Events - Center on Halsted - Chicago's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center

Join the Center on Halsted Team! You can support the Center's efforts by either making a donation to the Center's team or by joining the team! Your support will help the Center to continue to provide Rapid HIV Testing, HIV Prevention Programs, HIV Support Groups and the HIV/AIDS & STD Hotline to our community. Your participation and generosity really makes a difference in supporting HIV/AIDS services.

Sign up to join Center on Halsted's AIDS RUN & Walk Team by clicking here.

Start: Friday, May. 08, 2009 12:00 PM
End: Saturday, Oct. 03, 2009 12:00 PM
Location: Grant Park

MAY 26: “The Aggressives” (2005)
Butcher than butch, these dykes of color have coined a new term to define their identity: Aggressive. Identifying as women, but looking and acting like men, from their haircuts to their suits to their swaggering behavior, the Aggressives have powerful personalities that buck traditional societal restrictions on women’s roles.

JUNE 9: “Boy I Am” (2006)
A look at the experiences of three young Female-to-Male transpeople addresses the way conversations about trans issues can run into resistance from the many queer women who view transitioning as a “trend” or as an anti-feminist act that taps into male privilege.

JUNE 23: “On The Downlow” (2007)
Creates a portrait of Cleveland’s underground black gay scene including coming out to one’s parents; black homophobia; and the persisting rumor that only gay people spread AIDS.

JULY 14: “Filming Desire” (2000)
Female directors talk about the reality of an explicit women’s point of view, the desire in their films to “fantasize and dream a new image of themselves”, and how their depictions of sexuality and relationships are correctives.

JULY 28: “Hot & Bothered: Feminist Pornography” (2003) + “Bill and Desiree: Love is Timeless” (2008)
#1: A rare and empowering look into the pornography industry and feminist community to see how they intertwine within the politics and poetics of female sexuality.
#2: One of Comstock Films’ award-winning erotic documentary films about real couples having real sex. Bill and Desiree’s story starts in the second half of life: a chance meeting, a powerful attraction, a carnal connection, and a deep, sensual love. Pleasure is ageless, and love is indeed timeless!

AUGUST 11: “Liberty In Restraint” (2005)
Profiling the life of fetish photographer Noel Graydon, this film gives Graydon’s perspective on the BDSM community, describes some BDSM practices, and shows how he creates his photographs.

AUGUST 25: “Equality U” (2008)
Follows a group of 33 young activists on the Soulforce Equality Ride, a first of its kind, two-month, cross-country tour to confront antigay discrimination policies at 19 conservative religious and military colleges. While most of the young Riders identify as Christian, not all of them do so in the same way, if at all.

SEPTEMBER 8: “Red Without Blue” (2007)
Chronicles the close yet sometimes strained relationship between rural Montana identical twins Mark and Alex as Alex undergoes a transformation into a woman named Clair.

SEPTEMBER 22: “Queens of Heart” (2006) + “All Women Are Equal” (1971)
#1: The first psychological study of drag performance, set in the oldest surviving female impersonation club in the United States, shows how the work of drag requires a deep understanding of human psychology.
#2: We see Paula, an early 1970s transperson, fixing her make-up and discussing the difficulty of living as a woman and meeting other transpeople. Offers incredible insights into both the time and Paula’s individual psyche.

OCTOBER 13: “We Are Dad” (2005)
Two white HIV-negative gay men have a family of five kids. Four of the kids have AIDS, three are black, two come from a backwater cult in Oregon, and one of the children has been in the middle of one of the most hotly debated issues in this country: gay adoption.

Start: Tuesday, May. 12, 2009 12:00 PM
End: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 12:00 PM
Location: Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, 800 S. Halsted

Take Charge of Your Professional Life today at the Center! It’s an increasingly competitive job market out there. Make sure you have the tools necessary to effectively manage a job change by attending a choice of four different workshops. Whether you are new to the work force or an experienced executive, there is a seminar designed just for you.

“OUTsource” now offers four distinct series catering to every level of your career. “OUTsource I & II” offers fundamental tools and skills for anyone new to the job scene, the unemployed or underemployed. The experienced executive will benefit from “OUTsource III & IV”, which offers ongoing career transitional support & professional networking opportunities.

OUTsource I: Jump start career advancement program.
June 13; 9am - 12pm. First three Saturdays of each month.

OUTsource II: Executive Overview (Executive and Professional Career Training Services)
May 30; 9am - 4pm. Last Saturday of each month.

OUTsource III*: One-on-One Coaching (Executive and Professional Career Training Services)
*Pre-requisite OUTsource II
June 6; 1pm - 4pm. First three Saturdays of each month.

OUTsource IV: Career Management Network Meeting
June 2; 6pm - 8:30pm. Tuesdays weekly.

Due to limited space, reservations are strongly encouraged - Please review the course description, then RSVP with your preferred class (I, II, III, or IV)RSVP to Tom Ballentine at: culture@centeronhalsted.org or call 773.661.0673

Start: Saturday, May. 30, 2009 1:00 PM
End: Wednesday, Jun. 30, 2010 3:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Enjoy a summer evening at Center on Halsted with an opening reception, featuring artist:

Mike Reedy’s Wild At Heart (2nd Floor Gallery)

Opening Reception
When: June 5, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
$5 Suggested Donation | Cash Bar

For more information email: culture@centeronhalsted.org
Catering Sponsor: Joey’s Brickhouse (www.enterthechef.com)

Shows run June 5 through August 2, 2009.

Start: Friday, Jun. 05, 2009 6:00 PM
End: Sunday, Aug. 02, 2009 9:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Opening Reception Friday, June 5
6:30pm - 9:30pm

2nd Floor Gallery: Doug Smithenry; Coming Out Online, a celebration of how the Internet has provided a sense of community for isolated gay youth.

3rd Floor Gallery: Christa Lohman; Love = Love: Protesting Proposition 8, a photo essay from the post-Prop 8, November 15, 2008 political action in Chicago

Opening Reception: Complimentary hors d'oeuvres generously provided by Joey's Brickhouse (www.enterthechef.com). Cash bar. $5 suggested donation at the door. Both shows run June 5 - July 5.

For more information click here.

Start: Friday, Jun. 05, 2009 6:30 PM
End: Sunday, Jul. 05, 2009 12:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

- Discover what you want and how to get it
- Define SMART goals
- Design strategies for using your time and energy more effectively
- Identify your core values
- Recognize your disabling self-talk
- Find clarity and balance

Start: Thursday, Jun. 18, 2009 7:00 PM
End: Thursday, Jul. 09, 2009 8:30 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Are you looking to connect with others living with HIV/AIDS, to share your stories and experiences in a safe and friendly environment? Center on Halsted is holding three, 10 week, age-specific groups for HIV-positive individuals.

Registration ends: July 8, 2009
*Depending on the number of registrations for these two groups, the age restrictions may be removed and the groups combined.

For more information or to register, call Gregory Gross, AM, LSW, Clinical Manager HIV Testing & Prevention at: 773.472.6469 x 478 or email Gregory at ggross@centeronhalsted.org.

Start: Wednesday, Jun. 24, 2009 6:00 PM
End: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 7:30 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Start: Thursday, Jul. 02, 2009 5:30 PM
End: Thursday, Jul. 02, 2009 10:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Men on Mondays just got a whole lot sexier and a whole lot funnier on Monday July 6, 2009 when Center on Halsted joins with its July partners; Tulip and Cell Block. This month, please join us at a new location, Cell Block, located at 3701 N. Halsted, for "Sex 101 & the Mysterious Male G-Spot.” Cash bar available, including “Men on Mondays” discounted drink specials.

For details and to RSVP, please contact Tom Ballentine, Director of Community and Cultural Programs at culture@centeronhalsted.org or call 773.661.0673.

Start: Monday, Jul. 06, 2009 7:00 PM
End: Monday, Jul. 06, 2009 9:00 PM
Location: Cell Block

Rooftop Hip-Hop - Appropriate for all ages and dance levels. Classes begin July 11: 11AM - 12PM, Saturdays (weekly).
Ballroom for Beginners - Come by yourself or bring a partner. Classes begin July 7: 10AM - 11AM Tuesdays (weekly) and 7PM - 8PM Sundays (weekly).
Pilates - Appropriate for all ages and levels. Classes begin July 7: 2PM - 3PM Tuesdays (weekly) and 6:30PM - 7:30PM Fridays (weekly).
Queer Spirit Chicago Drop-In Guided Meditation - Each week will focus on a new topic or concept. Attend any or all sessions.

Classes are currently available 11AM - 11:45AM, Mondays (weekly) & 6PM - 7:15PM, Tuesdays (weekly) (ongoing)

Fee for all classes: $10 ($5 for Seniors/Youth with valid I.D.). Due to popularity & limited space, RSVP's are strongly encouraged please contact Cathy Jones; Health/Wellness Coordinator, at cjones@centeronhalsted.org or call 773.472.6469 X 265.

For more information click here.

Start: Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009 12:00 PM
End: Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 12:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Chicago's own Dan Crowley ("Uncle Dan" comic strip; Comedy Central's "TV Funhouse") now shares his famous cartooning technique! This 4-week session will show you how to combine your artistic side & journaling to create four-panel cartoons that express your life in a fun, new way!

Fee: $25 (4-week session).
Click here to RSVP.

For more information contact Tom Ballentine, Director of Community & Cultural Affairs at culture@centeronhalsted.orgor call 773.661.0763.

Start: Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009 7:00 PM
End: Tuesday, Jul. 28, 2009 9:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

On four Wednesdays in July the Rooftop Garden will be transformed into a fully functioning restaurant staffed solely by talented aspiring chefs ranging from 14 - 21 years old from the What's Cookin? After School Matters program.

July 8th Paella Party
July 15th Lovely Louisiana
July 22nd Taste of South East Asia
July 29th California Dreams

Time: 6PM sharp - 8PM (only one seating)
Price: $20.00 per person to support the programs at Center on Halsted BYOB

Pre-paid reservations only accepted now click here.

Come alone; bring friends as all guests will be seated at one communal table.
Generously supported by Whole Foods Market on Halsted

For more information please click here.

Start: Wednesday, Jul. 08, 2009 6:00 PM
End: Saturday, Jul. 25, 2009 8:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Center on Halsted will hold two art gallery exhibits simultaneously in the art galleries at Center on Halsted. The shows will run until August 23, 2009.

The Center’s 2nd floor gallery will feature the works of artist David Simpson in a show entitled Where do Gay People Come From? Simpson states “In a whimsically twisted way, I will attempt to show through the alchemy of pictures, just where gay people come from and the exact moment of conception. I hope in all that is creative that one will be delightfully moved to realize that my proposal is utterly ridiculous and delightfully impossible to definitively discern.”

The Center’s 3rd floor gallery will feature the works of artist Likalee in a show entitled Likalee’s Bionic Heart. Likalee is a young Chicago female artist with a visionary approach towards the creation of futuristic images and a passion for exploring auras, ethereal dreams, surrealism and peace. Her works have been displayed at over 20 local galleries including the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Chicago Cultural Center.

By pure coincidence, both of these artists are sight impaired. Likalee lost sight in one eye as a teen and David lost one of his eyes many years ago. In the past several years he has developed macular degeneration in is good eye and paints through the few spots of light that he has left.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be generously provided by Joey’s Brickhouse (www.enterthechef.com). A cash bar will be available. $5 suggested donation (at the door) to support future cultural programming at Center on Halsted. The donation will avail access to both the 2nd and 3rd Floor Gallery openings. ..

Start: Friday, Jul. 10, 2009 6:00 PM
End: Friday, Jul. 10, 2009 9:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Center on Halsted will partner with Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, Chicago's Jewish educational and cultural center, for an author reading and discussion of Light Fell by Evan Fallenberg who will talk about his experience of religion, literature, and sexuality in Israel and how this has impacted his writing. A book signing will follow.

Sunday, July 12, 2009 at 2PM at Spertus. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, please call Spertus at 312.322.1773 or visit www.spertus.edu. Spertus is located at 610 S. Michigan Avenue.

This program presented in partnership with Spertus Institute.

Start: Sunday, Jul. 12, 2009 2:00 PM
End: Sunday, Jul. 12, 2009 4:00 PM
Location: Spertus Institue at 610 S. Michigan Avenue.

The incomparable Alexandra Billings reunites with Bailiwick family and friends in a very special concert event CELBRATE BAILIWICK WITH ALEXANDRA BILLINGS AND FRIENDS co-produced by Bailiwick and Lampkin Music Group.

Don’t miss the only singing appearance of Chicago Legend Alexandra Billings, as we CELEBRATE BAILIWICK WITH ALEXANDRA BILLINGS AND FRIENDS, Sunday July 25 at 8:00 p.m.

Fresh from the set of her upcoming movie Stealth, Alexandra will grace the stage of the beautiful Hoover-Leppen Theater at the Center on Halsted, 3656 North Halsted, in a one-night only celebration of her beloved Bailiwick.

Joining Alexandra will be Chicago acting staples Alanda Coon, Stephen Rader, Susan May, George Andrew Wolff, Dana Tretta and Jeff winner Jeremy Rill. Musical Director: Robert Ollis. Directed and Co-produced by Ralph Lampkin, Jr, Alex's longtime producer, board member and owner of the respected production/record company, Lampkin Music Group.

Join Alex as we CELEBRATE BAILIWICK WITH ALEXANDRA BILLINGS AND FRIENDS, an evening you will never forget.

Reserved VIP seats are $30, and General Admission tickets are $25, with all funds benefit the artistic programs of Bailiwick Repertory.

To order tickets call the Bailiwick voicemail 773.883.1090. Tickets can also be purchased at www.Brownpapertickets.com, or by calling 1800 838 3006.

Start: Saturday, Jul. 25, 2009 8:00 PM
End: Saturday, Jul. 25, 2009 10:00 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Join us for an evening of fun information about the Olivia trips, and the insanely funny comedy of Vickie Shaw.

Jill Cruse, Olivia’s VP-Guest Experience who has been with Olivia for 20 years, will give a presentation about Olivia, it’s past, present and future and the trips planned through 2010.

Whether you've traveled with Olivia before or not we encourage you to come and bring your friends! By attending, you will be entered to win a "2 for 1 Off Regular Pricing" on Olivia's upcoming Halloween Cruise October 25 - November 1, 2009, departing from Tampa, Florida and other fun prizes that will be drawn that evening!

$20 suggested donation to Center on Halsted.
Limited admission.

To purchase tickets click here.

About Vickie Shaw: Born and raised in Texas, Vickie, who was married for 18 years and has three children, came out and began performing stand-up comedy at the same time. She performs in both straight and gay venues opening audience’s minds with her southern sass. Vickie has headlined at Michigan Womyn’s Festival, National Women’s Music Festival, Monterey Beach Women’s Festival and the Dinah & Lina Shore Golf Tournament, Spellbinder’s and The Laff Stop in Houston, Comedy Underground in Seattle, The Improv in Cleveland, Wall Street in Columbus, Luna Park in Los Angeles, 88s in NYC, The Light Project in Miami and Olivia cruise and resort vacations.

Start: Monday, Aug. 03, 2009 6:30 PM
End: Monday, Aug. 03, 2009 9:30 PM
Location: Center on Halsted

Deadlines for workshop proposals, early-bird registrations, and scholarship submission have been extended to Wednesday, April 15, 2009.

The 2009 National LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex,) Health Summit - in collaboration with the Bi Health Summit (August 14, 2009) will focus on “Health Through the Life Course” and is dedicated to preserving and improving the emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, psychological, environmental, and social health and wellness of LGBTI people; a diverse range of communities who each experience significant health disparities because of our sexual orientations and/or gender identities.

As 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Chicago is especially proud to host this year’s Health Summit. The passage of Prop 8 has not only put LGBTI concerns back on the front burner for our community, but more importantly for our own allies. LGBTI health care is being revered as its own grassroots movement. Moreover, LGBTI health care is incorporating the whole person mentally, physically, spiritually rather than being disease-based.

Start: Friday, Aug. 14, 2009 12:00 PM
End: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 12:00 PM
Location: Chicago Hilton

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Deadlines for workshop proposals, early-bird registrations, and scholarship submission have been extended to Wednesday, April 15, 2009.