GAY REPORT – August 9 2012

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Im TJ Chernick and welcome to another episode of Gay Report:

Last week The fast food chain Chick-fil-a was packed with supporters after the company came under fire for president Dan Cathys comments in favor ofquote ‘the biblical definition of the family unit  and the companys millions of dollars in donations to  anti-gay groups. The support sparked a number of pro-samesex-marriage protests around the country and in Chicago which included Kiss-ins where organizers used social media to urge same-sex couples in or around chicak fil a and posting pictures and videos online. Even after the store made record single day sales, the protests have continued even in Chicago where the gay liberation network reportedlu held a protest on Tuesday outside of the citys sole chickfila. The issue has torn the LGBT community with arguments between free speech and marriage equality debates, and has prompted restaurants like hearty boys and Hamburger marys to hold anti chicakfila events to support marriage equality.

In an attempt to counter the attention the Chick-fil-a appreciation day has sparked, Equally Wed Magazine encouraged Same-sex marriage supporters to support LGBT friendly businesses on Tuesday. What was originally announced as ‘Starbucks Appreciation Day, quickly grew into National Marriage Equality Day as a result of the direct encouragement of Starbucks Corporate Headquarters who wanted other equality-minded companies and organizations to share in the appreciation. According to the events organizers, starbucks asked that other corporate supporters of gay marriage, such as Nike and Amazon, be included as well. In case you missed it dont worry this now annual event will be back next year, and you can visit Equaly Wed magazines page at Facebook.com/nationalmarragie equality day.

On Monday, President Barack Obama signed into law the Honoring Americas Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeun (luh-jurn) Families Act which in addition to providing a wide-ranging package of benefits to military personnel it also enacts new restrictions on protests of service member funerals. This comes as bad news for the Westboro Baptist Church, the kansas based organization deemed a hate group, which is well known for its highly controversial protests at the funerals of fallen soldiers. Under the new legislation, protests must be held at least 300 feet from military funerals and are prohibited two hours before or after a service. The law counters a 2011 Supreme Court ruling, which found that displays such as Westboro’s were protected under the First Amendment.

Howard Brown will be hosting its annual fundraiser Garden of Eve on September 14, and the organization has released its line up of special guests. The event which support s women’s services at  the Health Center, will feature a VIP reception hosted by Ted Allen of the food networks chopped, a musical act featuring Grammy Nominee Meshell Ndegeocello (N-Day-GEEO-Chell-o) and Chris Bruce, as well as chef tastings from some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants. To purchase tickets and to enter for a chance to win VIP passes visit howard brown.org

In Entertainment news:

British pop sensation Mika, known for his kit song Grace Kelly and relax take it easy has successfully avoided questions about his personal life but in the September issue of Instinct Magazine the pop star came out. The 28 year old Lebanese born singer told the magazine, If you ask me am I gay, I say yeah… And its only through my music that Ive found the strength to come to terms with my sexuality beyond the context of just my lyrics. This is my real life. Mika’s third album, The Origin of Love, is due for release on Sept. 16 and includes collaborations with Pharrell Williams and William Orbit.

And in your weather forecast  (Pause)  You will be lookin at upper 70′s and 80′s witha mild high of 78 and mostly sunny on Saturday and high of 81 on Sunday with party cloudy skies. So dont forget to pull out your sunscreen this weekend

In this edition of weekend report. This weekend is one of the most anticipated events of the summer North Halsted market days. The midwest’s largest street fair will runs Saturday and Sunday and brings in more that 100,000 from around the country. The event spans six city blocks and will feature three music stages and 40 musical performers including Karmin, The pointer sisters, Sheena Easton and Olivia newton jhon. To find out more about whats going on during the fair visit northhalsted.com and Come see why Market days lives up to its reputation as one of the country’s finest festivals.

Thats all for this episode of Gay Report, join me again next week for more news and events affecting your world and dont forget to visit us on Facebook and give us a like. And until next week, stay proud chicago.