Williams sues Y in federal court
Bob Williams, who has been fighting the McGaw YMCA in Evanston to keep his job and health benefits, has rejected two settlement choices offered by the YMCA and has filed his lawsuit in federal court.
Williams said Monday that the offers by the YMCA were insufficient. One offer was a $15,000 settlement, no insurance, and Williams would lose his part—time job as volleyball instructor. The second offer was 10 hours of work at home, plus insurance, but the YMCA could terminate Williams at will.
Williams believes he is being discriminated against because he is HIV—positive and openly gay. He has also filed charges with the Evanston and Cook County human—rights commissions.
Liar's Club picket
Chicago Anti—Bashing Network is organizing a picket against Liar's Club March 18, 10 p.m.; they host a planning meeting March 15, 7 p.m., Ann Sather's, 929 Belmont.
The Liar's Club is accused of covering up the alleged gay bashing done by two of their bouncers in January.
Snyder benefit
Gay bars Cocktail, Sidetrack, Roscoe's and Cell Block join together in a benefit for attorney Jim Snyder, openly gay candidate for 46th Ward Democratic Committeeman. The event is Friday, March 10, 6— 9 p.m. at Cocktail, the corner of Halsted and Roscoe.
Call ( 773 ) 549— 4646.
Chamber Open House March 11
The Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has opened one of the world's first Gay and Lesbian Visitor's Centers in the heart of one of Chicago's heaviest lesbigay neighborhoodsLakeview.
The grand opening of the Visitor's Center is Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3713 N. Halsted. During the summer, the hours will expand to handle the expected influx of visitors for city events. At the March 11 event, openly gay State Rep. Larry McKeon will be on hand to cut the ribbon, with Lakeview Ald. Bernard Hansen and Chicago Mayor Daley's outgoing Liaison to the Lesbian and Gay Community, Mary Morten, on hand to show support. McKeon, Hansen and Morten were all instrumental in helping to secure City and State funding for the Visitor's Center. Following the ribbon cutting, the Chamber will host an Open House for the public to visit its new Visitor's Center and Chamber Offices from 11:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See www.GLChamber.org, or call ( 773 ) 871— 4190.
Tunney heads
Illinois Rest. Assoc.
Tom Tunney, owner of Ann Sather Restaurants, has been elected chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association for 2000. The IRA is a non—profit trade association representing 6,000 foodservice outlets, and a variety of businesses associated with the industry.
Tunney, who is openly gay, has been honored for his long—time commitment to gay rights, and in 1998 he received the "Restaurateur of the Year" award from the IRA. He has served on many committees of the IRA. Ann Sather's is a popular Swedish, home—style restaurant with locations throughout the North Side.