Out and Proud in Chicago

Out and Proud in Chicago Book and History Web site launch events set There are several events planned for the launch of the Chicago Gay History Project Web site www.chicagogayhistory.org and companion book, Out and Proud in Chicago: An Overview of the City's Gay Movement, edited by Tracy Baim (Agate/Surrey, 224 pages, $30). There will be co-authors at each of these events, depending on their own schedules. All events are free except for the Sept. 26 fundraiser. Oct. 1, 2008 : The Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Branch downtown, is hosting a panel discussion of the Web site and book, 6 p.m., Wed., Oct. 1, 6 p.m., 400 S. State Street, Chicago. This free event features panelists Tracy Baim, Marie J. Kuda, Jorjet Harper, William B. Kelley, Pat McCombs and Chuck Renslow, followed by Q&A and booksigning. Oct. 5, 2008 : Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore hosts our first suburban Out and Proud booksigning, featuring writer Marie J. Kuda and Tracy Baim, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2-4 p.m., 7419 W. Madison Street, Forest Park, Ill., 708-771-7243. Oct. 11, 2008 : National Coming Out Day is the occasion for this signing in Oak Park 2-4 p.m. at Borders, 1144 Lake Street, 708-386-6927. Hear from Oak Parker Marie J. Kuda, Tracy Baim and other writers about Coming Out Day, the 10th anniversary of the Matthew Shepard murder, and its impact on Chicago. Oct. 12, 2008 : A special far west suburban booksigning in St. Charles 2-4 p.m., at the TownHouse Books & Cafe, 105 North 2nd Avenue, St. Charles, Ill., 630-584-8600.