Category Archives: Gay News US
Covid 19 and the Gay Lesbian LGBTQ Community
As the worldwide spread of COVID-19 has spiraled into a pandemic, national health organizations are warning that some members of the LGBTQ community may be “particularly vulnerable” to the effects of the virus.
While LGBTQ individuals have not been found to be more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, some health habits within the community,including significantly higher rates of smoking than the general population, have raised concern among health professionals.
Over 100 different national organizations,including Whitman-Walker Health and SAGE, have signed a letter created by the LGBT Cancer Network to bring attention to several factors that could mean the LGBTQ community is at a greater risk of complications from COVID-19, including:
- LGBTQ people smoke at rates 50% higher than the general population, which could be detrimental if a respiratory illness like COVID-19 is contracted.
- Higher rates of HIV and cancer in the LGBTQ community means that a greater number of people may have compromised immune systems, which leaves them more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections.
- Health care discrimination in America, including denial of care, unwelcoming attitudes and lack of understanding from staff and providers means LGBTQ people may be more reluctant to seek medical care. (SOURCE USA TODAY).
POZ.COM has also updated information about HIV and the Covid 19 virus. Go to poz.com/tag/coronavirus for continuing coverage of COVID-19.
Gay Palm Springs Winter Special
WINTER…..
Where are you going to be?
Our favorite place in Palm Springs has a deal you just can not refuse!
INNdulge has Luxury rooms with amenities that include free wifi, daily continental breakfast, evening social hour, complimentary local gym access, air conditioning, on-site guest laundry, outdoor misters and assistance with restaurant and activity bookings.
Pool and Jacuzzi
They offer a 12 man jacuzzi and heated/chilled saltwater pool, both open 24 hours a day.
Morning breakfasts, evening social hours, Thursday pizza and weekend pool parties are the ideal way to meet new friends. INNdulge in a vacation to be remembered, an opportunity to relax, meet new friends or catch up on some rest.
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Boystown Chicago Santa Speedo Run Dec 8
Who doesn’t like a guy in a speedo! Every December, hundreds of guys gather in Boystown, in Chicago, for the Annual Santa Speedo Run for Charity.
December 7th, will be the Annual Santa Speedo Run in Boystown!
Running one mile through the heart of Boystown to raise money for Center on Halsted.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Sidetrack opens early at
12pm for Sign-in and Registration
1:50pm We sing our very own Christmas Carol, “Jingle Balls!”
2pm 1-mile run through Boystown
2:30pm Awards, Entertainment and Door Prizes with Dixie Lynn Cartwright
5-8pm After-Party! Fun and Games
Sidetrack is open until 3am Saturdays, so the party continues into the night!
All donations will benefit Center on Halsted. Our presenting sponsors this year are Miller Lite, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, & Sidetrack The Video Bar. If you can’t run, you can still HELP by SPONSORING one of our Santas online, or join us before and after the race at Sidetrack to cheer, celebrate and help raise funds for Center on Halsted.
Follow them on Facebook!
October Happenings in Gay Palm Springs
Columbus Day Weekend @ INNdulge! October 11-14, 2019
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WorldPride 2019 New York City
NYC Pride is proud to unveil the location and initial talent line-up of the official Opening Ceremony of WorldPride. The Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 7-10pm Ceremony will be formatted as a benefit concert at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Proceeds from the ticket sales to this historic concert event will support Ali Forney Center, Immigration Equality, and SAGE – three leading organizations in the LGBTQIA+ movement based in New York City.
Prolific entertainer and internationally-recognized humanitarian, Whoopi Goldberg, will host the ceremony, featuring a growing medley of acclaimed speakers and performers. Cyndi Lauper, iconic performer for the LQBTQIA+ community and New Yorkers alike, leads the initial release of the talent line-up.
Cyndi Lauper is a groundbreaking Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. Her unmistakable voice, influential style, and infectious performances have catapulted her to stardom from her roots in Queens.
Chaka Khan, one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians, will also perform at the WorldPride Opening Ceremony.
DAYA also joins the star-studded lineup for the WorldPride Opening Ceremony benefit concert.Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, model and actress has sold more than 23 million records and 16 million singles worldwide, including chart-topping hits “Goodies,” “Ride,” “Oh,” “1, 2 Step,” “Body Party,” and “I Bet.”
Billy Porter is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright from Pittsburgh, PA. He currently stars as ‘Pray Tell’, in in the FX series “Pose,” for which he has received both a Golden Globe and Critics Choice nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series. Todrick Hall is a multi-talented singer, rapper, actor, director, choreographer, and YouTube personality who rose to prominence on American Idol.
Tickets start at $45
The Ali Forney Center is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive agency dedicated to LGBTQ homeless youths—assisting nearly 1,800 young people per year through a 24-hour Drop-In Center, which provides over 65,000 meals annually, medical and mental health services through an on-site clinic, and a scattered-site housing program.
SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older people. Founded in 1978, and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is an organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources to LGBT older people and their caregivers.
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization, representing and advocating for people from around the world fleeing violence, abuse and persecution because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.
June 30, 2019 as NYC Pride welcomes all to a final celebration of pride from 7-10pm in NYC’s iconic Times Square.
The evening will provide a full slate of influential speakers and global musical talents who represent the cultural diversity, tenacity, and grace of the LGBTQIA+ community. One of the renowned artists slated to perform is Grammy-Award winning singer-songwriter, Melissa Etheridge.
Margaret Cho is set to host the occasion in Times Square.
Cho is a Grammy and Emmy Award nominated stand-up comedian, actress, and singer-songwriter. Through her hard work, Margaret has had the opportunity to be heard, to extend her point of view and become regarded as a true pioneer in her field.
Jake Shears and MNEK will also perform at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony.
THE PROM is the joyous Broadway hit that New York Magazine calls “smart and big-hearted” and The New York Times declares a Critic’s Pick! It’s a new musical comedy about big Broadway stars, a small town, and a love that unites them all.
Deborah Cox will perform in Times Square at the WorldPride Closing Ceremony on June 30th!
Deborah Cox possesses one of the most powerful and versatile contemporary voices of our time. The Canadian born star has an impressive list of #1 Billboard hit records, including twelve #1 songs on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart.
Additional talent will be announced in the weeks ahead.
FREE tickets and Paid tickets HERE
**To remain in compliance with the City there will be an extensive bag check and no provided restrooms. Please plan accordingly. **
Prohibited Items:
Weapons of ANY kind, Fireworks/explosives, Illegal Substances, Large or hard-sided coolers, Picnic Baskets, Pets, Glass containers of any kind, Alcohol (alcohol will be sold at the Festival), Instruments, Large backpacks, Laser pointers, Professional still camera equipment (no detachable lenses, no tripods, big zooms, or commercial use rigs), Audio/video recording equipment, Drones, No illegal vending is permitted. No unauthorized/unlicensed vendors allowed, nor Hoverboards.
Permitted Items:
Sunscreen, Hats, Sunglasses, Earplugs, Hilarious GIFs to send in response to your friends’ texts, Non-professional film, and digital cameras, Factory sealed bottles of water (non-glass containers), Phone charging case or phone charger, or Small backpacks or bags
Gay Pride Amsterdam 2019 Travel Deal
What better time to be in Amsterdam than Gay Pride!
Amsterdam Pride is one of the biggest gay events in the world. You will find street parties all weekend long, the best massive circuit parties and of course the famous Canal Parade through the historic Amsterdam Unesco canals on Saturday.
Gay Pride is one of the most busy weekends of the year in Amsterdam. Book NOW – you don’t want to disappointed!
Amsterdam Gay Pride is from 27 July till 4 August 2019, with the Canal Parade and street parties taking place between 2 & 4 August.
Every year Dave from Donovan Travel puts together an awesome package! Dave will hook you up! No matter where you are traveling from, Dave will take good care of you!
Office: (401) 885-3500
Email: dave@donovantravel.com
BEST New Years Eve RoofTops
Zakar Twins with Drag Queen Christmas Tour and More!
I can’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon the Zakar Twins, but I found them on Instagram and have been a loyal follower, watching their careers soar for over 1 year now! Their best-selling book “Pray The Gay Away” came out in the Fall of 2017. That’s probably about the time I first discovered them.
These young gay models, writers, entrepreneurs, leaders in the LGBTQ+ community, and lovable goofballs Michael and Zach Zakar are known not only for their identical good looks but for trailblazing a path forward for queer people who come from Near and Middle Eastern cultures. As smart as they are funny, their memoir last year is a dual-account tragicomedy about growing up with deeply religious Iraqi immigrant parents.
“Mom knows.” A simple text that would change two twin brothers’ lives forever. Coming out is hard. The struggle is ongoing, a daily part of life whether to a new friend, a co-worker, or most importantly yourself. Pray the Gay Away chronicles Michael and Zach as they face awkward sexual encounters, drug-fueled escapades, coming out to each other, and their biggest foe – Mom, a woman who not only gave birth to what she calls one regret – but two.
The memoir hilariously and poignantly explores what it’s like growing up as gay, Iraqi twins in modern America. Pray the Gay Away was inspired the night Mom snuck into their bedroom and force fed them “holy grapes,” determined to “de-gay” them. She threw Holy Water on them as well!
The Zakar Twins are new voices speaking out against generations, particularly within the Iraqi culture, who look down on being gay. This book is not only for the LBGTQ community, but for young adults, looking to achieve normalcy.
“The book started kind of as a hateful thing. We wrote it because we were angry that our Mom reacted in such a demeaning way,” Zach said. “Then, over time, the project, it really resulted in kind of a beautiful thing. We were growing with the book, it was growing with us.”
Currently they are on tour with Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour! 37 cities now through Dec 29th! Presented by Murray & Peter. They will be heading South and West in the coming weeks. Get specific city and tour info at www.DragFans.com.
Their Mom has come a long way to acceptance and actually attended the show in Detroit! Her first drag show ever!
I am told that the producers, Murray and Peter are helping to bring their book to Off Broadway, hopefully in time for Pride 2019!
Recently the brothers relased a calendar for 2019. Defiance: taking a stance on changing the world’s conservative view on what it means to be gay in the Middle Eastern world. Shot by Dexter Brown.
“Everyone has their own unique story. Fortunately for us, we just wrote ours down,” Zach said with a laugh. “The book is done, but it’s not finished. We’re writing two more books about different things.”
Buy the BOOK and CALENDAR Here.
Get to know Michael and Zach with their great YouTube videos!
ZT on Instagram
ZT on Facebook
ZT on Twitter
ZT My Twin Chat App – a way to communicate with others who might be struggling with coming out or just needing someone to talk to. Many people coming out usually feel like they are the only one. So this app is a support system for those scared to talk to a stranger or a close friend.
“You cannot forget the bigger picture. It feels like life is caving in to a lot of people when it first happens. I think that’s one of the scariest things. Because all I was worried about, was when you grow up, there’s so much involved in the bigger picture,” Michael said. “That’s what I tell people, just realize there is light at the end of the tunnel even if it feels almost impossible.”
Winter in Palm Springs
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Palm Springs International Film Festival
January 3, 2019 – January 14, 2019
Now entering its 30th year, the Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the largest and most well-respected film festivals in North America. Its culturally diverse program of 200± stellar films from more than 60 countries …
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Desert Arts Festival
January 12, 2019 – January 13, 2019
The Desert Arts Festival, a four day show, will feature numerous artists presenting their original work in all mediums of two and three dimensional fine art, including paintings in acrylic,&…
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Tour de Palm Springs February 9, 2019
The Tour de Palm Springs has raised over $3,000,000 for Coachella Valley charities since 1999. Tim Esser had an idea on January 31, 1998. He would hold a bike event in Palm Springs that would allow local cyclist to …
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Modernism Week 2019 February 14, 2019 – February 24, 2019
Location: Multiple locations in Palm Springs Information: www.modernismweek.com/ Description: This is a ten day event focusing on mid-century modern design and architecture that makes Palm Springs so unique. Over 75 events including Palm Springs …
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Harvey Milk Remembered Nov 27th in San Francisco
Source Towleroad
Gay rights icon Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone will be remembered on November 27 at 7 pm with a candlelight walk from the plaza named for Milk to City Hall, where they were assassinated by SF Supervisor Dan White 40 years ago.
The walk, which will echo the spontaneous march that took place shortly after the murders, is being organized by the Harvey Milk LBTQ Democratic Club, which writes: “In November of 1978, bookending the Thanksgiving holiday, the city of San Francisco and, it might be said, the world was changed forever. The double horror of the tragedy at Jonestown, followed by the slaying of Harvey Milk and George Moscone was a crushing trauma to the heart and soul of San Francisco, and yet in that darkness we rose together in candlelight not only to remember those we had lost but to strengthen and galvanize ourselves to give them voice to continue their fight and and vision for the future….In honour of that same eloquent response, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club invites all to join us in quiet reflection from those who knew these great advocates of social justice at Harvey Milk Plaza. Following this, we will walk in candlelight to the steps of City Hall where current community leadership will echo their vision, just as those who were there did that warm November night in 1978.
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
Gay Men Can Not Share Dessert in DC?
SERIOUSLY? There is hate all over the south, but now, even in Washington DC?
Other restaurants — even in liberal Washington — have been publicly shamed for slinging homophobic and transphobic remarks, often directed at LGBTQ patrons who show affection in public. In London in 2014, a lesbian couple was asked to stop kissing because they were in a “family restaurant.” When a gay couple gave each other a peck on the lips before entering an Ohio pizzeria, they were accosted by a staff member, who told them, “You better get used to this, this is Trump’s America.” (He was later fired.) A gay couple reported that they were asked to leave a Dublin restaurant for holding hands. Incidents like these make LGBTQ couples believe, as Eleanor Margolis wrote in the New Republic, that they should put the “kibosh on sexuality until after dessert. … Same-sex couples are still forced to be careful about where they choose to kiss or even hold hands.”
The Prime Rib’s website boasts that it is one of the top five romantic restaurants in America. But a couple who recently dined at the restaurant’s Washington location disagrees: After the man and his partner asked to split an ice cream sundae, they say their server told them two men eating out of the same bowl “doesn’t go with the ambiance of the restaurant.”
Ron Gage, 55, and his partner, Henry McKinnon, 58, didn’t see it coming. They were properly attired in blazers, which the restaurant requires, for their 8:30 reservation. They had been joking around with their server Thursday evening, in what Gage said had been a nice evening until dessert.
“When it came time for dessert, we asked for one sundae with two spoons,” Gage said. Their server “said he would bring it in two separate dishes. He said ‘It wouldn’t look right with two gentlemen eating out of the same sundae. It doesn’t go with the ambiance of the restaurant.’ ” Read More @ Washington Post!
Puerto Vallarta Was NOT Touched by Hurricane
Puerto Vallarta is fully operational with 100% of its hotel and restaurant facilities open, as well as its International Airport (PVR), marina, cruise port and Convention Center. All domestic and international airlines as well as buses, taxis and other ground transport companies resumed their normal service schedule within 2 days of the hurricane scare.
I just got back from Puerto Vallarta to celebrate HALLOWEEN and take part in their DAY OF THE DEAD festivities! EVERYTHING IS TOTALLY FINE THERE. The experienced no damage or problems from the hurricane – because it missed them. Everything is open just like business as usual!
Scarlet Bar Opens in Honolulu
The gayest fun in Hawaii is happening in Honolulu!
And now the hottest funnest bar in Chicago’s Boystown, Scarlet, brings their talents to Honolulu’s Chinatown!
The DJ’s of Scarlet Bar Chicago, Traver Rains, and Lanai Tabura have just opened SCARLET BAR AND DANCE CLUB – Hawaii’s LARGEST night club with an energetic and alluring atmosphere that will get anyones toes tapping. Let us introduce you to the wizards behind the the curtain of our ‘pink’ emerald city…
LANAI TABURA– Hawaii’s very OWN! Lanai boasts being the winner of the GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE on the Food Network and 25 year veteran of Radio & Television appearances. Most notable are: host of Cooking Hawaiian Style, Baywatch Hawaii, Jake & The Fatman, and Anthony Bourdane. Lanai can also be found doing stand up opening for Damon Wayans, Wayne Brady, The Pussycat Dolls and Hall & Oats to name a few.
TRAVER RAINS– Co-Creator/Designer of the clothing line, HEATHERETTE, Traver has shown hundreds of runway collections around the world and been a highlight of NYC fashion week for 10 years. He has dressed the likes of Madonna, Naomi Campbell, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Pamela Anderson, Pink, and Mariah Carey, just to name a few. His television appearances include: guest judge on Project Runway & Americas Next Top Model, MTV’s TRL, My Sweet 16 and Made.
THE DJ’S OF SCARLET: For the past 6 years the World renown DJ’s of Scarlet Bar Chicago have been creating an orgasmic experience for party goers in Boystown Chitown. This group of “finger-on-the-pulse” DJ’s was formed by Scarlet Bar proprietor Robbie Baldwin in order to create a customized sound for the Dance Club. And now this sound can now be found nightly in downtown Honolulu! Familiar names including Joey Luna, Scotty T, Katy, Konsept, Vlad, Kirk Dickens… plus a crazy mix of celebs such as CAZWELL, TARYN MANNING, Captains of Industry STONE ROKK, and GRAHAM JUNKE, ZEKE TOMAS, TRENTINO, ROCK CITY will be spinning their fingers off to mix the hottest top 40 beats.
WEEKLY PARTIES: Every night will be a welcoming adventure for gay boys and their girl friends (yes, we are straight friendly). But just to keep you on your toes, Scarlet will be offering a variety of weekly themed parties.
Easily the best nighclub in all of Hawaii. Great music, fun and friendly staff, strong drinks and great party atmosphere!
80 South Pauahi Street, Honolulu, HI 96822
(across from the historic Hawaii Theater in DOWNTOWN HONOLULU)
HOURS: Wed-Sun 8PM-2AM
Check out the fun and pics on facebook! SCARLET HONOLULU
@ScarletHNL -Instagram and Twitter
Southern Decadence DEALS!
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.
Don’t miss this giant 44th Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT life, music and culture. CALL David now FOR THE BEST DEALS! 1-800-942-1280!
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!
Palm Springs Gay Summer Deals
SUMMER $99 SPECIAL
(not available during holiday weekends).
2 new Events in Chicago for PRIDE WEEK 2015
Helping to bridge the gap between Chicago pride fest and the Chicago pride parade, come 3 new events!
From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ Six Flags Great America, comes a brand new exclusive LGBTQ Event;
OUT IN THE HARBOR @ Hurricane Harbor!
MONDAY JUNE 22nd 2015 5pm-10pm
Hosted by Andrew Christian!
SPLASH, DRINK AND DANCE!
$33 and FREE Parking! (TAXES INCLUDED) PrideSplashChicago.com
The Chicago Zoological Society is committed to diversity and values the benefits and advantages of a diverse workforce. One of its core values is Diversity, valuing differences and the respectful involvement of all people, employing and leveraging the gifts, talents, and experience from each person’s culture, perspective, and background to create value for the organization and help make it even more successful.
Now they are stepping forward to launch an officially sanctioned Celebration of LGBTQ Pride at the Zoo! There will be LGBTQ Day& Night events! This is only the 2nd Zoo in the country to celebrate Pride in a big way!
DAYTIME EVENT INFORMATION
During the day from 10am-5pm, the Zoo will be open to the public but with an Officially sanctioned PRIDE Day at the Zoo. Rainbow flags will be flying and there will be entertainment and a presentation in the afternoon! $15 advance tickets.
During the day, there will be will a LGBTQ vendor expo with gay and gay-friendly businesses showcasing their business and/or products. There will also be a program with speakers and entertainment.
NIGHTTIME EVENT INFORMATION
Then From 7-10 p.m., a very special evening LGBTQ cocktail party will take place in the Pavilions area. 21+ over.
TALK TO THE ANIMALS!
A portion of the zoo will be open from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., including camels, zebras, addax, giraffes, African painted dogs, bison, lions, tigers, (no bears unless you bring one), leopards, and dolphins.
Curators and docents will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the exhibits.
Most of the excitement will happen in the Pavilions area! We’ll be able to sip cocktails (open bar) and enjoy delicious outdoor fare food and sweets.
Here, we will Lounge with the Animals and Talk to the Animals! Curators create a very special experience, by bringing out numerous animals for us to have an up close and personal meet and greet, and learn more about them.
Lounge music will set the tone as the Dj’s of Scarlet Bar Chicago
There will also be a silent auction with cool animal items from artists and local businesses.
Tickets are $60 includes drinks, food and a phenomenal experience.
Limited Number of VIP Tickets $100 – you will get a personalized PRIVATE VIP TOUR of The Living Coast, where you can get up close and touch PENGUINS! The leader penguins love to come out and mingle with small groups and show off. How cool is that? A professional photographer will be on hand to capture your experience.
All the details at ZooPrideChicago.com
Atlantic City Attracting more Gays
IS IT time to resurrect Atlantic City’s old tourism slogan — the Queen of Resorts — and give it a new twist?
With a bevy of cross-dressing beauties strutting around Boardwalk Hall, a drag queen serving as a new tourism ambassador and contests for lavish gay weddings at the casinos, the resort town has a message for the LGBT crowd: Come “out” and see us for a good time.
“The LGBT market is a good business market for Atlantic City,” Guaracino said.
Atlantic City’s expanding outreach to the LGBT market includes a recent partnership with internationally known drag queen Miss Richfield 1981 to serve as the resort’s gay ambassador. The hope is that Miss Richfield, the alter ego of entertainer Russ King, will draw a big following of LGBT customers to town.
This summer will see a number of major events catering to the LGBT market. They include Sand Blast AC, billed as the largest Mid-Atlantic summer gay and lesbian beach party. Sand Blast moved from Asbury Park to Atlantic City in 2014 and is scheduled for July 17-20 this year.
FIBO, one of the largest events catering to LGBT African-Americans, is coming to Atlantic City Aug. 7 to 9 after being held the last 12 years at Fire Island, New York.
Atlantic City’s casinos and noncasino hotels have been aligning themselves with Miss’d America, Sand Blast and other LGBT events, but they have also been launching their own gay-themed promotions. Caesars Entertainment Corp., owner of the Bally’s, Caesars and Harrah’s Resort casinos, was a leader in the gay-travel trend by starting the “Out in Atlantic” LGBT party series in 2009.
READ MORE HERE
