Since its founding, Chicago has always been a forward thinking kind of place.

As a city located by a river that ties the North and South and a railroad connecting the east to the west, Chicago is where people come to get their groove on!

Right now at the Chicago History Museum there’s a great exhibit “Out in Chicago” chronicling how people in the Windy City have organized their lives around their sexual desires and sense of self.

The first and largest exhibit of its kind, Out in Chicago gives visitors a powerful sense of what life was like for people before the words gay, lesbian, bi and trans came to be.

Back in the 1912, a lot of people knew that gay men wore red neckties to find each other, and pretty green dresses. Painting of George Ade and Orson Collins Wells by William Herman Schmedtgen. Schmedtgen insinuated that Ade and Wells were homosexuals by putting a red bowtie on Wells and the Chicago Athletic Club symbol on his fan. The painting hung at the all-male Chapin & Gore Tavern in Chicago for many years. Photo courtesy of the Chicago History Museum.

Joining us today are historians Jill Austin and Jennifer Brier who helped put together this amazing exhibit by mining the History Museum’s very own archives for hidden clues.

Listen as we talk to these fascinating women about “outing” historical figures, secret gay codes and how gay men cruised at the turn of the century.

Plus:

Did President Nixon accidentally help ignite the gay rights movement in Chicago? Was he really gay all along?

Chicago’s publishing past and the battle between gay publications.

Charlie Chaplin looked hot in drag in the film A Woman, made right here in own back yard at the Essanay Studios.

Red Neckties, the history of Lesbian Potluck Party Flyers, and what the future of your community will be like.

Featured Music:
Tom Goss – Back to Love – Till the End:iTunes

While holding a “Paris is Burning” type ball may seem like an unusual move for a hospital, they held the ball as a way to build a bridge to the GLBTQ community and those at risk for HIV.

The ball scene is quite competitive and each category in the ball required the creative integration of the AIDS ribbon, the color red, or latex.

Categories for the competition included: “twisters,” featuring dancers that can twist their bodies: “red shoes,” with the only requirement being clad in red footwear; “Soft as Red Rose,” showcasing gender benders in red; And and my personal favorite- “sexy!” with scantily clad young men.

If a contestant didn’t measure up to what the judges wanted, the judges would hold up a giant card that read “Chop” or the emcees would announce “They said no, they said no,” over and over again to the beat of the music. The performer would then do the walk of shame off the runway. Cold right? But don’t fret over that because they would just change outfits and come back for the next competition and win!

And if the performer really delivered, the judges would hold up signs reading “Paragon.”

Paragon!

View the whole set-

The Out in Chicago exhibit at the Chicago Historical Society presents a playlist of interviews of LGBt people. The groundbreaking exhibit spans diverse stories and perspectives and explores issues such as language, gender expression, formation of identity, the role of LGBT people in politics and culture, and family relationships.

I have a friend whose office is right by the giant Marilyn Monroe statue downtown and he sees up her skirt all day long.

-from Windy Citizan

Here’s the full size tacky monstrosity-

I wonder how many people are confused by these instructions?

via

Boystown youth speak out against violence in Lakeview and being scapegoated for the recent increase in reported crimes. They express the need for more safe spaces for youth in the neighborhood and the impact programs at Center on Halsted and Broadway Youth Center have had on their lives.

In recent weeks, Boystown youth have been blamed for the purported increase in crime in Boystown, during the midst of summer months when crime is typically increased. At a CAPS forum to discuss violence, youth were shouted down and heckled by some Boystown residents, yelling “get a job” and “go back to the southside.” Video Action League wanted to give youth a space to express themselves without the threat of being silenced.

Clown gun was no joke.

The teen demanded money at gunpoint from the clown and during a struggle the clown was able to take control of the gun and fatally shoot the robber.

–read more

A Chicago beauty store was robbed of $70,000-90,000 worth of human hair. That must be some wig the robbers plan on building.

Photoshop or for real?

Adrianne Palicki and Chris Marsh as Wonder Woman, Bebecca Black and her gal pals.

Great Hera! The new “Wonder Woman” costume is a disaster, with folks calling it tacky and garish, at best a cheap vinyl get-up found hanging on the discount rack a week after Halloween.

Why does the new Wonder Woman look like a Berlin street walker?

Join us as we take a look at the TV reboot of Wonder Woman, and give her wardrobe a make-over to bring some fashion sense to Mount Olympus.

Sammy Hagar says he’s been abducted by aliens all throughout his life. Did the lyrics to I can’t Drive 55 come from outer space? Do they have anything to do with the speed of light?

You know it’s springtime in Chicago when people start shooting at each other. 19 people were shot last week when temperatures reached above the 60s.

A new app from Exodus International promising to phone the gay away gets Apple’s temporary approval and users’ scorn.

Man on man dancing on Austria’s Dancing with the Stars.

And the nation finally finds a cure for Bieber Fever- it’s the Rebecca Black plague.

Featured Music:
Rebecca Black – Friday: iTunes

Advertise here

Not as good as “I Want to Go to Sidetracks” but still some funny observations about the differences between Boystown and Andersonville/Edgewater.

10. Jack Calhoun:

Jack Calhoun- I'd tap that.

9. Jeff Steinbrunner

Jeff Steinbrunner- Just a couple more beers away from being in my bed.

Code Name: The Tounge! Have you seen that thing?! I don’t care what girls might think, but he can cover a small U.S. State with that muscle! Unfortunately, he seems to be concentrating on using it more for Comic-lingus, because that tongue is sharp and delivers some serious ha-ha’s! He defenitly charmed his way on my list.

8. Joe Kilgallon

Joe Kilgallon, Southside Irish- need I say more?

I know one guy I want to take to the Back of the Yards. I don’t know if its Kennedy good looks, Irish Red Hair, or Tough Chi-Town persona, but he is funnier and better looking than any Vince Vaughn! Its like he’s the Chicago’s own Marky Mark, but in a good way.

7. Bob Palos

Bob Palos- I'd kill to be that Teddy bear.

There’s only 1 dessert I’m interested in at the Cheesecake Factory: The Carmel drizzled Flan Man! Bob has the greatest laugh and a superb turn of phase-ology that is muy calliente. Its hard to watch him and not just grin. P.S. having an equally hot brother helps.

6. (TIE) Sam Norton, Ryan Walker & Lane Pieschel

Sam Norton- He's my Friday night

Ryan Walker - My Saturday night guy.

Lane Pieschel- I'll savor him for Sunday.

“Charlie’s Angels” is what I call them. Three of the tastiest comic talents in the city, all living together under one roof: Hello dream home! What makes it even hotter, is that they each have hearts of gold! They are the most sincere and honest guys I know, and funnier than hell. Cum and knock on my door!

5. Dan Polydoris

Dan Polydoris- Married but not broken.

4. Drew Michael

Drew Michael- Welcome Back Kotter- to my arms.

3. Eliot Rahal

Elliot Rahal- Well, I know he likes big cocks.

2. Jacob Williams

Jacob Williams- Who doesn't love a cute Mormon looking boy?

1. Joe Fernandez

Joe Fernandez- You need some spicy Latin favor to round out the list.

I saw him naked! Which was just as enjoyable watching him on stage this year both in Chicago and New York. Nothing is a bigger turn on than a great comic wit and a great comic dick!

– Original post on Facebook.

La Cueva is an LGBTQ historic site — it is known as the oldest Latino drag bar in the country. This is a bit of a misnomer, as the performers are women — trans male to female. La Cueva has been around for 30 years, providing a place for trans Latinas to work and gay Latinos to belong. But the bar has recently been the center of controversy: in September, Little Village residents began protesting for La Cueva to close. Opponents say the bar has become a site for drug dealing and “transgender prostitution.”

–Read the rest on Gaper’s Block

Here’s some of the talent at La Cueva

Edgewater Historical Society on the corner of Ashand and Balmoral

I know, you’re probably saying “There’s and Edgewater Historical Museum?” Yes, there is- right on the corner of Ashland and Balmoral.

Edgewater PRIDE committee is looking for items to showcase that best represent the struggle of LGBT people on the northside.

Will Rye, chairman of the Edgewater PRIDE committee says, “We recognize a richness of LGBT history seeded within our community. This exhibit will honor those who have made great contributions in establishing equality and in making Edgewater what it is today.”

EHS will accept any donations or loans from community members. Rye mentioned that EHS has a plethora of historical items, but believes much more exists that docents and committee members have not discovered.

Those wishing to donate or loan items to EHS should contact Will Rye at (773) 368-8110 or e-mail will_rye@yahoo.com. The committee would like items to be documented by April 30.

Watch the Chicago mayoral candidates at an LGBT forum. Some of the candidates didn’t make it because the Chicago Defender moved the date of their forum because of the snowstorm last week.

comment live here

Was Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins on crack for the past 20 years?

“Patricia, the reason you didn’t know where I was for the last 20 years is because you were strung out on crack.”

Now that is reading your opponent!

Yes, Chicago politics isn’t just about knocking you opponent of the ballot, it’s also about who can be more outrageous.

Someone at Comedy Central, please tell John Stewart of The Daily Show that knocking Rahm off the mayoral ballot is business as usual here in Chicago. He seems to think it’s an unusual practice, but many an election have been won by knocking the favorited politician off the ballot due to a technicality. Even President Obama knocked off a favored opponent when he ran for Illinois Senate.

by only-connect on Flickr

This is a ball. An underground LGBTQ contest where participants compete by “walking” — showing off themed outfits and voguing — a stylized house dance that continues to evolve. They are competing for trophies and the hope to become “legendary” — famous not only in Chicago but the entire community, which now spans the globe. Balls found fame with Paris is Burning, a documentary about the New York scene, but Chicago’s had its own ball circuit for as long as New York — one that has its own trends, culture and history. And as the Internet popularizes the community, Chicago is seeing another wave in the resurgence of balls.

-Read the rest

Phil Reese, Senator Carol Moseley Braun and Phil's friend Eric

Last Friday was incredible. I had a chai cider latte for the first time. I found some neat places in Hyde Park. And I was offered tea by a former candidate for the Democratic nomination for President in her living room.

I’ve just posted the transcript of my interview with Chicago mayoral candidate Carol Moseley Braun over at Bilerico.com at a post titled Chicago Mayoral Candidate and LGBT Ally, Carol Moseley Braun. I was excited to interview the former US Senator and Ambassador to New Zealand for many reasons–not the least of which was to sit on her couch and browse her incredible collect of photos from her long life in public service. Photos of the Senator with icons like Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton.

Miles Davis had signed a painting in her living room. Miles Davis. She hummed Miles Davis while she poured tea for everyone in the room. It was like a dream.

I was most excited to interview the first and only African American woman in the US Senator, however, because Moseley Braun has been a staunch and steadfast ally to the community her entire public life. She voted against the original ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue’ “compromise” in 1993, be she also gave this incredible floor speech in the Senate in 1996 when her colleagues were debating whether or not to pass the discriminatory so-called “Defense of Marriage Act.”

“…In our system, the Constitution protects our freedoms and prevents Government from taking those freedoms away. At the same time, the genius of the system is that, at its best, it brings us together to expand opportunity and to expand freedom. Gay and lesbian Americans, however, do not yet fully enjoy the equal protection of the laws promised to every American by the 14th amendment. And this legislation, it seems to me, is a step in the absolute opposite direction of extending the equal protection of the laws to Americans without regard to their sexual orientation, just as we moved so fitfully in this country to extend those protections to Americans without regard to their race.

It seems to me that if we examine the history, it will show the fundamental truth of the notion that this Congress should be involved in expanding, and not restricting, individual liberty, that we should not involve the Federal Government in decisions that will restrict liberty, indeed, if anything, we should involve our Government in providing people with opportunities to contribute to the total of our society to the maximum extent of their ability and to be whoever they are within the context of this society.

That, indeed, is what freedom, that, indeed, is what the whole constitutional framework is about in this country, as I understand it, and as many people understand it who hold sacred the promise of freedom and independence that this declaration gives us. Strides have been made to provide gay and lesbian Americans the equal protection of the laws, but DoMA is a retreat from that goal.”

Seven years ago, I was a little queer kid in awe of the brazen audacity of an African American woman–whom the press kept reminding had no shot at winning the Presidential nomination–to stand in the debates against the white men of the political establishment and tell them she’s not going home, and she’s going to be sure that women and underrepresented people were not going to be left out of these conversations. I wanted to vote for her, but sadly she dropped out before the primaries.

And here I was, a few years later, in her living room turning down cookies and tea from this incredible woman (I was too nervous, I was afraid I’d spill)! I had no idea what path brought me there, but I was so thankful for it.

Check out the latest episode of SameSexSunday where you can actually hear part of the interview. Make sure you check out my latest Bilerico post and read the whole transcript of my special conversation with this incredible woman!

See more

Here’s some photos of the chairs in action-

To deal with the problem, Chair Free Chicago has created these signs that you can place on your street to declare it a “chair free zone.”

Place these around your neighborhood

And if people still put out chairs, you can place these notices on the placeholders.

No guarantee that your car won't get dented if you move those chairs.

Still, I’m with the mayor, I wouldn’t mess with anyone’s chair and not expect some damage to my car.

You can read some people’s experiences removing chairs on Yelp.

What would he do without Howard Brown?

Jamal M. Edwards, President and CEO of Howard Brown since June1, 2010 cites past financial mismanagement as the reason for this emergency funding and promises that “The mistakes of the past will not happen again.”

This is what they are asking you to do to help:

• Shop at one of the Brown Elephant Resale Shops in Boystown, Andersonville and Oak Park.
• Participate in one of the fundraising events that will be happening in the next several weeks.
• Use TRIAD Health Practice, 3000 N. Halsted, for insured medical services. Call 773-296-8400

Here’s the full release-

Howard Brown Health Center Launches Unprecedented Appeal for Lifeline Public Support to Keep Doors Open

CHICAGO – Nov. 4, 2010 – After 36 years of providing a steady lifeline to those in need in Chicago, Howard Brown Health Center is launching a public appeal for Lifeline support, needing to raise $500,000 in 50 days in order to sustain its health and wellness services and to keep operating.

During a news conference today at Howard Brown, Jamal M. Edwards, President and CEO of Howard Brown since June 1, and Board Chairman Mark D. Andrews, announced that a restated audit has revealed a deep financial deficit — the result of previous mismanagement of grant funds. The deficit threatens Howard Brown and its programs that serve 36,000 youth, adults and seniors annually.

Related to the cash shortfall, Howard Brown also announced it was recently notified that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is making a referral of the matter of past financial mismanagement of NIH federal grant monies to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG).

“We will work cooperatively with the Inspector General’s office, as we did with the NIH, as they examine the past financial mismanagement that included misusing federal grant funds. Unfortunately, this is another issue that we are working to address that stems from past management’s practices,” said Edwards, who became president and CEO two months after the Howard Brown Board of Directors dismissed the previous executive leaders. “This is a serious threat to Howard Brown’s programs and its survival, and stems from the mismanagement of over $3 million of grant funds between 2006 and March 2010.”

Shortly after being notified by the NIH, the Howard Brown’s Board initiated its own review. The internal review found that the grant money in question was likely used to cover other operating expenses during cash shortfalls

In August, Howard Brown turned its findings over to the NIH, which conducted a review and in October determined that the matter should be further reviewed by the Office of Inspector General. Also, in August, the NIH transferred $539,000 from Howard Brown’s federal grant account to Northwestern University, which Howard Brown voluntarily agreed should become the new lead agent for the grant supporting the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). This was an administrative, not punitive, action. When Northwestern assumed control of the grant, it was entitled to remaining balance of the MACS grant account. Unfortunately, because the MACS account was overdrawn, funds from Howard Brown’s other grant accounts had to be used to make up the difference. While the transfer was the right action for the study and its participants, said Edwards, it left a serious operating cash short fall that adds to Howard Brown’s financial challenges.

Through its Lifeline appeal, Howard Brown needs to raise $500,000 in 50 days in order to sustain operations and help ensure its financial stability. Without the emergency funding, Howard Brown could close. Board members are currently raising dollars and Howard Brown’s executive team members are contributing through salary reductions and personal donations.

“Our team is deeply committed to resolving the effects of past mismanagement and preserving the community lifeline that Howard Brown provides,” said Edwards. “But to do so we need a lifeline from the community. We know that we are asking a lot from our supporters, because we’re asking the community to trust and support Howard Brown on the heels of past financial mismanagement. Let me assure you that this is a new day here, and the new executive team is committed to saving Howard Brown.”

“The mistakes of the past will not happen again,” he added.

The new executive team, including new VP and Chief Financial Officer Editha Paras, has implemented several new financial systems and hired new auditors. It has implemented new financial procedures and reduced operating costs, while still maintaining services and programs that are grant-funded. The new accounting systems, cost-cutting moves and fundraising are part of a three-year recovery plan to make the organization debt-free, financially healthy and a stronger provider of critical community services.

“Together we’re working toward a new day at Howard Brown. We want, and need, to rebuild our relationship with the community by being more open and transparent and using the lessons learned to move forward,” said Board Chairman Andrews. He added that the Board obviously wishes it would have been made aware of the grant mismanagement earlier and has taken proactive steps to prevent such problems from ever happening again.

The Board took action when it learned of the possible mismanagement of grant funds. The Board investigated the issues, followed the recommendations of its counsel, imposed a temporary restriction on accessing MACS grant draws above a certain amount without Board approval, voluntarily transferred the financial administration of the MACS grant to Northwestern University, replaced top management, retained new auditors, created a new compliance committee, and has been working closely with new management to ensure the operations of Howard Brown are conducted appropriately and with necessary controls.

“We’re volunteers who want to do the right thing to ensure the future of Howard Brown. For most patients, Howard Brown is their only means of access to quality and compassionate healthcare, counseling and critical human services, and those critical services are now in serious jeopardy. We’re turning to donors – large and small – to help us keep Howard Brown open as we support the new leadership team in its plans to turn around operations and restore financial stability,” Andrews said.

If Howard Brown is forced to close, the loss would affect thousands of patients and clients:

· Over 6,000 individuals will lose access to primary medical care, many of whom live with HIV/AIDS.

· 5,000 LGBTQ teens will be shut out from critical services provided at the Broadway Youth Center, at a time when gay teens and suicide are making national headlines.

· The Lesbian Community Care Project (LCCP) will no longer be able to operate, leaving thousands of women who seek gynecological care, critical medical screenings and domestic violence counseling and support without an alternative.

· More than 20 national research studies and clinical trials, ranging from the largest and longest running HIV research study to cancer prevention strategies for men and women will be in jeopardy.

The public can also help answer the emergency appeal to help save the Howard Brown lifeline for the thousands of youth and adults by taking these steps:

Shop at one of the Brown Elephant Resale Shops in Boystown, Andersonville and Oak Park.
Participate in one of the fundraising events that will be happening in the next several weeks.
Use TRIAD Health Practice, 3000 N. Halsted, for insured medical services. Call 773-296-8400.

To donate to Howard Brown’s Lifeline appeal, please visit www.HowardBrown.org or call (773) 388-1600.

About Howard Brown Health Center
Founded in 1974, Howard Brown is now one of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning and allies (LGBTQA) organizations. The agency serves more than 36,000 adults and youth each year in its diverse health and social service delivery system focused around seven major programmatic divisions: primary medical care, behavioral health, research, HIV/STD prevention, youth services, elder services, and community initiatives. Howard Brown is a multi-site operation based in Chicago and includes a main health and research center in the Uptown neighborhood TRIAD Health practice at Illinois Masonic Hospital, the Broadway Youth Center, and three Brown Elephant resale shops in Chicago and Oak Park.

Wilde Pug is closing and Fat Cat bar located just down the block pokes fun at the demise of the Oscar Wilde inspired bar.

The sign feature’s Oscar Wilde’s quote- “Work is the curse of the drinking class” and features the author’s head in a Photoshop disaster as a DJ.

One of my favorite songs, nobody does “The Pussycat Song” quite like Amy Armstrong and Freddy Allen on the piano. If you’re in Chicago, be sure to check out their live show this weekend at the Mayne Stage, a new theater in town.

Join us as we go from bar to select bar on Halsted Street for a ghoulish cavalcade of depraved delights on October 24, 2010.

Space is limited get your Haunted Halsted tickets today!

Don’t miss these fantastic stops-

• Horrifying Makeovers,
• Bathhouse Tales of Terror
• Demented Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz
• Lady Gaga’s Funeral
• Seven Deadly Gay Sins

New York City drag queen sensation Mimi Imfurst is joining our motley crew as we descend into the depths of hell itself!

From the film vaults of the New York Gay Cable Access Network we have found what could be some of the only footage of an early gay pride parade.  The film is know archive footage at the New York public library and posted up on you tube. Historians can’t pin point a exact location can you? Come on, old Queen Unite!  Is it Chicago? Who done it?