From its earliest days, Chicago has served as a dynamic crossroads of people and cultures—all who came to Chicago seeking a better life and creating new communities. Out in Chicago explores the stories of a group of Chicagoans who have been here since the city's beginnings but whose lives have often been lived in the shadows.
For more than 150 years, a complex community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Chicagoans has been at turns surviving, struggling, and thriving, often on the edge of mainstream awareness. In the nineteenth century, the forces that made Chicago a national metropolitan center also brought diverse LGBT people to the heartland and fostered their development as a community.
"Chicago's LGBT history is not just a story about one group of people in one neighborhood. It's a history that has happened throughout the city and over time."
— Jill Austin, co-curator
Out in Chicago spans diverse stories and perspectives and explores issues such as language, gender expression, formation of identity, the role of LGBT people in politics and culture, and family relationships. It balances private stories with public perspectives in relation to gender, community, and identity and spotlights the inspiring and charged heritage of this diverse Chicago community, whose history truly belongs to all of us.>
Events
Opening Preview
Friday, May 20; 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Join us for the opening preview party, and get a first look at our newest exhibition, Out in Chicago. The evening will feature cocktails, exhibition viewing, a performance by FurrLesque, and music by DJ Charlie. Cocktail attire.
Opening Day
Saturday, May 21, 2011; 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
The Windy City Cowboys; 15-minute performance
The Windy City Cowboys interpret a variety of musical styles by combining well-known line dances into a fun medley. This year's version features the music of Kelly Clarkson, gay rapper Cazwell and country artist Luke Bryan.
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
School of Opulence; 20-minute performance
The School of Opulence is a training venue for the creative and professional development of young kids interested in the culture of underground vogue balls and competitions. This performance will be based on the everyday activities of an inner city neighborhood, as viewed through a queer youth perspective.
12:00 Noon
Scott Free; 45-minute performance
Scott Free, the queer-rock singer/songwriter extraordinaire whose sometimes humorous, sometimes angry and always touching songs of queer life have gained him acclaim in both gay and straight media across the globe. In 2010, he was inducted into the City of Chicago Gay & Lesbian Hall of Fame.
12:30 p.m.
Dykes on Bikes
Dykes on Bikes is a network of mostly lesbian and dyke motorcycle clubs known for their participation in gay pride events including the Pride Parade, Dyke Marches, and other significant LGBT events.
1:00 p.m.
Chicago Spirit Brigade; 20-minute performance
The Chicago Spirit Brigade is an all-volunteer cheer, dance and drill squad that performs at community events throughout Chicago. They raise money and awareness for local charities that help people facing life-threatening challenges, including HIV and AIDS.
2:00 p.m.
Quixotic; 45-minute performance
Quixotic is a gay-themed sketch comedy company that explores the issues facing a community on the verge of social equality in a world on the verge of social disarray with roots in Second City, improv Olympic, and GayCo Productions.
3:00 p.m.
FurrLesque!; 45 minute performance
FurrLesque is a burlesque-type show featuring members of the Bear community — a subculture of hairy men who often sport facial hair and larger muscular body types— dancing to raise awareness and money for people living with HIV/AIDS.
Walking Tour: Out in Lakeview
Saturdays, June 4, July 9, August 6; 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Explore the history and architecture of Lakeview, America's first officially recognized gay neighborhood. Learn about its status as a burgeoning suburb in the early 1900s, the opening of Wrigley Field, and the LGBT businesses that helped the area boom in the 1970s.
Cost: $15, $10 members
Saturday, June 4
Walking Tour: Out in Andersonville
Saturdays, June 18, July 23, August 27; 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Andersonville was settled in the 1850s by Swedish immigrants. Local lesbians began claiming it as their own in the 1980s, and today the area is home to a thriving LGBT community. Join us on an exploration of the rich history of one of the city's oldest neighborhoods.
Cost: $15, $10 members
Saturday, June 18
Boat Tour: Pride on the Water
Sunday, June 19; 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
It's Pride Month, Chicago! Join us for a historic celebration on the water. Learn about key moments in LGBT history; discover how LGBT people have shaped our city; and hear about theOut in Chicago exhibition.
Cost: $60, $55 members
Members: ticket price includes an open bar.
Parade: Show Your Pride!
Sunday, June 26
Chicagoans, join in the festivities at the 41st annual Pride Parade in Lakeview. While you're there, look for the Chicago History Museum float. We'll have plenty of free giveaways!
Bus Tour: Out in Chicago
Saturday, August 27; 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Chicago's LGBT communities are a rich part of our city's past. Join Out in Chicago co-curator Jill Austin for a tour of historical sites, including Hull-House, Henry Gerber's residence, and the Belmont Rocks.
Cost: $45, $40 members
Purchase tickets:
www.services.chicagohistory.org/auto_choose_ga.asp
