Sorry that I was gone so long, but I'm back with plenty of things to share with you. This week the Reeling Film Festival opens, that along with several galas will keep you busy all weekend long. Go out there and have a great time!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5

The 28th Reeling Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival kicks off tonight and runs through November 15th. This year, the second longest LGBT film festival in the world, will showcase more than 150 films from around the world during 59 different screenings. Galas, parties and celebritites will abound this week. Check out the site for full details and I'll be posting the schedules daily. Don't miss Reeling!

Tuesday was election day and Maine was an important place to watch with Question 1 on the ballot. Maine earlier this year legislatively passed same-sex marriage equality but it was challengend on the ballot. This afternoon at 5:30PM, Join the Impact Chicago will hold a rally to protest the outcome of the vote. Come out, come out whereever you are - Protect Equality!

Funny lady Jessica Halem will perform during the Center on Halsted LaughOUTLoud comedy series at 8PM. Cameron Esposito and Bill Cruz will join Jessica on stage for an evening of laughter and hilarity. VIP tix are $20 and include prime seats and a drink ticket, GA tix are $15.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6

Stop in Hydrate this evening to support the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus during their annual "Lipstick and Lyrics: Bring it On" Fundraiser. The fun starts at 8PM with a hosted bar and the real fun will start at 9:30. Tix are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

The UrbanTheater Company/PEOPLE*S THEATER production of Cuba and His Teddy Bear premieres tonight at Batey Urbana theater space and will run weekends through December 13th.

Mr. International Rubber 2010 kicks off the weekend with a vendor market at the Center on Halsted that leads into the "Greet the Meat" cocktail party that will turn into the first part of the Mr. International Rubber 2010 Contest at 9PM. Events are planned all weekend so make sure your rubber is at the ready!

BONUSAuthor Margaret Atwood will present a 70-minute Dramatic Reading from her new novel "The Year of the Flood" backed by a troup of actors and a choir at the Merle Reskin Theater at DePaul University. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

It's Gala Season as HRC kicks off with their "Time To Shine" gala at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker tonight at 7PM. The annual gala draws hundreds of LGBT supporters and tonight will feature a performance by Michelle Williams as well as speakers, a silent auction and dinner. Check the site for full details

Don't miss the 16th SOFA Chicago art show at Navy Pier this weekend. Enjoy Sculputre, Objects and Functional Art (SOFA) at this art fair that presents works from 68 top international galleries and dealers from 10 countries. There is a special Public Preview on Thursday, the main event from Friday - Sunday. Check the site for full details

Design Industries Foundating Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) will hold their annual Gala this evening at the Merchandise Mart. "Believe" will feature a Cocktail Party on Friday, a pre-Gala viewing on Friday and a Table Hope & Taste on Saturday before the big Event. The Preview Tix are $50, 1 day tix are $15 and weekend tix are $25. Check the site for full details

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

Stop by Minibar Ultra Lounge after Brunch today and enjoy 'Live Band Karaoke' Sign up to sing your favorite song with a Live Band backing you up. Finally you can complete that transition to becoming Cher or Madonna or even Lady Gaga!

'Fish Out of Water' the homegrown documentary film that has used a unique combination of animation and academic interviews to dissect seven bible verses that condemn homosexuality and justify marriage discrimination makes it's Chicago Premiere tonight during the Reeling Film Festival. Stop by the Music Box Theater at 5PM for the screening. Purchase Tickets online in advance to guarantee a seat. Tix are $10

Author Nikki Rashan will present a reading from and sign her book "You Make Me Wanna" at the Center on Halsted from 5-7PM during their OUTwrite Literary Program. Tix are $10 at the

Still looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these hot happenings going on in the city. Come back every Thursday morning to get the full weekend line up so you can plan to have a fabulous weekend!