The annual event, in its fifth year, is Baird & Warner’s alternative to the Pride Parade. It also serves as a fundraiser for Chicago-based organizations. This year’s beneficiary was La Casa Norte, a Humboldt Park organization that recently began a queer and questioning program. Past beneficiaries of the mixer have included the Gay Games, Chicago House, AIDSCare Chicago and Chicago 2016.
Jim Schiefelbein is the vice president, chief marketing officer of Baird & Warner, and an organizer of the mixer. He said the event helps LBGTQ professionals network not just personally but politically: “It is important for our community, the gay and lesbian community, to support the businesses that support us.” Photos and text by Kate Sosin