By Sukie de la Croix

1976: One of Chicago hosts its 12th Annual Banquet at the Como Inn, 546 N. Milwaukee Ave. The guest speaker for the event is Sgt. Leonard Matlovich, famous for his fight against the Armed Forces after being discharged for announcing his homosexuality. Another highlight of the evening is the presentation of “The Paul Goldman Award,” given for outstanding service to the gay community, to Michael Bergeron for founding the Gay Community Center. Tickets to the event cost $9.

Back in 1976 it was easier to stay in the closet than come out of it, and a lot of Chicago gay guys would travel to different towns to be more open. That’s why it was big news when a new bar opened in South Bend, Indiana. The Image, a new dance lounge, is located at 1072 Lincolnway East and is operated by John McGulpin. Working at the club is Marcy, an ex-Saugatuck waitress, and a handsome “spaceman-type” attired waiter. The bar has a large disco ball and a “captain’s chair lounge.” The only other gay establishment in South Bend at this time is the Little Denmark bookstore run by Jack and Ronnie.

1981: The Midwest Premier of Arch Brown’s “All Tied Up” starring Tom Cord, Scorpio, Keith Anthony and Gustavo, is showing at the Bijou, 1349 N. Wells.

The Lesbian Community Center sponsors a discussion with filmmaker Adrian Amal following the showing of her film “In the Best Interests of the Children” at Links Hall, 3435 N. Sheffield. Proceeds from the $2 donation at the door benefits both the Lesbian Mothers National Defense Fund and the Lesbian Community Center.

Lionheart gay theater readings of “The” by Larry Bommer and “Alpha in Umbra” by Paul Tayton take place at Barbara’s Bookstore, 2907 N. Broadway at midnight.

2002: Columbia College Gays and Lesbians in the Arts, a panel discussion with musician Jeff Abell, theater designer Mary Badger, filmmaker/screen writer Josef Steiff, choreographer Eduardo Vilaro and writers Lott Hill and Deb Lewis, takes place at Hokin Annex, 623 S. Wabash.

Grinder, Scott Free’s weekly showcase of queer words and music, moves to the No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood in Rogers Park. This week it features words by Ken Hunt and music by Waxer with Burton Ford.

In the bars this week the Lambda Car Club host its annual Antique Car Show in the parking lot of Inn Exile, 5758 W. 65th St.; the Push and three other bands play a benefit for the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network at Star Gaze, 5419 N. Clark St.; Rudy de la Mor sings and tickles the ivories at Gentry, 440 N. State St.; and drag king Andres de los Santos y Juicy performs at the newly remodeled Casa Puertorriqueña! at 1237 N. California.

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