films Archives

At 7:30 p.m. this evening, catch a special showing of Queerborn & Perversion at the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave). The documentary is all about the history of Chicago's LGBT community, from 1934 - 1974.

If you've ever wanted to know about the first lesbian bars in the city, and hear from some of the women who are still around to tell the tales, here's your chance. Watch the preview on the official site and then grab a ticket for just $11.

This week marks the start of the Chicago International Film Fest, and one of the most exciting entries this year is a heartbreaking story about an overweight young black lesbian called Precious: Based on the Novel "Push."

The movie is showing twice next week, but the first showing on the 14th will have director Lee Daniels and lead actress Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe there to answer questions after the screening. Of course, those tickets are pricier ($50 - $100), but the 16th showing is $9 - $12. Considering it's a huge film in which both Mariah Carey and Mo'Nique are supposed to give stellar performances, and boasts Oprah Winfrey as a producer, you might want to get your tickets ahead of time.

This weekend, the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St.) will play host to screenings of Chicago's new lesbian film, Hannah Free. Starting tomorrow night, you can see Sharon Gless (Cagney and Lacey, Queer as Folk) as the star of the film, a working class gay woman and her lover over 60 years.

Every Sept. 23 since 1999 has officially been a holiday for bisexuals. Bisexuality Day is celebrated worldwide, but in Chicago, there are a few things you can do to sing out about your sexual fluidity, loud and proud.

Out bisexual musician Ani Difranco will fittingly perform at The Vic (3145 N. Sheffield Ave.) tonight at 7:30 p.m. You can still get tickets for $40.

Every fall, the Reeling Gay and Lesbian Film Festival brings the best queer movies of the year to Chicago. Today, they announced their line-up for November, and with tickets going on sale in October, it's time to start planning which ones you'll want to make sure to see. Here's a run-down of some of the lesbian-directed films will be showing this year:

And Then Came Lola

Lesbian actresses Jill Bennett and Cathy deBuono star in this film based on the indie hit, Run Lola Run.

This might fall under the category of blatantly obvious, but I want to stress the importance of going to see a movie written by a woman, directed by a woman, and starring women. It's how movies by women keep getting funded and made. Juno writer Diablo Cody's new teen horror film, Jennifer's Body, opens tonight at midnight, and besides the fact that women are behind it all, is the fact that stars Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried share a Sapphic scene together.

Here's a glimpse:

This Friday and Saturday is a one-time special event called Savoir-Faire, a festival of queer art, performance, music film and fashion organized by local lesbians Chelcie S Porter and Emilia Soroczynska. Several LGBTQ artists from Chicago are participating, including photographer Torie McMillan of the "Lesbians in their bedrooms" series, punk trio 8 Inch Betsy and MC Jo Collura.

Here's a preview video of what you can expect:

Whether your newly out or just looking for a change of scenery, there are several ways to get out and meet other gay women in Chicago, especially if club-hopping isn't your scene. In the past, I've told you about where you could find some like-minded sporty gals, but here are some more general groups that might pique your interest.

Tonight at the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St.), director Faith Trimel will be on hand to talk about her new film, Family, which follows the lives of six black lesbians who decide to come out to their loved ones. Judging from the trailer, it looks very dramatic, in true lesbian fashion.

The new indie film Humpday from director Lynn Shelton centers on two male best friends who decide to have sex with one another for an amateur porn contest. Before you think I'm crazy for advising you to see what could end up being disastrously homophobic, here's the trailer:

Queer as Folk fans know her as Michael's sassy PFLAG mom Debbie, and, before that, she was part of the famous police-duo Cagney and Lacey,  but lesbian icon Sharon Gless will now be remembered as Hannah Free.

Tonight from 6:30 - 9 p.m., rub elbows with the suburbans of Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce at their Mix and Mingle at the Skokie Theater (7924 N. Lincoln Ave.) There will be tons of networking opportunities, cabaret performances and pizza. Call ahead (773-303-0167) to register and find out more information.

If you're looking to network inside the city limits, GLAAD is hosting "Thank GLAAD It's Friday" at the Ultra Lounge & Cafe (3341 N. Halsted St.) from 7 - 9 p.m. With free ABSOLUT cocktails and the chance to win a membership and other prizes, it sounds like a pretty stellar way to meet other LGBTQ professionals in the area. ($35, includes open bar)

Saturday is full of Sapphic options, including Sapphos Salon at Women and Children First, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. This week's music is from local out songstress Emily White and artwork from Riva Lehrer. ($7-$12 donation suggested)

If you're in the mood for a movie, check out a screening of Cheryl Dunye's classic lesbian film, The Watermelon Woman, at the Center on Halsted (3656 N. Halsted St.) at 6:30 p.m. (free)

Feel more like watching some girls getting derby? The very-dykey Chicago Outfit play the Detroit Motor City Assembly Line at the Windy City Field House (2367 W. Logan Blvd.) Doors are at 7 p.m., and the bout starts at 8. ($12 in advance, $15 at the door)


And from 3 - 10 p.m. on Saturday is the CHICKago Social Event in the parking lot across from T's (5025 N. Clark St.) in Andersonville. A lot party with lesbian singer/songwriters like Edie Carey and Melissa Ferrick, the party is described as an event for "chicks who dig chicks." Know any of those? ($10 in advance, $15 at the door)

But if you are feeling like something a little more quiet and intimate, try the 20s and 30s mixer from Sapphic Adventures at Sura Thai Bistro (3124 N. Broadway Ave.) Start mixing at 7 p.m. and maybe you'll meet someone to mosey over to Aville with after.

While our own gay and lesbian film festival might not hit until the leaves begin to fall, Los Angeles is hosting its own Outfest this week, which is where the documentary Fish Out of Water will be making its debut on Saturday. The film about homosexuality and the bible is from Chicago-based director Ky Dickens and her production team, who are in L.A. promoting its premiere.

Here's the trailer:

One reason you'll want to pay attention: There are several celesbians rumored to be in attendance of the premiere and after-party at O Bar in West Hollywood. Let's hope these ladies utilize their Twitpic then.