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The idea of the Guerrilla Gay Bar-which is a kind of social experiment that blends the gay community with its straight allies-has spread throughout most major cities (New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles)and has different meanings and goals depending on the location. Powered by word-of-mouth and a campy, password- protected Web site and e-newsletter, the BGCC has quietly evolved into one of the most popular parties (and one of the best kept secrets) in gay Chicago. The BGCC fell to earth in November 1999 when three Chicago friends-desperate for a cure to the winter blues-decided to gather all of their friends in one location. Previous BGCC events have been held at the Peninsula Hotel, Luxbar, The James Hotel bar, and even on a Lake Michigan boat cruise. Cocktails typically begin around 5:30 p.m., so expect to rub shoulders with a lot of men in their best work duds, preening and posing for the on-site photographers. And yes-South Park’s Big Gay Al who once created a haven for all those trying to find their way in the world-is the inspiration for the event’s somewhat unusual moniker.īGCC events are typically held on a Thursday evening, with door donations benefiting a pre-selected, Chicago-based GLBT organization such as Equality Illinois or AIDS Legal Council of Chicago. The Big Gay Cocktail Club (or BGCC for those in the know) is a roving monthly cocktail party where masses of gays converge on a bar/club that caters predominately to a straight clientele. Photo courtesy of BGCC Facebook page.One of the most fabulous parties that you’ve never been invited to takes place once a month at a secret location revealed just days before the event.