Category Archives: Gay Cities News
LGBTQ+ Friendly City in Every Red State
THRILLIST just put together a great article on red states!
The state of the LGBTQ+ nation—much like the state of the rest of the nation—is quite precarious these days. On one hand, we’ve got swathes of motivated young elected officials and organizers committed to popping the over-inflated balloon of structural inequality by any means necessary. But on the other hand, we’ve got powerful lawmakers coming out against LGBTQ+ rights at an alarmingly rapid clip, throwing around bills that threaten to destroy all the progress of the Civil Rights Movement with a single signature. What a time to be alive.
Breaking things down into red states and blue states, especially at a time when the country is so politically and socially split, might seem like we’re reinforcing that ol’ problematic us vs. them, good vs. evil binary. But in reality, using hard numbers provided by the Human Rights Campaign’s 2021 Municipal Equality Index to determine the most LGBTQ+ friendly city in each state that went for Donald Trump in 2020 can only help to strengthen the idea that we’re all in this together. Did you know that Norman, Oklahoma, population 124,086, scored higher than Baltimore, Maryland, a city that hasn’t voted to elect a republican presidential candidate since 1988? Maybe those divisions aren’t as deep as they seem.
READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE HERE
RELATED – The Daily Beast did an article about why some LGBT folks are MOVING to red states! Despite skewing Democrat, LGBT people are flocking to red states. It’s a sign that cities in the center of the country are becoming more accepting, but it’s also an indication that traditional LGBT safe havens are prohibitively expensive. (allegedly).
Summer in Palm Springs – Great Deals!
Visiting Greater Palm Springs is always a good idea, especially during the summer. The warm, sunny season packs an abundant amount of fun opportunities and one-of-a-kind summertime experiences that only the oasis can offer.
From leisurely vacations to exciting cool activities throughout the region, it’s all here waiting for you! So, pack your sunscreen, sandals and bags because the oasis is bringing the heat this season – in all the best ways possible!
Read on for severn reasons to visit Greater Palm Springs this summer and get your ready for the ultimate destination escape.
1. Fewer Crowds
El Paseo Shopping DistrictThose who frequent the Coachella Valley know that visiting in the summer is the region’s best kept secret. While the months of June, July and August are considered to be a slower time of year for the region, it’s also the best time for visitors to experience the oasis with fewer crowds and less traffic. Explore nearby popular attractions without worrying about long lines or packed spaces, dine reservation-free at many local restaurants and enjoy hotel pools and amenities as much as you want during your stay, no wait times involved.
2. Great Prices
Score on sizzling deals by visiting the oasis during the summer months. Lots of local hotels and high-end resorts offer lower rates during this time of year, not to mention great discounts on golfing, dining and spa services as well.
OUR FAVORITE – INNdulge Palm Springs – with Special rates through September 15th!
INNdulge Palm Springs is a legendary award-winning gay men’s resort located in the heart of Warm Sands, one of the most popular gay areas of Palm Springs. INNdulge is rated FIVE STARS on Trip Advisor for the past five years running. Built in 1958, INNdulge is a Mid-Century jewel and is featured in the Historic Inns of Palm Springs guidebook. Twenty-four poolside rooms surround a 24-hour heated pool and 12-man Jacuzzi. CLOTHING IS FOREVER OPTIONAL! INNdulge has one of the largest pool courtyards in Palm Springs, with lush landscaping framing incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Expanded continental breakfast, in-room safes, TV-DVD players with large DVD library, and property-wide wireless are all complimentary.
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3. Summer Chill Deals
Spa Treatments at Westin Mission Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & SpaNothing can really compare to the excitement Chill Deals bring during the sunny season in the oasis. Snag cool prices on even cooler activities in the region by checking out these deals on the Greater Palm Springs website. Find everything from specials on summer spa treatments at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, to behind-the-scenes summer chill tour packages at The Living Desert and unbeatable golf course offerings at Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort, as well as much, much more!
4. Explore New Places
Lots of exciting change has occurred in the region since last summer, which has brought many new shops, restaurants and hotels to the area recently. Plan your trip accordingly and get ready to explore new restaurants like The Pink Cabana at Sands Hotel & Spa in Indian Wells. A beautifully-decorated space decked in Moroccan influence, the restaurant features Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner, as well as lively libations. Also new to the region is the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar Opens a New Window. in downtown Palm Springs. This outdoor space comes complete with umbrellas and misters, making it the perfect spot for relaxing while sipping on a cocktail, meeting up with friends for a quick bite or treating yourself to organic soft-serve ice cream. While in the downtown area, take an evening stroll and check out the new stores nearby. Recently opened locations include H&M, Kiehl’s, Francesca’s and MAC Cosmetics.
5. Dine During Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
Reservoir Palm SpringsSavor the season and get a taste of what the oasis is serving up during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week. Over 100 local Coachella Valley restaurants will participate in this year’s delicious dining event, which takes place from Friday, June 1 through Sunday, June 17, 2018. Come out and grab a bite of some of the best foods the region has to offer, while also discovering unique local dishes at amazing price points. Find more information on participating restaurants and menu offerings on dineGPS.
6. Party at the Pool All Day
Whether you like to sit by the pool with a drink in hand, lounge in the water or have a poolside dance party, the summer fun does not stop in the desert. Neighborhood hotels like The Saguaro Palm Springs offers guests access to an Olympic-sized pool and two outdoor hot tubs during music-filled weekend pool parties, while the Ace Hotel and Swim Club offers guests two on-site pools for upbeat partying. Day passes for visitors are available through the front desk as well at both properties. For more laid-back vibes this season, head on over to ARRIVE for a refreshing swim or catch a movie during their Dive-in Movie Series Opens a New Window. , open to everyone 21 and over and always free of charge. Or how about making a splash during Splash House 2018 – known as the Coachella of all pool parties in the region! Happening over two weekends, June 8-10 and August 10-12, this poolside music festival will be hosted at The Renaissance, The Riviera and The Saguaro.
7. Find Your New Favorite Ice Cream Flavor
Ice Cream & Shoppe – Try out a new flavor each day you’re in the oasis by checking out the latest and greatest in ice cream parlors and sweet tooth destinations. Each location serves up unique decadent desserts and cold treats, while also providing ideal photo spaces for Instagram-worthy shots. The ever-popular Ice Cream & Shoppe is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, providing a Palm Springs-inspired gift shop and a rotating flavor list of ice cream that includes champagne sorbet, brownie sundae and a variety of vegan options. Also serving up must-try flavors and vegan indulgences is Kreem – the newest on the frozen delight scene in Palm Springs. Here, summer days consist of hand-crafted ice cream, coffee floats and an array of caffeinated drinks from Heart Coffee Roasters. Other ice cream establishments to check out include Great Shakes, Nitroinfusions and Lappert’s Ice Cream.
Source; Visit Greater Palm Springs
SIR JET visits EGOIST in Chicago
He made the first cut, now he is in the video round!
While in Chicago recently, Joel Evan Tye (Sir Jet) filmed his Andrew Christian Model Finalist video at the very popular EGOIST Store.
(EGOIST is a boutique specializing in men’s designer underwear, swimwear, athletic wear and casual wear in Lakeview, Chicago located in the heart of Boystown. Great selection of shirts, shorts, tanks and tees. Solid color or print, classic or enhancing, cotton or microfiber, brief or trunk….they got you covered!)
The mysterious and alluring gender-bending Sir JET aka Joel Evan Tye is a popstar like no other. With his super-hero body and love for skin tight costumes and anime, he is what has been referred to as “Nick Lachey meets Ziggy Stardust.” The online article “The Boy Who Talked Like a Girl,” is the story of JET’s childhood struggle with gender anxiety that lead him to become an agoraphobic mute for almost a decade to only rediscover his voice again at age 20 and become the man you see today.
Stop by the “Submissions” page and cast a vote for our friend. Singer, model “Sir Jet” Joel Evan Tye.
https://2017modelsearchvideo.hscampaigns.com/#submissions
See also
Sir Jet on Facebook
Sir Jet on YouTube
Sir Jet on Instagram
Chicago Hotel Deals and Savings
EVERYONE loves Chicago!
People are friendly. MOST Chicagoans still say hello, smile at strangers, help you out if you need it, etc.
GREAT neighborhoods. DID YOU KNOW ? The first officially recognized gay village in the United States, Boystown in Chicago, Illinois is the commonly accepted nickname for the eclectic East Lakeview neighborhood that is home to Chicago’s visible and active gay and lesbian community.
Boystown Chicago is situated just southeast of Wrigleyville in Lakeview. The area is bordered by Lake Michigan on the east and Clark Street on the west, Irving Park Road to the north and Diversey Avenue to the south. In Chicago, you can indeed tell a lot about a person by their neighborhood – we judge them by it for better or worse. And with each neighborhood comes stereotypes. Example: Wriglleyville, which we affectionately term “America’s frat house,” is home to the historic Wrigley field stadium. As well as the best “bros” the city has to offer.
The city is beautiful. A fact that often goes underappreciated by those who live here. (And no, it’s not Paris or Prague but it is something.) Between the architecture, monuments, museums, and street art, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.
The city is clean! Well, it’s cleaner than a lot of big cities. Make no mistake, you’ll hear the scurry of rats sometimes, the smell on the Red Line leaves much to be desired, and there are neighborhoods that don’t get as much attention as others. But for the most part, I’d say the streets are manageable, and the air is reasonably clean.
Food and Drinks. Chicago has places like bacon bars, Nutella bars, cupcake ATMs, Harold’s Chicken, and they are coming out with a cider pub. But most importantly, Chicago has the best pizza. Sorry I’m not sorry New York City, even our thin crust is better than yours. Google: Piece Pizza.
SUMMER TIME CHI! Welcome to the good life. Probably the best thing about Chicago is Chicago summers. Between the lakefront runs and bike rides, weekend festivals, beach bumming, boat parties, rooftop parties, yoga at the park, concerts until your body can’t take any more music, there is no better city for summer.
GAY BEACH – The gay beach is Hollywood Beach. (AKA Kathy Osterman Beach) The gays and gay friendly people hang out at the southern end of the beach. ( or what some say is the east side – to the right). If you are driving out Lake Shore Drive, exit at Bryn Mar and start looking for parking, and the beach is a short walk.
THERE ARE 3 HOTELS in the Boystown area. The boutique group of :
City Suites, The Willows, and the Majestic.
And if you are regular Chicago visitor, the hotel group is now offering points and perks!
Check it out and earn FREE nights!
Gay Night @ Six Flags Chicago
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2015 BIGGER Than EVER!
A Spectacular Night of Amusement and Entertainment
Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & Ketel One Vodka
That Will Help Benefit Northalsted Business Alliance
Saturday, September 12th, 2015 from 7PM to 12AM
Hosted by Amanda Lepore AND Pablo Hernandez this year! Attendees for this year’s fourth annual Out In The Park Celebration are in for a night of EPIC proportions.
All night, attendees can follow the bass to the Hometown Square dance area where The DJ’s of SCARLET Bar Chicago and Hostess Trannika Rex and some adorable go go’s well keep the party jumping.
Andrew Christian supermodel and “king of selfies” Pablo Hernandez will be riding rides with guests all night and taking photos. Then at 11:00 he will debut 2 of his new songs, followed by the Queen of New York nightlife, Amanda Lepore, with the worlds most expensive body!
Out In The Park is an annual private LGBT Saturday night fundraising event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides with a portion of all ticket sales each year help benefit various non-profits. “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBT community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with little to no lines and without homophobic hassles from anyone. It’s like a Fall Gay Pride Celebration with even MORE amusement and entertainment!”
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $35,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 16 years and business partner, “We are more than thrilled that Amanda Lepore is flying in from New York and the handsome Pablo Hernandez (from Los Angeles) will debut his new music at our event this year!”
Advance $40 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.GaySixFlagsChicago.com
FREE parking for this special event! In September the price goes up to $45. $50 the day of the event. All ages event. Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Hotels –if you are coming to Chicago for the weekend, we have 3 hotel choices in the heart of Boystown! CITY SUITES, WILLOWS HOTEL and MAJESTIC HOTEL. All the hotels are on our website GaySixFlagsChicago.com
Travel Deals for Southern Decadence 2015
GAY TRAVEL HOT DEAL!
What began as a simple going-away party in 1972 has evolved into one of New Orleans’ premier annual events: Southern Decadence.
Hosted every Labor Weekend, Southern Decadence is the 5th largest event in the city following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. 2014 brought in over 160,000 participants.
Nicknamed the “Gay Mardi Gras,” Southern Decadence is one of those quintessential New Orleans occasions in which participants get to strut their stuff in elaborate costumes and high fashion or barely anything at all, the day of the Parade! Everyone gets in on the action and all the bars will have their own drag shows, contests, DJs, music and events.
It’s not to early to start planning for the giant 44th Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT life, music and culture. CALL David now FOR THE BEST DEALS! 1-800-942-1280!
Google and Puerto Vallarta
The same technology used by Google Maps to allow users to experience 360º street views of locations around the world is now being used to bring people closer to previously unavailable places. Many of us have seen Google’s conspicuous vehicles traveling through the city, collecting imagery that can be incorporated into their mapping system.
Advances in their equipment now allows for a portable version of the same camera system. Worn like a backpack, Google Maps in now able to open our eyes to places we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.
In recent months, Google staff has visited our destination, creating beautiful images of the Marietas Islands, Marina La Cruz, Vallarta Adventures’ Dolphin Center, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Las Caletas, among others. These locations now form part of Google’s Special Collections-Mexico, an increasing collection of landmarks located throughout the country.
Visit Best Gay Puerto Vallarta for EVERYTHING VALLARTA!
Ru Pauls Drag Race Tour
IT’S ABOUT TO GET REAL BITCHES!
RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of The Seasons “Condragulations” Tour in a city near YOU, featuring a night of show-stopping performances by the world’s most talented drag performers, including winners and fan favorites from Logo TV’s hit series “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Over 40 cities in the US, Canada and Europe. The largest drag tour in history!
Adore Delano, Alaska 5000, Ben Dela Crème, Bianca Del Rio, Courtney Act, Darienne Lake, Detox, Ivy Winters, Jiggly Caliente, Jinkx Monsoon, Manila Luzon, Pandora Boxx, Phi Phi O’Hara, Raja and Sharon Needles. Plus Special Guest Cary NoKey and host Michelle Visage. (Lineup varies by city and is subject to change.)
February 1-April 13, 2015. CHECK CITIES AND TICKETS!
Gay Pride 2014 is Coming ! To a City Near You!
GAY PRIDE IS COMING! Over the next 6 months, gay prides will be happening coast to coast!
PHOENIX PRIDE April 5-6, 2014
MIAMI PRIDE April 11-13
TOKYO PRIDE April 27rh
SAO PAULO PRIDE May 4th, 2014 – the BIGGEST in the WORLD
NEW JERSEY PRIDE June 1st, 2014
LOS ANGELES PRIDE June 6th-8th
MILWAUKEE WI Pride June 6th-8th
CAPITAL PRIDE DC June 6th-8th
DETROIT PRIDE June 7th-8th
HONOLULU PRIDE June 7th
PHILADELPHIA PRIDE June 8th
BOSTON PRIDE June 8th-16th
KEY WEST PRIDE June 11th-15th 2014
NASHVILLE PRIDE June 12th-14th
SITGES SPAIN PRIDE June 12th-16th
PITTSBURGH PRIDE June 14th-15th
BERLIN PRIDE June 14th-15th
OSLO PRIDE June 20th-29th
HOUSTON GAY PRIDE June 20th-29th
TORONTO PRIDE June 20th-29th – BIGGEST in NORTH AMERICA!
PLUS in 2014, Toronto will actually be WORLD PRIDE with even BIGGER crowds
RHODE ISLAND / PROVIDENCE PRIDE June 21st
NEW YORK CITY PRIDE June 24th-29th
TAMPA FL PRIDE June 27th-29th
PARIS PRIDE June 28th
LONDON PRIDE June 28th
MINNEAPOLIS PRIDE June 28th-29th
CHICAGO PRIDE FEST June 21st – 22nd
(they are trying to fill in the days in between to make a full week of pride)
CHICAGO PRIDE June 29th
SEATTLE GAY PRIDE June 29th
MADRID PRIDE July 2nd-6th
COLOGNE GERMANY PRIDE July 6th
SAN DIEGO PRIDE July 18th-20th
STOCKHOLM PRIDE July 28th – Aug. 2nd
MONTREAL PRIDE July July 28th-Aug. 3rd
AMSTERDAM PRIDE August 1st-3rd – with floats on the canal!
ANTWERP PRIDE August 4th-11th
REYKJAVIK PRIDE August 5th-10th
CHICAGO MARKET DAYS – August 9th-10th (not really pride – but a big party!)
OTTAWA PRIDE August 15th-24th
PRAGUE PRIDE August 11th-17th
COPENHAGEN PRIDE August 26th-31st
ATLANTA PRIDE August 27th-Sept. 1st
SOUTHERN DECADENCE – August 27th-September 1 (not really pride – but a big party)
LAS VEGAS PRIDE September 2nd-8th
AUSTIN TX PRIDE September 20th
DALLAS PRIDE September 21st
MAUI HAWAII October 4th-5th
GAY PRIDE is a time of celebration and with that, usually comes some drinking. MAKE SURE YOU DRINK WATER AS WELL! Keep yourself hydrated! You don’t want to go to the hospital with your boa and go go shorts on! (poor guy!)
Dining Out For Life April 24th
Designer Mondo Guerra (Under the Gunn, Project Runway All-Stars), Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s popular show Chopped, Pam Grier (Foxy Brown, Jackie Brown) and chef Daisy Martinez from Food Network’s ¡Viva Daisy! contributed their images and voices to Dining Out For Life hosted by Subaru® for the HIV/AIDS fundraiser’s new animated superhero-themed Public Service Announcement.
The fearless foursome encourage diners to “Take Action and Be a Hero” by participating in Dining Out For Life hosted by Subaru, bringing food-lovers and restaurants together to help AIDS Service Organizations across the country on one incredible day of dining on Thursday, April 24th.
“We are all heroes in the fight. The important thing to keep in mind is that we need to continue the conversation about HIV/AIDS,” noted Mondo Guerra.
ShootersINC came to the table with production led by Mark Reidenauer and Matthew Licht. Senior Designer Mike Mullen created the retro-styled comic book look for the animation, and also created and animated caricatures of the four celebrity heroes. View the 2014 Dining Out For Life® PSA here.To find restaurants near you participating in Dining Out For Life hosted by Subaru, please visit diningoutforlife.com.
To keep up with the latest event and HIV/AIDS news, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. For mouth-watering food photos, follow Instagram: DiningOut4Life.
About Dining Out for Life®
Dining Out For Life began in Philadelphia in 1991 and has since grown into an international event held in 60+ cities across North America – raising an average $4.25 million annually. The idea behind the single-day event is simple and effective: Dine Out, Fight AIDS. Each restaurant donates a percentage of the day’s food sales, which goes to local organizations to fund care, prevention, education, testing, counseling and other essential HIV/AIDs services. For more information, visit www.diningoutforlife.com or Facebook/DiningOut4Life.
No Reason to NOT Pick up your Dog’s POOP!
Is there anything worse, then walking down the street, minding your
own business, and step in some business! Dog Poop. It stinks and it’s
messy, it’s nasty, there is NO REASON for it and Dog owners need to
take responsibility. (Did you knowrats LOVE it?!)
they don’t bother to pick up their dogs poop! If you own a dog, clean up after it!
The island of Capri (Italy) is going high-tech to deal with an age-old problem: dog
poop.They have solved the problem and more cities are talking about it.
The mayor of the island, located off the coast of Naples, is determined to
rid Capri of the rather distasteful predicament by using DNA testing.
The small island is a large tourist destination and is home to 7,305 people
owning 1,000 dogs. Unfortunately, some of the residents seem unwilling to scoop
up poop. In order to maintain the pristine setting Capri is famous for, the city
is using technology to track down pet owners who befoul the town by leaving
piles of scat behind.
The mayor plans to take advantage of a law that requires dogs to undergo a
blood test for canine diseases. The city will use the blood to perform DNA tests
on puppy excrement and identify the source of the smelly mess.
EVERY dog owner needs these! The BEST Poop bags ever invented!
If your dog poops in Brunete, a small town just west of Madrid, Spain, the city will box it up like a gourmet confection and post it back to you straightaway.
this is the first we’ve heard of a country’s postal service stepping
into the fray by dispatching canine excrement through the mail.
OUT IN THE PARK Private LGBT Night at SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2013 with a BANG!
A Spectacular Night of Amusement and Entertainment to Help Benefit Chicago House!
Out In The Park is an annual private LGBTQ Saturday night event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing rides and live music!
Top DJ Matthew Harvat, will deliver a complete 4 hour party-celebration dance area, so you can dance, or ride, or do both!
New this year is a laser light show to dance above the crowd and some go-go gods to dance with the crowd.
Plus live musical performance by national recording artists Eli Lieb, Jess Godwin and Isaiah Grass.
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited to be asked to present this event annually by the executives at Six Flags Great America based on last year’s success and their excitement in allowing us this unique fundraising opportunity at such an awesome private venue inside their park for our community” said Derrick Sorles, owner of BestGayChicago.com. “We are proud to have Chicago House benefiting from this year’s event and we are so excited to have Mini Cooper of Chicago co-presenting with us!”
In 2012, over 3600 people came out to support this event and nearly $12,000 was raised for TPAN. For 2013, over 7000-8000 people are expected to come out and BestGayChicago.com hopes to raise close to $20,000 for Chicago House. It will be a full weekend of fun and LGBT travelers are expected to come in from the 4 surrounding states!
“What’s great about the event is that it is closed to the general public, ” explains Michael Snell. “The LGBTQ attendees and their friends and family can enjoy the park with little or no lines (no Flash Pass needed) and no hassle’s from anyone. It will be like a fall gay pride celebration!”
Last year there were comments from the community that people who did not enjoy rides, had no reason to come. So this year, more entertainment has been added. Singers Eli Lieb, Isaiah Grass and Jess Godwin will play on a stage, separate from the dance area.
The park will once again be serving beer and specialty drinks, at reduced drink prices, just for us! And we will be planning events on Friday night, Saturday daytime, Saturday after the park, and Sunday recovery things to do! We’ll be announcing events at Scarlett, Taverna 750, Charlies and Hamburger Marys in Chicago and Milwaukee! Making a whole weekend of fun for everyone.
“The other thing that makes this event is so great, is the fact it is supported by everyone.” says Derrick Sorles. “We are so happy and humbled that our peers GRAB Magazine, Chicago Pride.com, and Wisconsin’s QUEST Magazine are also involved in helping to make this a huge success and special thanks to our other Community Partners Walgreens and Mini Cooper of Chicago.
Ticket Prices —-Advance ticket price is $38 for this private event. There will be FREE parking! (A $22 savings!) Tickets are available now online at GaySixFlagsChicago.com.
Unfortunately, you can NOT use a smart phone to order tickets.
You will need to use a computer and printer.
Doors open at 9pm promptly. Ride and enjoy music until 1am.
Drinks are served until Midnight.
Hotels —if you are coming to Chicago for the weekend, we have 3 hotel choices in the heart of boystown! More information below!
Chicago House
Chicago House and Social Service Agency serves individuals and families by providing housing, employment services, medical linkages, HIV prevention services, and other supportive services to those who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity. All Chicago House services are provided without discrimination and are explicitly designed to guide people towards wholeness and self-sufficiency.
The first HIV/AIDS housing provider in the Midwest, Chicago House has continuously evolved its services to meet the changing needs of those who are living with HIV and AIDS.
BestGayChicago.com
Since 2007, BestGayChicago.com has been providing the best of everything gay and gay-friendly in the greater Chicago area. Owned and operated by Best Gay Inc., their sites provide news, information, travel tips and entertainment for the LGBT community.
this post sponsored by…
Best Gay Cities in Minnesota
MINNESOTA is gearing up for Gay Marriages!
same-sex wedding the minute gay marriage becomes legal in Minnesota.
A same-sex couple is scheduled to be wed at the chapel at 12:01 a.m.
on Thursday, Aug. 1. Holli Bartelt and Amy Petrich of Wykoff have been
together for two years.
Now BETTY CROCKER is lending support. Three of the first same-sex couples who will legally marry in Minnesota on August 1st visited the Betty Crocker Kitchens
at General Mills Headquarters in Golden Valley, Minnesota to taste-test
wedding cakes for their ceremonies. The company has kindly donated the
cakes to the couples for their celebrations, which will take place this
Thursday at midnight. The couples will be wed at Minneapolis City Hall and the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul.
Margaret Miles and Cathy ten Broeke, the first couple who will be
married, were joined by Reid Bordson and Paul Nolle, the second. Both
will be married on Thursday by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
The third couple was Al Giraud and Jeff Isaacson, who will be the first
couple married in St. Paul. The three couples tasted three Betty
Crocker cakes, designed specifically to their tastes, in order to select
one for their ceremony.
Betty Crocker is performing this donation as a part of The Families Project. The company states that it wanted “to celebrate with these families and mark this moment in the state’s history.”
Best Gay Cities?
Who are the best gay cities. and says who?! Being a great LGBT city doesn’t just mean having a raucous nightlife, so
if you expected to see Hell’s Kitchen, Boystown or the Castro, you’re reading the
wrong list.
and San Francisco nabbed the top spot in both the “most scenic” and
“most pride” categories. It earned runner-up status in several others.
readers. The annual America’s Favorite Cities survey asks readers to
rank 35 cities in categories such as walkable streets and great ethnic
food. This year, they added gay-friendly travel, and while cities with an
obvious connection to the gay rights movement–such as San Francisco and
New York–ranked near the top, so did some less obvious places that
have clearly made a point to welcome the LGBT community.
but that doesn’t mean they don’t have plenty to offer gay travelers.
Many of us end up passing through smaller or less glamorous cities,
perhaps on business, visiting friends or relatives, or enjoying a quick
weekend getaway. It’s always a pleasant surprise to discover that a
destination you had modest hopes for fosters a vibrant gay social scene.
Here are some under rated cities.
THE NEW F WORD – An Exciting Anti Bully Photo Campaign
After nearly a year of passion, dedication,
and development coupled with the unwavering support of our family,
friends, and some of our favorite celebs …
Friend Movement proudly presents:
“THE NEW F WORD –
GIVING BULLYING THE BIRD”
An edgy anti-bully campaign and brainchild of producers Ronnie Kroell
& Elliot London, photographer Ryan Forbes, and branding guru Bianca
Kosoy. The New F Word aims to keep the conversation about bullying
alive, but more importantly it was designed to empower individuals and
inspire all of us to take ACTION.
Our goal is to shoot …
10,000 Photos in 90 Days, across 40 Cities
Fresno, Sacramento, Reno, Eugene, Seattle, Portland, Spokane,
Billings, Fargo, Minneapolis, Madison, Rockford, Chicago, Detroit,
Cleveland, Rochester, Boston, Provincetown, Philadelphia, DC, Raleigh,
NYC, Savannah, Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, Tallahassee, Mobile,
Montgomery, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville, Birmingham, Jackson, Little
Rock, Kansas City, Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas. – I like how they are choosing cities that are a target for bullying!
When someone is being bullied, we want them to have an inner
monologue of “F-U I’m amazing … I don’t need your approval.” By doing
so, they can reclaim their power and rise above the fear that can
prevent them from being the diverse, confident, and beautiful
individuals they were meant to be.
While we may not be able to fully eradicate
bullying, we can commit to being better friends to one another – to
ourselves. So, get those middle fingers ready because THE NEW F WORD is
FRIEND.
Thank you for your time and support!!
Ronnie & Elliot
Gay Friendly Travel…And not so gay friendly
Do oyu travel to cities that are not friendly? It’s kind of scary I think…..
Spartacus International Gay Travel Index
has come out with its listing of least ‘gay-friendly’ countries to
travel to and several Latin American countries are at the top of that
list. – Not surprising, because Catholic countries are usually less welcoming.
138 countries were ranked and close to the bottom coming at #104 were
Honduras, Panama and Peru. VATICAN CITY, Jamaica, Russia, Egypt, Dubai are there too. The ranking took into consideration a
country’s HIV-travel restrictions, religious stances on homosexuality,
anti-gay legislation enacted, crimes against homosexuals and the
countries stance on gay marriage.
Globally Sweden was deemed the most gay-friendly country, followed by Belgium, France, Netherlands and the UK. Iran was
deemed the least friendliest toward gay coming in dead last. Mexico
came in at #45 ahead of the USA which came in at #47.
Gay Six Flags Chicago Private Night Returns for 2013
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2013 with a BANG!
A Spectacular Night of Amusement and Entertainment to Help Benefit Chicago House!
Out In The Park is an annual private LGBTQ Saturday night event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing rides and live music!
Top DJ Matthew Harvat, will deliver a complete 4 hour party-celebration dance area, so you can dance, or ride, or do both!
New this year is a laser light show to dance above the crowd and some go-go gods to dance with the crowd.
Plus live musical performance by national recording artists Eli Lieb, Jess Godwin and Isaiah Grass.
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited to be asked to present this event annually by the executives at Six Flags Great America based on last year’s success and their excitement in allowing us this unique fundraising opportunity at such an awesome private venue inside their park for our community” said Derrick Sorles, owner of BestGayChicago.com. “We are proud to have Chicago House benefiting from this year’s event and we are so excited to have Mini Cooper of Chicago co-presenting with us!”
In 2012, over 3600 people came out to support this event and nearly $12,000 was raised for TPAN. For 2013, over 7000-8000 people are expected to come out and BestGayChicago.com hopes to raise close to $20,000 for Chicago House. It will be a full weekend of fun and LGBT travelers are expected to come in from the 4 surrounding states!
“What’s great about the event is that it is closed to the general public, ” explains Michael Snell. “The LGBTQ attendees and their friends and family can enjoy the park with little or no lines (no Flash Pass needed) and no hassle’s from anyone. It will be like a fall gay pride celebration!”
Last year there were comments from the community that people who did not enjoy rides, had no reason to come. So this year, more entertainment has been added. Singers Eli Lieb, Isaiah Grass and Jess Godwin will play on a stage, separate from the dance area.
The park will once again be serving beer and specialty drinks, at reduced drink prices, just for us! And we will be planning events on Friday night, Saturday daytime, Saturday after the park, and Sunday recovery things to do! We’ll be announcing events at Scarlett, Taverna 750, Charlies and Hamburger Marys in Chicago and Milwaukee! Making a whole weekend of fun for everyone.
“The other thing that makes this event is so great, is the fact it is supported by everyone.” says Derrick Sorles. “We are so happy and humbled that our peers GRAB Magazine, Chicago Pride.com, and Wisconsin’s QUEST Magazine are also involved in helping to make this a huge success and special thanks to our other Community Partners Walgreens and Mini Cooper of Chicago.
Ticket Prices —-Advance ticket price is $38 for this private event. There will be FREE parking! (A $22 savings!) Tickets are available now online at GaySixFlagsChicago.com.
Unfortunately, you can NOT use a smart phone to order tickets.
You will need to use a computer and printer.
Doors open at 9pm promptly. Ride and enjoy music until 1am.
Drinks are served until Midnight.
Hotels —if you are coming to Chicago for the weekend, we have 3 hotel choices in the heart of boystown! More information below!
Chicago House
Chicago House and Social Service Agency serves individuals and families by providing housing, employment services, medical linkages, HIV prevention services, and other supportive services to those who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity. All Chicago House services are provided without discrimination and are explicitly designed to guide people towards wholeness and self-sufficiency.
The first HIV/AIDS housing provider in the Midwest, Chicago House has continuously evolved its services to meet the changing needs of those who are living with HIV and AIDS. BestGayChicago.com Since 2007, BestGayChicago.com has been providing the best of everything gay and gay-friendly in the greater Chicago area. Owned and operated by Best Gay Inc., their sites provide news, information, travel tips and entertainment for the LGBT community.
this post sponsored by…
Laguna Beach Uncorked! An International Wine & Food Festival
Get your Laguna Beach Uncorked tickets for $40 OFF the full price!
The Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau is proud to announce the second annual Laguna Beach Uncorked! An International Wine & Food Fest to be held Saturday, March 9, 2013. The ever popular Laguna Beach Uncorked! features an afternoon of tastings from 20 renowned Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 top wineries from around the world.
Hundreds of food and wine
enthusiasts will converge at the Festival of Arts grounds in Laguna
Beach from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, at a special
Early Bird price through Thursday, Jan. 31 of just $75. A portion of
ticket proceeds will benefit the CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange
County.
Wine lovers may
opt for a limited number of VIP Tickets to the morning wine seminar with
Michael A. Jordan, MS, CWE, held at 9:30 a.m. Widely known as the
“Sommelier for the People,” Jordan is one of only 15 people in the world
to hold both the Master Sommelier and the Certified Wine Educator
Diplomas. VIP ticket holders will also get early access to the private
tasting portion of the event at 11:30 a.m., before the gates open to
general admission ticket holders (only 200 VIP tickets will be sold).
Commenting on Laguna Beach Uncorked!,
Karyn Philippsen, event chair said, “This is a special event that has
been gaining popularity as each year we strive to make it more memorable
and fun than the last. At this year’s event, on March 9, guests will
enjoy food tastings from twenty world-class Laguna Beach restaurants,
wines from 30 wineries globally to include Italy, Spain, New Zealand,
and of course the USA, as well as a fun mix of live music and
socializing with a friendly crowd of like-minded food and wine
aficionados. Devoted and aspiring wine connoisseurs will be able to
attend a special morning seminar with Michael A. Jordan, one of the
world’s foremost wine experts.”
“The Laguna Beach Festival of
Arts grounds is a terrific venue, and we expect a record turnout,”
Philippsen added, saying she encourages guests to purchase their tickets
early. “In addition to the large selection of gourmet food and wine
tastings, our guests’ hearts will be further warmed knowing a portion of
ticket sales will benefit the CHOC Children’s Hospital.”
Laguna Beach Uncorked! is the signature event of
Laguna Beach A La Carte – a four day wine and food experience filled
with special restaurant offers, daily events, cooking demonstrations,
prix fixe menus and more. Hotel packages are available at select hotels.
Visit www.LagunaBeachAlaCarte.com for details on the four-day celebration.
Laguna Beach Uncorked! Details
What: Second Annual Laguna Beach Uncorked! An International Wine & Food Fest
When: Saturday, March 9, 2013
Where: Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts grounds
650 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Event Details: http://lagunabeachuncorked.
To Purchase Tickets: http://lagunabeachuncorked.
More about Laguna Beach A La Carte: www.LagunaBeachAlaCarte.com
Las Vegas is Gay Gay Gay!
The board commissioned a series of cool and fun ads featuring
average looking straight couples amidst gay and lesbian
revelry.
In the last 10 years, Las Vegas has really made an effort to welcome the gay community. Voted in the top three most popular US destinations by GLBT travelers, Las Vegas is a playground for adults and has it all!
Recognized as a safe, culturally diverse and supportive city, Las Vegas
is on par with cities such as San Francisco, New York and Miami Beach in
welcoming the gay community. With more options than
ever before, it’s no surprise that gays and lesbians are including Las
Vegas in their travel plans.
Las Vegas has its own GAY HOTEL and the gay bar scene is ever expanding. And there is now an annual event in September called Gay Days Las Vegas.
see more at BEST GAY LAS VEGAS
this post sponsored by
Which City Will THE OUT NYC Open in Next?
THE OUT NYC is New York’s first straight-friendly urban resort (NOT a
hotel) located in the epicenter of gay life – Hell’s Kitchen, steps from
Times Square and Chelsea. Live your own unforgettable experience with
the best of lodging, dining, nightlife and design all in one place – THE
OUT NYC.
Complete with 5000 square foot spa, and a Sun Deck to get your tan
on or watch an amazing sunset. Along one side is a glass reflecting pool
with a water room enclosed by cascading curtains of rain.
The
Secret Garden is tucked inside serene plantings of black bamboo. It’s a
quiet place to bring your laptop and a snack. Work or read at our long
sturdy tables. It’s also the right place to bring your yoga mat for
quiet meditation.
The Great Lawn @ THE OUT offers everything you need to enjoy the
great outdoors. The grass is green. The beanbag chairs are soft. There’s
enough green space on the Great Lawn for outdoor games or events. With a
hilled stage at the north end, it’s the perfect place for a wedding
ceremony, cocktail party or press junket. And whatever the occasion,
Ktchn can be there to cater your every culinary need.
Stay tuned! We’ll have more details soon!
THE OUT NYC, Urban Resort.
Stay. Play. Eat. Chill. Revive.
510 West 42nd Street, New York City, NY 10036
