Wednesday, Nov. 15
Affinity Community Services Women over 40 focus group. Women over 40 who haven't had a pap test in two years. 6:45 p.m., Affinity, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., must call 773-388-8880 to participate
Equality Illinois Exclusive Women's Table Captain Wine Tasting Party, donated by PRP Wine International. In support of EI's 2007 Justice for All Gala. 6-8 p.m., Thomas Robertello Gallery, 939 W. Randolph St., call Joey McDonald for details or to RSVP at 773-477-7173 or rsvp@egil.org
Medusa's New Gay Wednesday night, Mile High Club Wednesdays, begins, every Wednesday after. Opening night hosted bar 9-10:30 p.m., w/ dancers, visuals and more. 209 E. Chicago St., 847-488-0320, www.myspace.com/medusawednesdays, email mortuno@sbcglobal.net for invitation to opening night hosted bar
T's SpitFire performs, a collective of the best female alternative stand-up comics in Chicago, including Alison Leber, Fay Canale, Hannah Gansen, Becky Garcia and Hattie Snider. Special guest Laura Mannino from Mintyfresh Comedy out of NYC. 7:30 p.m., free, 5025 N. Clark
Thursday, Nov. 16
Affinity Community Services Drumming at Affinity. 7-9 p.m., 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., www.affinity95.org, 773-324-0377
Chicago Foundation for Women's Lesbian Leadership Council An Autumn Affair with Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice. Featuring the Lucy Smith Quartet. 6-8:30, for more info and to RSVP, call 312-577-2801, ext. 229 or rsvp@cfw.org
NewTown Writers Workshop. 7:30 p.m., Gerber-Hart Library, 1127 Granville, 773-528-3637, frauman8@aol.com
Test Positive Aware Network Monthly writers group for HIV+ individuals. Meets third Thursday of each month. 7-9 p.m., TPAN, 5537 N. Broadway St., 773-989-9400, tpan@tpan.com
Women & Children First Bookstore Reading of Deconstructing Tyrone: A New Look at Black Masculinity in the Hip-Hop Generation by Natalie Hopkinson and Natalie Y. Moore. 7:30 p.m., Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St., www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
Friday, Nov. 17
Affinity Community Services XPU 21-39 year old focus group for women between 221-39 who haven't had a pap test in two years. 5:45 p.m., Affinity, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., www.affinity95.org, 773-324-0377, must call 773-388-8880 to participate
Center on Halsted 2006 Fall Seminar Series: Managing Supervisory Relationships presented by Lynn Anderson, LCSW. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., $50, 2855 N. Lincoln, register at 773-472-6469, ext. 237, bberkey@centeronhalsted.org
Flesh Hungry Dog Show Monthly queer, alternative, rock 'n' roll cabaret teams up with Windy City Queercast to present The Fundamentalists, Jupiter and Double Fortune. Giveaways, including theater tickets, an MP3 player and prizes from Yes! Vodka. 9 p.m., Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark St.
Windy City Queercast Launch party. Queercast host Peter Mavrik and Nightspots editor Kirk Williamson take the stage during The Flesh Hungry Dog Show for great giveaway prizes including an MP3 player, theater tix and more. 9 p.m., Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark, windycitymedia@aol.com for more info, www.windycityqueercast.com
Windy City Queercast Launch party with comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer during her comedy show. Queercasters will give away great prizes such as an MP3 player, theater tix and a chance to meet Westenhoefer. 8 p.m., $30 for show, $50 VIP, Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted, windycitymedia@aol.com for more info, www.windycityqueercast.com, www.chixmixproductions.com
Saturday, Nov. 18
Affinity Turn About Party sponsored by Lez Chat. Fems dress as stud and studs dress as fem. Contests, refreshments and more. 7 p.m.-1 a.m., $10, Affinity Community Services, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., www.affinity95.org, 773-336-5007 to register for drag show
Circuit Play Saturday presents DJ Mike Cruz. 3641 N. Halsted, www.circuitclub.com
Kindred Hearts Chick Flick Movie Nights. 7 p.m., meet at Century Theatre/Cine Arts 6 Theatre, 1715 Maple Ave., Evanston, 847-604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Sunday, Nov. 19
Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry 14th Annual Jubilate benefit, featuring Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, Amy Armstrong w/ Freddy Allen and other stars from the world of music and dance. Harris Thtr for Music & Dance, 205 E. Randolph Dr., more info at 773-327-9921, ext. 132 or mcarty@abam.org
Grace Place Women Yoga classes for LGBT women, followed by tea and light refreshments. All skill levels welcome. 10-11 a.m., $5 suggested donation, ACME Art Works, 1741 N. Western Ave., 773-575-1855
Windy City Black Pride A Traveling Dash 'n Dine Thru Bronzeville, a six-course progressive dinner featuring the homes of proud Bronzeville LGBT residents to benefit Windy City Black Pride. 12 p.m., $35 advance, $40 at door, 4318 S. Evans Ave., #1, 312-399-1252, 773-209-7541 or 773-268-5678 for more info
Women and Children First Bookstore Alison Swan, editor, plus contributors: Fresh Water: Women Writing on the Great Lakes. 4:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark, 773-769-9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
Monday, Nov. 20
Center on Halsted Poz 20's Group, a free support group for HIV+ men, ages 24-30. Every Monday. 6:30-8 p.m., 2855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6469, ext. 261, www.centeronhalsted.org
Chances Dances DJs Bacon, Danger Grove, Feathers for P-cock and Gay Terrorist. Host: Miss Teena Angst. All gender expressions and sexualities welcome. Free admission with drink specials all night. Happens third Monday of each month. 9 p.m.-2 a.m., The Subterranean, 2011 North Ave., www.chancesdances.org
Illinois Gender Advocates Transgender Day of Remembrance in memory of trans victims of hate crime. Special appearance by Jennie Heskin and Vicki Sears, mother and sister of local victim Krystal Heskin. Keynote speaker Bill Greaves, other speakers include Rev. Bradley Mickelson, Rick Garcia, Casey Schwartz and Laura Valesquez. 5 p.m., parking lot of 7-Eleven at Roscoe & North Halsted
Test Positive Aware Network Daytimers Support group for people with HIV. Mondays and Thursdays. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 5537 N. Broadway St., 773-989-9400, tpan@tpan.com
Women and Children First Bookstore Intergenerational Feminist Book Group: Killing the Black Body by Dorothy Roberts. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark, 773-769-9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
Tuesday, Nov. 21
Cafe Society A weekly, city-wide series in coffee shops and barber shops where newspaper articles and other media reports serve as stimulants for dynamic conversation and debate. Every Tuesday. 7:30-8:30 p.m., Intelligentsia, 3123 N. Broadway, www.thepublicsquare.org, 312-422-5580
Center on Halsted When You Care, weekly support group for partners, family and friends whose LGBTQ loved ones are struggling with substance abuse. Tuesdays. 7-8:30 p.m., 2855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6469, ext. 261, www.centeronhalsted.org
Gerber/Hart Library Mark Abraham, a York University doctoral candidate, will give a talk entitled 'All of the Audience is Coming Here to Stay: Countercultural Activism, Music, and Olivia Records, 1974-1976,' as part of the series, The Cutting Edge: Young Scholars Share Their Work. 4 p.m., 1127 W. Granville Ave, www.gerberhart.org
Grace Place Women Yoga classes for LGBT women, followed by tea and light refreshments. All skill levels welcome. 7-8 p.m., $5 suggested donation, ACME Art Works, 1741 N. Western Ave., 773-575-1855
Homolatte Kurt Heintz, Blair perform. 7:30 p.m., Big Chicks/Tweet, 5024 N. Clark, 773-728-5511, www.scottfree.net
Women and Children First Bookstore Women's Book Group: The Locusts Have No King by Dawn Powell. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark, 773-769-9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
Saturday, Nov. 25
Circuit Play Saturday presents DJ Susan Morabito. 3641 N. Halsted, www.circuitclub.com
Sunday, Nov. 26
Grace Place Women Yoga classes for LGBT women, followed by tea and light refreshments. All skill levels welcome. 10-11 a.m., $5 suggested donation, ACME Art Works, 1741 N. Western Ave., 773-575-1855
Kindred Hearts Basic Coming Out Group, for womyn of all ages. 10 a.m., 6554 N. Rockwell St., 847-604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Kindred Hearts Married Womyn Who Love Womyn Group 11:30 a.m., 6554 N. Rockwell St., 847-604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Monday, Nov. 27
AIDS Foundation of Chicago In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. Thru Dec. 1. Art Institute, free with museum admission, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Lecture with activist and writer Keith Green: 1979-1989: The Dawning of a Global Health Crisis. In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. 12 p.m., Art Institute, free with museum admission, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
Center on Halsted Poz 20's Group, a free support group for HIV+ men, ages 24-30. Every Monday. 6:30-8 p.m., 2855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6469, ext. 261, www.centeronhalsted.org
Test Positive Aware Network Daytimers Support group for people with HIV. Mondays and Thursdays. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 5537 N. Broadway St., 773-989-9400, tpan@tpan.com
Tuesday, Nov. 28
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Lecture with Dr. Sarz Maxwell, medial director of Chicago Recovery Alliance: 1990-1999: Death and Discovery. In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. 12 p.m., Art Institute, free with museum admission, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
Center on Halsted When You Care, weekly support group for partners, family and friends whose LGBTQ loved ones are struggling with substance abuse. Tuesdays. 7-8:30 p.m., 2855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6469, ext. 261, www.centeronhalsted.org
Gerber/Hart Men's Book Discussion Group. The Romanian: Story of an Obsession: Bruce Benderson. 7:30 p.m. 1127 W. Granville Ave., 773-81-8030, www.gerberhart.org
Grace Place Women Yoga classes for LGBT women, followed by tea and light refreshments. All skill levels welcome. 7-8 p.m., $5 suggested donation, ACME Art Works, 1741 N. Western Ave., 773-575-1855
Jason Stuart Performs his 'Looking for Mr. Right Comedy Tour.' Thru Dec. 3. Zanies Comedy Club, 312-337-4027, www.jasonstuart.com
Kindred Hearts Book Discussion Group: Beyond the Pale by Elana Dykewoman. 6:30 p.m., 6554 N. Rockwell St., 847-604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Wednesday, Nov. 29
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Lecture with minister and activist Joann Montes: 2000-2005: An Era of Complacency. In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. 12 p.m., Art Institute, free with museum admission, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
Thursday, Nov. 30
AIDS Foundation of Chicago World of Chocolate fundraiser, with Picturing Hope pre-event photo exhibit entitled 'Through Their Eyes.' Pre-event 4-6 p.m., World of Chocolate 5:30-9 p.m., general admission $60, admission to both events $100, Red Ribbon Ticket $125, Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., tickets at 312-922-2322 or www.aidschicago.org
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Lecture with photographer Craig Bender: 2006 and Beyond: The Future of HIV/AIDS. In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. 12 p.m., Art Institute, free with museum admission, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
National Methamphetamine Awareness Day SAMHSA offers meth-related info and resources at www.samhsa.gov/spotlights/methawareness/index.aspx
Test Positive Aware Network The $29.95 art show. Fight AIDS. Buy art. Sale of original postcard-sized works on paper. Over 200 original works by local established and emerging artists. 6-10 p.m., Metropolis Coffee Company, 1039 W. Granville
Women and Children First Bookstore Audrey Niffenegger: The Adventuress. 7:30 p.m., 5233 N. Clark, 773-769-9299, www.womenandchildrenfirst.com
Friday, Dec. 1
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Panel discussion: Commemorating 25 Years of HIV/AIDS on World AIDS Day, with Keith Green, Sarz Maxwell, Joann Montes and Craig Bender, moderated by AFC's Jim Pickett. In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. 12 p.m., Art Institute, Price Auditorium, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Film Screening of Fast Trip, Long Drop and Habit, Gregg Bordowitz's autobiographical films documenting his experience with HIV/AIDS. In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. 2-4:30 p.m., Art Institute, Fullerton Hall, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
AIDS Foundation of Chicago Gallery talk entitled Bittersweet: Memory and Loss. In collaboration with the Art Institute of Chicago, a series of special programs inspired by some of the works in the exhibition So The Story Goes, which commemorates World AIDS Day. 2 p.m., Art Institute, Gallery 100, 111 S. Michigan Ave., www.artic.edu, 312-443-3680
Chicago Department of Public Health Holds three Chicagoland World AIDS Day HIV/AIDS Expos: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Richard J. Daley Center, 55 W. Randolph, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren, 5-9 p.m.
Mosaic Initiative Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on World AIDS Day. 7-9 a.m., $25 per person, Arrowhead Golf Course, Wheaton, 630-292-3650 for reservations, more info
Saturday, Dec. 2
Center on Halsted W.O.W. Gala, COH's 1st Annual Women's Gala. Dinner, dancing, and entertainment by comedian Vickie Shaw. 6-11 p.m., Kendall College, 900 N. Branch St., $175, www.centeronhalsted.org or 773-472-6469, ext. 251 for tickets, or rosenwald@centeronhalsted.org for more info
Think Pink Fruit!, a dance party by and for queer people hosted by Miss Teena Angst. Live performances by The Pussy Pirates and Voxbox. Visual art by The F is Forever. Dance party with Think Pink's DJ Connor. The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave.
Monday, Dec. 4
Center on Halsted Poz 20's Group, a free support group for HIV+ men, ages 24-30. Every Monday. 6:30-8 p.m., 2855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6469, ext. 261, www.centeronhalsted.org
Test Positive Aware Network Daytimers Support group for people with HIV. Mondays and Thursdays. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 5537 N. Broadway St., 773-989-9400, tpan@tpan.com
Tuesday, Dec. 5
Cafe Society A weekly, city-wide series in coffee shops and barber shops where newspaper articles and other media reports serve as stimulants for dynamic conversation and debate. Every Tuesday. 7:30-8:30 p.m., Intelligentsia, 3123 N. Broadway, www.thepublicsquare.org, 312-422-5580
Center on Halsted When You Care, weekly support group for partners, family and friends whose LGBTQ loved ones are struggling with substance abuse. Tuesdays. 7-8:30 p.m., 2855 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-472-6469, ext. 261, www.centeronhalsted.org
Grace Place Women Yoga classes for LGBT women, followed by tea and light refreshments. All skill levels welcome. 7-8 p.m., $5 suggested donation, ACME Art Works, 1741 N. Western Ave., 773-575-1855
Homolatte Rick Karlin, Moses Valdez perform. 7:30 p.m., Big Chicks/Tweet, 5024 N. Clark, 773-728-5511, www.scottfree.net
Friday, Dec. 8
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Favorite Things, everyone's favorite holiday moments, plus a few new numbers, for an unforgettable kick-off to its 25th season. And Dec. 9. 8 p.m., Athenaeum Thtr, 2936 N. Southport, 773-296-0541, www.cgmc.org
Saturday, Dec. 9
Chicago Gay Mens Chorus Favorite Things, everyone's favorite holiday moments, plus a few new numbers, for an unforgettable kick-off to its 25th season. 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Athenaeum Thtr, 2936 N. Southport, 773-296-0541, www.cgmc.org
Sunday, Dec. 10
Grace Place Women Yoga classes for LGT women, followed by tea and light refreshments. All skill levels welcome. 10-11 a.m., $5 suggested donation, ACME Art Works, 1741 N. Western Ave., 773-575-1855
Kindred Hearts Basic Coming Out Group, for womyn of all ages. 10 a.m., 6554 N. Rockwell St., 847-604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Kindred Hearts Married Womyn Who Love Womyn Group 11:30 a.m., 6554 N. Rockwell St., 847-604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Kindred Hearts Lesbian/Bisexual Womyn's Chat Group. 1 p.m., 6554 N. Rockwell St., 847-604-0913, www.kindred-hearts.com
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Chicago House Champagne Wrapture. Enjoy bubbly and tasty treats while viewing and bidding on unique works of champagne bottle artistry. 6-9 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St., 773-248-5200, ext. 303 on info regarding tickets
Friday, Dec. 15
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Live! Hosted by Marc Wigler, features Phillip Coolidge of Speaking from the Heart. 6:30 p.m., CAN-TV, Channel 21, www.pflagchicago.com
Saturday, Dec. 29
Association of Latino Men for Action On the Downlow movie screening and DVD release party, a special benefit for ALMA. Screening 9-10:30 p.m., $8 donation, Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted