RIGHTS BILL: WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR
The Chicago Tribune reports that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan said the state's legislature will not accept Gov. George Ryan's controversial attempt to get gay rights through the back door.
Ryan earlier this year used his amendatory veto powers to add protections for gays from discrimination to a bill intended to protect the rights of motorcyclists.
The Tribune reported: "The bill would have forbidden hotels, restaurants and other businesses from declaring their establishments and adjoining parking lots off-limits to bikers. But Ryan used the bully pulpit of his office to make the bill a forum for his efforts to back equal rights for gays and lesbians."
BLAGOJEVICH GETS GAY BACKING
An ad hoc gay and lesbian community support group for Rod Blagojevich's campaign for Illinois Governor announced their plans at a Nov. 19 press conference. Brandon Neese, state Rep. Larry McKeon, Michael Bauer, Jill Metz and David Munar were among those scheduled to attend.
MAN CLAIMS BOUNCER ATTACKED HIM AT MANHOLE
A gay man is filing a civil lawsuit against Manhole bar as well as a bouncer and other employees, after he said he was knocked to the floor and punched by the bouncer.
The alleged incident took place around 2 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 11, at 3458 N. Halsted. Greg Jarvis, a 29-year-old public relations professional, said he entered the bar with two friends, paying the $6-per-person cover and then heading to the back bar.
However, Manhole's back bar has a dress code—you must wear no shirt, or be wearing rubber or leather. Jarvis' friends began to comply with the policy, and Jarvis said he was wearing a rubber jacket. However, the employee checking said it was not rubber. Jarvis and his friend Marc Aguila said the employee then refused to refund their cover charge and called for the bouncer.
Jarvis and the bouncer then reportedly exchanged harsh words after the bar again refused to return his cover. Aguila, Jarvis and a claim made in a civil suit against Manhole then state that the bouncer allegedly grabbed Jarvis, threw him to the ground and began punching him. The bouncer is described as approximately 5'7", 200 pounds.
The bouncer and another employee allegedly then dragged Jarvis out of the bar, and Jarvis and his friends sought help from police. A subsequent police report does not list any defendants, and Jarvis said police refused to arrest anyone at the bar.
Jarvis' attorney and partner Jay Paul Deratany are filing a civil suit in Cook County, preferring to seek additional remedy through the civil courts. Jarvis is asking for $50,000 in damages as a result of a black eye and minor whiplash doctors said he suffered. He said he would donate the money to charity.
Manhole owner Jeff Tessler said he could not release the name of the bouncer accused in the assault. He also said his bar has not had any similar complaints recently, despite Jarvis' claim that the police told him they had been called to the bar at least four times in recent weeks.
Tessler had not seen the lawsuit or been contacted about the incident as of presstime, so he said he could not comment on the case. He did say he believes the customer initiated the attack by punching and biting the security person. Tessler said the bouncer being accused does not have a history of such assaults.
Good Shepherd Parish MCC marks World AIDS Day
Good Shepherd Parish Metropolitan Community Church will commemorate World AIDS Day with a Service of Healing and Remembrance, on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m., 1700 W. Farragut.
Individuals will also be welcome to participate in a ceremony. Call ( 773 ) 275-7776.
HBHC gets funding for youth project
Howard Brown Health Center, along with Cook County/CORE Center, was recently awarded Title IV funding to provide case finding and outreach activities for youth. HBHC's PATH Youth Network hosts a drop-in Fridays, 6-9 p.m., for youth 13-24, 2861 N. Clark. QUEST, for newly out and questioning youth, hosts a drop-in Fridays at 6 p.m. There are also medical, counseling and other services available for youth. Call ( 773 ) 388-1600.
Meanwhile, just four months after becoming a voting member of the HIV Prevention and Planning Group, Howard Brown Health Center's Carlos Correa has become the first youth elected as co-chair of the group in the city. HPPG is a group of volunteers working with the Chicago Department of Public Health for the purpose of developing HIV prevention plans.
Local briefs ...
The Center on Halsted, the planned GLBT center at 3460 N. Halsted, has hired a project director and launched a community-wide survey. The facility is slated to open in 2004. Morris Floyd, who has more than 20 years experience in health and human services, is the Center's first project director. He is former executive director of Lesbian and Gay Community Services in Minneapolis, and was a founder of the Minnesota AIDS Project. See www.centeronhalsted for the survey, or call ( 773 ) 348-8264.
Lori Cannon of Open Hand Groceryland said the facility on Sheridan is marking its 7th anniversary. Tom Tunney of Ann Sather's Restaurant is donating complete traditional turkey meals, and the groceryland is handing out turkeys on Thanksgiving.
Kathy Najimy and Gloria Steinem are coming to town for the same event—Personal PAC's annual awards for pro-choice folks, Dec. 4, ( 312 ) 422-0005.
Bailiwick hosts the Winter All Girl Review Dec. 1-2, at 7:30 p.m.; $25. All money raised will be used to underwrite the upcoming Dyke Mic series in January, and the Lesbian Art Series in the spring. Directed by Kelli Strickland, the cast includes J. T. Newman, Edith Corra, Kay Barrett, Elon Cameron, Bev Spangler, Pamela Sue Fox, Chris Covell, Dee Bolos, Abby McEnany, Jennifer Wilson, RoiAnn Phillips, Lisa Alvarado, Julie Scott, Denise Johnson, Jen Slusser and more. Call ( 773 ) 883-1090.
Jan Dee Jewelry is celebrating their totally renovated store, inside and out, with a Grand Opening sale and cocktail party Friday, Nov. 23, 4-8 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Women's Treatment Center.
Windy City Radio & Bud Light are hosting great free chances for you to win a trip to St. Croix. See ad for details on club parties. WCR will tape a show at Brown Elephant's Halsted Store noon-2 p.m. Sat., Dec. 1, World AIDS Day. Meet the city's AIDS Commissioner, Chris Brown; HBHC Executive Director Keith Waterbrook; and LCCP E.D. Jessica Halem
