Chicago Tribune Article: Some black youth feel more at home in Boystown, but get chilly reception, 11/30/09 
When Antonio Jones walks down Halsted Street in Boystown, he feels more at home here than he did in his old Garfield Park neighborhood, where he used to worry about thugs attacking him for being bisexual.
But all is not bliss for Jones in Boystown either. That's because the 21-year-old college student, who often travels down Halsted wearing baggy pants and a dark coat, knows that -- in an ironic twist -- some residents now view him as a thug.
For a couple of years, this section of the Lakeview community has been trying to figure out how to deal with the young gay men from the city's South and West sides who come to Boystown to visit the Center on Halsted, whose youth programs for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community make them feel safe, affirmed and valued.
Sometimes the young men leave the center and hang out on the corners in the community, which some residents and patrons of Halsted's gay bars have found off-putting, even along this street known for its colorful and lively night life.
"You have guys who are too young to get into the gay bars but old enough to still hang out late," said Jones, who began coming to Halsted Street when the center opened 2 1/2 years ago. "I'll admit they can be teens -- that means being unruly or rowdy."
He said many of the youth come from communities that historically have been hostile to gays and find in Boystown a refuge. Often it's the first time the teens, the majority of whom are black, really can be themselves.
It's not uncommon for some young men to start applying makeup on the train en route to the center. Some may feel more comfortable walking down Halsted Street holding hands with a same-sex partner.
But the residents who have been complaining at CAPS meetings -- many of whom are newcomers to the community, white and straight -- have been saying they feel threatened or intimidated when they pass clusters of these teens on the sidewalks. They've lamented the youths' catcalls along with their noise. Police have stepped up patrols.
Jim Ludwig, who owns Roscoe's Tavern, a local gay bar, is the president of Triangle Neighbors and a board member of the Northalsted Business Alliance. Some gay patrons also have complained about the youth.
Ludwig has been in the community for 23 years and understands the complexity of this issue, one facet of which may seem to pit one group that has faced discrimination and stereotypes against another.
"It's not a race thing, it's a cultural adaptation thing," Ludwig told me. "It's a youth rebellion thing. We're at a loss in trying to figure out what's a good thing for these kids to be doing other than congregating on the corner. Sometimes there are 50 kids. But it's only a handful that doesn't have the social skills regarding sidewalk etiquette, so it intimidates customers and residents."
What complicates this further, he said, is that the neighborhood does have to fend off a criminal element, including sex traffickers and those dealing drugs.
"There's a whole bunch of kids who aren't causing trouble," Ludwig said. "But they are an unknowing shield for others who do come here to commit crimes. Sometimes residents can't or don't distinguish between the two groups."
Sandra Klein, a resident who's sympathetic to the youth, attributes the neighborhood's challenges in part to its changing demographics, which increasingly includes straighter, younger and wealthier residents who have bought pricey condos in or near Boystown.
"There was a controversy with a group of young mothers who complained about the word 'masturbate' being in a window" of a business that sells sex toys, Klein said. "If you live here and your child is old enough to know the word, then it might be time to have 'that talk.' But if he's not reading, I don't understand why they would take issue."
She likened these newcomers to people who move into nearby Wrigleyville and complain about the baseball park's lights.
For its part, the center is trying to be a good neighbor. While programming used to end at 9 p.m., it now ends at 7 p.m. Youth are instructed daily not to loiter and to be on their best behavior. The center also has hired additional security guards between the peak loitering hours of 4 and 8 p.m., to protect neighbors from disturbances, but also to protect the youth.
Jones said residents would be less fearful if they visited the center and interacted with the youth.
"They should come here and see a different side of the young people, a side they don't see on a regular basis," Jones said. "When it comes down to it, we're all just looking for the same thing, and that's simply peace of mind."
BACK TO TOP.
RedEye Article: For transgender people, acceptance is hard to find-even in LGBT community, 11/18/09 
When Adrianna King was turned out of her home, she went north in search of acceptance.
A transsexual woman with a shy smile, King, 21, moved to Lakeview earlier this year in hopes that gay-friendly Boystown would offer a haven safe from the harassment and abuse she suffered in her South Side neighborhood.
But Boystown wasn't always safe, and it wasn't always friendly.
King, born a male and in transition to becoming a woman, said she was turned away from Lakeview homeless shelters because management feared she'd be harassed by other boarders. She said she spent the summer sleeping in parks, abandoned buildings, "L" trains and on the lakefront. When nowhere felt safe, King walked all night through Lakeview's streets, waiting until the Center on Halsted opened so she could crash on its couches.
"Every morning I'd come to work, and she'd be outside in the rain," said Tiffany Traylor, a clinical case manager at the center, which serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Homeless youth have congregated in Lakeview for decades, but the past three or four years have seen an influx of transgender youth from throughout the city who come for social services or to find a welcoming community, said Heather Bradley, youth outreach coordinator for the Night Ministry, a nondenominational nonprofit that serves vulnerable kids and adults.
To read more
click here.
BACK TO TOP.
23rd District Police Station Host LGBT Youth Health Fair at Center on Halsted, 9/11/09 
The mood was festive as the 23rd Precinct hosted its annual LGBT Youth Health Fair at Center on Halsted. Hundreds of LGBT and ally youth enjoyed free hot meals and beverages while getting to know many of the local Chicago Police from the 23rd Precinct. Local hospitals and health care organizations were present providing additional information on programs and services for youth.
The party extended outside onto the Richard M. Daley Roof Garden space where youth and the police celebrated together. The event was generously sponsored by Circuit Night Club.
Photo: Jose Rios Openly Gay Chicago Police Officer, LGBT liaison for the 23rd District with 23rd District Commander Kathleen Boehmer
BACK TO TOP.
No on Number 1: Protect Maine Equality, 9/2/09 
We Are... Gay & straight, young & old, couples & families, people of faith, friends, neighbors & co-workers.
We Believe In... Fairness, commitment, strong families, vibrant
communities, Maine values.
We Are Mainers... Who believe in marriage for all Maine families.
Please visit the Maine campaign by
clicking here.
BACK TO TOP.
Weekly Success: Stroger Town Hall at Center on Halsted, 8/28/09
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger held a Town Hall at the Center this week regarding the GeoVax therapeutic HIV vaccine clinical trial that he would like implemented at the CORE Center. 200 community members, staff from Chicago-area ASOs, and TV, radio and print media were in attendance.
The CORE Center declined involvement in the clinical trail based on serious health concerns for their clients. The discussion was intense and participants voiced their opinions passionately. An event like this fits perfectly into our mission - "Center on Halsted serves as a catalyst for the LGBT community..." We were able to offer a safe space for 2 disparate groups to try to find understanding and be understood.
BACK TO TOP.
Weekly Success: Seeking Safety from Domestic Abuse, 8/21/09
This week, the Anti Violence Program (AVP) staff and volunteers assisted a survivor of domestic violence by helping the client to explore her options for relocation to Chicago. Her objective was to secure a safe, anonymous haven away from her abusive partner. Because of the many years of experience with these kinds of cases, excellent training of Center AVP volunteers and a valuable referral guide, the Center was able to meet this client’s needs by providing her with accurate, useful, up-to-date information which will help to allow her to live with a higher level of safety.
BACK TO TOP.
GeoVax Vaccine Meeting at Center on Halsted, 8/19/09
Next Tuesday, Cook County Board President, Todd H. Stroger will host a community meeting to discuss ways in which interested parties can work together to educate the CORE Foundation and Cook County residents on the benefits of the GeoVax Vaccine trial. Mr. Stroger will personally be present to discuss what the original agreement was and address any concerns you may have on the clinical trial.
Please join us on Tuesday, August 25th, 2009 at the Center on Halsted located at 3656 N. Halsted Street in Chicago. The meeting will start promptly at noon. If anyone has questions, please call 312-603-0395.
To read the full letter regarding the GeoVax Vaccine
click here.
BACK TO TOP.
Northalsted Merchant Association Safety Seminar, 8/17/09
Northalsted members:
Chicago Police Department Districts 19 and 23 will hold a Personal Safety Seminar designed to help business owners and their employees stay safe.
The seminar will be held as follows:
1 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 25
Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted St.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Jay Lyon
(jay@northalsted.com) no later than Monday, Aug. 24.
BACK TO TOP.
President Obama honors Billie Jean King and Harvey Milk, 8/14/09
President Barack Obama honored lesbian tennis legend and Chicagoan Billie Jean King who support received the naming of the Billie Jean King Recreation Hall at Center on Halsted and the late gay-rights activist Harvey Milk at the Aug. 12 Medal of Freedom ceremonies at the White House.
To read more click here...
BACK TO TOP.
Weekly Success: workOUT Recreational Program, 8/14/09
Exciting, new recreational programs will be offered at Center on Halsted including classes offered by DeAnna Bellamy's fitness group, "BODY REVOLUTION." When DeAnna learned about the extraordinary programs available at the Center she graciously volunteered her professional staff and resources to the Center and the community.
All classes are offered at the very low-cost $10 ($5 for Seniors/Youth with valid I.D.) For details and to RSVP, please contact Cathy Jones (Health/Wellness Coordinator) via email at
cjones@centeronhalsted.org or call 773-472.6469 x265
workOUT: Body Guard/Self-Defense 7PM-8PM: Wednesdays (Sept. 9-Oct. 14) Learn to protect your body with self defense strategies and unleash your inner Warrior! Body Guard/Self-Defense teaches participants to harmonize the mind, body and spirit while striking hand pads, kneeing body pads, and kicking your way to SEXY end of summer physique.
workOUT: Body Control 12PM-1PM, Tuesdays (Sept. 8-Oct. 13) Body Control creates greater awareness of muscle and joint alignment as well as posture that will help reconnect individuals with their body. The Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist will teach injury prevention, core control, balance and flexibility. Great for all levels.
workOUT: Eco-Body Power 7PM-8PM: Mondays (Sept. 14-Oct. 19) Eco-Body Power is a completely GREEN workout class! A Certified Personal Trainer will instruct this class on how to use their own body weight as well as how to utilize the urban resources as exercising tools. Each class starts on the open-air Richard M. Daley Roof Garden, and then moves out into the neighborhood so you begin to think outside the fitness box.
BACK TO TOP.
Weekly Success: Youth What's Cookin? Culinary Program, 8/7/09
Six weeks ago, over 80 eager and enthusiastic youth attended the Center on Halsted’s What's Cookin? Culinary Program orientation. They then went through a rigorous interview with the Youth Career Development Center staff and Chef Abraham Conlon, and 15 of our best youth were chosen to participate in the culinary program.
Six weeks later, Center on Halsted proudly recognizes the accomplishments of this amazing program and 15 motivated youth. The participants accomplished the following:
- Cooked (from scratch) close to 20 nightly dinners for youth in the youth space
- Prepared weekly deserts for upwards of 100 participants in the SAGE program
- Over 4 weeks, planned, budgeted, prepared and served three-course dinners for over 150 community members attending the Rooftop CookingOUT series (also ensuring the night's decor and overall mood matched that of the varying themes)
This program is an exercise in teamwork. It demonstrates that amazing things happen when passionate people come together. Youth participants are coming away from the CookingOUT program more than better cooks, but inspired and armed with a host of transferable skills for a successful life.
BACK TO TOP.
Univision Chicago Spanish-language HIV/AIDS/STD Town Hall held at Northeastern University, 8/7/09 
Two Center on Halsted HIV/STD Department Health Educators, Erik Glenn and Jorge Gonzalez, appeared as panelists this past Saturday at Univision's HIV/AIDS and STDs Town Hall. During this Spanish-language town hall, the Health Educators discussed detailed information around HIV/AIDS and STDs. They also answered questions from audience members. The event, which lasted an hour and a half, was attended by many members of Chicago's Latino community. Special guests included Illinois State Representatives Greg Harris and Sara Feigenholtz. Univision will edit and broadcast the town hall on the morning of Saturday August 15th.
BACK TO TOP.
CAPS Meeting Schedule, 8/5/09 
The CAPS meeting for Beat 2331 (E of Clark, N of Belmont, S of Addison) takes place on the first Wednesday of every month at Nookie's Tree (3334 N Halsted).
The CAPS meeting for Beats 2323 (W of Broadway, E of Clark, S of Irving Park, N of Addison) and 2324 (E of Broadway, N of Addison, S of Montrose) takes place here at the Center on what looks like the 3rd Wednesday of every other month. There is no meeting this month; the next will be 16 September.
There is a Boystown community walk scheduled for a week from tomorrow, 14 Aug, Fri @ Midnight (leaving from 7-11 at 3407 N Halsted). The other events organized by the Lakeview Citizen Task Force include a dinner meet-up at Yoshi's called the Lakeview Supper Club (3334 N Halsted; next one is scheduled for 19 Aug, Weds @ 7 PM) that also meets monthly.
For more information about CAPS in chicago
click here.
For more information about CAPS in the Lakeview area for Beats 2331 and 2323
click here.
BACK TO TOP.
Center on Halsted and its What's Cookin? Youth Culinary Program, 7/29/09 
Center on Halsted and its What's Cookin? Youth Culinary Program paired up with Chef Abraham Conlon to create an extraordinary dining series taking place on four consecutive Wednesday evenings in July. The dinners are staffed solely by talented aspiring chefs ranging from 15 – 18 years old. The program has been such a success it has completely sold out! Watch for more dinners in the fall.
BACK TO TOP.
Weekly Success: ANTI-VIOLENCE PROJECT Crisis Line, 7/31/09
The Anti-Violence Crisis Line has kept volunteers and staff very busy. Pride Month (June) and the summer weather often bring a greater awareness of LGBT violence within our community. Center on Halsted is grateful for the extraordinary work of its volunteers who staff this line for 12 hour shifts each day. In June alone, volunteers provided 528 hours of service – this is an amazing commitment to doing such challenging work.
One of our callers to the Anti-Violence Hotline was a man who is experiencing a great deal of violence - physical and emotional - in his apartment building due to his sexual orientation and his disability. He resides in a Single Room Occupancy (SRO) and has limited options for housing. He called looking for support and resources to deal with his ongoing victimization. We were able to link him to our on-site case manager from Northside Housing and Supportive Services for housing assistance, and also provided in-house referrals to Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), our free Legal Clinic, and the Center’s Mental Health program. It is fortunate that Center on Halsted can provide comprehensive services and support for clients like this who call.
BACK TO TOP.
Weekly Success: Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Program, 7/24/09
As a part of Center on Halsted’s Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Program over 100 elder LGBT adults have enjoyed our Tuesday hot catered lunches and remained at the Center for an afternoon of classes including French and Art as well as group discussion. On one Tuesday alone, 11 individuals were new to the SAGE program. The word about the SAGE program has spread.
In a recent survey, we asked SAGE patrons how they learned about the program. These are the responses; friend (60%), ads in gay papers (39%), printed calendar (25%), COH web page (10%). This demonstrates that patrons feel positive about the program and are recommending the Center to a friend. Clearly this is happening on a regular basis and Center on Halsted could not be more pleased.
BACK TO TOP.
Weekly Success: Community and Cultural Program, 7/17/09
Over 300 people attended the opening reception at the Galleries at Center on Halsted! There were many newcomers to the Center who experienced for the first time the beautiful rooftop garden, while sipping wine & enjoying two gorgeous art exhibits. Many of the new patrons were interested in attending more events or volunteering. The new CENTERFOLDS informational brochure was a major asset to inform the newcomers to the breadth of programming at the Center. People were visibly excited to see how THEIR Center does have something "just for them".
This week, the workOUT recreation classes taught over 40 new students how to shake their booty and get a great work-out, with the Sat. morning ROOFTOP HIP-HOP class, followed by Sunday evenings' Ballroom for Beginners! Added to this were the ongoing Volleyball practices, partnering members of the Youth Program with local Chicago police officers from our neighborhood precinct.
Sunday afternoon was an exceptional day with the first OUTwrite author reading, presented by Lambda Award-winning author Evan Fallenberg. This event was presented in partnership with and located at Spertus Institute for Jewish Studies at 610 S. Michigan Ave.; over 30 guests enjoyed the presentation and book signing overlooking Grant Park.
BACK TO TOP.
Center on Halsted is pleased to announce that one of its board members, Christy Webber, has been named Success of the Year.
Chicago entrepreneur and out Lesbian Christy Webber was presented the 2009 Small Business Administration's Entrepreneurial Success of the Year award on June 25, 2009. This prestigious award is given out each year by the U.S. Small Business Administration during Small Business Week to "recognize the accomplishments of outstanding Illinois small business owners." Criteria used to determine the honoree were staying power, growth in number of employees, innovativeness and contributions to community-oriented projects. Her business name is Christie Webber Landscapes.
www.christywebber.com
Congratulations Christy!
BACK TO TOP.
Center on Halsted and Sara Lee Foundation Planting DaySara Lee Planting
Volunteers from The Sara Lee Foundation, lead sponsor for the Access to Nutrition Program, and the Center's Executive Director Modesto Tico Valle spend a Sunday morning planting seasonal flowers in front of the Center.
To view more photos from the event
click here.
BACK TO TOP.
Illinois Bar Foundation awards grant to Center on Halsted Illinois Bar Foundation
Illinois Bar Foundation Grants Committee Member Tony Romanucci presents a $5,000 grant to Modesto Tico Valle Executive Director at Center on Halsted, to support the posting of legal education workshops podcasts and relevant handouts on the Center's website.
BACK TO TOP.
