Gay life in Chicago this week, back in... 1985, 1989 and 2000

?(June 20-26, 2019)

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

1985

In the bars and clubs, BBQ every Sunday at Kitty Sheon's, 906 Ernst Court, with entertainment from Ester Hana and Ruth Allyn; When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping, unless they want a drink, then they go to Touché, 2825 N. Lincoln; theater performance, "Passing on the Right and Other Accidents of Life: A Gay History" featuring New Yorkers, Keegan and Lloyd, presented by the Lionheart Theater, 615 W. Wellington; throughout June, Joe Kregor entertains at the Windy City Bar & Grille, 3127 N. Clark St.; Dance, sponsored by Action Bi Women: live music, cash bar, $3 donation, at Opal Station, 6655 N. Clark St.; it's "Remember the Trip?" Week at Gentry, 712 N. Rush St. starring Andy Cahill; How About It Sailor! It's uniform night at Teddies, 3160 N. Clark St.; Berlin, 954 W. Belmont, presents an evening of BIG HAIR with the first ever BIG HAIR CONTEST; Robin Dupree presents COMMAND PERFORMANCE, a Night of Royalty starring Cherine Alexander (Miss Gay Continental '85), Sherri Payne (Miss Gay Illinois), Chili Pepper (Miss Gay Continental #1) at Trianon, 3150 N. Halsted.

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IMAGE: Carol's Speakeasy – Gay Chicago January 24, 1985

Slide show/lecture by Marie Kuda, "Lesbian Image in Fine Art, Graphics and Photography – Antiquity to the Present," at the Mountain Moving Coffeehouse, 1655 School

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Panel discussion, "Gays and Lesbians and the Creative Process – Is There a Gay Sensibility?" coordinated by Lesbian/Gay Academic Union, 615 W. Wellington.

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A letter from the City of Chicago, signed Harold Washington, Mayor, reads:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, The Windy City Gay Chorus has consistently provided a high level of musical performance to the residents of the City of Chicago since 1978; and

WHEREAS, The Windy City Gay Chorus will makes its Chicago, Orchestra Hall debut on Saturday June 22, 1985, where many wil join together to celebrate the fine musical contributions of the Gay Community to Chicago.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold Washington, Mayor of the City of Chicago, do hereby proclaim June 22, 1985 as Windy City Gay Chorus Day in Chicago and do commend its observance to all citizens.

Dated the 17th day of June, 1985

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IMAGE: Berlin – Gay Chicago January 17, 1985

An article in Gay Life begins:

"Sexual orientation has been added to a non-discrimination statement in most areas of the University of Chicago.

"In a letter dated June 11 and addressed to Gay and Lesbian Alliance member Eric Webber, the school administration said sexual orientation will be added to the non-discrimination statement wherever that disclaimer is made – such as on employee and student application forms, admissions material, and other material throughout the university."

1989

LESBIAN PRIDE DANCE is sponsored by Kinheart Women's Center and Chicago Outlines. DJ Dyke Clark plays 50s music at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse.

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There's an Open House Pastry Brunch at Horizons/Rodde Center, 3225 N. Sheffield.

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IMAGE: Double RR Lounge – Gay Chicago June 4, 1987

Michael "K" presents Miss Chicago Continental at the Baton, 436 N. Clark St. $800 cash prizes with special guest star Miss Continental USA, Kelly Lauren. Hostess and MC is the Boss, Leslie Rejeanne plus co-hostess and MC the Newly crowned Miss Florida, Shante.

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Jim Bussen, president of Dignity USA, received this year's Paul R. Goldman Award at the 19^th annual Lesbian and Gay Pride Week Interfaith Service at Second Unitarian Church on Monday, June 19. Bussen not only is national president of Dignity USA, he also has been active in Chicago's Dignity chapter, and has contributed to the US Catholic Bishops' understanding of lesbian and gay people and has been active in the national interfaith effort.

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Gay/Lesbian Poetry Reading at Axe Street Arena, 2778 N. Milwaukee.

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"Before Stonewall" is screened at the Rodde Center, 3225 N. Sheffield Donations accepted.

2000

"A Queer Reading: Making Friends with the Bible?" is the topic from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. on June 22 & 29, at Grace Baptist Church, 1307 W. Granville. Discussion involving faith, sexuality and developing a relationship of integrity with the Bible. Drop-ins are welcome.

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IMAGE: Clarks on Clark – Gay Chicago January 9, 1992

An article in Gay Chicago begins:

"Tom Chiola, the first openly gay candidate to be elected to any federal, state, county or municipal office in Illinois, is seeking retention to his position as Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

"Chiola was first elected as a judge in 1994. Circuit Court Judges must stand for retention every six years and must receive 60 percent 'Yes" votes to be retained."

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"Raising Voices" by About Face Theatre, a new play written and performed by Chicago area LGBT youth and allies. Takes place at 3212 N. Broadway.

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Sam's Wine and Spirits, 1720 N. Marcey, is the venue for a benefit for Open Hand. 10% off all purchases with 5% donated to Open Hand.

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Backyard BBQ, Test Positive Aware Network's 13^th anniversary party, 1258 W. Belmont, is open to all.

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BUS TOUR. Chicago G&L History by Chicago Neighborhood Tours with guide St Sukie de la Croix, departs from 77 E. Randolph St. Reservations recommended; $56, $53 for seniors, children, students; 6 hour trip includes lunch at Ann Sather's.

Gay Chicago Photo Rewind

Jim Rusnak photographs the new Kitty Sheon bar for Gay Life February 7, 1985

Artists Robert A. Fischer in Gay Chicago October 14, 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.