Want a fun GBLT activity in your area? Start a Rainbow Brunch!
by Larry Siegal
“Rainbow Brunch” is a concept that’s been happening all of the country for years. What is it? Simply put a Rainbow Brunch is a monthly brunch for GBLT men & women to meet and socialize, especially in areas where opportunities and activities are few.
The two Rainbow Brunch groups in the Chicago area (Vernon Hills and Niles) both operate similarly. Both groups meet once a month at an Old Country Buffet. Each group has chosen a specific day and time: Vernon Hills is the 2nd Saturday of the month, Niles the 1st Sunday.
Old Country Buffet is relatively low-cost, currently under $9.00 for brunch. For those GBLT folks on a limited income, this is a much more modest expense than most dinner-type events, yet still creates an opportunity to socialize and make new friends.
Because you pay as you enter, there’s no issue about splitting a check or people arriving at different times and being a buffet, there’s something for everyone. Unlike many restaurants there’s usually never felt pressure to hurry to turn tables, so lingering with your new friends over one more cup of coffee shouldn’t be a problem.
Decide how people will find you at the restaurant, perhaps a pink balloon at the table or a simple sign you’ve printed on your computer? You may wish to collect email during the brunch, so it’s easy to share news about those in the groups or other special events. As an example, Rainbow Brunch in Niles used email to notify its group and held a food drive and gift grab-bag for their December brunch.
In order to make your Rainbow Brunch a success, the real key is to let others know about your brunch. Start with your friends, and encourage them to invite their friends and spread the word!
Other ways to publicize your group could include making flyers to post. You can notify GBLT student organizations at local colleges and send notices to your local town newspapers – most of which have a free “events” column. What about using your computer to make business-card sized invitations you can pass out? Gay Chicago, The Reader and the other Chicago gay and gay-friendly newspapers also accept (free) listings for non-profit groups.
Email Fran at OutInTheSuburbs.Com with details of your brunch. Please also email the author of this article, at rainbowbrunch@aol.com to get your brunch listed on the profile page for that screen name on AOL. You can also create similar profiles on many internet sites, such as gay.com, myspace.com, etc.
Your efforts in planning and publicizing your Rainbow Brunch will help many who may otherwise be lonely or feel there are few GBLT brethren in their area. You might meet a new best friend, or perhaps a lifetime partner and you’ll do something positive and wonderful for those of us who are proud to call the suburbs home.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at rainbowbrunch@aol.com
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