Scandal is Brewing at Chicago’s Center on Halsted
May 22, 2008
Look at these cuties from the COH website. Photo by Israel Wright
Years ago, when Chicago was still the only major city without a community center for LGBT people in need, the Center on Halsted seemed like a big duh. We need one, and as soon as possible so we don’t keep up this embarrassment, please. Fast forward to 2008, and people are using it. The problem is that Chicago is geographically segregated, and queers of color are trekking all the way to the mostly white Boystown to get services they need; now the affluent area where COH is located is having trouble adjusting. I had heard rumblings within the COH staff and volunteers that the older queers were not happy with how loud the youth could be. Now, this highly alarming post by Laura Washington is screaming racism. Accusing the youth of turning tricks, this presumptive assumption of law breaking is stupid, mostly because johns and prosties have been in the neighborhood since, well shit, they started that neighborhood. Just because suddenly, there are black and latino kids hanging out, the conservative elders are getting upset possible alley sex. Fuck that. We built this center for all of us, not just the white kids in the neighborhood.
The Center on Halsted does nothing for the neighborhood or the tax paying public. Are you aware that they run the State AIDS hotline and that it cost the Illinoi taxpayer over $25 dollars every time someone calls that phone line?
Also take a look at their ‘gallery’ pictures! Look at the 2006 ‘Youth Prom’. Do you really think there is anything positive in having young black men dress up in women’s dresses with blonde wigs!
With the poor economy-the money will come up short and perhaps COH will fade into oblivian!
As a member at the center on Halsted, I feel that it is not right for people to attack gay/lesbian youth/elders. If a gay person wants to put on a dress and wig and dance at prom, then they should ahve every right. We should not have to be defined by what society wants us to be like. if that were the case, our entire society would be pretty much equal, and that’s not how it was meant to be. Everybody has their own opinion on what should and should not be accepted. Why don’t you just keep your opinion to yourself because it is SOOO not appreciated.
Guess the so-called members can’t take the heat! Your correct-everybody has their own opinion and they also have the right to express that opinion. I’m not asking you to accept my opinion-just the right to express them verbally or in writing.
I and all Chicago taxpayers have a legitimate right to look at the goings on at the Center on Halsted. When you take money from the City, voter’s have a right to know where that money is being spent. Do you actually think that the taxpayer wants the craziness that is going on there! Get real!
Dear Shanice:
Just did some checking-found out that you are a 16 year old!
Does your family know what you are doing at the Center on Halsted? It’s good that you can express your opinions since your not old enough to vote or sign contracts!
Just checked-on another website you describe your mood as ‘drunk’-great for a 16 year old. Looks like you belong at COH.
I don’t get why you would be upset if some gay kids are going to a gay/queer friendly prom. Prom’s a rite of passage for a lot of kids and in mainstream high schools, lots of gay kids don’t get to go, or don’t get to go w/their dates or cannot go dressed the way they want, etc…
also, reportedly it costs $25 per call at the AIDS/HIV hotline – okay, well, so what? I don’t understand what’s the problem – AIDS/HIV is a serious problem and I think if it costs $25 per call, I’m thrilled to pay…
Dear dmb,
(I was kinda hoping tha dmb is jus your little abbreviation for dumb!!!)
First off, Let me just inform you that you definately dont have to do any “checking-up” on me, because unlike you, I have my fucking priorities straight. Saying that the COH does nothing for the neighborhood is what I call “BULLSHIT!” The COH gives a home to many chicago youth that dont necissarily have one. To answer your question, yes, my parents know that I am involved with the COH. My parents are also Chicago taxpayers, that have no problem with the “going-ons” at the COH. So, let me ask you Mr. “I-am-going-to-check-up-on-everybody… When you were doing your “research” did you learn how when the COH first began in 1973, it didnt have a dime to its name. By 2006, The City of Chicago granted the COH $350,000 for the purpose of following up with their vision to create a safe and nurturing enviroment where LGBT youth, adults, seniors AND families can co-exist in a healthy enviroment. If Chicago taxpayers were so “INTERESTED” in where their money is going, why wouldnt they have spoken up sooner.
If you would have done your research correctly, you would know that I am a kind of person who takes ignorance VERY pesonally and believe me… I feel (and probably alot of others) that you are an Ignorant person. Therefore, this discussion is closed. Have a horrible LIFE!!!
to dmb,
p.s.
You know what, I dont know how old you are…Maybe your a couch potato who has fun making sarcastic remarks online. But I’m guessing that you’re some internet perv who looks up young girls on myspace… Way-to-go pal!!!!!!
Haven’t commented in a year. Thought we’d let things happen. Well, I must say!
The young men dressed as women have caused quite a problem and just as we predicted the neighbors are less then happy with the COH. And to the economy-see: The end of Boystown as we know it! The center is laying off and every effort is being made to get the gang bangers out of the neighborhood.
I don’t care what color you are, if you throw a beer into my living room window, I’d prefer you stay out of my neighborhood.