Trans* activist McDonald delivering lecture
At the University of Chicago (UChicago), LGBTQ Student Life's 2014 OUTober keynote speaker will be trans* activist CeCe McDonald, who will address racism, transphobia and incarceration that transgender women of color face.
The keynote will take place at a free event at the University of Chicago Law School Auditorium, 1111 E. 60th St., at 6 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 15.
McDonald was a political prisoner incarcerated for defending herself against a racist, transphobic assault in July, 2010. Due to her willingness to fight, supporters and activists in Minneapolis and across the United States built up a solidarity campaign to demand her freedom, and were able to win her a reduced sentence. After serving a 17-month term, she was released in January 2014.
She is currently working on a forthcoming documentary with actress Laverne Cox on her case, Free CeCe. She was the grand marshal of Seattle Pride this year; received the Bayard Rustin Civil Rights award; and has spoken on Democracy Now!, MSNBC and various other media outlets.
Hosts for the program are the Office of LGBTQ Student Life and the Institute of Politics; sponsors are the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the Spiritual Life Office, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, and the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality.
Street being named for Women & Children First
A street on Chicago's North Side will be dedicated to Women & Children First Bookstore by the office of Ald. Harry Osterman. Women & Children First Way will be in honor of store founders Linda Bubon and Ann Christophersen.
The dedication will begin near the store, at the northeast corner of Farragut and Clark, at 10 a.m. Oct. 11, during the Andersonville Arts Weekend. It will be followed by a gathering at the store to meet new owners Lynn Mooney and Sarah Hollenbeck.
LGBT book-discussion group forms in Evanston
Former Evanston Arts Commissioner Greg Salustro leads a monthly discussion of books and plays by or about members of the GLBT community. The inaugural title is Oscar Wilde's classic farce The Importance of Being Earnest.
The program is Tuesday, Oct. 14, 7 p.m., in the small reading room at the Main Library, 1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston.
Copies are available at the Ra desk on the second floor; to register or reserve a copy, call 847-448-8620 or register online.
ALMA event Oct. 9
Association of Latino/as Motivating Action (ALMA) will present its "Hispanic Heritage Month and National Coming Out Celebration" on Thursday, Oct. 9, 6-9 p.m., at Halsted's Bar + Grill, 3441 N. Halsted St.
The event will celebrate ALMA's continuing work on immigration, LGBTQ rights and development of Latino LGBTQ youth leaders.
Tickets are $20 plus $1.49 handling (which covers two complimentary drinks, food and entertainment); see www.Eventbrite.com or Facebook.
'World of Chocolate' Dec. 4 at Union Station
The 13th annual World of Chocolate will take place Thursday, Dec. 4, 5-9 p.m., at Chicago Union Station, 500 W. Jackson Blvd.
AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosts this one-of-a-kind gala to commemorate World AIDS Day and celebrate the progress the HIV/AIDS community has made in ending the epidemic.
Celebrity judges will crown the night's best creations. Attendees will also be treated to a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle and punchboard with lavish prizes and music.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC's policy, public education and community-care programs.
Tickets and packages are $125-$1,500; call 312-334-0935 or visit www.aidschicago.org/chocolate/ .
Big Freedia in town Oct. 10
New Orleans "Queen of Bounce" Big Freedia will perform at Concord Music Hall, 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave., on Friday, Oct. 10.
The New Orleans City Council declared Aug. 21 "Big Freedia Day." In addition, the Fuse reality-television star's show, Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce, has recently been renewed for a third season.
Tickets are available in advance for $18.
Band Hunter Valentine in Chicago Oct. 15
Lesbian rock band Hunter Valentine will be at Chicago's Township, 2200 N. California Ave., on Wed., Oct. 15, as part of its 2014 Ladykillers Tour with Sick of Sarah.
Other cities on the tour include Miami, Philadelphia, Dallas and St. Louis.
See www.huntervalentine.com .
Benefit for Alexis
Martinez
movie Oct. 21
Chopin Theatre, in collaboration with Contexture TV, is presenting a fundraiser Tuesday, Oct. 21, 7-10 p.m. to assist transgender activist Alexis Martinez and Inkspil Films raise the budget needed to film her documentary, Alexis.
Martinez and her activism work are the foci of this film.
Nic Kay (teacher and visual artist) and co-hosted by Owen Daniel-McCarter (attorney and founder of the Transformative Justice Law Project in Chicago) are hosting the event. The evening will consist of a reception, concept trailer screening, 10-minute stage presentation and words from both Martinez and a representative from Project Fierce Chicago.
Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 at the door. The event location is 1543 W. Division St. See www.AlexisDoc.splashthat.com .
'Laugh Out Loud' Oct. 13 at The Baton
"Laugh Out Loud: A Queer Comedy Experience" will take place at The Baton Show Lounge, 436 N. Clark St., on Monday, Oct. 13.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.
The event will feature nationally known comedian Sampson McCormick as well as local favorites Otis Mack and Mz. Ruff-n-Stuff.
There is no cover.
CIFF to introduce
Roger Ebert Award
The 50th Chicago International Film Festival is introducing the Roger Ebert Award.
The award will be presented annually to emerging filmmakers with a fresh and uncompromising vision.
The honor will be presented during the Festival's annual Awards Night on Friday, Oct. 17, at The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E. Chestnut St. The festival runs Oct. 9-23.
Visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com .
'Out and Proud!' show Oct. 9, 11 at Davenport's
Melissa Young and Nick Sula will return to Davenports, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., with Young's "Out and Proud: A Rainbow Celebration" Oct. 9 and 11 at 8 p.m.
Starting with Stonewall and Judy Garland, Young will follow the gay-rights timeline, matching icons (Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Bette Midler) to significant moments in gay history, ending at the marriage-equality fight of today.
Admission is $15 and there's a two-drink minimum. Visit www.davenportspianobar.com or call 773-278-1830.
Sinead O'Connor at City Winery
Irish singer-songwriter Sinead O'Connor will kick off her U.S. tour at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St., on Oct. 19, 20 and 22.
Tickets are $75-$115; visit www.CityWinery.com .
