In celebration of Valentine's Day, Chicago-based film and media production company Second Glance Productions hosted The LBGTQupid Soiree. The event, which was focused on spinning attitudes on this particular day, was presented at The iO Theater on Feb. 14 and featured interactive games; a speed dating marathon; a raffle; improvisational performances; a DJ; a photo booth; onsite HIV/STI testing; a midnight masquerade after party; and previews of the upcoming queer dating docuseries, It's Not You, It's Me.
The event offered the challenge of several events taking place simultaneously, and focused on romantic love for all sexualities while creating a safe space for people to mingle and meet. There was also a strong resource element to the soiree with health, wellness, self-care, financial and film and media organizations represented.
In a press release for the event Second Glance Productions founder Anthony Williams said, "The mission of the LGBTQupid Soiree is to provide a place for singles to feel loved on Valentine's Day. During Black History Month, Second Glance Productions honors its African American LGBTQ population, as studies show an influx of hate crimes and murders of that particular population. The event is also reflective of the need for community resources and builds HIV/STI testing only one week after National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on February 7."
Williams later said in the same press release, "Love is love and we're sprinkling some fun in the love potion this Valentine's Day."
Among the night's festivities, the two improvisational performances which took place in the Fremont Theater were packed as Los Angeles comics Oscar Montoya and life partners Kendahl Landreth and Jordan Myrick of The Dating Gayme partnered with local improv artists to skewer speed dating (they offered a "gay version" and a "lesbian version") with volunteers from the audience. Also packed was "The Confessional Unload Room" which featured taped interviews answering questions on love and red flags. While these events were going on hostess Sapphire Feliciano led multiple individuals through the speed dating segment which was ongoing for the four hours of the soiree.
Sponsers of The LGBTQupid Soiree included Impulse Chicago, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, ViiV Healthcare, Vee L. Harrison Communications, Howard Brown Health, Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus, Black Alphabet Films, the Task Force, Creative Cypher, the Health and Wellness Circle, Davis Theater Chicago, Sojourn Restaurant, S.C. Event Management Group and U.S. Poker & Casino Parties. Custom-made Valentine's Day treats were provided by Amazcakes.