Well, not that we were surprised, but when we surveyed GLBT and GLBT-friendly bars and restaurants, pretty much all of those who would comment are against the ban on smoking in bars and/or restaurants. See Windy City Times for our survey results.
Lesbian Community Cancer Project's Dancing the Dozens, LCCP's 12th Coming Out Against Cancer Gala, is Sat., Jan. 18, 7:30 p.m.-midnight, South Shore Cultural Center, (773) 561-4662, ext 102, www.lccp.org . Lots of dancing, eating, awards and more.
Thanks to LCCP E.D. Jessica Halem and writer C.C. Carter for their hosting of my Big 40th b-day Sunday at Star Gaze. Thanks also to all my friends, family and colleagues who both roasted and toasted me. It was a truly wonderful experience and I am blessed every day to know such wonderful people. And of course big thanks to Jean and Steve for their hard work. Happy b-day to other Capricorns, including Tony jr., and thanks for those who attended the bash at Toni's Jan. 11.
Horizons hosts a town hall meeting to discuss issues of aging in the LGBT community Sat., Jan. 18. The meeting is one of a series of regional forums conducted by SAGE (Senior Action in a Gay Environment); the information gathered will be used to develop a national strategy to meet the needs of LGBT seniors. From 1-3 p.m., 961 W. Montana, (773) 472-6469 ext 245.
D/E entertainment brings you Grammy award winners Frankie Knuckles and David Morales. The event marks D/E's 10th anniversary, Sunday, Jan. 19, 8 p.m., $20, Transit, 1431 W. Lake, (312) 339-5938.
Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays' 8th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast is Monday, Jan. 20, at a new location this year. The theme is Loose the Shackles, So I Can Stand. Starts 10 a.m., Robert A. Black School Auditorium, 7133 S. Coles, (312) 409-4917.
Grinder's Queer words and music every Thursday this week features Paul Lisicky & Tom Yore, 8 p.m., The No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood, (773) 743-3355.
Bailiwick's Dyke Mic returns Jan. 17 featuring Nomy Lamm and Kay Barrett, 1229 W. Belmont, (773) 883-1090, www.bailiwick.org .
Berlin hosts an Erasure CD release party Jan. 19, 954 W. Belmont, (773) 348-4975.
Join the Chicago National Organization for Women and allied groups for a rally to support Roe v. Wade on its 30th anniversary Wed., Jan. 22, 219 S. Dearborn, (312) 578-9351.