The world's hottest leathermen will come together to compete for the title of International Mr. Leather 2013, as IML celebrates its 35rd Anniversary, Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27, 2013 (Memorial Day Weekend) in Chicago.

About 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. Today, the event has grown to be an annual tradition for thousands in the leather community - drawing contestants and attendees from around the globe. Once an event for "hardcore" leathermen, IML has expanded in recent years to include a more diverse crowd - from the experienced to the curious.

Join the ICIRR community to celebrate the service and advocacy accomplishments of the past year, and the vision for our continued progress.

The evening’s program will feature:

• Testimony from prominent Illinois and national leaders in immigrant and refugee rights
• An awards program honoring trailblazers in the immigrant rights movement
• A culinary experience with 20 of Chicago's premier restaurants and chefs
• A live performance by The Occidental Brothers Dance Band.

photos by Betty Mohr

MB Financial Presents WONDERLAND The 2013 Spring Brunch and Fashion Show

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't! And contrariwise, what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?"

Sunday, May 5, 2013 •  Harold Washington Library / Winter Garden Ballroom • 400 South State Street. • Noon to 3:30p.m.
To purchase ticket log into http://www.chicagohouse.org/event_brunch.html  
Ticket levels:   Runway Seating $300  •  Garden Seating $200

For more information, call Beth at (773) 248-5200 x303. Space is limited, this event will sell out!

Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) will host its Mad Hatter’s Brunch, a fundraiser to benefit programs and services for the Broadway Youth Center (BYC) on Sunday, April 7 at the upscale ZED451, located at 739 N. Clark St., from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the River North neighborhood.

This festive afternoon will bring Chicagoans together to sport their zany and outrageous hats and to enjoy delectable specialty dishes from a rich buffet – all to raise funds to support the work and programs of the Broadway Youth Center. Hats are not required to attend; everyone is welcome.

The musical and comedy revue, THE KINSEY SICKS – America’s Favorite Dragapella® Beautyshop Quartet, will be the featured entertainment. THE KINSEY SICKS has recorded six recordings and been profiled on national television, including "20/20" and CBS’s “The Early Show.” In addition, they have been featured in the New York Times and Billboard Magazine.

The Broadway Youth Center is a nationally-recognized program that offers predominately LGBT young people a safe, positive social outlet, by providing youth access to basic needs such as meals, showers and clothing, on-site medical services, HIV/STD testing and treatment, educational services, counseling, case management, and youth leadership opportunities. For thousands of youth, BYC is the main resource in their survival and helps them transition into living healthy and stable lives.

Broadway Youth Center 2012 Highlights include:
2923 youth were provided with single or multiple services; 332 youth were provided a record-breaking 1,649 sessions to assist homeless youth and youth at-risk for homelessness through resource advocacy services;
1207 HIV testing and counseling sessions were conducted through peer-based HIV/STI testing and sexual health education;
1380 youth were provided walk-in clinical services through a record-breaking 2,075 medical visits;
106 youth received GED tutoring and testing through 944 sessions, 12 of whom passed the Illinois GED exam and secured their high school equivalency diploma.

The capital raised will assist in our endeavors to continue to provide much-needed health and wellness services to at-risk LGBT youth regardless of their ability to pay ” thankful for those who have contributed to this event,” says Lara Brooks, Director, Broadway Youth 

Tickets to the event can be purchased online at www.howardbrown.org/madhatter. 

Silent Auction, Raffle & Contest to Benefit LGBTQ Community the CENTER ON HALSTED

Center on Halsted's 2013 Oscar Party welcomes donors, patrons and supporters to enjoy the Academy Awards presentation in a fun and festive atmosphere that includes cocktail service, reserved seating, buffet dinner, silent auction and a raffle drawing. Last year's event sold out with over 400 participants and raised more than $70,000 to support the many programs and services of Center on Halsted. This year's Oscar Party is sure to be the best in the city; we look forward to seeing you on the red carpet!

• 6:00pm: Doors Open for our Red Carpet Arrival, Courtesy of Mini of Chicago
• 7:00pm: Academy Awards Telecast
• 9:00pm: Silent Auction Ends & Event Drawing

This year's party will feature a Silent Auction and Raffle Drawing. Always a highlight, our silent auction will offer vacation packages, bar & restaurants certificates, theater & sports tickets, gym & personal services and a whole lot more! The raffle will feature top prizes that are sure to delight! 

Can't make the party but still want to win? Silent auction will be open to the public the night of the party and you can bid from home using your computer or cell phone. We will provide a link to the silent auction the day of the Oscar Party, so check back to win some of the most fabulous packages around! 

Raffle tickets will be available for purchase online and at Center on Halsted beginning in late January as well as at the event. Check back to see where and when you can purchase your Oscar Party raffle tickets! 

Think you know who is going to walk home with an Oscar? Submit your ballot for a chance to win a cash prize at On the Red Carpet! All guests will have a chance to submit a ballot for our Predict-the-Winner contest. Ballots will be available for $10 at registration and the person with the most correct picks will split the pot with Center on Halsted! 

Want to participate but can't attend the party? You can purchase and complete a ballot online for your chance to win! Contact Dustin Erikstrup at derikstrup@centeronhalsted.org for more information on how you can participate. 

Sunday, February 24, 2013 •  Park West Theater • 322 W. Hermitage Street • Chicago • Doors open at  6p.m. 

by David Cohen

Do not miss out on this annual SOLD OUT event!

Co-Chairs Sean Kotwa, Sean Ward, Christopher Hubbard, David Kaufman, Tom Segal and Dennis Remer invite you to a fresh new fusion of art, entertainment and stunning Windy City views!  

Absolut Wrapture, the 11th annual winter art auction & cocktail event for the Chicago House will take place on Thursday, January 24th,  2013, at 6p.m., on the 99th Floor SkyDeck at the Willis Tower.  The event will be presented by Absolut Tune, a sparkling new bubbly fusion, alongside delectable hors d'oeuvres from J&L Catering, 

30 local Chicago artists will donate their original art, an artistic theme that will represent the mission of Chicago's House  and will incorporate the bottle of Absolut Tune. All art will be auctioned off in support of Chicago House’s urgent programming to men, women, and children affected by HIV/AIDS.

One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised from Absolut Wrapture will go directly towards the operating expenses of Chicago House.  Now in our 27th year, the five housing programs and the broadly based community case management, prevention, and employment programs reach over 1,400 men, women and children affected by HIV and AIDS, with life-sustaining support.  

Almost one third of the annual operating budget comes from the revenue generated by the signature special events, and we Chicago House is proud to have Absolut Wrapture as their most unique fundraiser to date. "We rely on the compassion and creativity of the Chicago artist, design and architecture communities to partner with us in this important and truly unique fundraising experience" said Jeremy M. Hilborn, Manager of Special Events Program.                                             

Willis Tower, 99th Floor SkyDeck  • 233 S Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL • Doors open at 6 p.m.

Advanced Tickets: $99
Includes hors d'oeuvres and complimentary Absolut cocktails.

VIP Tickets: $150
Includes exclusive early access at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy hors d'oeuvres, complimentary Absolut cocktails, photo-op on the SkyDeck Ledge and a VIP gift package of items including Garrett Popcorn and Kiehl's!

To purchase tickets visit  www.chicagohouse.org/event_absolut_wrapture.html, 
For more information call Beth at (773) 248-5200 x303.  

Drew Carey Performs at Premier GLBT Winter Travel Event—January 13-20, 2013

Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, returns for its 36th year from January 13 to 20, 2013, along with presenting sponsor, Bud Light. Iconic comic Drew Carey will perform at the historic Wheeler Opera House as part of the nightly events throughout the week. 

This year, proceeds from the event will benefit GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), the Trevor Project, the Point Foundation, and the local program TEACH (Teachers Empowering Agents of Change), the Western Colorado AIDS Project, the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, as well as local schools of the Roaring Fork Valley.

“World-famous Aspen plays host to a week of epic skiing, après-ski events at The Limelight Hotel and exciting nightly events,” remarked Todd Heimel, board president of Roaring Fork Gay and Lesbian Community Fund. “Back by popular demand is the ‘mountaintop party,’ accessible only by a moonlit gondola ride up Aspen Mountain, to an elevation of 11,000 feet. Once there, guests dance the night away at high altitude.”

Each afternoon during Aspen Gay Ski Week, The Limelight is the site for après-ski parties from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., attracting up to 1,000 daily. Sponsored by Bud Light and Svedka, these events feature DJ entertainment, free gifts from sponsors, a hospitality suite, heated pool and two hot-tubs.

On Friday afternoon, the city of Aspen gathers to view the popular downhill costume competition, hosted by Miss Richfield 1981—seen on The Tonight Showwith Jay Leno and The Today Show. In years’ past, contestants can be seen skiing down Aspen Mountain in riotous costumes, such as Madonna, St. Paulie girls and water skiers.

Aspen Gay Ski Week showcases nightly events, including the following:
Sunday:
• Opening Party. Join us for the opening party at the Hotel Jerome Lobby Bar; guests will enjoy complimentary Bud Light and Svedka drinks.

Monday:
• Film Night Gala. Film Night Gala features Gayby, an irreverent comedy from director, Jonathan Lisecki; the film is a frank look at a gay comic book writer and his best girlfriend who decide to fulfill their college promise of having a baby together. After the film, Lisecki will answer questions from the audience.
• Late Night Party. The late night party will be hosted at Escobar, the underground bar that resembles an airplane cabin.

Tuesday:
• Comedy Night. Comedy Night showcases Thomas Dale and headliner, Michael Kosta. Performing at comedy clubs across the country, Dale has acted as a commentator for VH1’s 100 Sexiest Celebrities and 100 Greatest Child Stars. Main act Michael Kosta has appeared on The Tonight Show, Chelsea Lately and Conan, and this year, he performed in his first stand-up special on Comedy Central.
• Late Night Party. Tuesday’s late night party is hosted by the hip nightclub, The Regal.

Wednesday:
• Fashion and Art Night Out. Aspen is home to world-class shopping, and for the annual Boutique Night Stroll, participating boutiques will be open late.
• Wednesday Late Night. This event will benefit TEACH and is hosted by Aspen’s premier private night club, The Caribou Club.

Thursday:
• Comedy Night. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel, Conan and NBC’s Last Comic Standing, comic Brendon Walsh will open for headliner, Drew Carey. A comedy icon and television legend, Carey starred in The Drew Carey Show on ABC, followed by the improv comedy show, Who’s Line Is It Anyway?, and appearances in numerous films, television series and films.  He has hosted The Price Is Right since 2007. 
• Dance Gala. Hosted by the historic and newly renovated Hotel Jerome, gay ski week guests will enjoy dancing, go-go dancers, a VIP lounge and DJ Dylan. The theme is a tribute to the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and our military service men and women.

Friday:
• Top of the Mountain Party. This party, at the top of Aspen Mountain, returns for its second year.  Begin the night with a moonlit ride up the gondola, then dance the night away with music from DJ Gant Johnson.

Saturday:
• Friendship Cup. A free event at Lewis Ice Arena, the Friendship Cup, the Gay vs. Straight Ice Hockey Championships, precedes the pool party.
•Pool Party. Aspen Recreation Center will once again host the infamous pool party, featuring DJs, dancing, hot tubs, water slides, a lazy river and open bars.

“There is something for everyone at Aspen Gay Ski Week, even for the non-skier,” finished Heimel.  “Aspen offers visitors world renowned restaurants, indulgent spas and first class shopping. Our attendance is expected to be monumental in 2013, so we thank our loyal guests for helping us to continue to be the premier GLBT winter travel event.”

For more indformation and to purchase event passes visit www.gayskiweek.com. 

The South Side Community Art Center will revive its historic Artists and Models Ball on Saturday,  October 27, 2012 at the historic Parkway Ballroom, on 4455 South King Drive, Chicago from 7:00 p.m.  to 12:00 midnight. 

Craig Gilmore, Director of Multicultural Marketing State Farm, Earl Jones, President and Market Manager Clear Channel,  along with Barbara Bates  of Bates Design,  and Carter Russell, Executive Director of Clara's House will be the hosts for the evening.  The event is sponsored by  Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois, Clear Channel, State Farm, and Walgreens. 

Be prepare to enjoy an evening full of joy and fun, This visual celebration for your senses will presents an artistic feast, a colorful joy for the eyes, a wonderful range of delicious and tasty delights to satisfy your cravings..  The sound will only entice your spirit your heart and will add to the total experience. With  amazing local, national and international talent, the artists will  share and show their work with the guests. This evening promises to be a night you will remember.

True to the original spirit of the Artists and Models Ball,  the South Side Community Art Center will honor Dayo Laoye, an artist and a long time supporter of SSCAC with the Arts and Tyronne Stoudemire Award. 


The first annual Artists and Models Ball was hosted by the South Side Community Art Center  in October 1938, at at the Savoy Ballroom. This event raised enough money for the down payment for the purchase of the Center's new home.Located at 3831 S.  Michigan Ave. in Chicago, IL,  the three-story brownstone hosted the first  Ball  as an artistic and creative event. Attended by Chicago's elite in government, politics, civic engagement and community outreach, The Artists and Models Ball became a successful annual fund raising event. All proceeds from the event go to benefit  the Center's art programs and outreach within the community. 

For more information please visit www.sscac.us.