You better think: Center on Halsted offers "Queer Spirit Chicago Drop-In Guided Meditation," a weekly guided meditation, at 11-11:45 a.m. on Mondays, and 6-7:15 p.m. on Tuesdays. The fee is $5-$10. RSVP's are strongly encouraged; contact Cathy Jones at cjones@centeronhalsted.org or 773-472-6469, ext. 265.
Casting call, part one: MTV is looking for people 18-23 to be in a show about individuals battling drug and alcohol addictions. E-mail MTVcasting@gigantic.tv with a story and some information about you or a loved one's situation.
Band on the run: Gay amateur musicians are sought to form an artists' group. Pianists, violinists, cellists, brass players, etc., are welcome. Perfection is not requiredonly enthusiasm. E-mail PVarnell@aol.com, and indicate interest and instrument ( s ) .
A twist of date: Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, will host an evening of speed dating Thursday, Nov. 12 for lesbians. Daters should arrive between 6:45-7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door; e-mail culture@centeronhalsted.org or call 773-661-0763.
And "Justice" for all: The Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health is holding an "Advancing Reproductive Justice" reception Thursday, Nov. 12, 6-8 p.m., at Three Peas Art Lounge, 75 E. 16th. Somilia Rabee will deliver an acoustic performance. Tickets are $20-$40; RSVP to www.ICAH.org ( under "Events" ) .
Touching: Deeply Rooted Dance Theaterwhich performs choreography based in the African-American traditions of storytelling along with universal themes in contemporary modern dancewill present "Touch" Nov. 13-14 at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, 4701 S. Martin Luther King, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$45; see www.deeplyrootedproductions.org .
Pins and outs: Better Existence with HIV ( BEHIV ) is hosting its first "Pins for a Cure" fundraiser at Waveland Bowl, 3700 N. Waveland, on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2-5 p.m. See www.behiv.org or visit "Pins for a Cure" on Facebook.
In my house: The Glessner House Museum, 1800 S. Prairie, will host the lecture "Robert Allerton: The Private Man and the Public Gifts" Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. ( Read an article on Allerton at windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php. ) Tickets are $10-$15; RSVP to 312-326-1480 by Nov. 11. See www.glessnerhouse.org .
Fiesta forever: Essay Fiesta, a new monthly reading series of humorous essays that will benefit Howard Brown Health Center, premieres Monday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square, 4736 N. Lincoln. E-mail keithecker@gmail.com or see Facebook.
Life is a cabaret: Lambda Legal will hold a benefit Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted. The Chicago Cabaret Project will perform "Broadway Our Way." Tickets are $10; call Jeff Souva at 312-663-4413, ext. 335.
Taylor made: Actress Regina Taylorbest known to TV audiences for her roles in the series I'll Fly Away and The Unitwill discuss her work in TV, theatre and film Wed., Nov. 18, at Northwestern University's Annie May Swife Auditorium, 1920 Campus, Evanston, at 5:30 p.m. See www.communication.northwestern.edu/news/abelson.php.
In memory of: The 2009 Illinois Transgender Day of Remembrance candlelight vigil will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, at the New Spirit Church, 542 S. Scoville, Oak Park, at dusk ( approximately 5 p.m. ) . Vanessa Edwards-Foster, co-founder/president of the National Transgender Advocacy Foundation, is slated to speak. See www.newspiritoakpark.org or call 708-848-5460.
"Choice" material: Former Vice President Al Gore will sign copies of his latest book on the environment, Our Choice, at Borders, 150 N. State, on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 12 p.m. See www.borders.com .