How does one introduce himself to the world via blog? Taking a page on how to do so from my best friend seems smart. It worked for him.
My name is Bill. I am a PBS-watching, fashion-trying, flower-arranging, brief-wearing, hair-styling, ... Julia Child recipe-cooking, vodka and wine-drinking, nail-filing, exfoliated, pec-lusting, pocket square-sporting, football-abhorring, Will & Grace-viewing, Gaga-listening, accessory-coordinating, Boystown-living, candle-lighting, fruit fly-leading, Facebook-posting, necktie-tying, pinky-extending, mirror-looking, Details-reading, Jake Gyllenhaal-lusting, man-loving FAIRY!
There! I hope you will follow my blog. *Grin*
Oh wait! Perhaps you need a bit more? Okay, my name is Bill Pritchard. I just turned the big 4-0, and moved to Chicago from Seattle in 2001. I've been pretty lucky to make some amazing friends here. It's one damn great city!
With the 1998 installation of the rainbow-colored pylons along Halsted (pictured), and the 2007 opening of the Center on Halsted, Boystown has solidified its location as the city's "gayborhood" for the foreseeable future.
I've always felt that Boystown is more an idea than a geographical location. It's the suggestion that members of the LGBT community have a place in society that they can call their own. It's the notion that our contribution to the Chicago community and abroad is a valid one. From anywhere in Chicago you can get in a taxi and ask to be taken to Boystown and they will know right where you're talking about.
I'm the Senior Vice President for Community Affairs at ChicagoPride.com, an entertainment and lifestyle Web site for the LGBT community. I also have a day job that keeps me pretty active in national politics. I really enjoy both my day job, and my "gay" job. It's through both that I was given the nickname the "Mayor of Boystown." It all happened when popular Chicago realtor Mike Liska introduced me to a group of his friends as such. It was a funny term of endearment that happened to stick and I've always thought of it as a challenge to be the best representative of the community as I could be.
I do take the responsibility that I feel to the community seriously! I get that from the upbringing of my terrific Mom and Dad. From Day One, they instilled in me the importance of giving back to the area you live in. As corny as it sounds I'd love it if everyone would work hard for their communities.
There is no doubt that it's a blast to be a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individual in Chicago. With the help of the ChicagoPride.com team of editors, bloggers, and contributors I hope to bring attention to the L. G. B. and T. of our community. I'll introduce you to the ones who have gone before and the ones who are coming up. Perhaps then you will see that we all can make a difference in our own way!
Cheers!
~Bill
On Twitter? Let's follow each other!
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Bill Pritchard, Boystown, ChicagoPride.com, LGBT, Make a difference, Mayor of Boystown
Sorry. Alderman Tunney is the "Mayor of Boystown."
44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney, Chicago's only openly gay alderman, is certainly a champion for the LGBT community as he serves the Lakeview neighborhood that includes Boystown. Alderman Tunney has been a successful businessman and dedicated public servant. We salute his work.
Hi Mayor- great to see you here!
Thanks Marc! Clearly I'm in good company!
Hi Bill - wonderful to see you here!!!!
Thanks so much Michael! xoxo
OMG, Welcome to Chicagonow.com Mayor Bill!
Anyone proclaiming himself the "Mayor of Boystown" at age 40 needs to seriously rethink his priorities.
Way to perpetuate those stereotypes.
SO bitter, T-Funk! Welcome, mayor. I write the lesbian blog, so if you have any lady news, come kick it my way. I hope you're a corrupt mayor, and thus can let me cut the line to Sidetrack on busy weekends. You know, patronage. I'll plug you in my blog or something.
Welcome to ChicagoNow! Can't wait to read your posts!
No, Bill is the Mayor and I believe he has the sash to prove it.
Funny stuff, Bill. But, welcome!! So excited to read some of your future blogs.