On Oct. 6, the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus (CBGMC) presented its annual Lovefest—but with an entirely new look. This 2024 version was tag lined, “What’s Love got to do with it,” with the enticement, “A reclamation of Black gay love, sex and everything in between.”
The event, which took place at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., featured a full brunch, a health van from Alliance 360 offering MPox vaccinations and HIV testing, an afternoon of personal networking, “Queer Family Feud” and a Lovefest Mini-Ball featuring iconic members of the Ball community.
CBGMC Executive Director Dr. Keith Green and event emcee Flosse greeted festival-goers and encouraged them to eat and mingle before the afternoon activities got started. That turned out to be good advice since there was so much going on.
CBGMC has held its Lovefest since 2005 and the event is known for the many performers entertaining the crowd. This time out, members and guests were challenged to meet people they did not know in the three “Quick Connections” segments, with participants competing for prizes.
Even more popular was “Queer Family Feud,” led by Michah Butler, which pitted quartets of participants dubbed “Old School,” “New School,” “Kink Daddies,” “West Side” and “South Side.” The room was genuinely shocked when Little Richard failed to appear as one of the answers to the question “Name a Black Queer Music Icon.”
Regardless of that particular omission, many of the questions were centered on safe-sex practices and maintaining a healthy relationship with oneself and a partner. Despite Butler’s efforts ,audience members were so engaged they kept shouting out answers to questions.
The finale of Lovefest 2024 came with the Lovefest Mini-Ball, a distinctively uncharacteristic finish presided over by the iconic Kentrele Gucci, and featuring cameos by Ball personalities like Kevin Aviance.
Sponsors for the event included Black Alphabet, Alliance 360, Chicago Department of Public Health, Uncle Nearest Spirits, ViiV, D Square Events and Urban Pride.