Gay life in Chicago this week, back in... 1983, 1995 and 2006

(May 23-29, 2019)

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

1983

An article in the Chicago Tribune begins:

"AIDS, the deadly disease that disrupts the body's immune system, isn't a threat to the general population despite the deaths of nearly 40 percent of its 1,450 victims in the United States, the head of the Public Health Service said Tuesday.

"DR. Edward Brandt Jr., the assistant secretary of health, also denied that the government's response has been influenced by the fact that more than 7 of 10 victims are homosexual. He said fighting the disease is the top medical priority.

"'I am aware of the fact that a number of people feel we have not been sensitive enough to the problem,' Brandt told reporters. But he insisted the government is undertaking a vigorous campaign against Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)."

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IMAGE: Manhandler Saloon – Gay Chicago February 18, 2001

Dance Hits courtesy of DJ Frank Lipomi of Coconuts: 1) "Flashdance" – ALL CUTS; 2) "So Wrong" – Patrick Simmons; 3) "Let's Dance" – David Bowie; 4) "Party" – Julius Brown; 5) "Heat You Up" – Shirley Lites; 6) "Music" – D Train; 7) "Shot in the Night" – Paul Parker; 8) "Memories" – Menage; 9) "Balance" – Depeche Mode; 10) "Solitaire" – Laua Branigan; 11) "I'm Free" – Celi Bee; 12) "Blue Monday" – New Order; 13) "These Memories" – Oh Romeo; 14) "Baby, Won't You Dance With Me" – Vera; 15) "Maybe This Time – Norma Lewis.

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IMAGE: Madrigals – Gay Chicago January 16, 2003

Some of the DJs working in the gay bars include: Kevin Crowley (Artful Dodger, 1516 N. Milwaukee); Larry Brewer (BJ's, 3231 N. Clark); Grant Smith (Carol's Speakeasy, 1355 N. Wells); Joseph LoPresti (Annex 2, 430 N. Clark); and Al Siewert (Charlie's Angels, 8710 Golf Rd, Des Plaines).

1995

In the bars and clubs, there's a Great Lakes Bears Early Bird Party featuring VJ Bobby Marley, at North End, 3733 N. Halsted; Denise Tomasello performs at Gentry, 712 N. Rush St.; house shots are $1 on Fridays at Numbers, 6406 N. Clark.; welcome buffets for International Mr. Leather, Bears/Pride '95 and Ch-Town Squares at Buddies, 3301 N. Clark.

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Some of the IML events include:



Friday, May 26:

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Hyatt Hotel -- $10

Meet 1995 Contestants, Titleholders and Judges. Contestants Pick Stage Number.



Saturday, May 27:

Hometown Party/Silicon Valley

Vortex Niteclub -- $10

A High Tech Night of Surprises in Honor of Jeff Tucker, International Mr. Leather 1994



Sunday, May 28:

International Mr. Leather Contest and Show

Congress Theater -- $35

Not Reserved seating – Reserved Seats Available Only With Complete Package

Post Contest Celebration

Kaboom! -- $15

Celebrate with the winners.



Monday, May 29:

Black and Blue Ball

Chicago Eagle -- $20

A Hot & Heavy High Energy Blow Out

Jeff Stryker – Live on Stage

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IMAGE: AA Meat Market – Gay Chicago August 23, 1990

An article in Gay Chicago reads:

"The Northalsted Area Merchants Association (NAMA) chose Rudy Johnson of the North End as president of the association again this year. This will be Johnson's fourth term in that office. Elected to join him on the NAMA board were vice president, Ben Allen, Lucky Horseshoe; secretary, Mike Wasilewski, Mike's broadway Café; treasurer, Mike Turner, Belmont National Bank; and directors, Judy Blitz, Copstat Photofont; R,J, Chaffin, RJ's Video; Dave Edwards, Gentry on Halsted; Micky Hornick, Chicago Diner; Arthur Johnston, Sidetrack; Mike Merkle, Gallimaufry; and Jeff Tesler, Manhole."

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Obituary in Gay Chicago begins:

"Robert 'Kitty' Korklewski, 36, died on Monday, May 8, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, after a brave battle with AIDS.

"Mr. Korklewski was born May 20, 1958, in Milwaukee, and lived there until moving to Chicago in 1978.

"Many will remember him for his zany humor and quick wit, as well as his kindness and generosity.

"Mr. Korklewski 'Kitty" worked as a bartender in our community throughout the years and brought hours of entertainment, joy, and laughter to many.

" ...Everyone is invited to come and join in the celebration of life party on Thursday, June 1, 6-9 p.m., at Bucks Saloon, 3439 N. Halsted.

"Peace Kitty!"

2006

Sven Soderberg/Kevin Newhall and special guest, Denise Girl perform at Homolatte at Marrakech Expresso, 4747 N. Damen.

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Test Positive Aware Network present "Positively Wired," a free basic computer skills workshop at 5537 N. Broadway.

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IMAGE: Fireball Festival – Gay Chicago January 30, 2003

Latinos Progresando College Bound Youth Group First Annual Benefit. Speakers on asylum based on sexual orientation, domestic violence, and LGBTQ immigrants and more. Takes place at Rudy Lozano Public Library in Pilsen.

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Comedian Jason Stuart brings his "Looking for Mr. Right Comedy Tour" to Chicago's Knickerbockers Hotel for Bear Pride 2006

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Noche de Arco Iris: Queer Prom 2006 is the first and only Queer Latino Prom in the US. Food, music, show, dance, all ages 7 p.m.-midnight. Takes place at the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, 1852 W 19^th St.

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The 16th Annual Grabby Erotic Gay Video Awards, a star-studded show and post-show fan fest. Chi-Chi LaRue, Honey West, Rod Barry, Brad Benton, Chad Hunt. Takes place at the Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield.

Homework

Who remembers Rudy Johnson?

What's Jason Stuart up to these days?

Who remembers Gentry on Rush St.?

Gay Chicago Photo Rewind

Photographs in Cocktail in Nightspots January 8, 2003

Graysong and Woody photographs in Charlies for Nightspots January 15, 2003

Woody photographs in Bucks for Nightspots January 29, 2003

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.