Our Mission
The BGCC is a gypsy cocktail party which explores new venues periodically, and occasionally raises small sums of money & awareness for worthwhile Chicago-based GLBT organizations. The group was founded by a group of friends who then began bringing their friends, and so on, and so on...
How It All Began
BGCC stands for Big Gay Cocktail Club.
The concept was born in an underheated apartment on a frigid January day of 1999. A small group of shivering friends were brainstorming ways to fight the depressing, immobilizing Chicago winters.
"Let's gather a group of people together for the museums once a month," Cocoa said with enthusiasm.
"Museums. Sounds great," Smiley replied, rolling his eyes and making a big L with his fingers. He slapped it against his forehead. "LOSER!"
"How about getting folks together for cocktails," Drew suggested.
"At the museums?" Cocoa asked.
"No, at some swanky Chicago bar," Drew replied.
"How about meeting someplace different every month," Smiley said.
"Hmmm, I'm liking this," Cocoa said. "It could be big. Very big. What do we call it?"
"Well," Drew said, "It will be big. And certainly gay. And, of course, involve cocktails..."
The three of them looked at each other and said in one perfectly connected psychic moment,
"Yes! The Big Gay Cocktail Club!"
Unfortunately, they were too depressed and immobilized to actually organize it that winter, so they waited until the following Fall. But, oh, what a great kick-off event it was...
Inspirations
We're often asked if there's one person in this world who has been the greatest inspiration to the BGCC. Well, thankth for athkin'!!! Yes, it's Big Gay Al, who created a haven for all those trying to find their way in this world. With his Big Gay Animal Sanctuary, he has given shelter to beautiful birds like us who need a place to fly to when we're hungry (or thirsty) and fly away from when we're strong.
Thankth Big Gay Al. If you're ever in Chicago, we'd like to buy you a drink!
