June 16-22, 2016

Gay life in Chicago this week, back in...

1986

An ad in Gay Chicago reads:

"Get ready for another Gay Chicago Weekend co-sponsored by the Men's Room only $55 per person. M.A.G.I.C. Picnic Sat./Sun. July 19th & 20th.

"Package includes:

"Deluxe bus transportation leaving Saturday morning from Gay Chicago's offices at 9.45 or the Men's Room at 10.15. Coffee and refreshments will be served prior to and on board the bus.

"Admission to the M.A.G.I.C. Picnic including free B.B.Q., beer, fun and games.

"Free admission Sat. night to Rod's, the Patio & the New Bar and to Ron's/Patio Sun. afternoon for a free B.B.Q. plus discount restaurant and other coupons.

"Hotel accommodations at the University Inn. $55 each. (double occupancy) $70 (single occupancy)

"Return bus trip leaving Sunday evening."

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IMAGE: Gerber-Hart Library – Gay Life May 29, 1981

Article in Windy City Times begins:

"Twenty bicyclists taking part in the 'Cycle for Life' ride across the U.S. passed through Chicago last weekend on their way to Madison, Wisc. and Minneapolis.

"The cyclists are making the trip in an effort to draw attention to the AIDS crisis and raise money for AIDS services and the Fund for Human Dignity.

"Benefit fundraisers were held at Irene's Diamonds and Redoubt while the cyclists were in town. Cyclists described their experiences so far along the 4,000 mile trip. Rainy weather has been the order of the day, and raccoons raided their camp one night, rifling through their packs."

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"Coming Out!" a play by Jonathan Katz is presented by the Shepherd Players at 615 W. Wellington.

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IMAGE: Second Story Emporium – Gay Chicago December 9, 1982

The Windy City Gay Chorus presents its second annual Gay Pride Concert at Chicago's Orchestra Hall. Entitled "Encore at Orchestra Hall," the program includes both classical and popular works, and performances by the Windy City Chamber Chorus and Windy City Slickers. Also on the program is an appearance by the Champaign-Urbana Men's Chorus.

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There's a Girth and Mirth Pride Picnic east of the North Lagoon, just south of Diversey.

1990

Article in Gay Chicago reads:

"The Chicago Chapter of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, announces plans for Gay Pride Week. The chapter will sponsor a panel workshop on June 19, 7-10 p.m. at the 44th Ward Office of Ald. Bernie Hansen, 1057 W. Belmont. A panel will be added to the quilt, when the quilt comes to Chicago this October.

"The chapter's volunteers will participate in the annual Gay Pride Parade onSunday, June 24. The parade group will carry a mock 12'X12' panel in the parade to serve as a receptacle for donations received from spectators along the parade route."

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IMAGE: Augie & CK – Gay Chicago December 23, 1982

The Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for womyn-only presents singer WES at 1545 W. Morse.

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Gerber-Hart Library holds an open house at 3238 N. Sheffield.

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The Artemis Singers' "Up and Out: A Decade of Song" takes place at Sherrin Hall of Wheadon Church, 2214 Ridge.

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LLENA (Lesbian Latinas en Nuestra Ambiente) presents a Autora De Recien Publicado Novela Amora Rosamaria Roffiel, y Palabras e imagines por Escritoras Latinas de Chicago. Lectoras: Wanda Rodriguez, Carmen abrego, Irma Jimenez, Diane Gomez, Amparo Jimenez. Centro Museo Mexicano de Bellas Artes, 1852 W. 19th St.

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Miriam Ben-Shalom discusses her struggles with the military at a Chicago 35 dinner at Ann Sather's.

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IMAGE: Kit Kat Lounge – Gay Chicago December 17, 2010

A slide show and lecture by Marie Kuda called "Herstorical Perspectives on Changing Images of the Lesbian Thru the Maturing Activism in the '70s" takes place at Paris Dance, 1122 WQ. Montrose.

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Horizons presents DANCIN' WITH PRIDE II OUT UNDER THE STARS in Ann Sather's parking lot. Tickets $5 with a shuttle bus to area nightspots, three hot DJ's and food and drinks.

2009

An article by Sam Worley in Windy City Times begins:

"A June 24 reception will mark the inauguration of the Alliance of Illinois Judges (AIJ), an LGBT-oriented organization recently founded by a group of judges from the Cook County Circuit Court.

Judge Tom Chiola, who will preside over the new organization, says that AIJ is intended to act as a resource for LGBT people involved in the world of the courts; though comprised of judges, the group seeks as well to enhance the experience of lawyers and law students. Without taking any explicit politics—prohibited under judicial ethics rules—AIJ provides a forum for discussion of LGBT issues within the judicial system, including domestic partner coverage (which its members, as state employees, have access to) and pension benefits (which they don't)."

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Article in Windy City Times reads:

"Cher's kid to change gender

"Chaz Bono—the child of entertainer/LGBT icon Cher and the late singer/politician Sonny Bono—has announced plans to undergo gender-reassignment surgery and become a man, according to ABCNews.com.

"Chaz Bono's publicist, Howard Bragman, confirmed the news, saying, 'Yes, it's true—Chaz, after many years of consideration, has made the courageous decision to honor his true identity. He is proud of his decision and grateful for the support and respect that has already been shown by his loved ones. It is Chaz's hope that his choice to transition will open the hearts and minds of the public regarding this issue, just as his 'coming out' did nearly 20 years ago.'

"Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese issued a statement, saying, 'This announcement by Chaz is nothing short of courageous. His decision to be public about his transition speaks to the courage he has in living his life openly and honestly, and will also undoubtedly help foster much-needed dialogue about the lives of transgender Americans and the need for full equality.

"Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said in a separate statement that 'Chaz Bono's decision to live his life authentically represents an important step forward, both for him personally and for all who are committed to advancing discussions about fairness and equality for transgender people.'

"Casey Schwartz, a trans youth specialist at Howard Brown Health Center, e-mailed, "I've always been a believer that increasing trans visibility is a very positive thing. I think it's brave for any individual to come out as trans publicly, and to see such a high-profile person, such as Chaz, the son of Cher, come out is definitely notable. It has created much discussion inside and outside of the trans community. I wish the best for Chaz and his loved ones.'"

Homework

What happened to the Chicago Chapter of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt?

Does the Alliance of Illinois Judges still exist?

Who saw Marie Kuda's "Herstorical Perspectives on Changing Images of the Lesbian Thru the Maturing Activism in the '70s"?

Gay Chicago Photo Rewind

Spike King photographs Thumbs Up for Gay Chicago April 20, 1989

Michael A. Williams photographs around town for Gay Chicago September 3, 1992

Lorraine Hart photographs volleyball team for Nightlines January 29, 1997

Women by Annie Lee in Sister Source June 18, 1982

Thanks go to publishers Michael Bergeron for Chicago Gay Crusader, Ralph and Craig Gernhardt for Gay Chicago, Grant Ford and Chuck Renslow for Gay Life, Malone Sizelove for Babble/Gab, David Costanza and others for Chicago Free Press, Jeff McCourt for Windy City Times, Stacy Bridges and Mark Nagel for GRAB, and Tracy Baim for all the publications at the Windy City Media Group, which aided the above research. St. Sukie de la Croix is an internationally published reporter, playwright, photographer and historian. He is also the author of Chicago Whispers: A History of LGBT Chicago Before Stonewall published by the University of Wisconsin Press.