LGBT

Can't attend tonight's mayoral forum on LGBT issues? No sweat! You can tune in and watch it live as it streams on the internet at the Windy City Times or Radio Arte's websites.

At the age of 59, Renae Ogletree passed away due to a long struggle with lung cancer on April 23. A nationally recognized LGBT leader  for many, many years, Renae was an inspiring, smart, strategic, and passionate advocate. She was also an unwavering ally in the fight against HIV/AIDS from the beginning. Her fierce determination, her savvy, and her wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed by everyone in the AIDS community, the LGBT community, and in the community at large - all arenas in which she contributed so much. We miss her deeply.

A public memorial service will be held Saturday, May 1, 11 a.m. at the Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark, followed by a reception at the same location.

Read more about Renae's life and many accomplishments, including recollections from a number of friends, in this Windy City Times article.

Via Chicago Free Press March 3, 2010

Job loss, program cuts, fears of more HIV infection. Call them the new economic realities for the agencies that serve the GLBT community.

Donations are down even at food pantries--like Vital Bridges (left) which serves Chicagoans living with HIV

Whether they’re helping Chicago GLBTs put food on the table, working to secure and defend their civil rights, offering HIV prevention services or serving the medical needs of the community; almost every GLBT non-profit in Chicago has been negatively impacted by the economy. Many experts fear this is only the beginning. “Every facet of life in the state for vulnerable people is going to be impacted,” predicts John Peller, Director of Governmental Affairs at AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

By David Munar Via LifeLube
On this seemingly ordinary sunny day in our nation’s capital, my partner and I strolled slowly down 16th Street, looking for pockets of shade and commenting on the majestic magnolia trees and fragrant lilacs.

Windy City Media Group is hosting a "25 for 25" charity drive during May to recognize the 25th anniversary of its publisher, Tracy Baim, in Chicago LGBT media.
 

We must tell our own truth,
or others will do it for us.

By Pistol Pete via LifeLube

The 2009 National LGBTI Health Summit is currently accepting workshop proposals for the upcoming gathering, to be held in Chicago, IL August 14-18, 2009. Proposals will be accepted through March 31, 2009.