Grammy-nominated MC Lyte is making a special trip to Chicago to spin records at one of the Midwest's largest LGBT events of the year. Lyte will command the DJ booth at the Lesbian Cancer Community Project's 14th annual Coming Out Against Cancer Ball ( COAC ) Feb. 12 at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. Shore Dr. Newly elected U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, D-8th, will serve as honorary chair of the event, expected to draw a record turnout of nearly 2,500 guests.
Lyte was one of the first female rappers to point out the sexism and misogyny that often runs rampant in hip-hop, taking the subject head on lyrically in her songs and helping open the door for such future artists as Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott. Lyte has also put aside time to become active in several social projects/organizations, including anti-violence campaigns, Rock the Vote, and AIDS benefits.
This year's fundraiser will include a silent auction that will feature celebrity merchandise, weekend getaways, restaurant packages, and much more. There will also be a VIP reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. at which several notables will be honored. The honorees include state Rep. Harry Osterman; former Director of LGBT Health for the Chicago Department of Public Health, Lora Branch, now Director of STD/HIV Prevention and Care Programs for the City of Chicago; and Materville Studios, a lesbian-owned multimedia company.
For more information, contact Cat Jefcoat at ( 773 ) 561-4662, e-mail cat@lccp.org, or visit www.lccp.org .