Thursday, Feb 2 Pride Action Tank Policy Priorities Webinar Join Timothy S. Jackson, Director of Government Relations and Aces Lira, Manager, Policy and Advocacy as they discuss our new priorities. Register by texting AD23 to 40649 or in the link.  12:00pm - 1:00pm   Online Ticket Link Friday, Feb 3 Early Voting in Downtown Chicago For the February 28, 2023 Municipal Election  10:00am   Various Website Link Center on Halsted programming Special events and cultural and community events at the center and groups for men, women, youth, transgender, bisexual, families and seniors plus Mental Health and Support Groups and Training and Education sessions   Time:TBA   Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Website Link Gallery opening showcasing the latest works by LGBTQ artists Opening reception. Chuck Meyers (he/him) paintings and Pierce I. Cruz (he/him) paintings and drawings. Advance online registration encouraged  6:30pm - 8:30pm   Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Ticket Link Saturday, Feb 4 Asians and Friends Chicago "Bunny"-themed dinner for new year In a throwback to the days of Hugh Hefner, Asians and Friends Chicago (AFC) will host a Playboy and Playgirl "Bunny"-themed dinner celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community to recognize the start of the Chinese lunar calendar. Raffles, games and special performances by AFC members will bring back the Playboy bunnies from the '60s and '70s. Tickets are $35/presale; $45 after Jan. 28; and $50 at the door.  7:00pm   Chengdu Impressions, 5900 N. Broadway Ticket Link Equality Illinois 2023 Gala The Midwest's largest LGBTQ+ formal celebration. Honoring Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith with the 2023 Spotlight Award. 5:30 p.m. silent auction and cocktail reception  7:30pm   Chicago Hilton and Towers 720 S Michigan Ave Website Link Ticket Link Sunday, Feb 5 Grammy Awards Viewing Party Watch the 65th Annual GRAMMYs in Back Bar with Team Sidetrack.  7:00pm   Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St Website Link Thursday, Feb 9 TPAN Community Workshop: Down & Dirty First Aid Addressing bystander response to severe injury and traumatic wounds until first responders arrive. First Aid Kits will be provided to attendees courtesy of Physicians Immediate Care. Registration is required and space is limited.   6:30pm - 8:30pm   TPAN, 5537 N Broadway Website Link Choosing Family: A Memoir of Queer Motherhood and Black Resistance In-person book launch: Choosing Family by Francesca Royster, in conversation with Michele Morano. Literary memoir of chosen family and chosen heritage, told against the backdrop of Chicago's North and South Sides   7:00pm - 8:30pm   Women & Children First Bookstore 5233 N Clark St Ticket Link Friday, Feb 10 Early Voting in Downtown Chicago For the February 28, 2023 Municipal Election  10:00am   Various Website Link OPALGA+ February Potluck Cheryl Knecht hosts. Please bring a dish to share  7:00pm - 10:00pm   School House Kitchen and Studio at 349 Ashland Ave., River Forest Ticket Link Fetish February Fun at Touche Second Friday of each month  8:00pm   Touche 6412 N Clark St Website Link Saturday, Feb 11 Calling All Lesbian Singles Over 45 Dinner by Mixquic Cocino, live entertainment, speed dating, dancing match, after party. Hosted by Queer Ministries of LUMC. Suggested donation of $20.   6:00pm   2242 S. Damen Website Link Friday, Feb 17 Early Voting in Downtown Chicago For the February 28, 2023 Municipal Election  10:00am   Various Website Link World of Chocolate Embark on a global chocolate tour with lite bites, an open bar, decadent chocolate samples from local chocolatiers, and our famous Punchboard. World of Chocolate is AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC)'s annual fundraising event, raising $2.8 million dollars since its inception.  1:00pm   Union Station 210 S Canal Website Link Ticket Link Saturday, Feb 18 Legacy Project's Carnival Mardi Gras Spectacular Masks, costumes, cocktails; cajun cuisine from J & L Catering; circus [erformers, authentic New Orleans jazz music from the sensational Tovi Khali Jazz Band. At 9p join our Second Line Parade led by TOVI as we head outdoors onto the sidewalk then back in through Sidetrack's Front Courtyard to kick-off their Mardi Gras blowout.$40 (in advance) or $50 (at the door). Benefits Legacy Project work to expand Illinois's LGBTQ-Inclusive Public-School Curriculum  6:00pm - 9:00pm   Sidetrack 3349 N Halsted St Sunday, Feb 19 OPALGA+ Family Playdates Let's Play Work is a new indoor kids play space with an indoor playground and toys. Please follow the link to RSVP and secure discounted tickets. We will also provide snacks and drinks  11:00am - 1:00am   Let's Play Work, 7228 Circle Ave., Forest Park, Illinois Website Link Friday, Feb 24 Center on Halsted programming Special events and cultural and community events at the center and groups for men, women, youth, transgender, bisexual, families and seniors plus Mental Health and Support Groups and Training and Education sessions   Time:TBA   Center on Halsted 3656 N Halsted Website Link Saturday, Feb 25 Queer Book Club with Author John D'Emilio Monthly queer book club. Professor John D'Emilio, a professor emeritus of history and of women's and gender studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Wrote "Sexual Politics, Sexual Communities: The Making of a Homosexual Minority in the United States 1940-1970',"Making Trouble: Essays on Gay History, Politics, and the University", "The World Turned: Essays on Gay History, Politics, and Culture", "Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin" and "Memories of a Gay Catholic Boyhood: Coming of Age in the Sixties." RSVP for link  2:00pm - 3:30pm   Online Website Link Monday, Feb 27 Giordano on Giordano Seven up-close and personal world premieres. First show 6p. Reception for both audiences between shows at 7pm  8:00pm   The Joffrey Ballet 10 E Randolph Ticket Link next thirty days