Love Fest, CBGMC mark10th anniversaries

On Oct. 10, the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CBGMC) held the 10th anniversary edition of the annual Love Fest in front of a nearly sold-out audience of well-wishers and supporters. The event, held at the Chicago Illumination Company at 2110 S. Wabash Ave., also marked the 10th anniversary of the creation of the caucus while continuing its mission to unite the community and to celebrate African-American LGBTQ life.

As in the past, the upfront purpose of the festival was to address serious health issues in the African American LGBTQ community and featured an indoor “health village.” With the participation of The Center on Halsted, South Suburban HIV/AIDS Regional Clinics (SSHARC) and the University of Chicago, and in partnership with The AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Chicago Community Trust, the festival featured a tabling section, drag and dance performances, a raffle, a mini-ball, and dramatic and musical performances from The Youth Empowerment Performance Project.

With CBGMC Co-Founder Lora Branch, co-Chair David Dodd and Executive Director Erik Glenn in attendance, the entertainment portion kicked off with Ms. Ruff N Stuff serving as emcee.

Apart from celebrating the two anniversaries, the 2015 event marked the first year that the caucus had participated in the annual AIDS Walk & Run. Proceeds of the raffle totaled more than $300, more than enough to meet the remaining balance for the AIDS Walk goal of $5,000.

Regarding upcoming events, the caucus will host a discussion and Q&A with clinician/author Dr. David Malebranche (Standing on His Shoulders) at the Jeffery Pub, 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd. on Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m.

For more on CBGMC, visit chiblackgaycaucus.org/.