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Shake it up, let 'em out

Chris Azzopardi

INKSTER – If there's one type of bra that Kathleen Ulm worships it's "the kind that comes off easily," she says. But black bras, another favorite, is what Ulm expects over 1,000 women to be flashing Janet Jackson-style (minus the malfunction) on June 9 at Stilettos.
"The Black Bra Party was conceived … to bring sexy and fun circuit-type parties to the women of Chicago," says Ulm, co-founder of production company Chix Mix. "It's been six years now so I'm not even sure how the 'theme' popped into our head, but we knew the title was catchy and fun and overall hot. Who wouldn't want to party with 1,000 sexy women?"
Their choice of clothing, or lack there of, lends itself to one qualification: s-e-x-y. "They can be lace, leather, satin and lend themselves to a dark, sexy night at a club," Ulm says. "Think of some of the hottest women in the industry. Would you rather see Angelina Jolie in a bikini top or a sexy lace bra? Enough said."
The transgender community is also welcome to frolic in their undergarments. "We welcome them with open arms," she says. "Chix Mix has always been an open door promoter encouraging events where everyone was treated equally."
While straight men don't tend to crash the party, some women bring their bra-loving male sidekicks to the parties. "As long as people are respectful of other people, we are fine with them attending our events (in or out of black bras)," Ulm says.
But you don't have to wear a bra to attend. Thirty-year-old Keely Schalk, who shook it at the Chicago bra fiesta, wore jeans and a red dress shirt. And, yes, she wore a black bra – under her blouse. "I'm a bit shy," Schalk says. "So, shy girls, don't be afraid to go to the party."
Schalk didn't need to wear skimpy clothing, though. "No one cared … because there were plenty of women in nothing but black bras who were not afraid to show it all. The party welcomes everyone and believe me, if you want to blend in and just observe, you definitely can."
Without Schalk bearing a black bra, eye candy was still plentiful. "It was a lot to take in – sensory overload for sure!" she says. "[There were] more women than I had seen at any bar and they were all ages, dressed in all kinds of styles and there was an energy you could immediately feel when you walked in."
The Black Bra Party in Chicago is held annually and lures in women from all walks of life, regardless of age, race and location. "It's one of those parties where months later people are still talking about it," Ulm says. "It's a chance for women to get out and let their inhibitions go."
With booty-shaking music, scantly clad go-go dancers and burlesque pole performances, it's a lesbian's paradise. "It's a definite one night only event that you want to clear your calendar for," Ulm says.
Schalk calls it the 'wow' factor and emphasizes the welcoming feel that lured her in. She says, "You may not dance or be an exhibitionist in a black bra but you can go there and have the best time of your life."

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