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Navy Pier to mark 40th anniversary of Chicago house music with summer-long programming
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Navy Pier announced plans to celebrate House music's Chicago roots with a summer full of programming paying homage to the energy, music, and dance of Black and Latino youth on Chicago's south and west ...
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Quigley looks ahead to November election at LGBTQ+ roundtable
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Illinois) discussed the importance of voting in this year's election and the consequences its results could have on the LGBTQ+ community during a roundtable discussion Thursday at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. ...
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State Sen. Villanueva discusses migrants, reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+-rights at ALMA town hall
On April 23, the Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action (ALMA) held a virtual town hall, in collaboration with Equality Illinois, that featured Illinois state Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-12th District). ALMA ...
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Activists highlight benefits of decriminalizing sex work
Community advocates from across Chicago gathered at Maggiano's Little Italy, 516 N. Clark St., on April 25 to discuss the safety of Illinois sex workers. After a brief introduction, Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson and ...
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THEATER 'Mamma Mia!' returns to Chicago with 'Daddyhunt' star Jim Newman
"Who's your daddy?" That's the key plot question driving the global hit Mamma Mia! The global smash jukebox musical famously features the song hits of Swedish pop group ABBA, and it returns for a three-week run ...
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ProudToRun poised to return in 2024, fighting through lack of resources
Chicago's 42-year-old LGBTQ+ running event, ProudToRun, is so far set to return June 2024 following the cancellation of last year's race. The city's original Pride Week running event took a hiatus last year due to a ...
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Reunion Project hosts Chicago town hall for people aging with HIV
The Reunion Project is holding a two-day town hall for long-term HIV survivors in Chicago. The town hall will happen 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 17-18 in Loyola University's Kasbeer Hall, 25 E. Pearson St. It's part ...
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Queer artist Vin Ye prepares installation for SAIC exhibition
Chicago Artist Vin Ye's (they/them) sculptures resist both capitalism and gender roles, all the while challenging expectations of traditional art forms and modern technological art. Queerness interacts with Ye's work ...
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Toward a golden hour: Advocate Rodrigo Heng-Lehinthen predicts trans-rights breakthrough in U.S.
Two of the nation's biggest trans advocacy organizations are set to merge later this year. In early summer, the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) will officially ...
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Tatumn Milazzo wins NWSL honor for second consecutive week
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 23, 2024) — Chicago Red Stars defender and Orland Park, Illinois, native Tatumn Milazzo earned National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Deloitte Impact Save of the Week honors for the second consecutive week, the leag ...
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Local queer opera composer premiering her first show, a coming-of-age tale with LGBTQ+ themes
A Lake View woman is debuting her first opera as a composer, a coming-of-age story with LGBTQ+ themes. Gillian Rae Perry, a fellow with the Chicago Opera Theater's Vanguard program for emerging artists, composed The Weight ...
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JoJo Siwa and Sapphira Cristal among Chicago Pride Fest headliners in June
--From a press release
Natasha Bedingfield, JoJo Siwa, Sapphira Cristál, Bob the Drag Queen, Amber Riley and Empress Of are headlining this year's Chicago Pride Fest®, taking place June 22nd and 23rd in the city's landmark LGBTQ+ Northalsted community. Other ...
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Queer activism through photography: Exhibit spotlights a 'revolutionary' moment in Chicago history
By Alec Karam
Artists hosted a panel at Dorothy, 2500 W. Chicago Ave., on April 20 to celebrate the debut of Images on Which to Build in Chicago, a snapshot of queer history from the '70s to the '90s. The exhibition, now at Chicago ...
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Red Stars beat Seattle Reign 2-1
For the second time this season, the Chicago Red Stars took down the Seattle Reign FC, this time 2-1 on the road on April 21. Thanks to goals from Ally Schlegel and Mallory Swanson, the Red Stars have swept the Reign ...
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Center on Halsted looks ahead to New Horizons at annual Human First Gala
New Horizons was the theme of this year's sold-out Center on Halsted (The Center) annual Human First Gala April 20 at The Geraghty in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Ahead of the awards ceremony, the Center's Board of ...
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Chicago Red Stars place forward Ava Cook on season-ending injury list
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 20, 2024) — The Chicago Red Stars announced the following health update on forward Ava Cook: Cook sustained a knee injury during Red Stars training this week. After further medical evaluation, it was determined ...
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SAVOR 'Hot Ones,' 101 complex opening, Casati's closing, Crumbl
—Feeling hot, hot, hot: The addictive show Hot Ones is coming to Chicago, Time Out Chicago noted. First We Feast is teaming with Stella Artois to bring the show/YouTube sensation—which has featured guests such as Tyra ...
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The importance of becoming Ernest: Out actor Christopher Sieber dishes about the Death Becomes Her musical
Out and proud actor Christopher Sieber is part of the team bringing Death Becomes Her to life as a stage musical in the Windy City this spring. Sieber plays Ernest Menville, who was originally portrayed by ...
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Legislation to increase HIV testing, Linkage to Care Act passes Illinois House with bipartisan vote of 106
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD — Thursday night, House Bill 5417, the Connection to HIV Testing and Linkage to Care Act, or the HIV TLC Act, championed by State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) passed the Illinois House of Representatives with ...
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SAVOR Arshiya Farheen talks about her welcoming bakery, Verzenay
Just walking into the Lincoln Park bakery Verzanay, 2507 N. Lincoln Ave., is an experience. Somehow, the patisserie (named after a commune/town in France) simultaneously seems upscale and cozy. Friendly ...
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LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project set to hold its second annual exhibition
The LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Dialogue Project will hold its second annual exhibition Friday, April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Center on Addison, 806 W. Addison St., in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood. This free and open to the ...
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Gerber/Hart Library and Archives holds third annual Spring Soiree benefit
Gerber/Hart Library and Archives (Gerber/Hart) hosted the "Courage in Community: The Gerber/ Hart Spring Soiree" event April 18 at Sidetrack, marking the everyday and extraordinary intrepidness of the entire LGBTQ+ ...
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BOOKS Frank Bruni gets political in 'The Age of Grievance'
In The Age of Grievance, longtime New York Times columnist and best-selling author Frank Bruni analyzes the ways in which grievance has come to define our current culture and politics, on both the right and left. ...
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Kokandy Productions now accepting submissions for Chicago Musical Theater Fest returning Aug. 8-11
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 18, 2024) — Kokandy Productions is pleased to open submissions for the 2024 Chicago Musical Theatre Festival, returning this summer following a four-year hiatus. Kokandy is thrilled to ...
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Schools are back in downsized Chicago Pride Parade after merging under 'welcoming schools' umbrella
At least four schools are back in the Chicago Pride Parade lineup after they were previously told they wouldn't be able to march in this year's celebration due to new limitations enforced by the city. They ...
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Hunter leads resolution declaring April 2024 as Minority Health Month
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD — To raise awareness about the importance of cardiovascular health, particularly among minority communities, State Senator Mattie Hunter passed a resolution declaring April 2024 as Minority Health Month in ...
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THEATER Blue in the Right Way's 'Women Beware Women' offers feminist, trans take on a troubling Jacobean tragedy
"Problematic" is a great go-to adjective to describe Women Beware Women. This 1621 Jacobean tragedy is by English playwright Thomas Middleton, who is probably best remembered as a collaborator with William Shakespeare on their pessimistic tragedy ...
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Howard Brown reaches tentative agreement with union after 1.5 years of contentious negotiations
Howard Brown Health has reached a tentative agreement with its union, after a year and a half of negotiations that included two workers strikes. The Illinois Nurses Association, which represents about 360 employees at Howard Brown ...
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City Council passes Lesbian Visibility Week proclamation
Chicago alderwomen Maria Hadden (49th) and Jessie Fuentes (26th) introduced a resolution at Chicago's April 17 City Council meeting to declare April 22-28 as Lesbian Visibility Week in Chicago. This is part of a nationwide effort ...
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SAVOR Vivent Health/TPAN leader talks about Dining Out for Life
On Thursday, April 25, people can join the city's restaurant community for Dining Out For Life Chicago, an event ensuring people affected by HIV/AIDS can access essential services. We want to show up in the communities ...
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Morrison to run for Cook County clerk (UPDATED)
Openly gay Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison has decided to run for the Cook County clerk position that opened following Karen Yarbrough's death, according to Politico Illinois Playbook. Playbook added that Morrison also wants to run ...
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Hubbard Street Dance Chicago announces programs for May 17-19 season finale
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) announced program selections for Spring Series: Of Joy, the final installment of Season 46, Abundance. The engagement will include four unique works, once ...
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Tatumn Milazzo wins National Women's Soccer League Impact Save of the Week
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 16, 2024) — Chicago Red Stars defender Tatumn Milazzo earned National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Deloitte Impact Save of the Week honors, the league announced today. In the 32nd minute of Chicago's April 13 ...
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Chicago Pride Parade downsizing: Politicians, corporations most affected, but private schools could still be in
Nearly 100 groups are on the waitlist to be in this year's Chicago Pride Parade after city officials mandated the annual event be cut by almost 40 percent. The waitlist for the June 30 parade includes ...
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NAIA votes to ban trans women from athletics, affecting Chicago conference
The National Association of Intercollegiate College on April 8 released a new policy on transgender athletes, banning trans women from competing under its jurisdiction. The new policy, which is set to go into effect Aug. 1, ...
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Chicago Sky select Cardoso, Reese in WNBA Draft
On April 15, the Chicago Sky chose two key players from the past two women's national college basketball championship teams—South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso and LSU's Angel Reese—in the first round of the WNBA Draft. The Sky ...
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Brittney Griner, wife expecting first baby
Brittney Griner is expecting her first child with wife Cherelle Griner. According to NBC News, the couple announced on Instagram that they are expecting their baby in July. "Can't believe we're less than three months away ...
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ART Thousands attend EXPO CHICAGO at Navy Pier
EXPO CHICAGO: The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art drew thousands when it was held April 11-14 at Navy Pier, as the event continued to expand the parameters of the meaning of art. The exhibit—the ...
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A prom of their own: Chicago orgs host LGBTQ+ youth celebration
On April 13, Center on Halsted hosted its queer prom, MasQUEERade, for folks enrolled in its youth services. Prom goers created their own masquerade masks thanks to craft stations at the door. The evening included a ...
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SAVOR Prairie Grass' honor, Aviary reservations, 4/20 events
—Congrats!: Northbrook restaurant Prairie Grass Cafe was honored for its Sensory Friendly Hour program at the 18th Annual Disability Matters North America Awards held in Milwaukee on April 4. Victoria's Secret & Co., Walt Disney Imagineering, ...
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Red Stars' undefeated season ends against Angel City FC
The Chicago Red Stars' undefeated streak came to an end on April 13 after a 1-0 loss to Angel City FC at SeatGeek Stadium. An unlucky touch by Chicago defender Maximiliane Rall led to an own-goal ...
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Q FORCE launches 2024 election efforts in Chicago
More than 100 people attended the launch of 2024 election efforts by Q FORCE Midwest Action Group at Sidetrack April 12. Q FORCE is a Chicago-based, all-volunteer, grassroots movement organizing to recruit and activate "at least ...
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First Queer and BIPOC-owned Illinois cannabis company opens Northalsted dispensary
A small group gathered April 12 at 3340 N. Halsted St. to celebrate the grand opening of a historic new Northalsted business. SWAY, Illinois' first queer and BIPOC-owned cannabis company, marked the opening of its dispensary ...
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Through a queer lens: Photographer Paul Mpagi Sepuya discusses Chicago exhibition
Paul Mpagi Sepuya is a photographer whose works incorporate several elements, including history, literary modernism and queer collaboration. The art of Sepuya—who is also an associate professor in visual arts ...
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LGBTQ+ film fest Queer Expression to feature Alexandra Billings in 'Queen Tut'
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Pride Film Fest celebrates its second decade with a new name—QUEER EXPRESSION—and has announced its slate of LGBTQ+-themed feature, mid-length and short films for in-person and virtual events in April and May. QUEER EXPRESSI ...
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Women & Children First marks its 45th anniversary
By Tatiana Walk-Morris
It has been about 45 years since Ann Christophersen and Linda Bubon co-founded the Women & Children First bookstore in 1979. In its early days, the two were earning their English degrees at the University of ...
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VIEWPOINT Meditation on the killing of journalists
Trigger warning: I am a journalist and I read newspapers. I've been reading newspapers since I first learned to read. Newspapers were a lively part of the daily life in my family. I even wrote letters ...
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David E. Munar reflects on Howard Brown leadership and new Columbus, Ohio post
On April 1, David E. Munar started his tenure as CEO of the Columbus, Ohio-based non-profit health system Equitas. The date marked the latest chapter for Munar, who previously helmed AIDS Foundation Chicago and, most recently, ...
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RUSH, others receive grant related to HIV prevention for Black women
--From a press release
CHICAGO — RUSH, in collaboration with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, University of Chicago Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago and Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL), has been awarded ...
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New leather contest at the Baton Show Lounge could send someone to International Mr. Leather
The Baton Show Lounge, 4713 N. Broadway, is looking for competitors for a new contest for Chicago's leather community — and the winner could be sponsored to compete in International Mr. Leather. The inaugural Mr. Windy ...
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Judith Butler focuses on perceptions of gender at Chicago Humanities Festival talk
In an hour-long program filled with dry humor—not to mention lots of audience laughter—philosopher, scholar and activist Judith Butler (they/them) spoke in depth on their new book at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., on ...
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Big Gay Sal's, pizzeria named after owner's larger-than-life presence, opens in Northalsted
Salvador Mora has always been known for his cheerful smile, warm hugs and big heart, but now it's his pizza that has people talking. Mora co-owns Big Gay Sal's, a late-night pizzeria that opened in March ...
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LPAC, Arizona LGBTQ officials denounce Arizona Supreme Court ruling on abortion
--From a press release
Washington, DC — Yesterday, in a decision that starkly undermines reproductive freedoms, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled to enforce a 160-year-old law that criminalizes abortion and penalizes healthcare providers who ...
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Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison announces inaugural Cook County LGBTQ+ Youth Art Competition
--From a press release
Schaumburg, Ill. — April 9, 2024 — Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison recently announced the firs ever LGBTQ+ Youth Art Competition. The competition's theme is "Pride is Power!" and will set the ton for Pride celebrations ...
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Chicago Pride Parade smaller this year amid 'safety and logistical' concerns
The Chicago Pride Parade is downsizing this year due to 'safety and logistical' concerns brought on by the city. The parade, which is set for June 30, will be capped at 125 entries, said Tim Frye, ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame seeks nominations for 2024 induction
--From a press release
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame has announced a call for nominations for the 2024 class of inductees into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. Those wishing to may nominate individuals, organizations, businesses, or "Friends of ...
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Chicago Red Stars announce first-ever match at Wrigley Field on June 8
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 9, 2024) — The undefeated Chicago Red Stars announced today that they will host Bay FC at historic Wrigley Field Saturday, June 8, at 6:30 p.m. CT, making it the first National Women's Soccer ...
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Tiny Home Summit 2.0 convenes experts to explore affordable, small-scale housing June 13
--From a press release
CHICAGO—A gathering of more than 250 elected officials, developers, advocates, philanthropists, community members, and people with lived experience will take place June 13, 2024 to discuss and strategize around the ...
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Andersonville Chamber announces Andersonville Midsommarfest entertainment lineup
--From a press release
CHICAGO (April 8, 2024) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the full entertainment line-up for Andersonville Midsommarfest, one of Chicago's oldest and most beloved summer ...
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Black LGBTQIA leaders applaud U of South Carolina head coach Staley for standing up for trans athlete inclusion
--From a press release
WASHINGTON — On Sunday, April 7, the University of South Carolina's women's basketball team won the NCAA National Championship. Ahead of the championship game, South Carolina's head coach Dawn Staley made comments in support of transgend ...
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Open Space Arts's COCK offers a complex but compelling take on relationships
By Brian Kirst
Premiering in 2009, Mike Bartlett's COCK was a comic revelation, exploring notions about fluidity and sexual labelling long before they became commonplace discussions. Granted, conversations about these issues will always ...
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Nominations for 30 Under 30 Awards due April 12
--From a press release
CHICAGO—After a four-year hiatus, Windy City Times has revived its 30 Under 30 Awards. Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies). Nominees should be 30 years or younger as ...
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Australian, U.S. contestants take home honors from 2024 Puppy & Trainer Contest
Photos by Joseph Stevens
The International Puppy & Trainer Contest was held in Chicago from April 4-7 at Center On Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. Pups, pets and trainers from around the world attended and competed. The event was again ...
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For Deb Robertson, the end-of-life issue is very real
For just about everyone, life is hard enough. However, talking about ending that life—especially when one is terminally ill—is just as difficult. Ten states have authorized medical aid in dying, although Illinois is not one of ...
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Lightfoot may be hired to investigate Dolton mayor, trustees
A group of Dolton trustees is aiming to hire former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot—who is also an ex-federal prosecutor—to investigate Mayor Tiffany Henyard, media outlets reported. The group wants Lightfoot ...
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SAVOR James Beard nominees, Krispy Kreme, controversies
SAVOR James Beard nominees, Krispy Kreme, controversies BY ANDREW DAVIS —Congrats!: In D.C., The James Beard Foundation announced the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees as well as the honorees of the Leadership Awards, Humanitarian of ...
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Jeff Awards launches submission period for Impact Awards
The Jeff Awards announced the opening period for applications submissions for its 2024 honors to help inspire early career artists of color in the Greater Chicagoland area. Two recipients will be selected for awards of $10,000 ...
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SAVOR The casual Italian spot Archive Lounge
Last year, a friend and I visited Chef Steve Chiappetti's Streeterville restaurant The Albert, in Hotel EMC2 (228 E. Ontario St.)—and having dinner at the Italian spot was one of my top culinary experiences of 2023. ...
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Blackhawks celebrate Pride Night
On March 26, the Chicago Blackhawks held its annual Pride Night at the United Center. The home team defeated the Calgary Flames 3-1 as Jason Dickinson scored twice and Petr Mrazek made 38 saves for the ...
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How safe are we really? A look into Illinois' LGBTQ+ protections as hate rises nationwide
Illinois has long been known to have some of the strongest LGBTQ+ legal protections in the country. Its first anti-discrimination laws go back several decades, and the state boasts a wide variety of protections of LGBTQ+ ...
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Lighthouse Foundation releases first Black Queer Equity Index report card
After three years of working with a small group of Chicago LGBTQ+ organizations, Lighthouse Foundation released its inaugural Black Queer Equity Index (BQEI) report this past week, ranking how each organization supports five areas of support ...
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First of LGBTQ+-owned dispensaries set to open in Northalsted
By Tatiana Walk-Morris
Since 1970, 3340 N Halsted St. had been the home of the Townhall Pub, the beloved cash-only dive bar known for its tasty drinks and friendly staff. But after Townhall's former owner William Bucholtz passed away ...
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Performers light up the stage at Windy City Trans Visibility Pageant
Life is Work presented its 3rd Annual Windy City Trans Visibility Pageant on March 30, with a star-studded epic extravaganza featuring 11 contestants performing alongside personalities from RuPaul's Drag Race. The event, which was held at ...
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Q Force initiative looks to 'save democracy' by getting out the vote
The Q Force Midwest Force Action Group initiative wants to save democracy-and they've hit the ground running to ensure President Biden wins reelection this November. The initiative of LGBTQ+ organizers and volunteers seeks to invigorate voters ...
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Late transgender activist Elise Malary receives street dedication in Andersonville
Elise Malary, the late transgender activist who died in March 2022, was a born-and-raised Andersonville local who co-founded the neighborhood-based Chicago Therapy Collective (CTC). Now her memory is a permanent ...
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