Hall of fame: Scott Hall became the first gay alderman in the downstate Illinois town of Jacksonville when he was sworn in April 27.īarring bachelorettes: Boystown nightspots Cocktail and Sidetrack made known their policies of not hosting bachelorette parties, citing the impending brides' behavior as the main reason. Other developments occurred throughout the year regarding Fiorito, including the addition of plaintiffs filing suit against himand his eventual removal from his position as a witness in traffic court. Wrong arm of the law: Charges were leveled against Boystown police officer Richard Fiorito, alleging homophobia, among other things.
The award, known as the "Jon Henri," is named after the late Chicago journalist, activist and "queer thinker" Jon-Henri Damski. However, a host of complaints from area residents have left the facility's future in the air.Ĭenter of attention: The National Immigrant Justice Center, a program of Heartland Alliance, hosted a two-day conference on LGBT immigration issues entitled "Defending the Human Rights of LGBT and HIV-Positive Immigrants and Refugees" at Northwestern University Law School.ĭean's list: Dean Ogren, a champion within the leather, AIDS and gay communities, was honored at the Jon Henri Damski Awards ceremony held at the Boystown nightspot Sidetrack. WCMG also recently announced that it has an iPhone app.įorty and fabulous: The Near North Side's Baton Show Lounge celebrated the big 4-0, as impersonators such as Cezanne, Mimi Marks and Chili Pepper have entertained everyday folks and celebrities such as Madonna and Janet Jackson.Ĭlosing its doors?: Living with Pride, a sober living facility in the North Center neighborhood that was tailored specifically to the needs of the LGBT community, opened its doors March 1. Tech in effect: Windy City Media Group launched a new video channel,, as part of a new push to providing unique online content for the LGBT community. ) However, the gay bar reopened in September, complete with a new bar and a featured seating area. ( Residential units above the nightspot suffered extensive damage as well. Like a phoenix: The Boystown bar Scarlet was seriously damaged in a fire in late February. Bridget Gainer was eventually chosen to replace Quigley on the board. We like Mike: Gay ally and former Cook County Board commissioner Mike Quigley was elected to the U.S House of Representatives, winning a close Democratic primary and then easily defeating Republican Rosanna Pulido in the general election.
Male hide leathers gay bar chicago license#
However, Huberman's sexuality was considered an open secret in the LGBT community and did not matter to some officials, who were more concerned with Mayor Richard Daley selecting a non-educator for the new position.Ĭase closed: Christopher DeChantwho was behind the once-nationally syndicated HIV Talk Radio Projectand Kim Leffert, a member of the group's board of directors, settled a case in which the office of Illinois Attorney Lisa Madigan claimed that the two misappropriated more than $1.4 million of the organization's funding.Ĭuffed: Seven individuals were arrested at a Valentine's Day protest at the Cook County Marriage License Bureau. I'm coming out: Ron Hubermana former Chicago Transit Authority president who now heads Chicago Public Schoolsofficially came out in the Chicago Sun-Times. She also made history when she was the only representative to vote against impeaching then-Gov.
Mell-intentioned: Deborah Mell was officially sworn in as a state representative, making her the first openly lesbian member of the Illinois General Assembly. Now, he advocates civil unions but is not in favor of marriage equality. Here is what happened in the local LGBT scene in 2009, from rallies/protests to controversies involving courts and clubs:Ĭhange we can believe in: New President Barack Obama promised changeand Windy City Times showed how much, revealing that back in 1996, he supported same-sex marriage when he ran for the Illinois State Senate. This article shared 4930 times since Wed Dec 30, 2009