Gay life in Chicago this week, back in... 1978, 1985 and 2002

(November 30-December 6, 2017)

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

1978

An article in Gay Life begins:

"Gay people all over the United States reacted with shock, dismay and outrage to the murders Monday of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk. Before their deaths both men have proven themselves to be strong advocates of equal rights for gay men and lesbians. Milk, the first open homosexual elected to citywide office in San Francisco, was widely regarded as one of the most visible and influential leaders in the American gay community. Moscone during his term as mayor had been an active supporter of gay rights ..."

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IMAGE: Bear Pride – Cruisin' August 2004

An article in Gay Life begins:

"The Mass for the Gay and Lesbian Community, held each Sunday night at 7 p.m. at 824 W. Wellington, once again has a signer for the gay deaf Catholics."

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Disco Hits in Gay Life: 1) "I Love the Nightlife" – Alicia Bridges; 2) "I Will Survive" – Gloria Gaynor; 3) "MacArthur's Park Suite" – Donna Summer; 4) "Instant Replay" – Dan Hartman; 5) "Aint That Enough for You" – John Davis; 6) "You Stepped Into My Life" – Melba Moore; 7) "Y.M.C.A." – Village People; 8) "Keep on Jumping (LP)" – Musique; 9) "Hold Your Horses" – First Choice; and 10) "I'm Every Woman" – Chaka Khan.

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IMAGE: Burt's Hideaway – Gay Life October 29, 1975

An article in Gay Life reads:

"A New Town resident was attacked on Nov. 25 for the second time in three weeks by area youths. The man was walking west on Barry between Broadway and Pine Grove at approximately 10:30 p.m. when approached by four youths asking for money: three of the youths were described as Caucasian and one Hispanic, all about '15-16 years of age.' When he refused to 'loan' them funds, the victim was taunted and struck with sticks. He later filed a police report and was treated at Columbus Hospital for cuts and bruises.

"In the early morning hours of Sunday, Nov. 5, the same man was attacked in a similar incident which also occurred on Barry Street; the assailants in the two incidents, however, were not the same individuals."

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At Mountain Moving Coffeehouse for women and their children, 1655 W. School St., Becky Lofland sings and plays the dulcimer and autoharp.

1985

In the bars and clubs, stop at Paradise, 2848 N. Broadway, this Sunday for the Red Light Special. Every hour 8:00 p.m. until closing, free drinks, well, wine, beer; every Wednesday you can watch "Dynasty" at Showcase One, 959 W. Belmont; Sunday morning eat breakfast at the bar at Bulldog Road, 2916 N. Broadway; at North End, 3733 N. Halsted, your $2 donation for the Sunday buffet is donated to AIDS/HBMC: Gentry of Chicago, 712 N. Rush, hosts an open mic every Tuesday at 10 p.m.; Pamela Stanley, Pudgy, Nan Mason, and Calvin Rensberg from the cast of "Cats," perform at the Limelight, 632 N. Dearborn in a benefit for Chicago House; Big Red's, 3729 N. Halsted, presents the annual pie toss emceed by Chicago Molly. Proceeds go to the Frank M. Rodde Fund.

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An article in Gay Chicago begins:

"Chicago House, the non-profit agency which plans to operate residencies for persons with AIDS (PWAs), announced Sunday night it had leased its first residence which will be ready for occupancy in February.

"Thom Dombkowski, fund-raising committee chairman, made the announcement during a fundraiser at Limelight.

"He said the building, presently a single family residence, has eight bedrooms, one of which will be used as a double bedroom. The house will be able to accommodate nine PWAs."

2002

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosts "A World of Chocolate," a holiday event to commemorate World AIDS Day. You can taste delectable creations from Chicago's restaurants, caterers and hotels with special guest is Nane Annan, wife of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Takes place at the Cultural Center.

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IMAGE: Gentry – Gay Chicago January 5, 1989

Windy City Performing Arts "Don We Now XXIV: Not Another Fruitcake," is a holiday concert featuring Windy City Gay Chorus, Unison, Windy City Slickers, and special guests Lakeside Pride Brass. It takes place at the Washington Library, 400 S. State St.

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Temple of the Four Winds, a pagan ritual marking the beginning of the lunar month takes place at two locations simultaneously. 1) At Ann Sather; and 2) the Hemingway Church in Evanston.

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IMAGE: El Dorado – Gay Chicago October 14, 1979

An article in Gay Chicago reads:

"Mike Zych, owner of Nutbush, 7201 Franklin in Forest Park, is requesting donations from the community to benefit Howard Brown Health Clinic and Community Response this holiday season."

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The 2002 Latino Community Door Awards take place at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central. ALMA's Julio Rodriguez is among those honored.

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Scott Free's Grinder at the No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood, features Kay Barrett and Yvonne Doll.

Homework

Is the Nutbush still around?

Is Scott Free still doing Grinder?

Who remembers Paradise?

Gay Chicago Photo Rewind

Robie Crystal photographed in Gay Chicago November 10, 1978

Spike King photographs Thom Dombkowski for Gay Chicago January 5, 1989

Spike King photographs in Carol's Speakeasy for Gay Chicago January 5, 1989

Pudgy at the Paradise in Gay Life October 25, 1984

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.