Gay life in Chicago this week, back in... 1987, 1993 and 2003

(July 5-11, 2018)

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

1987

The Chicago Women's AIDS Project, a community forum on the politics of testing for HIV virus antibodies, meets at the Episcopal Community Church-Grace Place, 637 S. Dearborn. Childcare and refreshments are available.

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The Artemis Singers, a women's chorus, meets every Thursday for rehearsal at St. James Church, 6554 N. Rockwell.

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A headline in Outlines reads:

"47 new Chicago AIDS cases; 37,867 diagnosed nationally."

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An article in Outlines begins:

"The doctor [name withheld] at Cook County Hospital who has AIDS may continue to treat patients if he does not perform 'invasive' procedures, the Cook County Board decided Monday in a 14-2 vote."

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IMAGE: Gentry – Gay Chicago May 21, 1992

Rick Karlin's E.T.C. column in Gay Chicago begins:

"Plenty of folks around town saw fireworks over the weekend, and some of the sparks were even in the sky. Touché's Chuck Rodocker rented a limousine to take him down to the fireworks, and Helen Highwater and her friends held their second annual 'Liberace Memorial Candelabra Picnic' on the peninsula Friday night."

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IMAGE: Gentry – Gay Chicago August 4, 2004

An article in Windy City Times by Tim Drake begins:

"As Joseph Cardinal Bernardin spoke at the Chicago Historical Society's Fourth of July celebration, 15 gay activists silently practiced their freedom of expression by displaying protest placards protesting the Catholic Church's antagonistic position on gay rights."

1993

In the bars and clubs, there's a Full Moon Party at Roscoe's with DJ Jorge Suarez and MC Brian McIntosh; totally keen music from Teri Bristol at Excess the Prom at Vortex, 3631 N. Halsted; there's a Wet Swimsuit Contest at Number's, 6406 N. Clark St.; Charlie's, 405 W. Ontario, welcomes the "Circle City Triggers" from Indianapolis; Mr. AA Drummer Boy contest takes place at AA Meat Market, 2933 N. Lincoln; Larry, Gary and Staff invite you to Clark's Fifth Anniversary Bash with Bob's Buffet and guest appearances by Becky Sue and Aura Lee. Takes place at Clark's on Clark, 5001 N. Clark St.; Dena Kaye, Chicago's favorite cowgirl returns for a big outdoor concert at Paris Dance, 1122 W. Montrose.

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An article in Gay Chicago begins:

"Howard Brown Health Center has announced a dance party, to benefit AIDS awareness, to be held on Saturday July 10, 11 p.m.-4 a.m., at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield."

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An article in Gay Chicago reads:

"Men of All Colors Together (MACT) has announced its Cultural Institute, an array of cultural events for the 13^th annual convention of the National Association of Black and White Men Together, which is being held at the Bismarck Hotel, July 12-17.

"Kicking of the week of the Cultural Institute, on Monday, July 12, is the opening reception of 'A World of Differences,' a multi-cultural queer art exhibit. The show, in the Flat Iron Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee, will examine and celebrate, through artistic expression, the cultural diversity in the lesbian and gay community. The gallery space, provided by Around the Coyote, will feature more than 25 artists in works of all media. The exhibit will be on display throughout the week of the convention.

"Also running throughout the convention is the 'The Film Center at the Cultural Institute' – video and film screenings that explore a wide range of lesbian and gay issues. Among the films shown will be 'No Regrets,' Marlon Riggs' latest film on living with HIV, and 'Billy Turner's Secret,' Michael Mayson's story of coming out in a hospital, urban environment, and more.

"On Wednesday, July 14, the downtown club, Trade and Flavor, will host 'Chicago is Burning,' a party featuring a performance by drag queen, Latifah, and vogueing by the House of Enigma.

"Friday evening will culminate the week of events with 'Collision,' an evening of poetry, performance art, music, and more. Featured performers are Essex Hemphill, Debbie Davis, and Jodi Vertz, iGray, Patti 'Elvis' Manning, among others. The evening will also feature video selections by Steve Lafreniere."

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IMAGE: Banana Video – Gay Chicago May 21, 1992

Top Ten Video List courtesy of Chuck Hyde, VJ at Sidetrack: 1) "Killer/Papa Was a Rolling Stone" – George Michael; 2) "Back to My Roots" – RuPaul; 3) "Regret" – New Order; 4) "Fever" – Madonna; 5) "Boy Pop" – Book of Love; 6) "Never Be" – Zette; 7) "Walking in My Shoes" – Depeche Mode; 8) "UR the Best Thing" – D:Ream; 9) "Devil's Johnson" – Ethel Meatplow; 10) "Switch" – Fem 2 Fem.

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IMAGE: Man's Country – Gay Chicago April 19, 1979

"Valley of the Dolls," a comedy about Sex, Drugs, and Polyester, directed by Michael Hildebrand, is at the Avenue Theatre, 4223 N. Lincoln Ave.

2003

An article in Gay Chicago reads:

"PRIDEChicago released the following information on the recent Pride Parade:

"Crowd estimates varied from 375,000 to as high as 400,000 according to the city. However, estimating crowds at any event is an art in itself. There were 236 registered entries that included floats, decorated vehicles, and walking groups.

"Parade Awards:

Best All Around Float: Howard brown Health Center;

Best Organization Float: Equality Illinois;

Best Business Float: Steamworks;

Special Parade Award: Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps and LGBT Physicians in Training."

Homework

Whatever happened to Troi Gray?

Are the Artemis Singers still around?

Who remembers the 'Liberace Memorial Candelabra Picnic'?

Gay Chicago Photo Rewind

Bert Glidewell, Michael A. Williams, and Terry Gaskins photograph events around

town for Gay Chicago July 8, 1993

Sherman Heinrich is at the Mr. Off Broadway contest for Gay Chicago July 9, 1987

John Cieplak photographs sports teams for Gay Chicago July 9, 1987

Adult film stars Justin Cade and Al; Parker celebrate July 4 at the Glory Hole. Photographs appear in Gay Chicago July 9, 1987

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.