois Couples to Hold Civil Union Ceremonies in Chicago’s Millennium Park on June 2, 2011
Governor to Attend Chicago’s Celebration of Civil Unions
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues will host 30 civil union ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 2, in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park, Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
“Our state’s first civil union ceremonies will mark a day of celebration and an historic milestone on the road to full marriage equality for LGBT Illinoisans,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I look forward to attending this joyful event.”
The event is co-sponsored by The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, Lambda Legal, Equality Illinois, and the Alliance of Illinois Judges. Governor Pat Quinn will attend, and Cook County Clerk David Orr, the Hon. Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, and members of the Alliance of Illinois Judges will officiate the civil union ceremonies.
THEN on JUNE 3rd – @
Chicago History Museum
Chicago
Unite with Pride:
A Community Celebration , hosted by the Civil Rights Agenda. a multi-couple civil union ceremony to celebrate the enactment of civil unions in Illinois and the beginning of Pride Month in Chicago.
Unite with Pride will provide couples an opportunity to be civilly united in an historic outdoor community civil ceremony on the picturesque “Uihlein Plaza” just days after the civil union law takes effect.
The festivities will continue as couples, family, friends, and the community attend a black-tie optional cocktail reception with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by various vendors from the event planning industry.
In addition to the ceremony and reception, guests will be granted access to the newly opened Chicago History Museum exhibit “Out in Chicago”. The “Out in Chicago” exhibit will explore how the evolution of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community mirrors broader changes throughout the city over the past 150 years.
This fundraiser will benefit our Families United Project. The Families United Project is an exploration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer families in Illinois. The goal of the Families United Project is to gain equality for every family in Illinois through the use of social media, political advocacy and by building community. We seek to engage all people who believe that every family in America deserves to be equal.
Please go to www.jointcra.org to buy your tickets!
AND CHECK THIS OUT!
Those guests and couples who register or have already registered for the event by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday May 28 will be automatically entered in a drawing to have brunch with Al Franken when he is in town on June 12! This is a private event and you will be able to meet and brunch with the Senator. Senator Franken is a leader on progressive causes and is committed to advancing LGBT Rights.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet the Senator and register now!
on Sunday June 5, 12:30PM Civil Unions – What do they mean?
St. Pauls United Church of Christ, 2335 N Orchard, Chicago 60614
As this new Illinois law goes into effect on June 1, what are the legal and financial implications for you and your loved ones? Is a civil union a good idea for you? Bring your questions to this panel discussion featuring legal professionals, including a representative from Lambda Legal.
Box lunch available for $10.
Please RSVP by May 31, indicating if you’d like a lunch, to: jcarlson@spucc.org or phone 773-348-3829.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR GETTING A CIVIL UNION?
Be All.org 6 days of Transgender Events in Chicago
This year, the Be-All will be celebrating it’s 29th year, and thgis is the 10th year in CHICAGO.
You’ll meet with great friends from your community.
You’ll be empowered, educated, and enlightened. The Be-All Conference will provide you with confidence to seek out your dreams. We have some of the finest professionals to provide you with all the information you need to make decisions and feel comfortable on your gender journey. You are in control and you will find comfort in meeting so many others with your same objectives.
May 31-June 5th.
On Saturday June 4th CHAZ BONO will do a book signing and be a keynote speaker!
Everyone’s welcome at Be-All!
Crossdressers, Transexuals, M2F and F2M, Wives, Partners & Friends
Complete schedule and more info online at BE ALL.BestGayChicago.com
Wanda Sykes and Linda Eder Together in Chicago May 14th
has been called “one of the funniest stand up comics” by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand up has sent her career in many different areas.
Showcasing one of the greatest contemporary voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz. Most recently, Linda crowns her two-decade recording career on a new album, Now, which reunites Eder with Broadway and pop composer Frank Wildhorn. The new release marks the musical return of this legendary team after six years. Eder’s transcendent voice is the perfect complement to Wildhorn’s lush, imaginative music. Now introduces 12 dynamic tracks that elevate the spirit while capturing many moods.
See both ladies together,
one night only!
Saturday, May 14th
HUMAN FIRST 2011 GALA
at the Harris Theatre! Over 1200 tickets sold already!
GET TICKETS ONLINE
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago House Residents Say IT GET’S BETTER
Do you ever stop and count your blessings?
Take a moment and think about how lucky you are?
Have a moment of gratitude?
I think many of us, rush through day to day life and forget there are a lot of people out there worse off. Just this past weekend, hundreds of men and women came out for a festive gala brunch, thousands of dollars was raised, and we all get so caught up in the moment and the fun of it all, some of us, sometimes forget what it’s all about, if we don’t see it. We know it’s a good cause, but we sometimes may forget the face, the real people, attached.
At the annual Chicago House brunch this past week, I was personally humbled by Stan Sloan’s speech. And I felt compelled to share it with everyone, in case you missed the event…..
Hi, my name is Stan Sloan, and I’m in my 11th year as the CEO of Chicago House. And I just wanted to start out my talk today by saying, “It gets better.”
It gets better. Hopefully everyone in here is aware of the importance of that phrase from Dan Savage and from the Trevor Project that has done so much great work with for the subject of LGBT youth and LGBT suicide. But last Sunday, Easter Sunday, I promised myself that I was going to work on this talk for today. And without a clue of what I was going to say, I decided to go and spend the day with the residents of our Supportive Living Program.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV.
Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV. Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV. Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
So I went to SLP to be with those 16 residents on Easter, only to find out that none of them were there. One of our donors, who shall remain anonymous, had beat me there that day, and had left our staff member with money to take them all out for Easter pizza at Leona’s just down the street on Augusta. So I got back in my car and went to Leona’s to find four tables pushed together with 17 of the most diverse people that you can imagine packed next to each other. The oldest was 72. The youngest was 20. They were black and white and brown. They were men and women. They were gay and straight and transgendered, they were drop outs from Jr. High School and downtown executives who had lost everything to crystal meth and HIV. And they were laughing and eating together like brothers and sisters.
At least until I walked up. Nothing can ruin a party quite like the CEO walking in unannounced. “Listen,” I said as they pulled up a chair for me, “next Sunday I am giving a talk to 400 donors of Chicago House. What do you think I should tell them?” Most of them shrugged their shoulders until one of the women spoke up. “Tell them,” she said, “tell them that it gets better.”
At least until I walked up. Nothing can ruin a party quite like the CEO walking in unannounced. “Listen,” I said as they pulled up a chair for me, “next Sunday I am giving a talk to 400 donors of Chicago House. What do you think I should tell them?” Most of them shrugged their shoulders until one of the women spoke up. “Tell them,” she said, “tell them that it gets better.”
What gets better?
“Living with HIV…” she said. “Tell them that at Chicago House, living with HIV gets better.” “Is that what I should tell them,” I asked the rest of the group, and different people spoke up. A young intern from Sweet Miss Giving’s bakery who is only 21 and who was born with HIV from a crack addicted mother said how she had stopped taking her medication because she thought it was hopeless before arriving at our door. In her short time with us she has gone from a viral load of over 2,000 to being undetectable.
A man spoke up about the death of his partner and of the depression and drug abuse that left him homeless that followed. One of the older men spoke about how he had lived at Chicago House ten years ago and left because he didn’t want to follow the rules. “It took me 10 years,” he said, “but I finally realized that the rules weren’t near as bad as the rest of my life, so I came back and…” “It gets better” the original woman chimed in, and the whole table went up for laughs.
Today Chicago House provides housing and support services to over 1,100 people a year. Over the last 11 years we have worked hard to change the dynamic of that housing and services from a system that helps people get on benefits and supports that will let them live the rest of their lives with HIV in comfort to one that helps them move from those benefits and supports to lives that are fully engaged in the world and independent.
Over 500 people city-wide have been through our Employment Program which is the only program specifically targeting those with HIV and AIDS who are unstably housed in the nation. Our placement rate for the employment program is over 60% even in this economy. Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery, Unquestionably Kind, Unreasonably Good! has a 100% placement rate for those trained in baking, packaging, customer service, and delivery through its internship.
Our prevention and medication adherence programs are stopping the spread of HIV in the LGBT and other at-risk communities, and they are helping those who are already impacted live long healthy lives. And, of course, our housing programs which serve over 200 adults and 50 kids annually are helping people develop the skills they need to gain stability and eventually independence, so that they can move on to open a space for someone newly infected and in need of hope.
It gets better. For Dan Savage and the Trever project the simple message of “it gets better” only makes sense in the context of encouragement and support. A struggling LGBT kid may not be able to imagine a better life on his or her own, but now he or she doesn’t have to. Now they can simply go to Youtube and find people…from Lady Gaga and Ellen to President Obama…imagining it for the. The clients of Chicago House most often come to us…black and white, men and women, homeless and white collar executives, gay, straight and transgendered…but with one thing in common…they have lost their ability to imagine a hopeful life with HIV, but At Chicago House it gets better. It gets better because Chicago House believe in them, and that is possible because you are here and believe in us.
It gets better. With your help and support it gets better.
Chicago House. We were there at the beginning.
We will be here till the cure.
Chicago House can always use volunteers.
Maybe this is your year to lend a hand?
CHECK OUT ALL OF THE GREAT EVENT PHOTOS AND
FASHION MODELS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and LIKE US!
BestGayChicago.com
Crew’s 7th annual Kentucky Derby Party – Saturday May 7th
WHAT A BIG HAT YOU HAVE!
When it comes to horse racing’s premier event, THE KENTUCKY DERBY, the competition isn’t limited to the track itself.
The Kentucky Derby and its sister event, the Kentucky Oaks, are the only sporting events that are also fashion events.
Derby attendees spend as much time and money on their race-day apparel as they do at the betting window — maybe more! And Derby fashionistas are in a race to see who can be declared best dressed.
JOIN CREW!
Crew’s 7th annual
Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday May 7th
Hosted by Sofia Saffire
$4.00 Mint Juleps and
$12.50 Mimosa pitchers
(Photo Nick Adams from Guys and Dolls and Priscilla)
You pick the winning horse and we’ll buy you a drink!
Horse selection begins at 4:00 pm.
Best Hat Contest
1st place $75, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25 Crew gift card!
See you at the races!
CREW BAR + GRILL 4804 N. Broadway Chicago, IL Phone: 773 784 CREW (2739)
BestGayChicago.com
Dining Out For Life Returns April 28th
join us to celebrate food, friends and a great cause at our 18th annual Dining Out For Life.
Last year, Chicago raised over $100,000 to continue its mission of providing housing with life services to women, children and men living with HIV/AIDS.
This year we hope to raise $250,000. You can help make a difference by joining us along with 58 other cities throughout North America and Nigeria and dine out on April 28th.
Celebrating 18 years! Dine Out. Fight AIDS. EDGE ALLIANCE
Dining Out For Life Chicago
Complete List of Restaurants
Find them on Facebook
Best of the Best Restaurants and Dining in Chicago
Moraine Valley Academic Theater presents ‘Sexual Perversity in Chicago’
The Obie award-winning
“Sexual Perversity in Chicago”
is the next production for Moraine Valley Community College’s Academic Theater Department.
Performances will be
April 28 to 30 and
May 6 to 7 at 7:30 p.m.,
and May 1 at 3 p.m.
The play will be in the Dorothy Menker Theater, in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, on campus, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. Tickets are just $12 for the general public and $10 for seniors and students.
Please note: This play includes adult language and sexual content and is not appropriate for minors.
The four characters in “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” are a representation of 20-somethings co-habiting and mating in urban America in 2011. This tragic satire is the story of one couple who meets, begins a relationship and moves in together. The show starts out comically, ends seriously and is a look at how people influence their friends.
The play was written by David Mamet in the 1970s and is set in Chicago. While some of the references have been updated to reflect current day, many of them have been retained because they are still relevant. The play was revived in London about five years ago.
“Despite the graphic language and sexual content, this is a beloved Chicago play that still is respected in the theater,” said Dr. Craig Rosen, the director of the show and an associate professor of Theater at the college. “It focuses on the age group students at Moraine Valley are or are on the verge of being.”
Tickets for “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” and other upcoming performances can be purchased at morainevalley.edu/fpac, by calling (708) 974-5500, or at the Box Office located on the south end of the Fine and Performing Arts Center.
DOT429 LGBT Gay Networking Event in Chicago April 29th
Often referred to as an LGBT LinkedIn, dot429 is a multi-platform network connecting LGBT professionals and allies online and in person.
Founded by 500 of the most successful and influential LGBT entrepreneurs, business people, designers, and entertainers, dot429 serves as a go-to destination for the LGBT professional set. dot429 provides an opportunity for this community to connect and expand their business networks, further their careers, stay current on the latest happenings in the LGBT professional community, and more.
Online members communicate through profile pages, updates, messages and online introductions. 429Magazine provides exclusive articles written by industry insiders, politicians, and key LGBTA leaders, covering everything from finance and business to leisure and entertainment. dot429 provides members with a fresh take on current issues: the queer professional perspective.
Adding to the success of the online network, dot429 hosts sophisticated monthly social events across the country for members to connect in person.
They will be hosting their next Chicago Event – April 29th at the James Hotel! Check it out on Facebook!
Over 100 people have already RSVP’d!
The Scoop –
JBar in The James Hotel
610 North Rush Street Chicago, IL 60611 ( 6:00PM – 8:00PM)
BestGayChicago.com
Annual Spring Brunch for Chicago House HALF SOLD OUT ALREADY
Spring Brunch and Fashion Show.
Enjoy a delicious Sunday Brunch while getting a view into the new spring fashions, featuring the Mark Shale spring line atop the Harold Washington.
Do not miss out on this annual SOLD OUT event!
Tickets are half sold out already!
In addition RSVP Vacations returns as the EXCLUSIVE LIVE AUCTION SPONSOR with a fantastic new cruise to the best of the Mediterranean! Visit Barcelona, Tunisia, Sicily, Florence, and Marseille on an 8 night RSVP cruise!
Sunday, May 1, 2011 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Harold Washington Library, Winter Garden Ballroom 400 South State Street
GET TICKETS ONLINE!
Please call (773) 248-5200 x303 for more information.
BestGayChicago.com
SISTER SPIT Next Generation CHICAGO April 18
RADAR Productions, a San Francisco-based queer literary arts non-profit organization, presents the Sister Spit Next Generation’s 5th annual North American Tour. Featuring literary luminary Michelle Tea, (Best Music Writing 2010, Chelsea Whistle, Valencia, Rent Girl), writer and provocative performance artist Kirk Read (How I Learned To Snap), graphic novelist and visual artist MariNaomi (Kiss & Tell), award-winning poet laureate of the obsessed and tormented Ali Liebegott (The IHOP Papers, The Beautifully Worthless), novelist and film fodder Blake Nelson (Girl, Paranoid Park, Recovery Road), photographer and Original Plumbing transmale quarterly publisher Amos Mac, and award-winning transmitter-writer of brilliantly terrifying fairy tales Myriam Gurba (Dahlia Season).
This vanload of magnificent underground feminist-centric, queer-influenced brilliance blazes across the land and into your town. The latest in the tradition of rowdy, raucous literary adventures stretching all the way back to 1997 featuring your new favorite performers!
The Chicago show features special guest poet Lenelle Moïse!
Sister Spit- Next Generation CHICAGO
A multimedia literary explosion of zinesters, fashion plates, novelists, performance artists, poets and fancy scribblers. Special guest poet Lenelle Moïse!
WHEN: Monday, April 18, 2011 Doors 7/ Show 8
WHERE: Subterranean 2011 W. North Ave.
TICKETS: $10 at the door SISTER SPIT online
Johnny Weir April 30th Discount Tickets for BestGayChicago.com Readers
ICE DREAMS TOUR
with Johnny Weir
comes back to Chicago April 30th!
Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville
735 East Jefferson
Bensenville, IL 60106
an exclusive offer for Best Gay Chicago readers, if you type in promo code “johnnyweir” you can receive half off the ticket price!
There is also VIP seating available which will provide on-ice seating and access to Johnny’s intimate after party where they can meet him!
ICE DREAMS TOUR
$1 from every ticket sale goes to American Red Cross: Japanese Disaster Relief fund.
Johnny has even created a special t-shirt to help raise needed monies for Japan.
BestGayChicago.com
Cocktail Bar Chicago Celebrates 15 years! And Patio Opening
The temps are on the rise and
patios across the city are opening!
There is nothing like sitting outside dining
and sipping cocktails in Chicago summer!
Cocktail introduced us to The Gardens at the end of last season, and even though we could dine in all winter, it is with great anticipation they bring back their beautiful outdoor space, in just a couple weeks!
The gardens are lined with lush green box hedges, furnished by Chicago’s own Orange Skin you will find our Jasper Morrison Furniture as comfortable as Air! Plenty of golden shaded seating under the posh cover of our distinctive Veuve Clicquot umbrellas.
Join your host geNo & the Cocktail Family as they celebrate 15 years!
The Return of the gardens! Outside Dinning.
DJ’s Freddie Bain, Uncle Milty, Sadie Woods, Psycho Bitch & Carla Starla
Plus Sexy Go Go Boys Dancing up a Storm.
Cocktail Bar and the gardens Cocktail on Facebook
bestgaychicago.com
