YOUR OFFICIAL CHICAGO GSI (Gay Summer Itinerary)
HELLLOOOOO,
WOAH, it has been quite some time... (my sincerest apologies Professor Von Boul… writer’s block)
How’s everyone doing? Personally, I’ve been cold and unsure why because it’s April and last year I remember wearing a sleeveless tee underneath a leather jacket, and taking OFF my jacket because I was too warm… and now, I’m wearing mom parka. Cool.
ANYWAY! This post is all about events, and since I’m here in Chicago freezing my little 22 year old heart out in April… let’s fast forward to summer and see what’s going on here in the city that will be a gay ole time.
Note: I said gay because, while yes these events will bring you happiness… they’re all centered around gay things! Therefore, I really do mean a gay ole time.
Consider this your official GSI… “gay summer itinerary” for all things gay in the city.
Let’s pretend it’s May, you’re gay and you’re in dismay because you’re sitting around like a lump of clay:
One thing you could be doing is shopping for IML.
IML stands for: International Mr. Leather (Convention)
I first went to IML in May of 2016… without knowing what it was. There I was exploring the South Loop with my friend on a Friday night and a couple of shots of 100 proof vodka (regrets), we turned near Columbia, passed the Congress Hotel and we saw a plethora of guys in leather jockstraps, chains, harnesses, and guys being walked like dogs out of the hotel… So, naturally, we went in to see what was up.
If you’re into leather and scantily clad hairy men with leather accents… May 24-28th @ the Congress Hotel... be there.
Leather can be used for many different things, purses, belts, car interiors, and for the wardrobe styling of The International Mr. Leather Convention. You’ll find leather jockstraps, harnesses, hats, collars, masks, whips, and everything in between.
Here's what's happening!
Thursday, May 24, 2018
8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
IML Opening Ceremonies
Auditorium Theatre
Auditorium Theatre: Ticket Packages available Ticket Sales Desk at Congress Plaza Hotel 1st floor Ticket Sales Desk. Event includes the introduction of judges, contestants and number selection. Doors open at 7:30 PM, show begins at 8:00 PM.
11:59 PM - 1:00 AM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
A 12-step recovery meeting that welcomes all programs and people seeking support in a sober environment during all IML festivities.
Friday, May 25, 2018
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Weekend Package Pick up & Ticket Sales
Rafael Annex
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Leather Market Day Pass Registration
Prince Albert Room
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
International Mr. Bootblack Competition
Rendezvous
12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
IML Leather Market
1st, 2nd, 3rd floors
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
FlashBack
Florentine
Spend some time with IML 2017, Ralph Bruneau and IMBB 2017, Pawlish, as they share their memories and highlights of their title year and travels. Join them and some very special guests to hear the insider scoop behind the social media posts of airports, events, judging, and jock auctions. Share some tears, laughs and scandals -- stories you probably haven't heard as well as their final remarks before their successors are named on Sunday night. Be there as the guys have a last word before fading into wuzziedom. This is a ticketed event that is available as both an add-on to your weekend package or as a single ticket event. All tickets will be available at Weekend Registration/Ticket Desk.
7:00 PM - 10:30 PM
BLUF Social
Oxford
BLUF Chicago welcomes members of the Breeches and Leather Uniform Fan Club from around the world with a cocktail reception bringing together men into full leather uniforms. This is a BLUF Dress Code Enforced Event, so please wear your finest Leathers and Uniforms.
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Puppy Yoga
Rendezvous
Bring your yoga mats and clothes you can move in, and enjoy the perfect warm up before the fun begins at Off Leash! Sponsored by SquarePeg. Rendezvous Room. Yoga starts at 7:30 PM, and the Romp will be from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
LORE Sober Recovery Dinner
Congress Hotel Front Entrance
All members and friends of recovery community are invited to join, meet at the Congress Hotel entrance at 7:30pm for a short walk to the restaurant.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Off Leash: The Pup and Handler Romp
Rendezvous
The annual pup and Handler party that is free and open to all pups and Handlers and their admirers. This year after puppy yoga, we will commence with pup play activities, surprises, fun and fellowship. Sponsored by SquarePeg. Rendezvous Room. Yoga starts at 7:30 PM, and the Romp will be from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
San Francisco Party
Florentine
Folsom Street Events delivers the biggest warm-up party of IML weekend right inside the host hotel. So, clean up, gear up, hang out and cruise at this nonstop sleazefest, featuring the deep, underground sounds of DJ Jack Chang (London). As always--it's free.
10:30 PM - 2:00 AM
Chicago Rubbermen and Mister International Rubber Meet & Greet
Rendezvous
The Chicago Rubbermen and Mr. International Rubber join forces to host their annual IML gathering. Start your weekend off by meeting fellow kinky rubberists from around the globe!
11:00 PM - 11:59 PM
Pocono Eagle Party
Oxford
11:59 PM - 1:00 AM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
Saturday, May 26, 2018
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Leather Market Day Pass Registration
Prince Albert Room
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
10:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Weekend Package Pick up & Ticket Sales
Rafael Annex
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
IML Leather Market
1st, 2nd, 3rd floors
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
International Mr. Bootblack Competition
Rendezvous
International Mr. Bootblack Competition.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Titans of the Midwest:General Business Meeting/Social
Florentine
Titans of the Midwest is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, whose mission is to provide education and guidance to further the development of knowledge and skills of the Midwest kink community (and beyond). Now in our 5th year, the Titans of the Midwest have hosted hundreds of educational sessions, bringing BDSM and kink education to thousands. Kink U at IML 40 will be no different. For full course details visit: titansofthemidwest.org
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
A Good Pup in a Crazy World: Puppy play in times of social stress
Oxford
It's no secret that the last year has been stressful. Can puppy play help? Join IPTC International Puppy Pup Turbo, International Trainer Sir Pounder, IPC International Puppy Pup Rex, Sir Justin, Issa Arden, and Sam Brinton as they discuss puppy play's role in a world gone mad. Panel Discussion moderated by Pup Rococo.
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Kink U Session 1: Panel Discussion
Florentine
"WTF is IML Anyway?" The history, reality, and secrets, of the biggest leather contest in the world.
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
People of Color Leather Caucus: Panel Discussion
Victorian
Join the Men of ONYX, along with Leatherfolk and Kinksters of Color from around the world for a lively community discussion on maximizing the leather/kink/fetish experience and positively impacting our communities as People of Color. Panelists will include both elders and new entrants. Demonstrations guaranteed to put the Sizzle in your Saturday afternoon will follow. Join in the discussion and maybe even participate in the demonstrations. Moderated by ONYX founder Mufasa.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Kink U Session 2: Leather History
Florentine
LA&M Presents, Historical Pillar of Our Community: Tony DeBlase, unraveling the man who made the flag.
3:00 PM - 3:45 PM
Kink U Session 3: Changing Perspectives
Florentine
FAF 101: Take a look at the hyper-masculine world of Leathermen through the eyes of pioneering "femme" personalities.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Chicago Hellfire Club Annual IML Cocktail Social
Oxford
The Chicago Hellfire Club hosts its annual cocktail reception at IML. Come meet and greet the members of CHC as they celebrate its 46th year. All are welcome.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
LORE Sober Recovery Moctail Party
Guest Room 700 North Tower
All members and friends of the recovery community are invited to attend.
8:00 PM - 11:00 PM
IML Pecs and Personality Contest
Auditorium Theatre
Auditorium Theatre: Ticket Packages available Ticket Sales Desk at Congress Plaza Hotel 1st floor Ticket Sales Desk. IML contestants are judged on their appearance and stage presence. Doors open at 7 p.m., contest begins at 8 p.m. Proudly sponsored by sportlube
10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Gear Blast 2018
Rendezvous
Hot guys in sports, racing, rubber, leather, lycra and other perv gear keep things hot, sweaty and kinky! Everyone is invited to get yer gear on and come party hard and sweaty. After all, it's always better IN gear!
10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Spitshine: The Bootblack Party
Florentine
Join the contestants for this year's International Mr. Bootblack Competition and meet bootblacks from across the nation. Jump in to the auction bidding to help raise travel funds for this year's winner. IMBB is proudly sponsored by Stompers Boots of Fort Lauderdale, FL.
11:59 PM - 1:00 AM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
Sunday, May 27, 2018
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Leather Market Day Pass Registration
Prince Albert Room
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Weekend Package Pick up & Ticket Sales
Rafael Annex
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
International Mr. Bootblack Competition
Rendezvous
International Mr. Bootblack Competition.
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
IML Leather Market
1st, 2nd, 3rd floors
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Metropolitan Community Church Service
Columbia
Metropolitan Community Church Service, General worship service by Chicago's MCC's for Christian Leatherfolk.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
POW! The Superhero Fetish Meetup
Hotel Lobby
Heroes and villains will face off at POW!, the dynamic event that unites the superhero fetish community at IML. Gear yourself up in superhero spandex, rubber or leather (as well as scales, robot armor, or fur) and come meet friendly kinksters who dig tights, capes and superpowers. This is a judgment-free event, and all levels of cosplay are appreciated, including capes.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
International Mr. Leather Contest
Auditorium Theatre
INTERNATIONAL MR. LEATHER CONTEST Auditorium Theatre: Ticket Packages available Ticket Sales Desk at Congress Plaza Hotel 1st floor Ticket Sales Desk. Doors open at 5:00 PM, Contest begins at 6:00 PM. Proudly sponsored by Miller Lite.
9:00 PM - 4:00 AM
IML Victory Celebration
House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn Street
Featuring DJ Eddie Martinez. Buses start at 8:00pm. Ticket Packages available Ticket Sales Desk at Congress Plaza Hotel 1st floor Ticket Sales Desk.
11:59 PM - 1:00 AM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
Monday, May 28, 2018
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Leather Market Day Pass Registration
Prince Albert Room
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
IML Ticket Sales
Rafael Annex
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
IML Leather Market
1st, 2nd, 3rd floors
Leather Market Access - Wristband is required and must be 21+ for admission. Photo ID required. Suggested donation - Full Weekend Wristband $25 or Single Day Wristband $15
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Premier Package Holder Reception
Florentine
Premier package holders are invited to a special meet and greet with IML winners. Photos with the winners are optional. Ticket included with Premier package required.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Leather Recovery Meeting
Guest Room 700 North Tower
9:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Black and Blue Ball
House of Blues 329 N. Dearborn Street
Featuring DJ Tom Stephan Buses start at 8:00pm. Ticket Packages available Ticket Sales Desk at Congress Plaza Hotel 1st floor Ticket Sales Desk.
Drinks, kinks, music, competitions, hundreds of bearded muscular guys roaming around the city, AND COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICE ON SUNDAY FROM 2-3… what more could you want?
For more info visit: http://www.imrl.com
Alright, now that you’ve had a couple of weeks to recover...
GET READY FOR THE GAYEST TIME OF THE YEAR, JUNE!
June is Pride Month.
So much to do, so many people to see… it’s a blast!
There’s no official events at the beginning of June associated with the parade and festival but it’s still a great time to be out in Boystown. It’s warm, rooftops and patios are open, people start going to the beach, it’s great.
But fast forward to the latter half of June, and pride fest commences.
Last year was actually my first pride because every other year I worked, or was in a song and dance revue, or musical…. OR SOMETHING. But last year I got to attend for the first time and it was crazy. So much fun, and aside from the partying and music… it’s called “pride” for a reason and you feel that sense of pride everywhere you go. Everyone is happy, smiling, living their best life and there’s no sense of judgment anywhere to be found.
Chicago Pride takes place over two weekends, the festival on June 16-17 and the parade the following weekend on Sunday the 24th.
July… really, I don’t think there’s many gay things going on… So, hit the beach, roam the streets and be gay enjoying your day!
August! ANOTHER BIG ONE.
First week off the bat, Lollapalooza. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend Lollapalooza because I’ll be in New York for my graduation from the MAIP program… But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to Lolla! Especially with a lineup sure to bring out the gays.
If you’re interested in the lineup, which you probably are because there’s something there for everyone… purchase tickets here: https://www.lollapalooza.com/tickets/
If you’re interested in the lineup, which you probably are because there’s something there for everyone… purchase tickets here: https://www.lollapalooza.com/tickets/
WE ARE STILL IN THE FIRST WEEK GUYS AND ALL OF THAT JUST HAPPENED!!!
Next… MY BIRTHDAY ON AUGUST 7TH!
(I’ll be in NYC, but my Venmo is @cjblakley)
AND TO CLOSE OUT YOUR GSI… THE QUEEN and her recently loyal henchman are coming TO TAKE OVER SOLDIER FIELD, ON AUGUST 10TH AND 11TH…
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s On the Run II tour.
Need nuff’ be said.
I’m hopefully going to be back in Chicago on the 11th and if so I’ll be seeing Beyoncé for the first time. And will probably never be able to type a rant or ramble again because I’ll be dead.