ALMA holds Cinco de Mayo networking event
ALMA ( The Association of Latino/as Motivating Action ) celebrated Cinco De Mayo by holding its second annual networking event for Latino LGBTQ leaders and allies at the Boystown nightspot Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club.
The eventcomplete with complimentary martinis, margaritas, nachos and special performances by Sara Andrewswas a way for guests to learn about ways to support and get involved in some of the activities ALMA is doing to strengthen the Latino LGBTQ community.
Photos and text by Ed Negron
'Step Up. Get Tested' campaign expands
The scope of the 2015 "Step Up. Get Tested." ( SUGT ) campaign for June has been enhanced by a new partnership with Harmony Health Plan of Illinois, a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
The SUGT campaign, developed by the Chicagoland HIV Testing Collaborative ( CHTC ), will now include both HIV and hepatitis C testing as well as linkage to care services as part of the campaign's initiatives throughout the month in areas across Chicagoland as a result of this partnership.
Step Up. Get Tested. is a unified effort supported by the Chicagoland HIV Testing Collaborative, a group of 25 community and public health organizations that has joined forces to promote HIV testing in the city's most at-risk communities since 2012.
The partnership will run June 5-30, and will kick off June 5 with free HIV testing near several CTA "L" stations, including Roosevelt, Howard and 87th. Visit stepupgettested.com .
AFC gala May 16 with 'Transparent' star
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) commemorates 30 years of action with the HIV/AIDS community during its 30th Year Gala, taking place at the Hilton Chicago on Saturday, May 16, 6 p.m.-midnight.
Actress Amy Landecker will be master of ceremonies. Landecker is known for her role in the Academy Award-nominated film A Serious Man and currently stars in Amazon's Golden Globe winning comedy series Transparent, which chronicles the lives of a Los Angeles family whose patriarch is transgender.
Guests at the 30th Year Gala will also enjoy live entertainment from a special performer ( to be announced ), specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing and a raffle with the chance to win luxury vacation packages.
In addition, two longtime supporters will be honored: Tom Kehoe, of Kehoe Designs, will be presented with the Community Impact Award, and Ernie Rodriguez will receive the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award.
Tickets are $500 per person and $5,000 per table; call 312-334-0935 or visit www.aidschicago.org .