Pre-Pride Bits

As Pride Weekend gears up, gay news is spewing forth from Chicago faster than Jerry Falwell can yell "boycott!" A few gay briefs:

· A recent poll commissioned by Equality Illinois found that while a majority of your neighbors would reject a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, most don't favor marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples. Even though no amendment is likely to be introduced soon, 67% of those polled would vote no, only 38% would support a pro-gay marriage law and 53% would support civil unions. The numbers are trending gayward...

· Yes, you still can be killed for being gay in Chicago. Antonio Wright, 26, was walking down the 7700 block of South Halsted when he was heckled by Michael Major, 25. A fight ensued and Wright was stabbed to death. After the fight, Major allegedly tossed his keys to his wife and said, "I got faggot blood on me," before fleeing the scene. He was later arrested. Lest you think gays are safer on North Halsted, think again.

· "If Kraft insists on sponsoring the Gay Games, I will be compelled to seek alternative brands at the grocery store." That's what Jerry Falwell is urging his minions to chant when they enter the supermarket. You might remember that last month the American "Family" Association called for a boycott of the corporate sponsors of next year's Gay Games hosted in Chicago. How long will it take the makers of "W" Ketchup to introduce a line of knock-off Mac & Cheese?

· Lonely and single? The Red Streak wants you to know that there's a new dating service in town, and it ain't for the heteros. "In Good Company" is the new service, built like "Just Lunch!", which will fix you up with a few of its fellow clients for a fee. Three introductions run $350. Or you could just cruise Roscoe's.

· And this programming note: Starting tomorrow, Chicagoist will run non-stop, all-weekend, gayer-than-top-Daley-staffers Pride coverage. Tune in!