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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Berlin
- Femme's Room w/ Gavin Russom. Photos by Jerry Nunn ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Sidetrack
- Friday nights get campy. Photos by Jed Dulanas ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Touche
- Congrats to the new Mr. Midwest Rubber! Photos by Jerry Nunn ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Berlin
- Jackie Beat your face! Photos by Jerry Nunn ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Phoenix
- Taking in a hot show. Photos by Jerry Nunn ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Sidetrack
- Saturday sexiness. Photos by Jed Dulanas ...
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New gay bar to open in Forest Park
- A new gay bar named Hard Wood is slated to open in the Chicago suburb of Forest Park later this month, according to the Forest Park Review. Hard Wood will be at 7414 W. Madison St., replacing Chalk Craft Beer House Bar. Chalk owner Matt Mathey and David Lipka, who runs bars in nearly cities, are collaborating on the rebranding. ...
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Crew to leave its current location
- The LGBT sports bar Crew Bar + Grill, on July 5, announced that it will be closing its Uptown location at Lawrence Avenue and Broadway on July 15 and will be searching for a new home elsewhere on the North Side. Crew posted the news on its Facebook page. "Crew is seeking to relocate in Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater or Rogers ...
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PRIDE '17 Proud to Run sports record participation
- The 36th annual Proud to Run brought in a record 2,200 participants for the 10K run and 5K run/walk on June 24. Co-directors Ty McCarthy, Corbin Woodling and Justin Koziatek thanked the over 200 volunteers that made the event possible. "This is my favorite part of Pride," Koziatek said. Since it began in 1982, Proud to Run has donated over ...
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PRIDE '17 Navy Pier holds second Pride celebration
- By Tarina Hargrays - =On June 24, thousands of people journeyed to Navy Pier's Pier Pride for a day filled with fun and entertainment along the lakefront. Guests were able to participate in activities such as Pride face painting, "Story Time with Drag Queens," fitness classes and more. The day also included live performances from poets and rappers during the event's "Prouder than a ...
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PATIO BEEF AT THE SOFO TAP
- A new Andersonville Pride tradition with Moose the DJ. Photos by Kirk Williamson ...
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PRIDE '17 Pride North returns to Rogers Park
- DJs, dancing and sunshine all helped to spread Pride rainbows across Chicago's northernmost neighborhood. The Pride North Festival, which took place along Glenwood Ave. between Morse and Lunt, drew hundreds after the parade for a party that went on well into the evening. Photos by Kirk Williamson ...
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PRIDE '17 Back Lot Bash thrills A-ville
- This year, the popular Andersonville Pride festival of dancing, DJs and world-class talent took place oer two weekends. Here are some images from Saturday, June 24. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald ( www.MysticImagesPhotography.com ) ...
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PRIDE '17 Unofficial Pride gathering at Montrose Harbor
- Despite the closure of the annual Pride at Montrose Festival in 2016, members of the LGBTQ community gathered for the traditional post parade celebration at Montrose Harbor. Friends and families celebrated in the cool early evening with barbecue cook outs, spontaneous dance competitions, and social networking with an emphasis on joy and frivolity. No incidents or arrests were recorded at ...
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Midsommarfest sizzles in June
- On June 9-11, the 52nd annual Andersonville Midsommarfest was held in weather that had a heat index that climbed toward 90 degrees. The well-attended festival—which traditionally spans five blocks on North Clark Street—featured craft venders, live rock bands, DJs, drag acts, a glee crew, a jazz band and a wide array of food selections from local restaurants. One of the ...
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Happy 35th Anniversary Sidetrack
- Windy City Times congratulates Sidetrack on 35 amazing years. Please enjoy this photo spread, which includes a few classic black-and-whites from Windy City Media Group archives, as well as a selection of photos of Sidetrack staff from the Nightspots archive going back to 2005. Check out Windy City Times' Facebook page this week for more staff photos. Photos by Kirk ...
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'Out to Climb' pride event June 13
- Brooklyn Boulders Chicago, 100 S. Morgan St., is hosting a special edition of "Out to Climb"—featuring members of Chicago's vibrant queer nightlife community—on Tuesday, June 13, at 6 p.m. Among other things, local drag stars Abhijeet, Alex Kay and avant-garde fashion designer Eda Yorulmazoglu will compete in a drag climb off to the top. Emcees will be drag legends Lucy ...
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Reunion presents Pride & Power Pride Month events
- From a press release - Reunion presents Pride & Power, LGBTQ centered events throughout Pride Month. All events take place at Reunion, 2557 W. North Avenue, a wheelchair accessible space. Tuesday, June 6th & 20th - 10am-5pm COMMUNION: Community Coworking Days - Pride Edition - Free Resource sharing is caring! Get off your couch and come build community at Reunion's open-door bimonthly free ...
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'Drag Ball' kickball game held in Gill Park
- On the year's first 90-degree day in the city, members of Stonewall Kickball -Chicago league, a division of Stonewall Sports, held its annual "Drag Ball" charity kickball game on June 4 at Gill Park. In this last game of the season, two members from each team formed two teams to represent each division to play the charity game while dress ...
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New International Mr. Leather Ralph Bruneau
- Meet your new International Mr. Leather Ralph Bruneau ( Mr. GNI Leather 2016, second from right ), chosen as the new titleholder Sun., May 28, at Park West. Bruneau is joined by first runner-up Geoff Millard ( Mr. San Francisco Leather 2017, right ), second runnerup Joe King ( Mr. Leather Europe, left ) and the new International Mr. Bootblack ...
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Furball party, Metro Chicago
- In pursuit of the hirsute at the Furball party, Sat., May 27, at Metro Chicago. Photos by Verdell Shannon ...
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Touche's inaugural Mr. Chicago Bear/cub contest
- More new titleholders were chosen Sat., May 27, at Touche's inaugural Mr. Chicago Bear/cub contest, part of Chicago Bearfest Midwest. Photos by Verdell Shannon ...
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Chuck Hyde remembered
- A memorial for former Sidetrack manager Chuck Hyde was held May 21 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. Hyde, inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame ( now the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame ) in 2001, began work at Sidetrack in July 1982, three months after it opened. He died in South Florida where ...
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Goodman shows 'Sequins;' Stamos hosts 'Wish Ball'
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - On May 20, Goodman Theatre held a "Sequins and Soul" extravaganza at the Fairmont Chicago. This year, the annual gala invited the talented Broadway performer Billy Porter ( who has a new CD, Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richad Rodgers ) to entertain attendees. He kicked things off with Barbra Streisand's "Don't Rain on My Parade." Porter kept the ...
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'Rent' cast thrills Sidetrack attendees
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Jonathan Larson's Rent has captivated audiences for more than 20 years. The story, loosely based on Puccini's La Boheme, shows the struggles of starving artists living in New York City. Tuberculosis is replaced by HIV/AIDS and Paris is switched for the East Village in this Pulitzer Prize-winning production. The show went on to garner four Tony wins, become a motion ...
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Chicago BearFeat plans nightly parties for Memorial Day Weekend
- From a press release - For many years bears and their fans from across the country and even around the world have gathered in Chicago over the Memorial Day weekend for fellowship, fun and yes, sex, too! This year will be no exception. A group of local businesses, Touché — home of the Great Lakes Bears, The Call, Hamburger Mary's, Mary's Attic and The Andersonville ...
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Trans organization hosts 'Unicorn Ball'
- Hundreds of people braved the last of the April showers—which were more like downpours—to attend the first-ever Unicorn Ball, which the Trans Liberation Collective hosted at Shapiro Ballroom. The ball was a fundraiser to help open a center with the group's sibling organizations, Brave Space Alliance and the Chicago BTGNC ( Black, Trans and Gender-Nonconforming ) Collective. Every dollar raised ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Sidetrack
- Glowin' in the dark. Photos by Jed Dulanas ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Touche
- Meet Mike, your new leatherman, thanks to Leather 64TEN and Touche at their annual "Leather Eye For the Preppy Guy" makeover contest, Fri., April 28. Photo by Gary Lee ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Sidetrack
- Proud to Runway, Sat., April 29. Annual fundraiser/fashion show for Proud to Run, a 10K run and 5K run/walk, that will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2017, focused on raising funds to support the greater Chicago area LGBTQ community. This year, the beneficiaries are Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, Test Positive Aware Network, Care2Prevent at The University of Chicago and ...
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'Garden of Eve'
raises funds for
LGBTQ women's health
- It was a women's world at Howard Brown Health Center's Garden of Eve: Forward fundraiser event on April 28 at Venue SIX10. Garden of Eve is an annual fundraiser that has been running with its current name since 2009. The purpose of the event is to bring together Chicago's LGBT women and allies to celebrate queer and lesbian women's sexual ...
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Lambda Legal's Bon Foster event honors advocate
- The Midwest Regional Office of Lambda Legal held its annual Bon Foster celebration April 20 at Morgan MFG. The annual event honors Robert Bonvouloir "Bon" Foster, a Chicago advocate in the early days of the HIV epidemic, opposing injustice and resisting discrimination. This year's speakers included Joe Olszewski, Theresa Santos-Volpe, Christopher Clark, Jim Bennett and Rachel Tiven. ...
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PEACH has pop-up party kickoff
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - On April 21, Black Thread Agency—in partnership with Tito's Handmade Vodka and @LGBT_History—launched PEACH, their first pop-up party event aimed at femmes and queer women. The party, at Wicker Park's The Bedford, served as the debut for what is intended as a national event brand with upcoming gatherings in Chicago and other cities—with this event featuring a 1960s theme. Guests ...
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Center hosts Red Dress Party
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Presented by the Equality Project, Inc., the Chicago Red Dress Party is an event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the HIV/AIDS movement. The annual party was held April 22 at Center on Halsted. Guests dressed in red enjoyed apps, drinks and a show throughout the evening. Among the performers were Jade Sotomayer, a former Windy City Timess 30 ...
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Sidetrack's OUTspoken! Series: May's featured storytellers
- The May edition of OUTspoken! LGBTQ storyteller series takes place Tuesday, May 2, at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. Doors open at 6 pm, stories begin at 7. —Lihy Epstein has been performing in various media for years. It all started with theater camp as child, speech team in high school, college drag performances as "Dick Then Dyke," and numerous ...
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Wonka Ball shows cosmic delights
- "It's a great gateway drug, as it were, for coming to the theater," said Andrew Volkoff, referring to Friday's Wonka Ball, an annual gala to raise money for the About Face Theatre. Volkoff—one of the event's organizers and the outgoing artistic director for the community-focused LGBTQIA arts organization ( who is stepping down at the end of the 2016-17 season ...
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'Leather Eye' contest at Touche
- Leather Eye For the Preppy Guy, the annual preppy-to-leather makeover contest, returns this Friday, April 28, to Touche, 6412 N. Clark St. Sign up begins at 10, contest at 11. Winner receives a $500 leather makeover from Leather 64TEN. A benefit for Vital Bridges Groceryland Pantry. ...
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Miss Continental Elite
- Congratualtions to the new Miss Continental Elite, Fontasia LaMour ( top left photo ). She was joined in the top five by ( above photo, left to center ) Yosemin Burge Star, Ginger Manchester, Erika Norell, and ( right ) Amy DeMilo. Photos by Jack Neilsen ...
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New book Edges of the Rainbow, LGBTQ Japan, out in May
- From a press release - "The exquisite humanity in this book transcends all geographical and cultural difference to show us what is universal in ourselves, and germane to place. A triumph of insight and heart." — Hilton Als, 2017 Pulitzer Prize-winner and staff writer for The New Yorker The LGBTQ community in Japan has faced its challenges. Even as some religious and warrior orders have ...
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TatTues' BoXXXcutter Tribute & Benefit, April 18
- Nearly a year after cancer took local gay bartender and all-around hellcat Joey "BoXXXcutter" Kissling, Replay, 3439 N. Halsted St., remembers the rowdy good times Tuesday, April 18, with a TatTues benefit by Organized Grime. Tribute DJ sets by Matt Wyser and Carlos Torres ( REDUX ) and DJ Milty Evans. Debbie Fox hosts. Tattoos by Pink Rhino Tattoo & ...
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Marty's
- The perfect spot for a Martini fundraiser to benefit the 2017 Ride For AIDS Chicago, Sunday, April 9. Pictured are ( L-R ) Alecia Burley, Meg Valentini and David Hackett Photo by Owen Keehnen ...
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Sidetrack
- A particularly sunny Sunday Funday, April 9. ...
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'Extreme Ice' presents cold, hard facts about global warming
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - If there's a message with the new Museum of Science and Industry exhibit "Extreme Ice" ( which launched March 23 ), it's that global warming is real. In the exhibit, photographer James Balog has captured thought-provoking ( and jaw-dropping ) images over a multi-year period that showcase the dramatic extent of melting glaciers around the world. Through photographic documentation and ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTO Berlin
- VIP party for the Wax Trax at 10th anniversary, Fri., March 31. Photos by Jerry Nunn ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTO Mary's Attic
- Lady Bunny, Sat., April 1. Photos by Owen Keehnen ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTO Fantasy
- Neverland's Jungle Book party, Sat., April 1. Photos by Jerry Nunn ...
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NIGHTLIFE PHOTOS Touche
- Sweetness ( and savory ) at Trident International Windy City's 4th annual Cupcake Wars for Broadway Youth Center, Sun., April 2. Photos by Tom Wray ...
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National roundup: Calif. HIV bill, Lillian Faderman, Truth Awards Gala
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - A bill that would modernize California's laws that criminalize and stigmatize people living with HIV cleared its first major legislative hurdle, an Equality California press release noted, as the Senate Public Safety Committee approved Senate Bill ( SB ) 239 by a vote of five to two. The bill is authored by Sen. Scott Wiener ( D-San Francisco ) and ...
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Crossroads Fund holds annual benefit
- On March 31, The Crossroads Fund presented Seeds of Change, an annual benefit at the Chicago Cultural Center. Crossroads is a public foundation that has provided resources for groups working on racial, humanitarian, social and economic justice in the Chicago area for more than 35 years. The organization recognized two organizations and one individual for activism in the areas of ...
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Unicorn Ball to be hosted by Trans Liberation April 29
- Trans Liberation Collective hosts its Official Coming Out Party, Unicorn Ball, Saturday, April 29, 2017, Shapiro Ballroom, 1612 W. Chicago Ave., 6 p.m.-Midnight. The Unicorn Ball will feature a night of performance, storytelling, dancing, silent auctions and the best and brightest of the Chicago trans community. "As we endeavor to create new spaces, like the first-ever trans-run LGBT Center in ...
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THE SOFO TAP
- Kelly Lauren gets very NSFW ( photos edited to protect your virgin eyes ). Photos by Clayton Terrill ...
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Happy 48th anniversary, Baton Show Lounge!
- A million thanks to special Nightspots envoy Mercedes Tyler for snapping these few pics last weekend at the big 48th anniversary celebration for The Baton. Ya don't look a day over 30! ...
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Progress For Childhood Cancer Research show, Sun., March 26
- Progress Bar, 3359 N. Halsted St., and Vanité will host Progress For Childhood Cancer Research, a special drag show and party, with all proceeds going to benefit the St. Baldrick's Foundation, Sunday, March 26, from 3 to 7 pm. The party will feature raffles, cash giveaways and, of course, performances by local drag luminaries Mercedes Tyler, Mimi Marks, Whitney Gaytan ...
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In the Life: Alberto Lazcurain
- Alberto Lazcurain works in construction and repair, which he likes although it is hard work. But dancing is his passion. "I remember dancing [when] I was very young [and] easily adapted to any rhythm," said Lazcurain, who won multiple dancing competitions while growing up. "I like to dance differently [than most], but sexy [dancing]." Lazcurain came to Chicago on vacation ...
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Amanda Lepore shows off her 'Lucky Charms'
- There's gold at the end of this rainbow and her name is Amanda Lepore. The legendary trans icon is back for Lucky Charms 2, Thursday, March 16, at 10 p.m. at Berlin, 954 W. Belmont Ave. DJs Spice Boy ( Teen Witch Fan Club ) and LA Spacer ( TRQPiTECA ) keep the beat going in the booth. The event ...
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St. Pat's weekend at Sidetrack
- Getting lucky at Sidetrack, Sat., March 11. Photos by Jed Dulanas ...
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DIVERSIONS Replay Lincoln Park
- Special to the online edition of Windy City Times - Replay Lincoln Park ( 2833 N. Sheffield Ave.; ReplayLincolnPark.com ) is all about one thing: fun. More like the Replay in Boystown than the restaurant-oriented one in Andersonville, Replay Lincoln Park ( the original of the three ) is all about games—and some drinking. Of course, Replay Lincoln Park has an incredible selection of classic arcade games and pinball machines, ...
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Mr. Leather 64Ten @ Jackhammer
- Welcome the new Mr. Leather 64TEN, TJ Howard ( center ). Special shout-out to first runner-up Chip Wegner II and second runner-up Scott Farrel. Photos by Ed Negron ...
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Oscar Night @ Center on Halsted
- Glitz and glamour on the Red Carpet, Sunday, February 26. Photos by Jerry Nunn ...
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Love Out Loud Ball closes 10-day festival of events
- On Feb. 12, In Demand Entertainment closed out The Love Out Loud Festival of Events with the 14th Annual Love Out Loud Ball at Captain Hardtimes Dining. The ball featured a full-course dinner, a fashion show, a talent competition and a ball competition that included categories for lip sync, "realness," hair performance and "shoe fetish." Awards were presented at the ...
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Northalsted Frost Fest, Feb. 25-26
- Cool off in this weirdly warm February at Northalsted Frost Fest, taking place this weekend, Sat., February 25 and Sun., February 26. Saturday brings you a Craft Beer Festival, featuring over 40 craft brews with the opportunity to sample your choice of 15 of them while dancing in their huge outdoor heated ( if need be ) tent. Then on ...
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Sidetrack
- Sunday Funday Presidents' Day Onesie Day, Sun., February 19. Photos by Jed Dulanas ...
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Nightlife photos, Smart Bar, Sidetrack
- QUEEN at Smart Bar, SIA 'SYNC-IT at Sidetrack ...
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Uptown Underground presents Love Ball: A Masquerade
- This Valentine's Eve, put on a mask and join the members of Red Tape Theatre in a night of singular strangeness and debauchery at Uptown Underground's Love Ball: A Masquerade, Mon., Feb. 13, starting at 6 p.m. 4707 N. Broadway. Artistic Director Max Truax will be announcing exciting news about Red Tape's future, including a sneak peek into next season. ...
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Mr. Chicago Leather 2017 is Gerald "Daddy G" Cernak
- Congratulations to Gerald "Daddy G" Cernak, chosen as Mr. Chicago Leather 2017 at the contest, Saturday, January 28, at Leather Archives & Museum, 6418 N. Greenview. Photos by Verdell Shannon ...
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TOUCHE/LEATHER 64TEN roasts Todd Harris
- Mr. Chicago Leather Todd Harris gets nicely roasted, Friday, January 27. Photos by Verdell Shannon ...
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FULL KIT GEAR celebrates second anniversary
- Happy 2nd anniversary, Thursday, January 26. Photos by Kirk Williamson ...
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Women's marches rise up in Chicago, cities around the world, the story in pictures
- More photos from around the world, inauguration night protests in Chicago and the Women's March on Chicago, Saturday Jan. 21, 2017. Full coverage and more photos at the links below. First photo: The Women's March on Chicago. Photo by Tim Carroll Photography More: * The Women's March on Chicago, http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Womens-Marches-take-place-across-the-globe-/57854.html . * Women's Marches take place across the globe ...
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Sidetrack celebrates Love Is Love
- Sidetrack reminded us that Love Is Love, Friday, January 20. In case folks needed a break from other events of the day ... Sidetrack's event was designed, according to a press release, "for people to come together and reminding all of us that love is still love, resistance goes better with slushies and the LGBTQ community has powerful lawyers that ...
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The Sofo Tap presents Lumbersexual Jan. 21
- In its third year, The Sofo Tap's Otter gets hotter than ever as Chicago's ultimate otter mascot, Woody Woodruff, hosts this year's Lumbersexual, Saturday, January 21. Lumbersexual, much like Chicago winters, brings out the rugged side in all of us. Join fellow Chicago otters in sporting your sexiest flannel, plaid or whatever gets you in the mood to tackle some ...
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Sidetrack, nightlife photos
- Open wide for Sync It!: Dudes, Wed., Jan. 11 Photos by Jed Dulanas ...
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'Love Is Love' at Sidetrack on Jan. 20
- Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., is throwing a " Make J20 Great Again = Love Is Love" party all day and night on Friday, Jan. 20. Coinciding with the date of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, Sidetrack's event is meant, according to a press release, " for people to come together and reminding all of us that love is still love, ...
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Love is Love, Sidetrack offering uplifting Inauguration Day alternative
- From a press release - Lakeview, Chicago. ( January 13, 2017 ) Sidetrack The Video bar-famous for Show Tune Sunday, frozen slushies, and napkin tosses ( among other events and social activism )-is throwing a Love is Love Party all day and night Friday January 20. Sidetrack, along with partners Lambda Legal and Absolut, want to "Make J20 Great Again!" with a bevy of ways ...
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Illinois bar closes after 36 years
- Irene's Cabaret—a Quincy, Illinois, LGBT nightclub that first opened in 1980—has closed its doors, according to NBC News. Robert Clow and Willard Kaufman founded the venue. Kaufman ( who has since passed away ) was better known in the bar by his drag name, Irene West. Irene's Cabaret, at 124 N. 5th St., was a safe space in a town ...
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2017 The Year of the Eclipse at Adler Planetarium
- From a press release - Chicago - January 9, 2017—On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse will occur in the United States—the first in 38 years. The path of totality will begin in Oregon around 10:15 am PST and make its way east to South Carolina before heading into the Atlantic Ocean at approximately 2:50 pm EST. For people in the "path of totality," ...
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