Pethers Declares Victory in 8th Subcircuit
Lesbian attorney Sheryl Pethers has declared victory in the recent Democratic primary election for the 8th Subcircuit judicial post. When the final provisional ballots were counted last week, she said she was 53 votes ahead of her nearest rival, gay attorney Jon Erickson.
Erickson could still file a legal challenge in the tight North Lakefront race, which saw nearly 40,000 ballots punched, but Pethers said she is comfortable that her victory would stand such a test.
Pethers said the election results will be 'certified' April 6.
No Republican ran during the primary and it is unlikely one would be placed on the November ballot.
Gay attorney John Ehrlich placed third.
Big Chicks Bill
Passes Illinois House
On Tuesday March 23, HB4031, sponsored by Rep. Larry McKeon, passed a full vote before the Illinois House. The bill, once passed by the House and the Senate and signed by the Governor, will save Big Chicks, an Uptown institution.
McKeon and other elected officials and community leaders have been struggling for several months to help Big Chicks and its owner Michelle Fire stay in Uptown. The city has moved to close Big Chicks and has refused to issue a liquor license to Tweet, its companion restaurant, because they are located under 100 feet from a religious institution. The little known and rarely applied prohibition has never been a problem for Big Chicks before, but now threatens closure of the popular LGBT gathering place.
HB 4031 amends the Liquor Control Act to allow that a liquor license may be issued or renewed if 'the primary entrance of the liquor establishment and the primary entrance of a place of worship are located at least 100 feet apart, on parallel streets, and separated by an alley, and the principal religious leader of the place of worship does not indicate opposition to the license.' In the case of Big Chicks, the entrances are well over 1,500 feet apart, are on opposite parallel streets and face in opposite directions.
Chiola Gets Damski Award
Judge Tom Chiola will receive the Sixth Annual Jon-Henri Damski Award this week. The award, given by Damski's friend and fellow activist Lori Cannon, is presented each year on the date of the late author's March 31 birthday.
'The recipient of the Jon-Henri embodies the philosophy of devotion and commitment to the GLBT community through personal and professional dedication,' said Cannon. 'I believe Tom demonstrates exemplary leadership in all the ways that Jon-Henri lived his life and wrote about in his legendary columns.'
Damski was a featured columnist at Outlines and Nightlines newspapers [now known as the Windy City Media Group].
Smeal on Feminism Panel
Hosted by The Public Square, Eleanor Smeal, the Feminist Majority Foundation President, is the keynote guest for a debate on the future of feminism Thursday, April 1, at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street, 6 p.m., free, (312) 993-0682.
Kerry Benefit in Chicago
Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Sen. Richard J. Durbin, and dozens of other politicians and activists will honor Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry Thursday, April 8, 6 p.m., The Hyatt Regency Chicago, Grand Ballroom, East Tower, 151 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Personal contributions only, call Helen Marieskind (312) 832-0220; seating priced at $1,000 and up.
TPAN to Host
Spring Fundraiser
Test Positive Aware Network will host Celebrations of Spring Thursday April 1, 2004 at the Belloc Lowndes Gallery, 835 W. Washington Blvd., from 6-9 p.m. Guests will sample a variety of wines perfect for Spring with focus on wines from California and New Zealand. To compliment the wines, Fritz and Zoe Distinctive Events will prepare foods for guests to sample and enjoy.
Celebrations of Spring will raise funds for TPAN programs and services. The money will help expand HIV treatment education programs and HIV prevention programs and help to increase distribution of Positively Aware to individuals in need of information.
While sampling wines and food, guests will enjoy the opening of 'Prairies and Pastures,' landscapes in oil and pastels by Kathleen Dunn. A portion of any artwork sold that evening will be donated to TPAN.
Tickets are $45 in advance or $55 at the door. Contact Jeffrey Allen at (773) 989-9400, www.tpan.com .
LGBT Suicide Forum
Suicide & LGBT Mental Health in Chicago: A Community Discussion will be held April 7.
Join mental health professionals and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community members in a program to address the reality of suicide and mental illness in Chicago's GLBT community.
The program includes a presentation by Peter M. Gutierrez, Ph.D., assistant chairperson of Northern Illinois University's Department of Psychology, and a panel discussion. Following a question and answer session, there will be time for strategic planning to address the concerns raised.
The event is Wednesday, April 7, 7-8:30 p.m., Howard Brown Health Center, 4025 N. Sheridan, free. Please RSVP to Stan@afspmidwest.org .
Sponsored by: AIDS Foundation of Chicago; American Foundation For Suicide Prevention/Midwest Chapter; Horizons Community Services/Center on Halsted; HBHC; and Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network/Chicago Chapter.