1977

The Committee for Gay Rights demonstrates outside the British consulate’s Chicago offices, 33 N. Dearborn, to protest the arrest of Denis Lemon, editor of Britain’s Gay News, who is charged with blasphemy after he publishes a poem called “The Love That Dares To Speak Its Name.”

The Gospel Choir of Good Shepherd Parish MCC hosts a concert and dinner at 615 W. Wellington. The theme is “Make Room for Jesus” and guests include Ms. Leona Helrin and the Heritage Singers from Carter Temple CME Church and the Rev. Ernest Etchison from Wesley Chapel.

The Fox Valley Gay Association sponsors a trip to Seventh Heaven, Rockford’s super bar located at 528 Seventh St.

Elly Cook and Robie Crystal invite you to the opening of Crystal Blinker’s, 3154 N. Broadway, Chicago’s newest and most exciting club for fun and friendship. This week also sees the grand opening of the Brownstone gay restaurant, 435 W. Diversey.

1984

Old Town Books & Video, 1345 N. Wells (Rear of building), has a storewide clearance sale with gay videos “Matter of Size” and “Bigger the Better” selling for $49.95 each.

In the bars this week are the songs and comedy of Mary Lynn Morrison and Bill Muzzillo at Dandy’s, 2632 N. Halsted St.; it’s movie night at Take One, 2570 N. Clark St., showing “Blazing Saddles”; and check out “WE WANT YOU!” to party with Chicago’s hottest men and bid on the best in an auction of Mister Windy City Contestants to benefit the Frank M. Rodde III Memorial Building Fund at the Trianon, 3150 N. Halsted.

“The Final Approach” dinner/cabaret at 1090 S. Milwaukee, Wheeling, Ill., presents Patti Kakes’ “Fabulous Fakes Revue,” starring Ginger Grant, Diana McKay, Ginger Spice, Shante (choreographer) and Monica Monet (MC).

The Windy City Athletic Association hosts a fundraiser at Carol’s Speakeasy, 1355 N. Wells St., called “Las Vegas Night.” The evening features various types of games with proceeds to be used to help send the WCAA softball representatives to Gay World Series VIII in Houston, Texas.

1990

Lesbian bar Suzie B’s, 1829 W. Montrose, hosts “Photograms” by artist Shelley Schneider-Bello.

Dance-At-Large, featuring the hi-energy music of Michael Fierman (DJ at New York’s Saint club), takes place at the George-Sheffield Center, 2901 N. Sheffield, as a benefit for STOP AIDS Chicago, an AIDS prevention educational outreach program.

It’s the grand opening of Escapades, 6301 S. Harlem, with DJ/VJ Big Mike and bartenders Rae and John-John.

1992

Eight people arrested in a June 1991 Chicago ACT UP protest file a police brutality lawsuit for $10 million against the city of Chicago and nine police officers. The complaint alleges false arrest, malicious prosecution and excessive use of force.

Thanks to the Gerber/Hart Library at 1127 W. Granville for the use of its collection and archives. Contact Sukie de la Croix at delacroix@chicagofreepress.com.