Features

The forgotten legacy of gay photographer George Platt Lynes

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From the late 1920s until his death in 1955, George Platt Lynes was one of the world’s most successful commercial and fine art photographers. His work was included in one of the first exhibitions to showcase photography at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, and he showed at the extremely popular Julien Levy Gallery in New York City. His photographs for Vogue and Bazaar, his shots of dancers at the School of American Ballet and his portraits of some of the most important creative figures of his era were lauded for their innovative use of lighting, props and posing. But in his view, his most important works were his nude photographs of men. Yet during Lynes’ life, few even knew of their existence.

Central Illinois

Decatur man gets punched after trying to stop two guys having sex in driveway

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DECATUR — Decatur police said a man who was trying to stop two guys from having sex in a parked car was punched in the face on Saturday. The Decatur Herald & Review reported that the incident happened in Hyde Park Court on the south edge of Decatur off of U.S. 51 just before 3:30 a.m. Police officer Jeremy williams said the victim, described as a friend of the guy who punched him, had been asked to stop the the party in the car by the driveway’s owner. From the Herald & Review:
“…The homeowner of the residence did not like the fact that this was occurring in his driveway and advised (the victim) to notify his (friend, and the friend’s partner) to leave the property,” Williams said. Williams said the 21-year-old assailant then “became irate” before punching the victim in the head four times, leaving him with redness, swelling and bruising injuries police recorded with photographs. The man was booked on a preliminary charge of battery and is free after posting $1,000 bond.

Chicagoland

Chicago sends MCL 2017 Daddy G to IML

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CHICAGO — Mr. Chicago Leather 2017, Gerald “Daddy G” Cernak, was sent off to IML on Saturday, May 20, with a party at Chicago’s Touche. The send-off party was a fundraiser for both the MCL travel fund and Rainbow Railroad, an organization that helps LGBTQ people escape from hostile countries like Chechnya. More than $500 was raised both during performances and a raffle. Chicago drag queen Muffy Fishbasket did a performance starting out with Kellyanne Conway’s notorious inauguration outfit then switching to Harley Quinn toward the end, getting a huge approval from the crowd. The Windy City Sisters of Perpetual indulgence were also on hand to wish Daddy G good luck and, after having him walk on water (water sprinkled on the floor), parting the red C and curing the blind (putting MIR 17 Jeffery Basile’s glasses back on), declared him Saint VPL, patron saint of boys in gray sweat shorts.

Chicagoland

Daddy G wins Mr. Chicago Leather 2017

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CHICAGO — Gerald Cernak, aka Daddy G, won the Mr. Chicago Leather 2017 title on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Leather Archives & Museum. Daddy G was one of two contestants in this year’s contest, well down from past years. IML 2003 John Pendal came back for his 14th run as contest emcee. The contest weekend, which also included brunches and classes by Kink U, started as the immigration ban by the Trump administration took effect.

Eastern Illinois

B/N Area LGBTQA Business Directory Meeting, Jan. 18

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BLOOMINGTON — The Prairie Pride Coalition is embarking on a project to create a B/N resource guide that lists lgbtq-friendly businesses, services, organizations, social service agencies, and spiritual resources. Pictured is a template of the directory as well as the draft of a unique identifier decal that can be displayed at the establishment’s entrance and/or on the establishment’s web site. To make this project a success we need your help! If you are interested in helping to create and/or maintain this directory please come to this informational meeting. If you cannot make the meeting please e-mail us at info@ppc-il.org to express your interest.

Chicagoland

Rodeo ‘Round Town for Illinois Gay Rodeo Association

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CHICAGO — Join the Illinois Gay Rodeo Association (IL.G.R.A.) for Rodeo ‘Round Town! We will be raising money to put on a REAL RODEO HERE IN CHICAGO NEXT YEAR!!!! Friday:
The fun kicks off at 9pm at Charlie’s Chicago with our Rodeo Barn Dance Party! There will be raffles, prizes, dancing, drinking, and fun!!!! Saturday:
We go a little more to the risqué side at Touché Starting at 10pm.

Chicagoland

Chicago BearCity 3 Premiere Weekend!

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CHICAGO — BearCity 3 is coming to Chicago for an unforgettable weekend. Join them on Friday at 9pm for the Weekend Kick-Off at SOFO Tap 4923 N. Clark St. Then Saturday, the screening at 9:15pm at the Landmark Century Centre Theatre, followed immediately by a Q&A with the filmmakers and cast. Followed by a After-Party at Touché at 6412 N.Clark St. Finally on Sunday afternoon, if we are all still alive, we might end up at Sidetracks singing show tunes and drinking Bloody Mary’s.

Eastern Illinois

Champaign-Urbana, IL Pride Parade

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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA — The Champaign-Urbana RACK BDSM/kink group will be marching in the CU Pride Parade on September 10th at 3pm. This is the same day as our munch at 7PM. We welcome all to march with us so if you or anyone you know would like to, please let us know. Please bring any flags or banners if you have them.   This is our first year doing this so we would like to have as large of a contingent as we can. You can RSVP here, https://fetlife.com/events/476452, or by sending an email to champaignurbanarack@gmail.com.  More information can be found here, http://www.unitingpride.org/#!cu-pridefest/c20jp.

Chicagoland
Northalsted Market Days

Northalsted Market Days this weekend

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CHICAGO — Celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, Northalsted Market Days is set to be the biggest and best it has ever been! This years Northhalsted Market Days will take place the weekend of August 13th & 14th, 2016, when a crowd of more than 180,000 people from across the country will converge on Halsted Street to celebrate our annual event. Past performances include En Vogue, Jennifer Holliday, Lynda Carter, Salt n Pepa, Wilson Phillips and David Cassidy. For 48 hours, the neighborhood of Lakeview, becomes filled with food, art, music and fun. In which Chicago welcomes the largest street festival in the Midwest.