GLBTQ Friends-Central Kane County - Recently Updated Pages

A Starting Point

Calendar

Upcoming Events!

Business Directory

Videos and stuff

Event Announcements from Other Places

About Us

GLBTQ Friends-Central Kane County NEWS

Blank Page for Practice editing pages

Directions

GLBT Advocacy Page

Sexual Health

You are invited

Past Events

GLBTQ Friends-Central Kane County - Recently Updated Pages

A Starting Point

Calendar

September 2008

October 2008

November 2008

December 2008

We get highlighted in "Out In The Suburbs" April lNewsletter

Calling All Athletes! Whether you walk, run or cycle, Equality Illinois has something planned for you!

Study: Sex partners often found online

Nosh!

Friday night, June 13, a small group led by vince.m dined on American tapas at Nosh, in Geneva. Great time, and cudos to vince for posting an invitation and organizing an event! That's what this group is all about, making some friends and finding things to do.

Italian Food was .....oh man!

We at at Tivoli Ristorante and Gallery on Route 59 in West Chicago, May 16. The food was great, there was a singer in the lounge, we met the chef, and our servier, Lori, loved us! We were as big a hit with them as they were with us. A couple of new people this time, and that's always good, so while we wish more of you could have joined us, the nine of us who attended were well fed, and happy!

Gay Games and new friends

We had our first game night on Saturday, April 26. Many thanks to our host, westburbswimmer (Steve) , his daughter and Max the wonder dog who were excellent hosts, providing a comfortable home, gay-friendly rainbow jello, soft drinks and all the supplies to make a party work. More than a dozen friends showed up, again including new people, even one couple who drove in from the Quad-Cities. You can host an event too. Just talk to Michael (GaySop or MickeyDid) Ben (Dekunoboh) or Steve (westburbswimmer), and we'll get you started. An event can be in your home, or someplace else, whatever you plan and arrange. The Thursday night COFFEE events are a great time to feel out others on your idea, and to find someone who will help, whether you need a couple extra folding chairs, somebody to bring ice for the pop, or just a friend off of whom you might bounce some ideas.

Thanks again to Steve, and to everyone who came and brought snacks or games to share! If you left a game behind at Steve's house, he's holding it for you!

First Friday in Geneva!

A Gallery Walk- Friday, June 6th

It's time once again for that amazing gallery walk! This time around, Verve on Third and Down to Earth Pottery will be exhibiting their wares on Saturday, but if you do come back you'll benefit from discounted prices at both locations! (Or so the shop owners tell me.) Gallery 28 will be hosting an open mic night from 6 to 9, so come prepared with something to perform and get ready for their new exhibition, the Painted Violin Project! And as always, the other galleries on the walk are touting new acquisitions for folks to come see now that the weather has been phenomenal. Contact Dekunoboh if you have any questions.

Here's some details provided by the First Fridays website :

The First Friday Gallery Walk is a self-guided art walk and reception to showcase the Art Galleries of Geneva. Participating Galleries stay open “late ‘til 9” the first Friday of every month. All of the galleries are within walking distance of each other. A Gallery Directory is available at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, at www.artgalleriesgeneva.com, or at any of the participating galleries.
Many of the galleries provide refreshments and some may have special events, artists show openings, or live performances happening at the galleries during First Fridays.
Geneva’s Art Galleries feature world-class paintings, photography, sculpture, fine contemporary craft, fiber arts, jewelry and cultural arts by nationally and internationally known and local artists. Events occur between 6-9 pm. First Fridays is sponsored by the Geneva Arts Commission, the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, The Geneva Downtown Partnership, the Galleries of Geneva, and most importantly… You! We look forward to welcoming you to our Arts Community!

Dinner at Thai Zie

September 2008

October 2008

November 2008

Thursday Coffee

ESTEBAN'S EXPRESSION NITES

Check out the video below documenting the first days of marriage equality in California, then click on the banner above to sign the Million for Marriage petition!

California Marriage Video

The American Family Association's website OneNewsNow.com sports the tagline "Your Latest News from a Christian Perspective." In addition to op-eds from antigay authors, the site relies on content from the Associated Press. They routinely make changes to put spin on the AP stories, placing the words marriage and wedding in quotes when referring to same-gender couples and swapping out the phrase "groups that oppose same-sex marriage" to read "groups that support one-man, one-woman marriage."1 Additionally, they make use of a filter to replace every instance of the word "gay" with "homosexual." So when olympic athlete Tyson Gay ran the fastest 100m of all time earlier this week, the headline at OneNewsNow.com read "Homosexual eases into 100 final at Olympic trials."

Howard Fendrich's AP story, modified by the American Family Association for readers of OneNewsNow.com, included the following amusing lines:

"Tyson Homosexual was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than anyone ever has." "Wearing a royal blue uniform with red and white diagonal stripes across the front, along with matching shoes, all in a tribute to 1936 Olympic star Jesse Owens, Homosexual dominated the competition." "Everyone expected Homosexual to make the U.S. team."

After the laughs and shaking of heads, instances like this are sure to give people everywhere pause. The American Family Association's fixation with being antigay -- right down to the word itself -- serves neither America nor the many families that call her home.

1. "Moral" group's continued embrace of unethical journalism

House rejects benefits for partners of gay Chicago teachers

Associated Press - April 15, 2008 6:34 PM ET
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois House has rejected a measure aimed at helping gay teachers in Chicago.
The measure involves pension benefits that surviving spouses can collect after a teacher dies. The change would have allowed gay teachers to give survivor benefits to their partners, just as married couples can.
The legislation failed 43-67 Tuesday.
Supporters say the change wouldn't have cost taxpayers anything. Teachers would have paid all costs.
They also say it's only fair to let gay teachers provide financial security for their partners.
But Republican Representative Ron Stephens calls the idea "an important error in judgment."
The bill is HB4731.
On the Net: http://www.ilga.gov http://www.wandtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8171745

Feel free to contact Mr. Stephens or your own rep. to explain to him what "an important error in judgement" really is and that gays and lesbians are part of their constituency.

Ron Stephens

112A Executive Drive

Highland, IL 62249

(618) 651-0405

(618) 651-0413 FAX

Two reps cover the tri cities area. I'm not exactly sure where the boundary is but they both voted against it as well.

The rep for the eastern part of the Tri Cities is Mike Fortner.

135 Fremont St.

West Chicago, IL 60185

(630) 293-9344

(630) 293-9785 FAX

The western part of the Tri Cities is Tim Schmitz.

127 Hamilton Street

Suite D

Geneva, IL 60134

(630) 845-9590

(630) 845-9592 FAX

Ted Haggard and Larry Craig should take a lesson from this guy!

from www.goodasyou.org

Southworth: Embracing his worth, even in the South

Chicago Tribune

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27Galena Historic Home Tour(see brochure)

28

Galena Historic Home tour

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

27

Galena Historic Home Tour
(see brochure)

3
World of Chocolate
fund raiser
Aids Foundation of Chicago

MickeyDid — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:13:56 CDT

Welcome to GLBTQ Friends-Central Kane County.

For a more complete forecast or more

weather news, simply click on the

temperature number.

Our Mission Through this web page, we hope to provide opportunities for the creation of an offline community where GLBTQ individuals can interact, learn, and grow through social activities as well as ongoing open discussion in an accepting and supportive environment.

News You can Use	Would you like to explore the idea of a book club within the group? We'll spend part of coffee time on September 11 checking on people's interest and maybe getting organized!	Have ideas? Tell us what you want to do! click here!	New Video added I've Got You short film on Gay Parenting click Videos and Stuff page	Check Out the Business Directory for details about a New GLBT Nite at a club in Naperville!
75% of American's favor letting Gays serve openly in the military according to an ABC Newspoll. Check out the VIDEO HERE.	Can you spell Karaoke?	Laser Tag ?? Maybe September 20	Check out the post on the Tour of Historic Galena Homes Sept. 27&28 on Outside Events Page	Next Coffee Night is Thursday, September 11 Border's Books Kirk and Main St. St. Charles

ANSWER the posting about Fall Schedule of Events click here.

The July, 2008 edition of Out in the Suburbs is attached at the bottom of the NEWS Page

We are building a list of LBGTQ Resources on-line. Check it out! We are also working on a Business Directory just for us!

Looking for INFO on Coffee Night or an Outing? Go to the Upcoming Events page.

You can check out the Calendar

or go directly to Upcoming Events

Check out the Calendar Page!

GaySop — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:07:59 CDT

Back to Home Page

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	1 Labor Day	2	3	4	5 First Friday Gallery Walk gather at 318 S. 3rd in Geneva between 6 and 6:30 (eat afterwards?)	6
7	8	9	10	11 Coffee Night at Borders Cafe in St. Charles 7PM	12 Festival of the Vine in downtown Geneva	13 Festival of the Vine in downtown Geneva
14 Festival of the Vine in downtown Geneva	15	16	17	18	19	20 AIDS Run &Walk AIDS Foundation of Chicago
21	22	23	24	25 Coffee Night at Borders Cafe in St. Charles 7PM	26	27 Galena Historic Home Tour (see brochure)
28 Galena Historic Home tour (see brochure)	29	30

Back to Home Page

Back to Home Page

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
						1
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
9	10	11 Veteran's Day	12	13	14	15
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
23	24	25	26	27 Thanksgiving Day	28	29
30

Back to Home Page

Back to Home Page

GaySop — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:04:16 CDT

Festival of the Vine

Friday through Sunday, September 12-14

We have no plans for this event, but somebody could post a plan, and we'd have it!

for more details, the Festival has a website .

Barring somebody making it a plan, go on your own and have a great time! There will be LOTS of food and lots of people.

Note that the West Suburban Gay Association has planned an outing for 12 Noon on Sunday. We have not contacted them nor been invited, but this would be a time that you could be certain of not being the only queer person in downtown Geneva. (Trust, me, you're never alone!). If you'd like to know more of their plans and maybe contact them, here is a link to their website

It's Back!
We did Septemeber 5. Go to the Discussion Forum (Red Task Bar at the top)
to tell us whether you'd like to repeat this event!

Well, ok, 1st Fridays has been there all along. But we're going to enjoy it as a group again in September.
We'll gather at "318" the coffee lounge located at
318 South Third Street in Downtown Geneva
between 6 and 6:30 on Friday, September 5.
We plan on heading out to the first gallery on out walk just after 6:30.

Once we've had our fill of Art, we might stop off somewhere for a bite to eat,
coffee or cocktails.
Our resident art critic is Ben (Dekunoboh) so check with
him for questions!

As always, the event phone is (630) 338-6134

On alternate Thursday nights, we meet for coffee and conversation at the Cafe inside Borders Books in St. Charles. Borders in located in a strip mall on the southeast corner of Main Street (Illinois Route 64) and Kirk Road in St. Charles. (If you GPS or Mapquest it, the address is 3539 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174). We gather about 7PM, and there is no requirement that you be ontime, but the store has recently started closing earlier, at 9 PM, so be forewarned. Also, plans do sometimes change from time to time, so check back here, or call the event phone at 630-338-6134 on the day of the event. Coffee night is when we plan future events, get to know one another a little better, and gossip about the Friends who didn't make it to coffee this time. Please join us, everyone is welcome. Upcoming coffee nights are August 28, Septmber 11 and September 25. Again, we could change time or location because of the change in Border's closing time, so it is best to check here or on the phone the day of the event. While we generally are ready to break group by around 9PM, it would be nice to find a place that stayed open a little later so we weren't rushed. Borders recently changed to the 9PM closing, and so have Geneva Caribou and Geneva Starbucks. If you have any ideas of a place within the Geneva-St. Charles area that would be comfortable hosting us, and in which we would be comfortable, and which is open past 9 PM (even just a little bit later), please contact one or all of the moderators with your suggestion. You could email or leave a message here on the system.

We are working on details of a Book Club that would probably meet one Thursday night (on a non-coffee night Thursday) a month. Robert from Aurora will facilitate the group. Right now it is our plan that during a part of the regular Coffee Night Thursday on September 11, we will set a date, time and place for the first organizing meeting of the book club, and maybe even choose a first book...or start a list...or???? Come with your ideas. Robert has led book discussion groups before, and promises to make this an experience to remember!

Go to Calendar or return to the Main Page

GaySop — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:39:05 CDT

This directory is intended to list businesses that Friends would recommend to other Friends. Please indulge a few definitions and instructions before you post your favorite business. Please allow me to use the word "gay" on this page to mean gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans-gender.

A business listed as gay-owned is owned by one or more gay persons. There may be additional owner(s) who are not gay. Please do not "out" a business owner by listing him/her here. Only list as gay-owned those businesses who have given permission or who would list themselves as gay-owned.
A gay-managed business is, one which is owned by a large corporation, or by straight or unknown owners but is operated or managed openly by one or more gay persons. Similar to the what we said about gay-owned businesses, we will not "out" a gay manager who does not openly operate a business or request to be listed as gay-managed.
A gay-friendly business might include either of the above, if they choose not to be listed as gay-owned or gay-managed, or if you don't know about owner(s) or manager(s)orientation, but the business recognizes gay customers and welcomes them. Your local Starbuck's might be listed as gay-friendly, even if the manager is your straight sister-in-law.
A note to business owners and business managers. Pleased, feel free to request to have your business added or deleted from this list, or changed by category. The open architecture of this system actually will allow you to make changes yourself, but if you'd like us to do it for you simply E-mail the GaySop

We just heard about a new place for GLBT adults to gather on Thursday Nights. Esteban's in Naperville has just started
Expression Nites on Thursdays, from 8PM to 2AM. September 4 was the kickoff, and while as far as we know, no Kane Friends were there, we're told that there was a diverse classy crowd with a good mix of men and women, as well as a variety of ages and ethnicities. September 4, and again Sept 11 Expression Nites feature was a name-brand female impersonation (Drag) show, starring the World renowned Cher impersonator, Candi Stratton (pictured left) and Miss Shining Star Continental 2008. A few more details are available at the Expression Nites website on Myspace. Esteban's is at 1550 N. Rt. 59 in Naperville, just south of I-88.

Shop online today at www.VignetteHomeDecor.com or store.VignetteHomeDecor.com.

Services Include:
* In Home Consultations
* Home Staging
* Color Selections
* General Contracting
* 200+ Furniture Lines
* Lighting Recommendations
* Flooring
* Granite & More!

Now through July 31, 2008, Members of GLBTQ Friends - Central Kane County will recieve 25% of all Professional Services including Home Staging, In Home Consultations, Color Selections, & Interior Redesign

www.VignetteHomeDecor.com is Gay Owned and Operated

Thai Zie at 11 N. Third Street in St. Charles (630-444-1690) is a gay-friendly
restaurant serving the most authentic Thai food around. The service is friendly, the decor is elegant and the food is the best Thai in the area. The owner, Champ, and his chef mother, Toom, will treat you like family. Most dishes can be prepared totally mild, or in any degree of spicy/hot that you desire. Everything is prepared to order. Try a Thai iced tea or Thai iced coffee for something different, and save room for dessert. Champ makes most of the desserts himself. Dinner is served 7 nights a week, and lunch every day except Sunday. Click on the photo to the left for a website with more photos and a menu. Please see the note about the May 11-Mothers' Day special posted on the Past Events Page .

Fran Bailey is a gay Realtor, associated with Baird & Warner which bills itself as "Chicago's Leading Gay-Friendly Real Estate Broker." Fran keeps a Real Estate Blog and is also active as the operator of Out In The Suburbs a website for GLBT people living in the Chicago suburban communities. Fran can help you sell your current home, find that dream home, or help with other important Real Estate matters. You can telephone her at 847-890-5270 or you can email Fran

Dixie LoCicero is a gay Financial Services Representative, associated with Chicago North Financial Group, MetLife. Dixie is licensed for life, accident & health, variable products and securities. Her goal is to become a financial resource for GLBT people living in the Chicago suburban communities. Dixie also can help small business owners with benefit programs. Dixie can be reached at (630) 875-1644, dlocicero@metlife.com. Check out Dixie's website: www.dixielocicero.metlife.com.

Need help with your resume? Need interviewing support?
Cynthia Wade is an award winning recruiter and writer. She can help you to craft your resume as a marketing document that will help get you that interview. She can then coach you through the interview process to better ensure that you will get an offer.
Cynthia is a straight woman, but comfortable working with gays, lesbians and trans-gendered people in their job searches.
For more information write to her at CynthiaKayWade@aol.com
.

GaySop — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:33:09 CDT

Have you checked out our GLBT Advocacy page ?

Cool Gay Parenting Video! I've Got You
Member Westburbswimmer, a great gay dad himself, found this video on uTube. Check it out!

75% of Americans favor repealing the military "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy!
Staff Sgt Eric Alva (USMC Ret.) was the first American injured in the "war" in Iraq. His right leg was blown off. After his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps and rehabilitation with a computerized metal "leg," Eric came out as a gay man. This week (July 20, 2008) he will testify before Congress about the need to repeal don't ask don't tell. Here is an ABC News(c) video featuring Alva and the poll that shows that 75% of Americans now favor allowing gays to serve openly in the military!

A great video of Faith Leaders talking about the Freedom to Marry!

The President who could have been

Here's how one famous Thai dish is prepared:
Basil Fried Rice, Thai Style!

No Comment on this one

This one is about love

Here is Barak Obama's March 18 Speech on Race and Politics in America

Gay Blind Date!

Any Guy can be a Girl!

GaySop — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:51:12 CDT

TOUR of
HISTORIC
GALENA HOMES
Saturday & Sunday
September 27 and 28, 2008
9 am to 5 pm

Tickets are $14, or $12 if purchased by Sept. 15.

The drive from the Fox Valley to Galena is a beatiful way to spend a weekend day, and the historic town is well worth seeing.
Great shops and restaurants abound in Galena.
Our member and friend, MrAlgonquin can
help you fine a B&B if you think
you'd like to stay overnight.
But
it is an easy day trip
Full Brochure or there is a website for the Galena History Museum, which sponsors the Tour

Why not get a group together to go, or if you plan to go alone or just with somebody special, you could always
post a note (here or in the discussion forum) about when you'll be there
and where you might meet-up with others!

GaySop — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 09:24:05 CDT

Event Phone/Voice Mail/Text Message

630-338-6134

Leave a voice mail message for the group organizers
At the time of a scheduled event place a voice call for directions, etc.
Text message the group organizers

Click Here

To send mail from your email account to the group organizers

To leave a message on this system, click on "members" from the red bar at the top of the page; select either "GaySop" or "Dekunoboh" from the list of members, and then click on "send message" on the drop down under the name you have selected.

You are the chairman of the Board This group has no officers, no charter, no bylaws, no structure. Technically, there is no organization. Anybody can come in and sign up on the website, but the website is simply a communication tool. Some who attend the functions planned are not website users, and some who use the website will never attend an event. YOU may post an event, organize an event and report on your event. You can ask for help, you can do it on your own. You can pick a date, you can take the emails, you can ask the moderators to help gather RSVPs or do it yourself. You can come to all the events, one event, no events, any events you want. No dues, No membership card.

This site is a gathering space for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans and Questioning people who live, work, play or visit central Kane County, Illinois. Let's call that anywhere within easy reach of Geneva, Illinois, but also let's not quibble about details. The site is primarily intended for adults over the age of 18, but an attempt will be made to keep all content within the bounds of what might also be acceptable for mature youth. While we will attempt to post referral sites for queer and questioning youth, that is not a primary purpose of this website. Any social events sponsored or promoted herein are intended for adults over the age of 18, except as specifically noted

Community Guidelines (adapted from the Wetpaint Wiki Code of Conduct)
To foster the best possible experience for all, the GLBTQ Friends-Central Kane County community respectfully requests that its visitors and contributors honor these guidelines for conduct. Failure to follow these rules may result in a deletion of your comment and/or content.

1.Play nicely with others

Treat others and their comments/contributions with respect, and foster considerate dialogue.
Inappropriate, crude or abusive language is unacceptable; anyone may access this site.
There are no stupid questions. Everyone's input is welcomed and honored. Please be supportive of all.
Please report disrespectful or provocative content, but refrain from seeking vigilante justice.

2. Act in good faith

Don't pilfer material - Do not publish content to which you have no rights.
Shameless self-promotion and hawking of wares are strictly out-of-line. See Spam section below.

3. Spam and not spam.

It is OK to mention a business or service, especially one which is GLBT friendly, or provides services unique to our community, but it becomes SPAM when it is repeated unnecessarily, or flagrantly used to bring business to yourself and your friends, rather than to help the readers.
Unsolicited web links used to promote a business or other website may be considered SPAM. It is OK to offer a link in response to a legitimate question or issue raised by another, unrelated contributor.
Postings promoting other websites most appropriately belong on the page with other resource links. If you are not sure how to do this, give it a try, or leave a detailed message to GaySop and he will post it for you. Nonsequitor messages in the forums that serve only to solicit visits to another website may be considered SPAM. On the other hand, if the website you are suggesting has content directly related to the thread posted by other contributor(s) it's probably OK, to post a link.
SPAM is just plain rude. Please don't make a contributor, moderator or the GaySop delete your SPAM. When in doubt, ask.

4. Encourage a safe and positive Environment

We are a group base around the ideal of creating a safe environment in which LGBTQ individuals can socialize. Please act with responsibility and accountability when interacting with other participants such as to maintain said environment.

Thanks you for your cooperation. Together we can make this a great place to visit.

Return to Home Page

GaySop — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:07:02 CDT

4000 Hits!

According to the Sitemeter on our system, we had our 4000th visitor to the website this evening, August 15, 2008 at 9:58 pm. Congratulations to visitor #4000, and please continue to spread the word. Please also click on "Discussion Forum" up above, and read and respond to our planning for the fall. Outinthesuburbs.com continues to be our greatest source of new visitors and members! Right behind Outinthesuburbs.com the next most common source of new members is word of mouth, (or keyboard) by our current members! We lose a few who don't find what they are looking for here, but don't let that be you! Get us to do something that you want to do!

Now that we have a logo, can t-shirts be far behind?You can really tell when your Gay System Operator is bored; he's up at 6:30 on a Sunday morning drawing logos for the Friends group on his computer. We will not be selling t-shirts with this logo at our next meeting. Also not in the planning are ceramic coffee mugs with our new logo, logo mouse pads, and logo static-cling stickers for your car window. Finally, we have neglected to plan for a sharp messenger-type tote bag with handles and shoulder straps. You will not be able to choose between two canvass colors or black leather for the tote bags.

April, May and June News letters are downloadable

from the bottom of this page!

Some of you, maybe even most, may be aware of a website called Out In The Suburbs which was created and is edited by suburban area Realtor, Fran Bailey. She does a really great job of keeping up-to-date lists of resources, events, happenings in entire Chicago Suburban area. And each month, she emails a newsletter to a vast list of GLBT interested people all over the area.

Out In The Suburbs has been on our on-line resources page from day one of this site, and because Fran had offered to help me with a previous venture into GLBT community making, I was anxious to tell her about this one! Lo, this month (April 08) she has featured us in the newsletter, and even has an image of our home page and a link to our site on her home page!
Maybe that will get us some members, you think?

If you get a chance to drop Fran a note of thanks, I'm sure she'll appreciate it. And when you need a Realtor, check with Fran; she helps buyers and sellers all over the burbs. It pays to do business with friends!

For the full text of the Current or recent past "Out In The Suburbs" newsletter, download the attachment (Word file) from the very bottom of this page (be patient, it takes a minute or two to download). To receive the newsletter every month, sign up at Out In The Suburbs .

GaySop — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:22:20 CDT

This page is just what it says. I'd like members to start posting. If you're not sure how something works, you can try it here, then erase it or edit it or fix it or whatever. I'll come by now and then and clean it up. If you get good content here, move it out to one of the REAL pages, or create a new page for it. Everything on this page is fair game to be edited, erased or stolen!

Looks good huh? If you'd like to see this on top of a cake that was baked just for you and me, send me a message!

How about a link to the Discussion Board

GaySop — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:01:57 CDT

The Fabyan Forest Preserve is located in Geneva, Illinois, south of downtown Geneva, and north of Fabyan Parkway, on both sides of the Fox River.
Our Picnic will be in Shelter #3, which is on the EAST side of the Fox River, accessible only from Route 25. You'd turn in by the Windmill and park in the big lot along the river. The shelter is adjacent to the parking lot and bike trail, within eyeshot of the windmill.

From the north: Take Illinois Route 25 north from Route 38 (State Street) about a mile and a half. You'll See a big brown, dutch-style windmill; turn right at the windmill and come to the bottom of the hill.

From the south: Take Illinois Route 25 south from Batavia or from Fabyan Parkway, several hundred yards almost to the big brown dutch-style windmill; turn left at the windmill and come to the bottom of the hill.

The Fabyan Forest Preserve link has some history of the park, directions and a map of the park.

GaySop — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:28:15 CDT

American Family Association Gets Caught Rewriting Associated Press Stories

Reprinted from "Souforce Email Update, July 1, 2008" Join Soulforce www.soulforce.org

On Saturday, June 28th, Equality Illinois asks you to join our team for Proud To Run 2008, Chicago Pride Weekend's 5K/10K Run and 2 Mile Fun Walk. Now in its’ 27th year, Proud To Run celebrates lesbian and gay pride. Everyone who wishes to join in the celebration and show support is welcome, regardless of sexual orientation. Presented in association with the Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Chicago, Chicago’s LGBT running and walking club, Proud To Run raises funds to help health and service organizations in Chicago. The event begins at 8:04 am, and is held on Lincoln Park’s running/bike path just east of Lake Shore Drive, with both the start and finish at Montrose Avenue (4400 North). Both Equality Illinois’ running and walking teams will be headed up by Equality Illinois Board member Linda Pauel. For additional information on becoming a member of one of our teams and cost of participation, please contact Linda at LPauel@EQIL.org.

Later this summer, on Saturday, August 16th, bicycle enthusiasts are asked to join the Equality Illinois cycling team for Rolling on the River-- Illinois’ Bike Ride for the Environment. Held at the Kendall County Fairgrounds in Yorkville, IL, Rolling on the River brings attention to Illinois’ air and water quality, food supply, rivers and other natural resources. The choice of one-day rides includes a casual cruise of 15 miles to an intense workout of 100 miles. The fully-supported, clearly marked routes cross the Fox River multiple times, with a scenic vistas, rolling hills and wildlife. Participants can purchase official Team EQIL cycling jerseys, underwritten in part by Nutrisoda, Aquafina Alive Water and Moët Hennessy USA, to whom we extend a heartfelt thank you. For information on how you can purchase a team jersey, please contact Equality Illinois Board member Tamara Lewis at TLewis@EQIL.org. To register for this event, please go to RollingRiverRide. Make sure you specify Equality Illinois as your Team! For additional information, go to http://www.rollingriverride.org.

Become a Member

Join Equality Illinois and Support the Cause! Equality Illinois invites you to become an active member as we work towards a full and equal place at the table for LGBT people and our families in Illinois. By being an active member, you let us know that you are out there, that you are on the side of equality and justice, and that our voice is reaching open hearts and minds. Educating our fellow Illinoisans and government officials about legislative issues, building a strong support network that crosses the boundaries of sexual orientation and gender identity, and maintaining a strong and effective team of lobbyists are all key to our future successes, and that is why your support is so very critical today. Your financial contributions are vital to our existence. Your membership is the support that keeps us going. Equality Illinois offers many membership plans, Individual to Household, Activist to Capitol Club. Please consider joining or renewing your membership now. To join online, please click here. For additional information on membership plans and options, please contact Joey McDonald at JMcDonald@EQIL.org or 773-477-7173.

News you can use!

Contemporary Christian Celebrity Comes Out.

He''s a Southern boy. He hosts a Christian television show. And while those two things might seem like reasons to stay in the closet, Nashvillian TV personality Azariah Southworth isn't going to let anything stand in the way of his truth. He's just come out:
Popular Christian TV host comes out [Out & About]
It remains to be seen how those in the Christian community, who have profiled Azariah in their media outlets and celebrated his program, will react to his revelation. Though if a betting man, this writer would put money on the word "Satan" factoring into their replies.
But damning condemnations be damned. Welcome out, Azariah!

At least for the time being, you can send Azariah a note of encouragement at www.myspace.com/theremixtv

See the Resources page

Obama Speech on Race and Politics in America - March 18, 2008

Illinois General Assembly debates HB 1826 - Domestic Partner Law Your Help is Needed Now! Equality Illinois seeks your help in contacting your representative and senator in Springfield in support of the bill.

HB1826 provides recognition and guarantees some of the rights and responsibilities to persons in civil unions that are currently granted to persons in civil marriages.

Gay and lesbian couples and seniors should have the same inheritance rights, medical decision-making rights and protections as married couples in Illinois.

This bill also affirms religious institutions’ right not to solemnize these unions.

We have come far, but we still have a long way to go before all Illinois families are treated fairly and equitably. You have the power to help make equality a reality in Illinois.

Please go to Equality Illinois now, for mor informaton and to contact your legislators in Springfield.

Back to the Resources page
or
Check out Events!

GaySop — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:26:18 CDT

Syphilis on rise among men with same-sex partners

By Deborah L. Shelton | Chicago Tribune reporter July 14, 2008

Men who have sex with men are more likely to turn to the Internet to find sex partners than meet them at bars or clubs, according to a new report by the Chicago Department of Public Health.

The trend is significant because health experts believe Internet hookups are helping to fuel a syphilis epidemic among men with same-sex partners.

The report was based on confidential interviews conducted as part of the health department's routine disease-surveillance activities. It was the first time more men said they met sex partners online than in places such as bars, said Dr. William Wong, medical director of the health department's division of sexually transmitted disease, HIV and AIDS.

The Internet is not the cause of the upsurge in infectious syphilis cases among men who have sex with men, but it increases the chances of disease transmission, said Deborah Levine, executive director of the Oakland, Calif.-based Internet Sexuality Information Services, a non-profit group that develops Internet technologies to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

"If you go to a bar in a night, there might be 200 or 300 people there," Levine said. "You can go on multiple Web sites in a night and potentially meet thousands of people. The speed and sheer numbers allow for more possibilities for passing around infections."

In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a national plan to eliminate infectious syphilis from the United States. But even as rates among heterosexuals have dropped dramatically, sinking to a historic low, rates among men who have sex with men have soared.

The shift has set back local and national health campaigns aimed at preventing new cases of the disease.

The number of syphilis cases in Chicago hovered around 300 annually for about a decade. Until 2001, most of the cases were among heterosexual men and women.

Then the trend shifted. Last year 331 syphilis cases were reported in Chicago—71 percent of them among men with same-sex partners.

Nationally, about 36,000 cases were reported in 2006.

Syphilis is easily treated with penicillin in its early stages. Untreated, it can damage internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints.

According to the health department survey, 34 percent of men diagnosed with syphilis last year at city health department STD clinics said they met their sex partners on the Internet, Wong said. That compared with 33 percent of men who said they met their sex partners at bars or clubs.

"Prevention does work, and the reductions over the last 10 years among women and the heterosexual community are an important advance," Wong said. "We are making progress. But syphilis is still around and there's still work to be done."

One concern is the increasing number of people diagnosed with syphilis who also are HIV-infected. Among heterosexuals diagnosed with syphilis at city clinics four years ago, 6 percent were infected with HIV. Last year it was 15 percent.

The majority of men diagnosed with syphilis at Howard Brown Health Center already are HIV-infected or finding out about their HIV infection at the same time of their diagnosis, said Daniel Pohl, the health center's manager of disease-intervention services.

Unprotected oral sex is mistakenly considered safe, but it can be risky in the case of syphilis if there are sores on the genitals or in the mouth, Pohl said.

"They think casual oral sex won't have repercussions," he said. "But with syphilis, it can."

Though the Internet has created new challenges, it also offers opportunities for intervention, Wong said.

The National Coalition of STD Directors published national guidelines on Internet-based interventions to help health departments use the Web in outreach activities.

The Chicago health department has tried different strategies—from beefing up its Web site with information about syphilis, to posting banner ads on other Web sites and launching a Web site called inSPOT, which is run in partnership with Internet Sexuality Information Services.

The site combines the concept of an electronic greeting card with information about STDs.

Men can send an anonymous, confidential e-mail notifying their partners that they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.

GaySop — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:02:01 CDT

You are invited to participate in a special lunch seminar, sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute and Prudential. The focus of the seminar will be financial planning for LGBT individuals, including a discussion of retirement and estate planning. Experts from Prudential will provide straightforward information about what’s really happening in today’s financial world, which is critical as you plan for your short term and long term financial goals. Financial Planning for the LGBT Community Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 11:30 am to 1:30 pm Swissotel Chicago 323 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601 Lunch and seminar are free, but space is limited and reservations are required If you’re interested in joining us for this informative and timely seminar, please RSVP to Martin Espinoza at martin.espinoza@glli.org. Thank you for your support of LGBT leaders across the country. We hope to see you for lunch Wednesday, July 16th!

Back to Home or to main Business Directory Page

westburbswimmer — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 10:38:45 CDT

GAME NIGHT #2 Game night #2 was a good time for all. 10 people showed up and we all were able to join in some rousing games of Scattergories, some music trivia game, and the big hit, Apples to Apples. The evening was a nice time of good food, good fellowship and fairly tame fun.

Swedish Days

There was a change of plans for coffee this Thursday the 19th. This week is Swedish Days in downtown Geneva and Thursday night was a blues band called Morry Sochat and the Special 20's (http://www.special20s.com/).
14 of us met on the courthouse lawn on 3rd street. Each brought a lawn chair or blanket to sit on or share. We ate hotdogs, ice cream, corn-on-the-cob, pizza, huge turkey legs and who knows what else! It was good to see old friends and some new ones too. We even met a few passers-by thanks to the people magnet that Max is! Unfortunately he's mostly a chick magnet.

Good work, Vince!

Dinner was Wonderful!
First Fridays June 6 was a smash with 11 participants and a few new exhibitions thanks to the Geneva Historical Society. We would also like to thank the West Suburban Gay Association for making room for us at Claddagh! Lots of great conversations were had and we are incredibly grateful for the warm welcome! Thank you all for a great time!

Nine Friends gathered for dinner at Thai Zie in downtown St. Charles on Sunday, March 30. After enjoying a sampling of appetizers, we ordered from the menu. The food was great, and the service was warm and friendly. Thai Zie is owned by one of our own Friends, Champ. Our party was greeted warmly by Andy, Champ, Pat and Toom, the family at Thai Zie.

We are sure to return to Thai Zie for a dinner event in the future, but we'll also look for other venues that welcome LBGT parties, and serve such great food. Your suggestions are always welcome.

Thai Zie is located in downtown St. Charles behind The Filling Station Restaurant on North 3rd and Main Streets. Champ says that Moms eat for free on Mothers Day, May 11, but only if you make a reservation! (630) 444-1690
Dinner is served 7 days a week, and lunch Monday through Saturday. The Thai Zie website includes photos and a menu.

Chocolate fondue at Graham's 318 in Geneva was dessert after 9 or 10 of us completed the Gallery Walk for the art shops and galleries in downtown Geneva on Friday, April 4. The event is a monthly one for Geneva, called "First Fridays." We had a good time and very well may repeat this in the future! Thanks to Dekunoboh (Ben) for planning this one! We go to meet a couple of new people who had not been out with the Friends group before, and that's what this is all about, creating a community of Friends!

13
Columbus Day

18
Annual Gala Howard Brown Medical Center