It’s like a PRIDE CELEBRATION!

GET TICKETS  BEFORE IT SELLS  OUT!!!! Limited to 6,000  tickets!

AFTER  PARTY  AT CHARLIES!!!!

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For the 2025 edition of Expo Chicago Contemporary Art Fair , Bill Arning Exhibitions (BAE) will present Rekindling Sparks , a solo booth of photo-based conceptual works by Philadelphia-based Cuban-American artist Gabriel Martinez .

Martinez, who derives his works from queer archives and subcultural erotic histories, has maintained a decades-long professional relationship with Arning, who curated the artist’s first New York project at White Columns in 1995. For Expo Chicago, artist and curator will reconceptualize Sparks in a Dark Room , a significant installation Martinez presented in 2024 at Chicago’s Leather Archives and Museum (LA&M). The installation drew parallels between Martinez’s art and life, and the late queer Filipino Chicago-based artist Etienne,whose work forms the core of LA&M’s collection. Martinez’s works, presented in LA&M as part of a freewheeling installation, taped to the wall and tucked into bathrooms, have been reimagined for Expo Chicago in a more museum-ready form.

In the United States, few LGBTQ-specific museums exist. Chicago, where the leather world was invented in the city’s underground club scene, is unique in giving a home to a space like LA&M. The LA&M was created to preserve the legacy of Etienne (Domingo Orejudos), who died of AIDS-related illnesses in 1991 and whose hyper-erotic murals were beloved sites for queer visitors to the Windy City. Invited to work within the museum’s comprehensive collection of Etienne’s work, Martinez approached the late artist as a maker of queer myths.

Martinez’s technique uses contact printing, disco balls, and lasers to bring forth manifestations of seemingly collective leather dreams. His Sparks in A Dark Room at LA&M celebrated an expansive erotic drive through the employment of his unique photo processes that uses a photographic tricksterism to render the archival images he rephotographs as magical.

Martinez was raised in Miami but has spent his entire professional career in Philadelphia. For over three decades, he has been a teacher of young artists coming out of school and entering the art scene in that city. Alongside visionaries like Peter Hujar, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Wolfgang Tillmans, Martinez invites viewers to consider what was lost when the “golden age of promiscuity” ended during the AIDS crisis. Born in 1967, the artist was too young to have experienced the carefree sex depicted in his work. Still, as a gay man in his fifties, Martinez is figuratively revisiting this era with a mix of survivor’s guilt and erotic envy.

Exposure Section- Expo Chicago Contemporary Art Fair, Chicago, IL | April 24–27, 2025

About Bill Arning Exhibitions :Bill Arning Exhibitions (BAE), established in 2019, is a contemporary art gallery located in New York’s Hudson Valley dedicated to presenting challenging and thought-provoking work. With a focus on emerging and mid-career artists, BAE’s program fosters a stimulating dialogue between the universal desire to challenge convention and meaningful engagement with art history. Led by veteran curator Bill Arning, BAE continues his legacy of championing artists who push

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Experience the unparalleled healing power of authentic Thai massage at Thai Lotus Bodywork, where traditional techniques meet expert care in a serene and welcoming environment.

We take pride in creating a space that is inclusive, affirming, and LGBTQ+ friendly, ensuring that every client feels comfortable, respected, and valued. Thai massage is a deeply therapeutic practice that has been passed down for centuries, combining elements of acupressure, assisted stretching, and rhythmic compression to restore balance, relieve muscle tension, and enhance overall flexibility. Whether you are seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from physical strain, or simply looking to unwind from the stresses of daily life, our highly trained therapists tailor each session to your unique needs, providing a healing experience that is both restorative and rejuvenating.

At Thai Lotus Bodywork, we believe that true wellness comes from harmony between the body and mind. Our peaceful spa setting has been carefully designed to provide a sanctuary where you can fully relax and be yourself. From the moment you step inside, you will be welcomed with warmth and professionalism, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in a state of deep relaxation. Our team consists of male and female therapists who have years of experience in traditional Thai healing methods, working with precision and care to release tension, improve circulation, and promote deep, lasting relief. We honor every client’s individual needs and ensure that all treatments are conducted with the utmost respect for personal comfort and boundaries.

We take pride in offering a premium wellness experience, with a commitment to exceptional service, cleanliness, and professionalism. As part of our dedication to inclusivity and community, we are thrilled to offer an exclusive promotion for Best Gay Chicago readers — receive $15 off your first 90-minute session. We believe that self-care is for everyone, and we are honored to provide a space where LGBTQ+ clients can relax and recharge with confidence.

Book your session today by calling or texting 773-677-9889 or visiting our website to learn more about our services. Whether you are new to Thai massage or a returning client, we invite you to discover why Thai Lotus Bodywork is the ultimate destination for authentic Thai healing, relaxation, and inclusive wellness.

2 locations;  Downtown and Uptown!

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It’s almost here!

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The celebrity comedienne and her wife will join Community Grand Marshals, 
Art Johnston & Jose ‘Pepe’ Pena and Myles & Precious Brady-Davis

PRIDEChicago, the all-volunteer organization behind the iconic Chicago Pride Parade for over 50 years, announces the selection of comedienne, Fortune Feimster and her wife Jax Smith as Grand Marshals for the 2024 Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30th starting at 11 a.m.

Fortune Feimster, a beloved stand-up comedian, writer, and actor, along with her wife Jax, will lead the procession, bringing their infectious energy and inspiring love story to the heart of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. With her trademark humor and relatable storytelling, Fortune Feimster has captivated audiences worldwide. Her two one-hour Netflix specials, “Sweet & Salty” and “Good Fortune,” have garnered critical acclaim and accolades, including nominations at the Critics’ Choice Awards. Feimster’s comedic prowess transcends barriers of age, background, and sexual orientation, fostering unity through laughter. In addition to standup, Feimster co-stars alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the hit action-comedy series FUBAR on Netflix. She also co-hosts the very popular podcast Handsome with Tig Notaro and Mae Martin.

“We are honored to be named the Grand Marshals for Chicago Pride,” said Feimster. “Chicago holds a special place in our hearts—it’s home to a great comedy scene and home to the best audiences. It’s also where Jax and I first met nine years ago, during Pride. As we celebrate our community and our anniversary, it feels like a beautiful full-circle moment.”

The couple’s love story began at Chicago Pride in 2015, just days after the Supreme Court’s historic ruling for nationwide marriage equality. Since then, they have shared a journey of love and commitment, culminating in their marriage in October 2020.

PRIDEChicago also announces the selection of two additional loving couples to serve as Community Grand Marshals:

Chicago activist and bar owner Art Johnston and his partner in life and business, Jose “Pepe” Pena. The couple, who have been together for 50 years, helped create community – opening the iconic gay bar Sidetrack in 1982 – and fueled a civil rights movement that is still active today. Johnston was an important organizer in passage of Chicago and Cook County human rights legislation and was a co-founder of the Illinois Federation for Human Rights, now known as Equality Illinois. The duo, nationally recognized LGBTQ+ civil rights leaders, are also the subject of an award-winning feature documentary, ART AND PEP.

Longtime LGBTQ+ activists, community organizers and high-profile transgender couple Myles and Precious Brady-Davis. Myles Brady-Davis is communications director of Equality Illinois and Precious Brady-Davis recently became the first Black transgender person appointed to public office in Cook County as well as the first trans person to serve on a water reclamation board in U.S. history. Precious wrote the best-selling book, I Have Always Been Me. The couple married in 2016 and are now raising two beautiful children.

“For over 50 years the Chicago Pride Parade has been a source of inspiration, collective strength, and a moniker of our past and present,” said Precious Brady-Davis. “The birth of our movement started with black and brown trans folks at the center, and we intend to honor that legacy and stand on their shoulders at this moment.”

The 53rd annual Chicago Pride Parade starts at 11 a.m., Sunday, June 30^th 2024 and will travel through Chicago’s landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhood of Lakeview. Themed “Pride is Power,” the parade promises to be a celebration of love, unity, and resilience, reflecting the incredible culture and spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information, visit PRIDEChicago.org.

The parade serves as the crowning event of Pride Month in Chicago, capping off a series of celebrations that unite our diverse community. Among these is the highly anticipated 23rd annual Chicago Pride Fest, taking place on June 22nd and 23rd, 2024. The two-day street festival is organized by the Northalsted Business Alliance chamber of commerce. For further details, visit Northalsted.com.

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About the Event

Paint the town RED at the AFC Associate Board’s inaugural Red Party!

Dress to impress and enjoy a night of cocktails, drag performances, and community. Join us at Beauty Bar as we raise money for AFC’s Welcome Home Housing Initiative. We believe that housing is health care and that every person has the right to safe and decent housing. The Welcome Home Housing Initiative is designed to implement bundled interventions and strategies to support rapid housing and access to care for people living with HIV that are justice involved.

Every $500 we raise fully furnishes a single bedroom apartment.

GET TICKETS!  $50  General Admission

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WHERE WOULD YOU  RATHER  BE???

Book  your  winter getaway now  at  INNdulge!

RELAX IN AN OASIS IN THE DESERT.

LUXURY ROOMS. FREE WIFI. AIR CONDITIONING.

Wednesday night FREE  with a  7 night stay!

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Who likes Lacrosse? 

or maybe you just like men in uniforms/ gear?

Let me introduce you to Chicago Portagers Lacrosse Club!

“We are Chicago’s premier semi-pro Box Lacrosse team. We’re excited to bring high-quality Box Lacrosse to the Windy City and do our part to help grow the game.

Our Senior A Men’s Box practices are at Mt Prospect Central Community Center in Mt Prospect.

Our Senior A Men’s Box game venue is Salt Creek Sports Center in Palatine, IL. Our Men’s Field team plays at Clark Park in Chicago (near Lane Tech).”

If YOU WANT TO JOIN – there is lots of information on their website.

Maybe you don’t want to play,  you just want to  “watch”!

They have developed and created The Men of Midwestern Lacrosse. 

The “Men of Midwestern Lacrosse” project aims to achieve three important goals by featuring lacrosse teams from across the Midwest stripping down to raise money for charity, promote male body positivity, and increase the visibility of the sport. The project will donate a portion of its Patreon proceeds to support charitable causes, while also showcasing the diverse range of body types found among lacrosse players to encourage male body positivity. Additionally, by promoting the sport of lacrosse to a wider audience, the project hopes to attract more players and fans to this exciting and fast-paced game.

$6 a month contribution Includes implied nudity, player interviews, and content requests, and other fun content!

$11 a month contribution  Includes full nudity, behind-the-scenes content, and player videos!

Get a look at those  shafts!

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Jojo Baby, an influential artist and one of Chicago’s original club kids, has died at 51 years old.

Smartbar announced Jojo Baby’s death in a Tweet Tuesday, saying the artist was “near and dear to us all and to many in the drag community.”

“Jojo’s spirit will go unmatched,” and their “kindness, warmth and generosity will be sorely missed,” the bar wrote.

Jojo Baby was long a fixture in Chicago’s nightlife scene, performing at Debonair Social club in Wicker Park and hosting Queen!, Smartbar’s weekly Sunday night LGBTQ party in Lakeview. They became a legend and inspired decades of people who admired their artistry, kindness and strong sense of community.

Jojo Baby had recently started chemotherapy to treat their third cancer diagnosis, which was found in their liver, lungs and stomach, they told Block Club in November.

Jojo Baby remained active as an artist and drag performer, continuing to host nights at Queen! and displaying a collection of their hand-made dolls in a recent exhibition at Paris London Hong Kong, a private gallery in West Town.

The exhibition, named “The Bandages Are Off,” featured a scene of Jojo Baby’s hand-made dolls to tell visual stories, Chicago Gallery News reported. The name was inspired by Jojo Baby’s struggle with cancer, and the gallery featured works from years ago, as well as dolls they created between rounds of chemo.

In addition to working as a nightlife host and drag artist, Jojo Baby was a performer, multimedia artist, doll-maker and hairdresser.

They have been the subject of several books and films over the past decade, including a 2015 short documentary that focused on the artist’s history and gallery in Wicker Park.

“It’s like a glimpse into the past, before Instagram and building identities online,” producer Justin Moran told the Tribune in 2015.

The documentary follows Jojo Baby during a night out and features interviews with other drag queens and club kids who were inspired by the artist.

BlockClub Chicago did an awesome piece on Jojo  with collections  of  tributes from Social media.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help JoJo Baby’s family with the funeral and memorial services, as well as the preservation of JoJo Baby’s artwork and legacy. Donate now.

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