THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Equality Illinois has expanded its staff with the addition of an intern from Southern Illinois who is a student and Democratic Party activist. Leslie Rossman, a junior at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, joins the staff for the summer. Rossman is president of the SIUC College Democrats and is Diversity Action Chair on the Illinois College Democrats Board. In addition, Rossman has been actively involved with the ACLU. "Leslie has done a great job in organizing meetings between constituents and southern Illinois legislators as well as bringing constituents to the Statehouse to lobby in support of HB474," said Ellen Meyers, president of the Equality Illinois board. Rossman is organizing Equality Illinois' voter registration drive, she is volunteer coordinator and she will represent Equality Illinois at Democratic Party functions.

Stonewall Democrats are also part of an effort to get gay and lesbian voters registered. Call ( 312 ) 683-5232 or e-mail SWDemsChi@aol.com for details on the "Get The Gay Vote Out" campaign.

Lauren Beth Gash, who is running for Congress from the 10th District ( NW suburbs ) , is hosting a benefit brunch Sat., June 17, 10:30 a.m., $100, ( 847 ) 266-VOTE ( 8683 ) , ( 312 ) 683-5232, ( 773 ) 878-7253. U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, who is openly gay, will be at the fundraiser.

Sam's Wines & Spirits holds a benefit for Open Hand Chicago, Thursday, June 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Everyone shopping at Sam's during that time will be given a 10% discount off purchases, and Sam's will donate 5% of that discount directly to Open Hand. See www.samswine.com, 1720 N. Marcey St., ( 312 ) 664-4394.

Passing Twice, for GLBT stutterers and their allies, will gather in Chicago June 22-25, coinciding with the convention of the National Stuttering Association. The gay workshop is Friday, June 23, at 8:30 a.m - 9:45 a.m., in the O'Haneda Int'l Room at the Holiday Inn, 5440 N. River Rd., Rosemont.

The Oak Park Area Gay & Lesbian Assoc. gala is Friday, June 16, 104 S. Marion St., Oak Park, 7 p.m., ( 708 ) 848-0273.

The Association of Latin Men in Action Noche de Gala VI benefit is Sunday, June 18, ( 773 ) 929-7688.

Buddies hosts the 9th Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame Country Supper Buffet benefit Monday, June 19, 3301 N. Clark, 6-9 p.m., $10 all-you-can-eat.

The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber "It's A Pride Thing IV" is Thursday, June 15, 5 to 8 p.m., at Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted, ( 773 ) 871-4190.