Tuesday 8/30/2011
Welcome to Chicago!
The Windy City is definitely all a buzz with the arrival of hundreds of softball players vying for the big win of the 2011 Gay Softball World Series
The Opening Ceremonies were hosted on Monday night by Rugby World Cup Champion, Ben Cohen and actor/director, Leslie Jordan. (Will & Grace)
The entertainment line up included Pandora Boxx; and Chicago favorites singer Amy Armstrong; (AmyFreddy.com) and DJ/Producer Matthew Harvat (CircuitMom.com)
I’m pretty sure that I’m in love with Ben Cohen. He was so sweet. Equally as sweet and uber-funny, was Leslie Jordan! I had to work hard not to call him Beverly Leslie. GoPride.com Photojournalist, Anthony Meade and I had a blast getting to know them both.
It was great to run into my friend and Seattle’s PURR Cocktail Lounge owner, Barbie Humphrey and her really cute friend Luke Preston. I’d recognize her hair a mile away! Equally as enjoyable were the countless attractive hottie’s from around the nation. For some reason I’m especially attracted to the fellas from Seattle (He was that cute, Barbie!) and Minnesota! You can see the photos here.
For those of you visiting Chicago, we hope you will get out and enjoy our wonderful city. From Lincoln Park, to Boystown, to Andersonville, and Bucktown/Wicker Park; there’s lots to see and enjoy!
ChicagoPride.com is your one-stop-shop to LGBT Chicago. Check back regularly and see photos from this weekend and beyond. We even have sites in LA, Miami, and Washington, DC. Check us out!
As you Tweet while you’re out and about this week, be sure to include @GoPride and the hashtag #GSWS
Welcome!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
The Opening Ceremonies were hosted on Monday night by Rugby World Cup Champion, Ben Cohen and actor/director, Leslie Jordan. (Will & Grace)
The entertainment line up included Pandora Boxx; and Chicago favorites singer Amy Armstrong; (AmyFreddy.com) and DJ/Producer Matthew Harvat (CircuitMom.com)
I’m pretty sure that I’m in love with Ben Cohen. He was so sweet. Equally as sweet and uber-funny, was Leslie Jordan! I had to work hard not to call him Beverly Leslie. GoPride.com Photojournalist, Anthony Meade and I had a blast getting to know them both.
It was great to run into my friend and Seattle’s PURR Cocktail Lounge owner, Barbie Humphrey and her really cute friend Luke Preston. I’d recognize her hair a mile away! Equally as enjoyable were the countless attractive hottie’s from around the nation. For some reason I’m especially attracted to the fellas from Seattle (He was that cute, Barbie!) and Minnesota! You can see the photos here.
For those of you visiting Chicago, we hope you will get out and enjoy our wonderful city. From Lincoln Park, to Boystown, to Andersonville, and Bucktown/Wicker Park; there’s lots to see and enjoy!
ChicagoPride.com is your one-stop-shop to LGBT Chicago. Check back regularly and see photos from this weekend and beyond. We even have sites in LA, Miami, and Washington, DC. Check us out!
As you Tweet while you’re out and about this week, be sure to include @GoPride and the hashtag #GSWS
Welcome!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
Interview with Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan
Wednesday 8/24/2011
BarAIDS
I just realized, it’s been forever since I’ve blogged. What’s up with that? I guess the summer has been keeping me busy. It’s hard to believe we are already at the end of August.
Pride came and went, followed by Market Days. Whew, I’m beat just thinking of those two. In between them was a trip to Toronto, Amy Armstrong’s 40th Birthday party at the Mayne Stage and a sojourn to Cary, IL.
Keeping the momentum going, I hope all of you in Chicago will make it a point to go out and about Thursday, August 25th and participate in Bar AIDS!
This night takes an evening’s fellowship and turns it into a community’s fundraiser. Bars and clubs donate a percentage of their sales to the amazing work of Edge Alliance, a non-profit organization which decrease homelessness and supports people living with HIV/AIDS, the disabled, and veterans.
Particpating Bars/Clubs (As of 8/24/11)
Andersonville
Sofo Bar
4923 N. Clark
DePaul
Flounder's Bar & Grill
2201 N. Clybourn Ave. 4pm - 2am
Downtown
Downtown Bar & Lounge
440 N. State
Boystown
Berlin
954 W Belmont 9:30pm-12am
Cocktail
3359 N. Halsted
D.S Tequilia Company
3352 N Halsted 9pm-2am
The Elixir Lounge
3452 N. Halsted
Halsted's Bar & Grill
3441 N. Halsted 5pm - 12am
Hydrate Nightclub
3458 N. Halsted
Roscoe's Tavern
3356 N. Halsted
Scarlet
3220 N Halsted
North Side
Jackhammer
6406 N. Clark St.
Touche
6412 N. Clark St.
Uptown Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Road
Fat Cat
4840 N. Broadway
Nick's Uptown
4015 N. Sheridan Ave.
Wicker Park
Flat Iron
1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Nick's Beer Garden
1516 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Rogers Park
The Glenwood
6962 N. Glenwood
Not a drinker? Not a problem! All of these establishments sell soft drinks, and mixers. Your participation is just as vital!
I hope to see you out! Be sure to Tweet while you’re about and include @EdgeAlliance, @GoPride and the hashtag #baraids
Cheers!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
Pride came and went, followed by Market Days. Whew, I’m beat just thinking of those two. In between them was a trip to Toronto, Amy Armstrong’s 40th Birthday party at the Mayne Stage and a sojourn to Cary, IL.
Keeping the momentum going, I hope all of you in Chicago will make it a point to go out and about Thursday, August 25th and participate in Bar AIDS!
This night takes an evening’s fellowship and turns it into a community’s fundraiser. Bars and clubs donate a percentage of their sales to the amazing work of Edge Alliance, a non-profit organization which decrease homelessness and supports people living with HIV/AIDS, the disabled, and veterans.
Particpating Bars/Clubs (As of 8/24/11)
Andersonville
Sofo Bar
4923 N. Clark
DePaul
Flounder's Bar & Grill
2201 N. Clybourn Ave. 4pm - 2am
Downtown
Downtown Bar & Lounge
440 N. State
Boystown
Berlin
954 W Belmont 9:30pm-12am
Cocktail
3359 N. Halsted
D.S Tequilia Company
3352 N Halsted 9pm-2am
The Elixir Lounge
3452 N. Halsted
Halsted's Bar & Grill
3441 N. Halsted 5pm - 12am
Hydrate Nightclub
3458 N. Halsted
Roscoe's Tavern
3356 N. Halsted
Scarlet
3220 N Halsted
North Side
Jackhammer
6406 N. Clark St.
Touche
6412 N. Clark St.
Uptown Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Road
Fat Cat
4840 N. Broadway
Nick's Uptown
4015 N. Sheridan Ave.
Wicker Park
Flat Iron
1565 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Nick's Beer Garden
1516 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Rogers Park
The Glenwood
6962 N. Glenwood
Not a drinker? Not a problem! All of these establishments sell soft drinks, and mixers. Your participation is just as vital!
I hope to see you out! Be sure to Tweet while you’re about and include @EdgeAlliance, @GoPride and the hashtag #baraids
Cheers!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
Interview with Emmy Award-winning actor Leslie Jordan, in Chicago for the Gay Softball World Series
Tuesday 7/5/2011
Our Boystown!
I’ve lived in Boystown for almost ten years. It’s not just the country’s first gay village, it’s my home.
Sadly, I’ve seen my home become an unsafe battle ground and I’m a bit pissed.
Now, I live in Chicago. I know what I’ve got myself into. There’s going to be crime and violence living in one of the largest cities in the country. That being said, I don’t think we who live in the neighborhood; or those that enjoy the gayberhood should sit by and let activity like this rule us out.
To that end, I hope all of you who share my concern will attend the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (C.A.P.S.) meeting Wednesday night at 7:00PM!
This is your opportunity to hear what’s being done and voice your concern. It’s our community. We need to put bigotry, fear, and judgment aside and tackle this problem together.
I hope to see you there!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
Sadly, I’ve seen my home become an unsafe battle ground and I’m a bit pissed.
Now, I live in Chicago. I know what I’ve got myself into. There’s going to be crime and violence living in one of the largest cities in the country. That being said, I don’t think we who live in the neighborhood; or those that enjoy the gayberhood should sit by and let activity like this rule us out.
To that end, I hope all of you who share my concern will attend the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (C.A.P.S.) meeting Wednesday night at 7:00PM!
This is your opportunity to hear what’s being done and voice your concern. It’s our community. We need to put bigotry, fear, and judgment aside and tackle this problem together.
I hope to see you there!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
Alderman Tom Tunney responds to community crime
Thursday 6/23/2011
My Pride: Art Johnston
Celebrating the true meaning of Pride, I want to publicly thank someone in the LGBT community who has lived and fought for my rights and for many of those who read this. I’m talking about my friend Art Johnston.
Many in Chicago’s LGBT community know Art as co-owner of Sidetrack video bar in Boystown. Long before Sidetrack became the amazing success it has, Art and his Partner of 38 years, Jose Pena, stepped up to the plate and demanded our rights; donating to dozens of LGBT and HIV/AIDS causes.
A few years ago, Art asked me to join him for drinks. Honestly, I was so blown out of the water by the request. He’s been someone that I knew about long before I moved to Chicago in 2001. I quickly agreed and a time was set.
My best friend had to calm me down the day of our meeting. I was so nervous; it’s not every day that you get to meet one of your hero’s. I even took a whole day off from work, just so I wouldn’t be late. Art could not have been more warm and friendly. His reason for wanting to meet was simply to get to know me. An experience I will never forget!
A friendship was born out of that experience and I am truly grateful for it! Hearing Art’s perspective on life, the LGBT community, and the future of equality always causes me to redefine what I think is important in my life and in my work. Just seeing his smile makes any room brighter. His passion for people challenges me to want the same.
I am grateful!
Art’s hard work on our behalf has been over the top! Among his many achievements, Art has served on the board of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, Harvey Milk Fund, the Northalsted Area Merchants Association, IMPACT, Equality Illinois and GAA/CMSA. He is also a founder of CAMMP (Coalition Against Media/Marketing Prejudice) and Equality Illinois. He and Jose have given their time and treasure for countless people’s ability to be free to love who they want and share in the equality we deserve.
The community is grateful!
This Pride, as we enjoy the festivity, I hope you will recall Art & Jose and the countless others who’ve given of themselves. Not to be call hero but to change their world for equality.
The true meaning of Pride!
Grateful!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
Many in Chicago’s LGBT community know Art as co-owner of Sidetrack video bar in Boystown. Long before Sidetrack became the amazing success it has, Art and his Partner of 38 years, Jose Pena, stepped up to the plate and demanded our rights; donating to dozens of LGBT and HIV/AIDS causes.
A few years ago, Art asked me to join him for drinks. Honestly, I was so blown out of the water by the request. He’s been someone that I knew about long before I moved to Chicago in 2001. I quickly agreed and a time was set.
My best friend had to calm me down the day of our meeting. I was so nervous; it’s not every day that you get to meet one of your hero’s. I even took a whole day off from work, just so I wouldn’t be late. Art could not have been more warm and friendly. His reason for wanting to meet was simply to get to know me. An experience I will never forget!
A friendship was born out of that experience and I am truly grateful for it! Hearing Art’s perspective on life, the LGBT community, and the future of equality always causes me to redefine what I think is important in my life and in my work. Just seeing his smile makes any room brighter. His passion for people challenges me to want the same.
I am grateful!
Art’s hard work on our behalf has been over the top! Among his many achievements, Art has served on the board of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance, Harvey Milk Fund, the Northalsted Area Merchants Association, IMPACT, Equality Illinois and GAA/CMSA. He is also a founder of CAMMP (Coalition Against Media/Marketing Prejudice) and Equality Illinois. He and Jose have given their time and treasure for countless people’s ability to be free to love who they want and share in the equality we deserve.
The community is grateful!
This Pride, as we enjoy the festivity, I hope you will recall Art & Jose and the countless others who’ve given of themselves. Not to be call hero but to change their world for equality.
The true meaning of Pride!
Grateful!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
ChicagoPride.com Pride Guide
This was absolutely beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. It is so wonderful honoring Art as one of your heroes in this post. There are so many wonderful people fighting for our freedoms and being involved, and many of them do not receive a simple "thank you" or "well done". Art Johnson must be so proud of the friendship he as built with you that established the foundation and confidence to share the true meaning of pride and swipe away the ideals of a huge party or pride being just for show and fun. I love hearing stories like these for Art and you are people who are truly making a difference in my life and countless others. So, I would like to say thank you for everything that both of you do for the GLBTQ community.
Sincerely,
Douglas Harper
Founder of STITCH
Sincerely,
Douglas Harper
Founder of STITCH
Wednesday 6/22/2011
My Pride: Vernita Gray
Celebrating the true meaning of Pride, I want to publicly thank someone in the LGBT community who has lived and fought for my rights and for many of those who read this. I’m talking about Vernita Gray.
Every time I’ve met Vernita, she’s greeted me as if I were her best friend. We’ve never spoken about LGBT rights or her work for equality. In fact, I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t know who I was in a crowded room. I know her though, and I hope you will take a moment to know her as well!
The year I was born, she organized a gay and lesbian hotline using her on own phone number at the time. She hosted support groups in her home; published comprehensively in magazines. She took charge in leading the Chicago gay liberation movement; serving lesbians and gay men in Chicago's African American community. All this, before a gay kid from Seattle; who would someday move to Chicago, would benefit from her work.
I am grateful!
Vernita was active in forming the first Lesbian Caucus of the nascent Gay Liberation organization and the first Chicago lesbian newspaper Lavendar Woman. She pioneered the outreach to the Lesbian community becoming iconic as a role model to groups like The L Stop, a new website for Chicago's lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer women.
Our community is grateful!
Wonderfully, Vernita and her life partner, Pat Ewert married this month in Millennium Park. She and Pat deserve the very best in happiness for all their efforts on our behalf.
This Pride, as we enjoy the festivity, I hope you will recall Vernita & Pat and the countless others who’ve given of themselves. Not to be call hero but to change their world for equality.
The true meaning of Pride!
Grateful!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
Every time I’ve met Vernita, she’s greeted me as if I were her best friend. We’ve never spoken about LGBT rights or her work for equality. In fact, I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t know who I was in a crowded room. I know her though, and I hope you will take a moment to know her as well!
The year I was born, she organized a gay and lesbian hotline using her on own phone number at the time. She hosted support groups in her home; published comprehensively in magazines. She took charge in leading the Chicago gay liberation movement; serving lesbians and gay men in Chicago's African American community. All this, before a gay kid from Seattle; who would someday move to Chicago, would benefit from her work.
I am grateful!
Vernita was active in forming the first Lesbian Caucus of the nascent Gay Liberation organization and the first Chicago lesbian newspaper Lavendar Woman. She pioneered the outreach to the Lesbian community becoming iconic as a role model to groups like The L Stop, a new website for Chicago's lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer women.
Our community is grateful!
Wonderfully, Vernita and her life partner, Pat Ewert married this month in Millennium Park. She and Pat deserve the very best in happiness for all their efforts on our behalf.
This Pride, as we enjoy the festivity, I hope you will recall Vernita & Pat and the countless others who’ve given of themselves. Not to be call hero but to change their world for equality.
The true meaning of Pride!
Grateful!
Bill Pritchard
MaD|ChicagoPride.com|PrideLA.com|PrideDC.com |PrideMiami.com
Bill’s Facebook|Bill’s Twitter|Email Bill
ChicagoPride.com Pride Guide
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