I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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The Westboro Baptist Church (WBC) has set their sights on Twitter, and they plan to protest at the San Francisco headquarters today at 4:30PM local time.
WBC is best known for their catchy slogan 'God Hates Fags' and their penchant for picketing soliders funerals. Now they're hell bent set on picking on Twitter.
Well not Twitter itself per se, but the people who run Twitter and that they 'don't use their position and voice to warn a generation of rebels of the consequences of their rebellion.' whew - that's a mouthfull isn't it?
Ironically, they'll be twittering about their experience as they picket - hopefully they'll post pictures too.
Don't worry the Phelps family loves Chicago too,. In 2008 they were here to protest at the Center on Halsted - but chickened out at the last minute and protested instead at the Police HQ down the street. Last summer they were here to protest at several synagogues because Jackie Mason was in town.
Click through for videos of the Center on Halsted Protest and more.
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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Today is the 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance, when we remember those in our community who have been killed through violence, hatred and prejudice.
According to the website www.transgender.org more than 117 transgendered people have been murdered this year - a truly devastating number.
Events are planned around the world to mark their passing and several events are planned here in Chicago:
- Saturday the Center on Halsted will host the 5th Annual Night of Fallen Stars to celebrate Chicago's transgender community with music, poetry and special guest Jaila Simms who is the first transgendered person to win an MTV reality TV program 'Making His Band' I had a chance to talk with Jaila before the show aired, you can check out that interview here
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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Don't you dare miss Halloween on Halsted this year - because it's starting early!
Since Halloween is on a Saturday this year, they've decided to get the party started earlier than normal. The 13th Annual North Halsted Halloween Parade steps OFF at 6PM this year.
Last year was my first year in the parade and I had an amazing time with those crazy boys from Feast of Fun as we dressed up like Panadas. This year is going to be ever more over the top as we attempt to recreate the monsters from Where The Wild Things Are
The parade tyipcally starts later (usually around 7:30) so make sure that you remember to get there early enough to get a good place to stand and enjoy the whole days worth of events.
Start at the Center on Halsted from 1-3PM for fun games like bobbing for apples, musical chairs and other fun games. Then head down Halsted and do some adult "trick or treating" at the businesses that line the street.
Parade registration starts at 4PM at Spin - 800 W Belmont. The Parade will step off at 6PM from Belmont and Halsted and ends in the 7-Eleven Parking Lot with the contest hosted by Miss Foozie.
Stick around Boystown after the parade because many of the bars are having contests for the best costumes - if you've got a good enough costume you have the chance to win some great prizes!
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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If you're planning for the day when we have same-sex marriage equality in Illinois then make sure you attend one of Chicago's first LGBT Wedding Expos.
Elegant Touch Events is planning the first ever "Over the Rainbow, Gay Expo" at the Center on Halsted on July 25th.
Since the beginning of the year the SEX+++ Film Series has been drawing audiences to the Southside to explore their sexuality.
SEX POSITIVE, pro-SEX, pro-QUEER, pro-KINK is what this film documentary series is all about, curated by Clarisse Thorn, each screening will focus on the positive, informative spin of human sexuality. Screenings will cover everything from bisexuality, swinging, heterosexuality, polyamory and more.
The Center on Halsted will be serving dinner on the Richard M Daley Rooftop Garden this summer, and you're invited.
I just got this exciting news and had to share it with you. The Center on Halsted and After School Matters (a non-profit orginzation that helps teens become paid apprentices) have teamed up with Abraham Conlon, Executive Chef of 'S Good to create a dining experience you won't want to miss, and at a price that can't be beat - only $20 per person.
Every Wednesday in July, the Rooftop Garden at the Center will be turned into a fully functioning restaurant staffed by aspiring teen chefs. Each week will feature a different menu that will combine some of the best local produce and ingredients available.
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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The Center on Halsted continues to offer exciting, relevant AND free programs for the LGBTQ community such as a legal seminar on "Taxes, Property Ownership, Wills and Trusts for the LGBT Community" on June 13.
Attorneys Ray J Koenig III of Clark Hill PLC and David Wells of David Wells and Associates PC will show participants in this second of a series of four legal preparedness series why taxes, property ownership, wills and trusts are important topics for our community.
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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During this weekend volunteers will be canvassing local bars will be asking for donations to help support the Center on Halsted.
During this difficult financial times, all organizations are feeling the pinch - including the Center on Halsted.
The Center on Halsted truly is "our center." I've had the opportunity to go to many events at the Center and it really is a great space/place where our community can come together.
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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We all know it's tough out there and the Center on Halsted is there to help you.
They are helping you 'Take Charge of Your Professional Life" with the center as they deliver an amazing new program called "OUTsource" - a program to help you focus your energies on your career development.
OUTsource was launched earlier this year and after being wildly successful the Center has decided to revamp the program and offer four distinct streams to help you at every level of your career.
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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Last night more than 900 people gathered at the Center on Halsted to show their support at the dismay of the California Supreme Courts ruling on Propsition 8
Several speakers, including Andy Thayer who just returned from Russia where he participated in, and was arrested for, the attempt to stage a Gay Pride Parade in Moscow, spoke to the crowd of hundreds.
The common theme amongst the speakers was that we will not let this ruling by the California Supreme Court get us down, it will only energize us and make us stronger.
Check out this short video that I was able to capture of the Rally and the following March on Halsted. We marched from Halsted & Waveland to Halsted & Fullerton, chanting, shouting and waving flags the entire time and getting our message out to the passersby.
There is plenty that you can do and there are several organizations in Chicago that you can join forces with to make your voice heard. Check out the Gay Liberation Network and Join the Impact - Chicago
I'm a 40 year old virgin, no not really, I'm just gay
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Rumor has it that the California Supreme Court is planning to announce their
decision on the ruling of Prop 8.
Depending on the decision that is handed down, which some anticipate will be
around 12 Noon, there will either be a cause for celebration or protest.
The Gay Liberation Network
along with the Day of Decision are planning to
host a rally at Center on Halsted so that everyone can join forces to celebrate
or protest depending on the decision that is handed down by the court.
