Just To Let You Know That I absolutely adore this city and all of the vast neighborhoods that I can get lost in on any given weekend night. Along with my birthday dinner with 20 of my closet friends and family at the very chic and sophisticated Wave restaurant at the W Hotel on Lakeshore Drive to VIP receptions at various political events, this past month had me some of everywhere and with some of everyone and not like that for all you dirty boys out there.

My friend Johnathan told me about his Freedom To Marry event last month over at the National Muesuem of Mexican Art in Chicago's growing art destination Pilsen. I had a great time at this event and it wasn't just because of the hosted bar either LOL. No, but seriously it was refreshing to see a whole community of people who are passionate, opinionated and supportive of the "right to marry." C.C. Carter of the Center on Halsted gave a touching, comical speech on her experience on marrying her partner that sent the crowd into laughs. "We're committed, civil unionized or licensed, but never married," was a memorable quote of Carter's speech. The rest of the night at this well-planned event included special musical performances, museum exhibits, a symbolic cake cutting, great food and some flirting as the evening progressed.

Toward the end of the night, I met a very cool guy named Steven Moore. Interestingly enough, he actually has his own organization Paragon Chicago, a philanthropic volunteer organization dedicated to human equality, to providing resources to the less fortunate, and to combating various health-related crises that continue to affect mankind. Paragon volunteers facilitated the Freedom to Marry event and I enjoyed hearing about the organization so much I'm actually volunteering next month for an event. Be sure to get in contact with Steven if you're also interested or just want to meet other cute volunteers. (Paragon Chicago has a Group page on Facebook)

My social nightlife agenda would not have been complete without my monthly party at Sonotheque on February 27. I'm working on this new project titled "CoutURe's Lifestyle Photo Lab Series." It's all about young Chicago and each month it taps a creative for a cutting edge experience that includes a photo shoot, a taped interview, and a rocking party that celebrates their talent and dedication. For February the chosen artist was Drea, front woman of He Say, She Say. The group is on Lupe Fiasco's record label, has performed on Kanye West's Glow in The Dark Tour, and has made a name for itself as a music trendsetter.

CoutURe's VIP reception also acts as a pre-party to Spandexxx, a monthly residency curated by stylish girl duo Rocktapussy. Rumor on the scene has it that these ladies will be on the highly sought after line-up for Lollapalooza, a not surprising development to me given their DJing performance at last year's celebrity studded private party at the Hard Rock Hotel for Lollapalooza. Once again the hosted bar got me in trouble again; but I couldn't get too obliterated at my own party. Never a cute look. However, it was, as always, a cute crowd (and if you're into the chic hipster look then be sure to make an appearance). The usual underground socialites frolicked around the party while showing much love to resident DJ, and forever cool Tek (www.myspace.com/gotek), and enjoying a special performance by newcomer Shaunte DeNee. She has a great sense of style, is pretty and showed off her impressive talent that sent the crowd into an uproar over how good her music was. (www.myspace.com/shauntedenee )