By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means- LGBT Historian

Upon exiting High Society’s “Perfect Holiday” party, I realized that for the first time in 13 years, I got a true aromatic wisp of the iconic Prop House days. Tonight’s event was held at Alhambra Palace. Located in the trendy west loop district – the venue spacing and layout was adequate to ensure guest felt comfortable and able to freely move around and wholly experience the facility. Reminiscent of the days at the Prop when we would spend minutes standing in line to move from front to back; movement at Alhambra stayed comfortable and fluid. The security and waitstaff were upmost gracious and customer orientated in their service. In many ways, it felt like a homecoming. So many different sub-cultures, socio-economic groupings, educational levels and age/generations were gathered; yet everyone was in one accord, at their best and on their best! Everyone seemed to just vibe and enjoy the beauty and diversity which makes up our community. I saw legendary faces I haven’t seen in years! I also met new and promising faces that has much potential and will form the next generation legends. It doesn’t take a logistics analyst to realize that a major component of this magical experience is the resident celebrity D.J. For years, Scott’s devotion and commitment to music and his craft has introduced us to some of the newest artists and sounds; yet it’s something about when he plays Jazmine Sullivan “Love you Long Time” and Joi Campbell “Watch Me Roll”, it just does something intoxicating to the crowd that delivers us to bacchanalia while uniting us in joy. Some may say I’m biased. But when I saw rivals that were arch enemies for years, embrace each other and exchange warm wishes while laughing about those petty beefs they once had; I realized the desperately needed healing and re-alignment of our community was beginning to take place. If we support it, allow it to organically transpire and learn from our past errors, we will soon – again – be counted amongst the cities of the world with the most vibrant and intriguing LGBT nightlife…Good Job Chicago! It was a dope look for the city… Cheers, Deo