By Sukie de la Croix

this week in...

1973 Cook County Circuit Judge Jack Sperling rules that a Chicago ordinance banning cross-dressing is unconstitutional after hearing the case of four young men arrested at a bar at 2200 21st Place for wearing women’s clothes. When the men turn up in court dressed as women, Sperling says, “The only thing these defendants caused was laughter and derision. They weren’t even mistaken for women.” Chicago lesbian activist and lawyer Renee Hanover defended the men.

1975 The 2nd annual Lesbian Writer’s Conference is held at Chicago’s First Unitarian Church, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave. The keynote speaker is lesbian activist Barbara Grier, who as Gene Damon was the former editor of the 1950s-1960s lesbian magazine The Ladder.

1978 The Howard Brown Memorial Clinic moves to 2676 N. Halsted.

1979 Nicole Hollander, the author of “I’m in Training to be Tall and Blonde,” shows slides of cartoons from her book and autographs copies at the Jane Addams Bookstore, 5 S. Wabash, Room 1508.

1983 The Top 5 picks from DJ Frank Lipomi at Coconuts, 5320 N. Sheridan, are 1) “Band of Gold” by Sylvester; 2) “Stand Back” by Stevie Nicks; 3) “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics; 4) “Get it Right” by Aretha Franklin; and 5) “Makin’ Music” by Gary’s Gang.

1984 “Celebrate 10” is the Howard Brown Memorial Clinic 10th anniversary bash stretched over two nights, the first at the Midland Hotel with a Gala Benefit Dinner with special guest speaker Jane Byrne. The second night is “Monte Carlo Night” at the Park West with guest appearances by Chicago’s Gay Men’s Chorus, the Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre, and International Mr. Leather 1984 Ron Moore.

The Top 5 dance tunes from DJ Mark Vallese at the Trianon, 3150 N. Halsted, are 1) “I Need a Man in My Life” by Katie Kissoon; 2) “High Energy” by Evelyn Thomas; 3) “Tie Me Down” by Romance; 4) “Sensual Sensations (all cuts)” by Lime; and 5) “In the Evening” by Sheila E.

1985 Showcase One, Chicago’s entertainment complex at 959 W. Belmont, holds ”A Night With the Stars” with Patti Kakes as emcee and starring Shante (Miss Gay Illinois 1985-86), Ginger Grant (Miss Gay Chicago 1985-86) and Candi Stratton (Miss Gay Indiana 1985-86).

Chicago lesbian groups include Action Bi-Women, Havurat Achayot, Lesbian Classical Musicians Network, Lesbian Therapy Center and Women on Women Womyn’s Works.



1992 Charlie’s, 401 W. Ontario, hosts “A Harvest of Fall Parties” called “She Devils Go West” with Chicago’s favorite drag troupe acting as bartenders, waiters, and as entertainers.

1998 The Lesbian Community Cancer Project set sail on the Odyssey for their 3rd annual jazz brunch cruise. Tickets are $80.

Valerie James plus 20 other performers help Minerva Rex become Miss International Gay Rodeo at Star Gaze, 5419 N. Clark St. Donations to benefit The Children’s Place.

1999 Ulysses Theatre Company presents Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart” directed by Stephen Rader, at the Athenaeum Theater, Studio Two, 2836 N. Broadway.

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