Chicago's bisexual community gathers for gala, murder; Ed Negron Award presented

Chicago - By Michael Oboza, Special to GoPride.com

With almost 15 years under their belt, the largest bisexual advocacy group in Chicago held their annual gala at Center on Halsted on October 3. The Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago (BQAC) Gala had a 1930s Hollywood theme and featured a murder courtesy of Murder Mystery Company's Chicago Troupe.

Center on Halsted CEO Joli Angel Robinson was on hand as special guest.

The nonprofit organization's fundraiser, hosted by drag performer Ebonii, also put the spotlight on Lakeside Pride Wilde Cabaret Music Ensemble. Honors were given for BQAC Volunteer and the Ed Negron Award. Named after the late Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame honoree, the award is given to a bisexual person of color who has made a significant contribution to the community but might otherwise be overlooked. Negron, who also has a stretch of Clark St. in Rogers Park named after him, was a military veteran and photojournalist known for his counseling efforts.

The BQAC Volunteer Award was presented to the organization's board director for data Gary Henderson. He also serves as secretary and is a troupe actor for the Murder Mystery Company.

The Ed Negron Award was presented to the organization's board director for media, Kaitlyn "Kait" Yabes Venturina.

The Silent Assassin Flowers for Community Leadership went to BQAC board director of governance, Jill Dispenza.

The Partnership of the Year Award went to both Loves Chicago (also known as Bobby Love's) and Stonewall Sports Chicago.

BQAC follows a long history of bisexual advocacy. Earlier itertions included Chicago Bi Ways; Action Bi Women; Bi Political Action Coalition (BiPAC); Queer Nation Chicago; Chicago Bisexual Network; Bi Social Network; and I am Visible Campaign. These organizations fought for bisexual awareness and rights anywhere from 1970 through 2008.

The first meeting of BQAC was held at Center on Halsted for LGBTQ History Month on October 16, 2010.