Pride 2017

This month, my public appearances were tied to the LGBT Community.  Even added some unplanned-for events.
HAPPY PRIDE!

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Emcee, benefit for Equality Illinois, Chicago Call to Action (CACTA)
Where & When:  Uncommon Ground, June 12, 7:30 p.m.
Terrific fun.   Met Susan Lieberman and Ted Hoerl, who would be collaborators in Personal Stories Project later in June.  Told a little about my own story, relating how obtaining my own legal ID, a simple drivers license, was so critical for trans persons, and how the efforts of Equality Illinois to normalize and give us equal opportunities were so vital. Introduced a series of very talented singers, met some nice folks. Great experience.
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Proceeds for Equality Illinois​.   Garcia, Delia Kropp​, Ted Hoerl​, Lucy Smith, Becca Brown, Jordan Dell Harris, Matthew Hudson and Donny Acosta​ - with Chuck Larkin​ on the keys.   $12 with INDUSTRY02 code at check out: http://bit.ly/2qxBCZp

Voice Artist, Vocalo's "This is What Chicago Sounds Like"
Recorded WBEZ Vocalo Studios, June 15
Spoke about my life in Chicago, chiefly my transition, acting career and recent advocacy work.
Edited to 9:22.  Broadcast around June 21.
Listen on Soundcloud

Speaker, LGBTQ NOW
Where & When: The Goodman Theatre, June 19, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
The Alice Rapoport Center on the 2nd Floor
Celebration and discussion surrounding LGBTQ actors and companies.
I was the first of 3 speakers, addressing transgender participation in Chicago theatres. Q&A session afterwards. Invited Elaine Soloway and invited her to speak a bit about her own life and advocacy. Regretfully, no photos were taken of this event.
Special guest speakers Henry Wishcamper (Goodman Theatre Artistic Associate), Honey West (Singer, Entertainer), and Delia Kropp (Equity Member).
Facebook Page is here

Speaker-Interviewer, Ladies Luncheon
Gibsons Steak House, upstairs, 11 a.m., June 21
Luncheon followed by a talk relating stories about transgender families, Interviewed Elaine Soloway about her ex-husband, the subject of the famous TV series "Transparent" created by her daughter Jill Soloway. Also spoke to my own trans experiences, and answered questions from the audience who included ladies with relatives who were transgender children.

Reader-actor, The Personal Stories Project
Where and When:  Pride Arts Center, Buena Theatre, July 24th at 7:30 p.m.
Just a few hours rehearsal for the 50 minute staged reading, a series of monologues written by Chicago LGBT seniors, many of whom were in our audience.  Pleasantly surprised at the great turnout, with nearly all the Buena Theatre's 50 seats filled.  Lots of fun performing this material for an enthusiastic audience, and speaking with audience members in the lobby afterwards.