By Sukie de la Croix

This week in...

1978
G.R.A.N.D./Chicago (Gay Rights Alumni of Notre Dame) hosts a benefit at O’Banion’s Pub, 661 N. Clark St. The guest of honor is Chicago-born author and pro football player Dave Kopay, who discusses the problems of the gay community in the Chicago area, signs autographs and talks about his book “The David Kopay Story.” At Gay Games VII in Chicago in 2007 Kopay was a featured announcer in the opening ceremonies.

A benefit dinner for Gary Nepon, the openly gay independent Democratic candidate for state representative in the 13th District, takes place at Water Tower Hyatt House, 800 N. Michigan Ave. The special guest speaker is Harvey Milk, the openly gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors who was later assassinated. Entertainment is provided by Karen Burns.

1990
Chicago House and Social Service Agency invites you to “An Evening With Michael Feinstein” at the Civic Theater, 20 N. Wacker Drive.

1996
The Lesbian Community Cancer Project celebrates the grand opening of its South Side clinic at Englewood Neighborhood Health Center, 641 W. 63rd St.

Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, hosts a reception and benefit for lesbian comic Debbie Daliege and her latest video. A portion of the proceeds benefits Howard Brown Health Center.

2000
The Lakeside Pride Freedom Band performs works by MacDowell, Pezel and Busch at the Edison Park Methodist Church, 6740 N. Oliphant.

African-American gay writer Bil Wright discusses his first novel, “Sunday You Learn How to Box,” at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St.

Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Veterans of America/Chicago attend the “Salute to Women in Defense of Our Nation” event in Daley Plaza.

Fuel, the queer youth nightclub, meets at the Joel Hall Dance Center, on the corner of Clark and Berwyn.

2002
The University of Chicago Queer & Associates group presents lesbian stand-up comedienne Kate Clinton at Mandel Hall, Reynolds Club, 5706 S. University Ave. Tickets cost $10.

“An Evening of Broadway” at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, benefits Windy City Performing Arts. Tickets cost $125–$150.

HRC Illinois brings you “Laughing Out Loud 2,” a fabulous night of gay comedy with Karen Williams and Bob Smith at Park West.

The Bijou and Eric Hensley Entertainment present “Lingus in Love,” the story of Cunnilingus Chow, a Chinese immigrant and dry-cleaning superstar. Show starts at 9 p.m. at the Bijou, 1349 N. Wells St.

At the bars this week the Windy City Bondage Club meets at Touché, 6412 N. Clark St.; the Grabby Award Show porn star search and super pornfest starring Joe Landon takes place at the Lucky Horseshoe Lounge, 3169 N. Halsted St.; the Go-Go’s pre-concert party is at Girlbar, 2625 N. Halsted, with a raffle for two autographed Belinda Carlisle Playboy magazines and CDs.

Thanks to the Gerber/Hart Library at 1127 W. Granville for the use of their collection and archives.