Mon. January 28, 2013
By Terrence Chappell
I've been obsessed with living the ratchet life. I can't lie, so why deny it. I tried giving up the ratchet life as my New Year's resolution and failed that same weekend after the New Year. I'm constantly asked how does one live the ratchet life. After extensive experience, living the ratchet life is all about unapologetic fun and excess. From the events I cover for my column to weekend trouble and more, a ratchet lifestyle is a celebration of life, no regrets, and simply just having a kick-ass time.
The Civil Rights Agenda in conjunction with Join The Impact Chicago, Queer Fest America, and Gay Liberation Network held the Chicago Rally for Illinois Marriage Equality in lieu of recent legislative developments towards same-sex marriage. Gay rights advocates, community leaders, allies, and other supporters all gathered outside the Thompson Center to show their support for the marriage bill's passage into law. The rally proved to be such a high-energy, illustrative way of mobilizing supporters and offering a pipeline as well as platform for their voices. Special speakers included Rick Garcia of the Civil Rights Agenda, Andy Thayer of Gay Liberation Network, Anthony Martinez of The Civil Rights Agenda, and 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman. Cappleman believes that the rally sends the right message to both supporters of the bill and non-supporters.
"The rally serves two purposes. It gets the message out to people who are already supportive of marriage equality and to encourage them to keep in contact with their state legislators to let them know we are still fighting. It also sends a message to those that are just oblivious to it or not yet supportive of the bill. It lets them know that there is a movement. They need to take a pause and enter into the dialogue," said Cappleman.
Kudos to the coalition of organizations and supporters for kicking off their Saturday afternoon weekend on a positive note.
Vertigo Sky Lounge of the Dana Hotel opened up their ice bar for the rooftop lounge's annual Fire and Ice party. I know what you're thinking. Why on earth would I want to order cocktails off an ice bar in the dead of winter? However, Vertigo's patio also featured a comfy, intimate fire pit complete with robes and I swear I saw a few snuggies too! During the media reception, there was a live ice sculpting display to complement the ice bar. Now, in its fourth year, Vertigo's Fire and Ice has proven to be quite the winter tradition for Chicagoans looking to extend their rooftop social calendar well into the winter months.
A big high five to all the lovely ladies that were tapped as the Cheekiest Chicks for 2013 at Public Hotel:
Megan Chappell, the Founder of TruHarmony Yoga
Monika Dixon, the President of Monika Dixon PR
Meg Galus, the Executive Pasty Chef of NoMI Kitchen's
Coco Meers, the Founder of PrettyQuick.com
Laura Modica, the Nightlife Director at PUBLIC Hotel
Shannon O'Brien, a freelance Make-up Artist
Brittney Payton, the Host of "Chicago's Best"
Lindsay Segal, the Co-Founder of Luxury Garage Sale's
Laura Schwartz, a Political Correspondent and Author
Jenna Zielbauer, the Founder of Cotton Candy Couture
Until next update, get a little ratchet in ya!
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