Baim at Woodson Library discussing Obama
Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim will lead a discussion on her book, Obama and the Gays: A Political Marriage, on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted St.
Baim's book came out in 2010, and provides a comprehensive look at Obama's trajectory on LGBT rights, from his days in the Illinois state Senate to his first two years as president. With DADT history and DOMA legal battles in the courts, where does the president stand on other issues in the community? Come find out during this free lecture.
U.K. activist at Gerber/Hart
U.K. activist Keith Sharpe will be at Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, on Wed., Oct. 5, at 7:30 p.m. to talk about his new book, The Gay Gospels. Among other issues, he will discuss ways in which the Bible portrays Jesus as showing great empathy for LGBT people and how there is no condemnation of same sex love to be found anywhere in the Bible.
Activities at Elmhurst College
Elmhurst College has named its annual LGBT lecture for 1968 graduate the Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson.
A panel discussion, "Christian Theology and the LGBT Person," will take place Tuesday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frick Center's Founders Lounge, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst.
Panelists include Johnson; the Rev. Dr. Alice Hunt, president of Chicago Theological Seminary; Dr. Riess Potterveld, president of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California; and Dr. S. Alan Ray, president of Elmhurst College.
On Wed., Oct. 12, writer Michael Schiavi will speak on "Vito Russo: Celluloid Activist and Gay Hero." Schiavi wrote Celluloid Activist: The Life and Times of Vito Russo, a book on the late HIV/AIDS activist. The event will take place at 4 p.m. in the Founders Lounge.
See public.elmhurst.edu/alumni/125754713.html .
Leatherman event at Center on Halsted
Owen Keehnen, co-author ( with Tracy Baim ) of Leatherman: The Legend of Chuck Renslow, will read from and sign copies of the book Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. at the Center on Halsted. He will be joined by Renslow, a longtime community activist and business owner and founder of the International Mr. Leather contests. The event is free and open to the public.
Women & Children First October events
Women & Children First Bookstore has some top authors at the store for events during October. They are located at 5233 N. Clark Street in Chicago, ( 773 ) 769-9299.
Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Jane Lynch ( Glee ) will read from and sign copies of her new book, Happy Accidents, Sunday, Oct. 9, 1-4 p.m. Only ticketed customers who have purchased a book from Women & Children First will be admitted during the signing. Stop by or call the store to purchase a copy and receive a ticket, or to order an autographed copy, which can be shipped anywhere in the continental United States.
Sarah Schulman will read from and sign her book The Mere Future Friday, Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. The Mere Future crosses many genres, including literary fiction, mystery, fantasy, poetry and stand-up comedy. In her dystopian vision, New York has morphed into an idealized version of itself. Rent is cheap, homelessness is over, and everyone works in marketing. Despite the utopian surface, however, there is a disturbing malaise that infects the population. Schulman ( People in Trouble, Rat Bohemia ) is one of literature's most important chroniclers of contemporary queer life.
Saturday, Oct. 15-Sunday, Oct. 16 is a special Women's Voices Weekend. Saturday features a full day of writing workshops with acclaimed writers Nami Mun, Achy Obejas, and Esther Hershenhorn, followed by a celebration reception with our featured authors and others from Chicago's esteemed literary community. Sunday will feature readings, a Q&A with our featured writers moderated by Booklist senior editor and WBEZ book critic Donna Seaman, and book signings.
Sappho's Salon: A Provocative Night of Lesbian Diversions, featuring Kelli Strickland and DJ SpinNikki, is Saturday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., $7-10 Sliding scale includes food and wine. This month's installment features actor Strickland, performing her solo show, We've Got a Badge for That. Recalling tales of near-death experience, puppy love, pyromania, and peach schnapps, We've Got a Badge for That is one girl's story of the scouts. Strickland, perhaps best known for her role as young Hannah in the feature film Hannah Free, is the former director of Bailiwick's Lesbian Theater Initiative, and a faculty member of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Loyola University. Joining Strickland is Sappho's house DJ Spin Nikki, playing an eclectic array of music. Proceeds benefit the artists and the Women's Voices Fund.
Chicago gay author Dwight Okita reads from and signs his new book, The Prospect of My Arrival, Wednesday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. A human embryo is allowed to preview the world before deciding to be born. To help him make up his mind, he will be able to interact with the best and worst the world has to offer. A finalist for Amazon.com's 2008 Breakthrough Novel Awards, Okita's quirky cautionary tale is served up with equal helpings of whimsy and dread, with just a dash of hope.
See www.womenandchildrenfirst.com .
