CHICAGO — Second Glance Productions will host the LGBTQupid Soiree this Valentines Day, Wednesday, February 14, 2024. The event will be held at the iO Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury St., from 6 pm to 11 pm Tickets start at $25. and are available for purchase online.
Second Glance Productions is an award-winning, full-service film and media production company since 2009. Its mission is to create safe, equitable spaces for underrepresented groups through content and business practices.
"We pride ourselves on tastefully pushing the boundaries with purpose and on purpose, in a way that edutains and inspires our viewers at first glance, and provokes deeper thought, conversation, and connection upon 'second glance', said Anthony Williams, Founder of Second Glance Productions. Williams said his production company is "champions of inclusivity" and "representative of what diversity really means."
The mission of the LGBTQupid Soirée is to provide a place for singles to feel loved on Valentine's Day. During Black History Month, Second Glance Productions honors its African-American LGBTQ+ population, as studies show an influx of hate crimes and murders of that particular population.
The event is also reflective of the need for community resources and builds in HIV/STI testing only one week after National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Feb. 7.
"I hope this event will help instill and reinforce the truth that no matter what, love always wins, especially when it first starts from within. You are loved, no matter who tells you otherwise. For you are way too unique not to be," said Williams.
The LGBTQupid event celebrates the inclusivity that Williams is hoping to convey through its projects, films, and events.
"Valentines Day isn't just about love and getting nice gifts," said Williams. "Second Glance Productions is using this day to celebrate the many ways of love in our LGBTQ+ community. Love is love, and we're sprinkling some fun in the love potion this Valentine's Day."
Williams said that every story his production company tells always includes some element of holistic health at its core — mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and/or sexual.
"Then we color our films with genre, character, and all the movie magic," said Williams.
The LGBTQupid Soiree will feature an array of interactive games, raffles, resources and experiences.
The event will include a confessional booth, heath resources, HIV/STI testing, a film premiere and a Midnight Masquerade After Party. The event is for individuals 18 and older, all genders and persons with disabilities are welcome.
"The goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable, safe, and feels love," said Williams. - "Being single on Valentine's Day...? I know what that's like! And I know where my mind went each year I spent it on the couch by myself too."
The LGBTQupid Soiree is sponsored by Impulse Chicago and supported by...AIDS Foundation Chicago, ViiV Healthcare, Howard Brown Health, Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus, Black Alphabet, Task Force, Creative Cypher, Health and Wellness Circle, Davis Theater Chicago & Sojourn Restaurant, and U.S. Poker Casino Parties.
