“Where have all the dyke bars gone?" "Lost & Found: An Exhibit Exploring Chicago’s Dyke Spaces of the ‘70s & ‘80s,” named after one of the longest-running Chicago dyke bars, reveals and revels in the rich history of Chicago’s once-thriving lesbian scene. Presented by Howard Brown Health, the Midwest's largest LGBTQ Community Health Center, the series aims to elevate the conversation around erasure by asking the collective community how we can move forward to build environments that foster community and advance queer liberation. The exhibit sources its archival pieces of foregone eras from Gerber Hart Library & Archives and Windy City Times, and is curated by Ruby Western (curator of AKR: A Beauty Salon and writer of OpenTV's Afternoon Snatch) and produced by Kristen Kaza ( Producer of Slo 'Mo Party, Co-Director of Reunion). The exhibit opens October 11(National Coming Out Day) at Reunion Chicago, at 2557 W. North Ave in Humboldt Park. Reunion is a wheelchair accessible storefront featuring all-gender restrooms.
Exhibit Dates:
Wednesday, October 11 7-10pm: Queer Comedy Night - Opening night kicks off on National Coming out Day with hilarious & heartwarming stories from Chicago’s queer comics. Experience the exhibition from 7-8 followed by the performance, and enjoy the Pop Up Dyke Bar throughout the evening - SOLD OUT!
All proceeds benefit Howard Brown Health.
Saturday, October 14 11am-3pm: Queer Family Day - Bring the whole family for a free day of fun, including queer family portraits, recordings by StoryCorps, and artmaking activities - Free
Wednesday, October 18 6-9pm: The public is welcome to visit the exhibit and explore at their leisure - Free
Saturday, October 21 11am-4pm: Curator Hours- Complete with guided tours on the hour starting at 12pm, last one at 3pm. - Free
Monday, October 23 - 6-9pm: Dyke spaces of the '70s-'80s - A panel featuring women who owned and produced lesbian spaces and parties of yore & the launch of Howard Brown’s #ChicagoHealthLooksLike assessment.
Saturday, October 28 9pm-1am: Closing night with Slo 'Mo Party- The exhibition concludes with a party presented by long running, much beloved community turn up “Slo ‘Mo: Slow Jams for Queer Fam.” Produced by Kristen Kaza with grooves from the 70s to today by Audio Jack, this joy generating party welcomes people of all identities, expressions and generations to unite on the dance floor - Tickets on sale: $15 *limited availability*