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PASSAGES Gay business owner/nightlife figure Bob Yeaworth dies
Gay business owner and promoter Robert "Bob" Yeaworth died Sept. 14 from complications due to his ALS ( also known as Lou Gehrig's disease ) diagnosis. He was 64. Yeaworth was born Sept. 17, 1955 in ...
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PHOTOGRAPHY Lisa A. Frank talks career, inspirations, Springboard Arts Chicago installation
Fifteen years ago, Lisa A. Frank's professional world changed forever when she was fired from a job designing textiles for Ralph Lauren. The very next day, Frank went out and bought a digital camera and "never ...
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Annual event spotlights trans lives lost
On Aug. 30, Valerie Griffin celebrated the life of her daughter—Dejanay Stanton, a trans woman of color—with an annual summer get-together billed as "The Main Event Part 2." The event, in its second year, was also ...
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SHOWBIZ Disco fundraiser, drag queen dies, Randy Rainbow, Outfest's tribute
Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers and Kathy Sledge, and Marti Gould Cummings are slated to perform at a virtual Studio 54-themed event/fundraiser for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research on Tuesday, Sept. 15, ...
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PASSAGES Medusa's owner Dave Shelton passes away
Dave Shelton, a.k.a. Dave "Medusa" Shelton—so named for his trademark frizzy locks— "just was different," recalled his good friend of 45 years, Richard Cooke. Shelton was the proprietor of the iconic nightspot Medusa's on Sheffield in ...
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Gerber/Hart fall benefit Sept. 12-13
The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives fall benefit—"Saving LGBTQ History: Archives in a Time of Activism"—will take place Sept. 12-13 at the venue, 6500 N. Clark St. On those days, there will be a series of 90-minute ...
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Virtual OPALGA+ scholarship gala slated for Oct. 24
OPALGA+/Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association will hold a virtual scholarship gala Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. The event will feature video clips from the organization's scholarship winners, the Founder's Award celebration and opportunities ...
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Holocaust Museum's virtual soiree Sept. 2
On Wed., Sept. 2, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's Women's Leadership Committee will host its annual soirée virtually. The event will stream live from a studio with a star-studded line-up featuring a musical performance by ...
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Documentary about Miss Continental pageant released
Independent nonprofit filmmakers The Reporters Inc. have released The Queens—a feature-length documentary celebrating the transgender women of the internationally revered Miss Continental female impersonator pageant. Nearly a decade in the making, "The Queens" has screened at ...
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SHOWBIZ John Waters, Billy Eichner, 'Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix,' RuPaul
Gay filmmaker John Waters ( Serial Mom; Hairspray ) is the latest face of the French fashion brand Saint Laurent, Out.com noted. He appears in a suit from the brand with black shades, shot by David ...
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'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' winner revealed
On July 24, top three finalists Jujubee, Miz Cracker and Shea Coulee competed in a three-way lip sync for their legacy and the "All Stars" crown during the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Coulee ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG RuPaul's Drag Race' winner Jaida revs up for a drive-in performance
Jaida Essence Hall ( real name: Jared Johnson ) won the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. America's current drag superstar is from Milwaukee and began performing in the early 2010s. Her drag family includes mothers ...
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La Cage aux FUN, opening weekend at A-ville's The Bird Cage
Photos by Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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Survey open for potential Boystown name change
Northalsted Business Alliance is asking for the public to weigh in on the "Boystown" moniker. The Alliance has published a survey asking community members' opinions on the Lake View neighborhood, which was officially designated an "LGBTQ+ ...
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COVID-19
Replay closes July 5-6 after employee tests positive
The restaurant Replay Andersonville, 5358 N. Clark St., is closing July 5-6 after owner Mark Liberson posted on Facebook that an employee tested positive for COVID-19. On July 5, Liberson posted, "While this post is not ...
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Last call for Little Jim's
Longtime Lake View tavern Little Jim's shut its doors July 2. Billing itself as "the original hookup bar," Jim Gates opened Little Jim's in 1975, and it was one of the first gay bars in the ...
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Drag performer dropped by nightclubs after racism allegations
By Matt Simonette Drag performer and entertainment producer T Rex has been dropped from their ongoing engagements at Roscoe's and Berlin nightclubs after allegations of racism. Roscoe's published on its Facebook page June 22 that it ...
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NUNN ON ONE Miss Lawrence talks new song, activism and Lee Daniels
Reality-show personality Miss Lawrence has built a diverse career in acting, singing and activism. Growing up in Atlanta, Lawrence pursued hairstyling, which led to owning salons where celebrities such as Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta ...
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TELEVISION Dashaun Wesley spills the tea on HBO Max's 'Legendary'
"Ladies, gentlemen and genderqueers" exclaims Dashaun Wesley as host and emcee for the new ballroom culture reality-competition show Legendary, on HBO Max. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he came out at 14 and visited Christopher Street ...
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Pride Fest Chicago goes virtual
Chicago's beloved annual Pride Fest made the move to Twitch for a special Virtual Pride Fest, presented by Northalsted Business Alliance and Gilead Sciences. The virtual fest streamed on the platform over two nights, Saturday, June ...
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BOOKS Photographer focuses on 'The People of the Pride Parade'
Alyssa Blumstein captured a celebratory photography book The People of the Pride Parade, which was released in honor of the Pride Parade's 50th anniversary. The images highlight the joyful moments through a collection of marches and ...
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Equality Illinois hosts statewide Pride Month virtual event
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Equality Illinois held a "Can't Stop Our Pride: One Day, One Illinois" afternoon-long virtual Pride month event June 20. Equality Illinois Institute Board Chair Butch Trusty and Miss Trans Illinois ...
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'Chicago Is a [Digital] Drag Festival' June 30
The Chicago Is a [Digital] Drag Festival—a Brave Space Alliance fundraiser, with Shea Coulee hosting—will take place Tuesday, June 30, at 8 p.m. CT. Just a few of the personalities slated to appear/perform are The Vixen, ...
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PASSAGES Nightlife figure Cody Laughlin dies at 26
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge dancer Cody Laughlin died June 15 at his home. The cause of death is currently unknown. He was 26. Laughlin was born Dec. 30, 1993, in Chicago and graduated early from Northside College ...
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Elk Grove Village LGBTQ bar bought for $1.35M
The owner of Chicago's Admiral Theatre is selling the shuttered Phoenix Bar & Nightclub for $1.35 million to Elk Grove Village, which plans to demolish the LGBTQ bar and hold on to the land for future ...
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'Plenty O'Cookies' benefit/class June 25
On Thursday, June 25, 7-8 p.m., La Casa Norte's ( LCN's ) Next Generation Board will host the Zoom event "Plenty O'Cookies for a Cause," featuring drag personality Plenty O'Smiles. O'Smiles will guide bakers as they ...
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Drag activists align with Black Lives Matter in Boystown protest
"Make no mistake, the is not a f***king parade."—Rally organizer Jo MaMa at the start of the Drag March for Change Rally On June 14, a coalition of local drag performers and LGBTQ activists led a ...
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Equality Illinois hosting 'Can't Stop Our Pride' June 20
On Saturday, June 20, 12-5 p.m., Equality Illinois will host the virtual event "Can't Stop Our Pride" to help fund the organization's ongoing advocacy. Tickets are $25 each to receive the private broadcast link. Addition, people ...
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'Dine Out on Broadway' June 12-14, 19-21
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce announced "Dine Out on Broadway," one of Chicago's first street closures open for outdoor dining and is part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's "Make Way for Dining" pilot program. Thirty restaurants and ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG Miz Cracker on being an 'All Star' and using karate
Drag personality Miz Cracker drove into the spotlight by placing fifth on the 10th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. The race continues with the recent announcement that Cracker is a contestant on the fifth season of ...
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Nini's closes after posting racist, anti-gay messages
Nini's Deli—a fast-casual restaurant that served Cuban-inspired breakfast sandwiches with ropa vieja and empanadas, at 543 N. Noble St.—has permanently closed after crowds gathered over the weekend to protest a series of racist and homophobic social ...
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Andersonville at Home online event and fundraiser to replace Midsommarfest
CHICAGO ( June 5, 2020 ): In light of the City of Chicago's recent announcement to issue no special events permits through Labor Day 2020, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce ( ACC ) has officially canceled ...
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Activists protest Spyners Pub over owner's racist post, past comments
Over 100 Spyners Pub patrons and community members gathered June 4 in front of the pub, 4623 N. Western Ave., to protest against owner and general manager Maureen Sullivan's racist Facebook posts and past racist comments ...
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'Drag March for Change' June 14
The "Drag March for Change" is slated to take place Sunday, June 14, 5-7 p.m., starting from the corner of Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue, 800 W. Belmont Ave. Participants will lead a peaceful ( non-violent ...
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Spyners Pub owner posts racist screed on Facebook, apologizes later
Amidst almost a week of protests in support of #BlackLivesMatter in Chicago and other locations across the United States, Spyners Pub owner/general manager Maureen Sullivan posted a racist screed on Facebook that has since been deleted. ...
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Jeff Awards Nominee Night cabaret concert online June 1
The Non-Equity Jeff Awards Nominee Night concert, a version of the annual event at Sidetrack to showcase Jeff Award nominees, will be broadcast without charge Monday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VZs3TQGefc . The annual ...
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NATIONAL 'Drag Fest,' eating disorders, journalist attacked, NCLR event
Political activist/New York City drag staple Marti Gould Cummings and The Only Productions announced the largest digital drag festival during Pride 2020, a press release noted. More than 100 performers are scheduled to appear during "Pride ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG Miz Cracker on being an 'All Star' and using karate
Drag personality Miz Cracker drove into the spotlight by placing fifth on the 10th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. The race continues with the recent announcement that Cracker is a contestant on the fifth season of ...
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Summer weather draws crowds, and criticism, to Andersonville
Numerous Chicagoans emerged from isolation over Memorial Day weekend looking to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Many residents and visitors in Andersonville reportedly did not practice social-distancing guidelines, eschewing recommendations for both face coverings and ...
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IML officially cancelled for 2020
The annual International Mr. Leather ( IML ) global convention—pushed back from its usual Memorial Day weekend to Sept. 25-27 because of the coronavirus pandemic—has been officially cancelled for 2020. On the event's website, it states, ...
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Chicago Pride Fest going virtual
Chicago Pride Fest will mark its 20th year with a virtual festival format. On June 20-21, the Northalsted Business Alliance will bring Boystown to the world with a streaming Chicago Pride Fest celebrating the love, life ...
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Affinity to mark 25th anniversary virtually
Co-chairs and the Affinity Community Services board of directors recently announced that Affinity's 25th-anniversary event will be a virtual experience taking place the weekend of Oct. 9-11, with the centerpiece event on Saturday, Oct. 10. Co-chairs ...
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Preckwinkle releasing social-distancing photos
Recently, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle shared the first in a series of photos to illustrate and promote the need for physical distancing during this pandemic. The first photo is "Abbey Road & E. 53rd ...
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'Andersonville at Home' virtual event June 12
In light of the City of Chicago's recent announcement to issue no special events permits through Labor Day 2020, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has officially canceled the postponement of Midsommarfest previously rescheduled for the ...
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2Bears Tavern Group prepares community meals
When you're here, you're family ... Twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, the staff of 2Bears Tavern Group distributes community meals at Meeting House Tavern, 5025 N. Clark St., 2-6 p.m. The effort began immediately after ...
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VIRTUAL VIBES LGBTQ bar events online
Support your favorite LGBTQ bar events online. Physical distancing, social togetherness. Virtual Music Monday-Show Tunes Trivia Join Sidetrack Monday, May 18, at 8 p.m., for a Sidetrack Show Tunes Trivia experience with your Facilitator of ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG Eureka O' Hara,'Here' and now
Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, David Huggard transformed into drag personality Eureka O'Hara and began performing in the local gay club called New Beginnings. Competing in the pageant system around town prepared them for a future ...
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Market Days postponed to Labor Day weekend
The Northalsted Business Alliance is rescheduling Northalsted Market Days, originally slated to take place Aug. 8-9, to Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5-6, in combination with Chicago's PrideFest celebration. Festival Chairperson Mark Liberson said in a statement, ...
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VIRTUAL VIBES
Support your favorite LGBTQ bar events online. Physical distancing, social togetherness. Virtual Men's Room Wednesday Insta Live Sidetrack brings the men right to you. How's that for service?! Check-in with Team Sidetrack on Insta ...
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Steppenwolf holding online gala May 9
Steppenwolf Theatre Company is replacing its 2020 gala with a special online event, "Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soiree," celebrating the power of theater and raising vital funds. Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee this festive ( ...
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Midsommarfest moved to August
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce ( ACC ) will postpone the 55th annual Andersonville Midsommarfest, originally scheduled for June 12-14, to the weekend of Aug. 21-23. This decision was made with consideration in light of the ...
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About Face Theatre's Wonka Ball and Laced production postponed
Video below
CHICAGO ( April 1, 2020 )— About Face Theatre today announced the postponement of its annual benefit gala and its planned production of LACED, which was set to begin performances on May 13. WONKA BALL: SILVER ...
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SHOWBIZ Troye Sivan, Digital Drag Fest,'Killing Eve,' rapper comes out, 'Star Trek'
On March 22, singer Troye Sivan revealed that his brand new single, "Take Yourself Home," would be officially coming out on April 1, Billboard.com noted. Alongside his announcement, Sivan also appeared to give fans a quick ...
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NATIONAL Lesbian bishop, iconic activist dies, military lawsuit, drag legend passes
Rev. Bonnie Perry was recently ordained as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan—beconing the first woman and openly gay person to hold the position, ClickOnDetroit.com noted. "Jesus said almost nothing about homosexuality," Perry ...
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Fundraisers online for workers sidelined by Chicago bar closings
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker has ordered the closing of all bars and restaurants for dine-in business at least through the end of April. This is a necessary action to stem ...
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COVID-19: LGBT Chicagoans weather pandemic's economic storm
Millions of U.S. residents will face uncertain financial futures as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. Nearly 3.3 million people filed new unemployment claims the week of March 23, while economic activity has ground to a virtual halt ...
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IML postponed due to coronavirus
Organizers of the annual International Mr. Leather ( IML ) celebration announced the morning of March 19 that the annual event—normally held each Memorial Day weekend—has been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 IML ...
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LGBT nightclubs prepare for weeks-long closings
Chicago-area nightclubs and restaurants, along with all food-and-beverage hospitality businesses in Illinois, received the order from state authorities the afternoon of March 15 to cease operations at the close of business the following day. The mandate ...
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LGBT nightclubs prepare for mandated weeks-long closings
Please see the full story at http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/LGBT-nightclubs-prepare-for-weeks-long-closings/68186.html . ...
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'Chicago Is A Drag Festival' on June 26
A Queer Pride's Chicago Is A Drag Festival ( CIADF )—being promoted as the first-ever outdoor festival in Chicago that showcases an intersectional look into its drag culture and scene—is slated to take place Friday, June ...
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'OUTspoken' at BAC on April 10
The Beverly Arts Center ( BAC ), 2407 W. 111th St., will present an evening with LGBTQIA storytelling collective OUTspoken on Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. Chicago-based comedian Elizabeth Gomez will host the event, which ...
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Pride in the Park Chicago to expand to two days, June 27-28) UPDATE: CANCELED
CHICAGO—March 2020—Pride in the Park Chicago today announced the return to Grant Park in downtown Chicago, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, Pride in the Park ...
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Leather64TEN Presents Kurt Allen Outstanding Community Service Award 2020
On Saturday, March 14, Leather64TEN will present the very first Kurt Allen Outstanding Community Service Award to Gerald "Daddy G" Cernak. The event will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Jackhammer Bar, 6406 N. Clark St. ...
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NIGHTLIFE SIDETRACK Circuit Mom
A fat and happy Tuesday at Circuit Mom's Mardi Gras takeover. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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NIGHTLIFE The Sofo Tap
Seeing red at Otter: Lumbersexual. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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NUNN ON ONE DANCE James B. Whiteside on drag, ballet and being with Milk
American Ballet Theatre is returning to the Auditorium Theatre to celebrate an 80th anniversary. One of the pieces brought to life is Twyla Tharp's Deuce Coupe that was first performed by ABT in 2019 and now ...
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SHOWBIZ Disney first, queer band, awards events, Aretha, 'Drag Race'
Months after The Rise of Skywalker featured the first same-sex kiss in the Star Wars galaxy, the new animated film Onward introduces the first self-identified lesbian character into the Disney-Pixar universe, Yahoo! noted. Her name is ...
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PHOTOS Sidetrack
Feeling the love of Sidetrack's Valentine's Day party. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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PHOTOS Jackhammer
No one does it harder than Joe Whitaker's FuKr party. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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ShOWBIZ 'Drag Race' judges, Dwyane Wade, 'Porgy,' Of Montreal, Cirque du Soleil
RuPaul Drag Race's season-12 guest judges consist of film, music, television, fashion and political figures such as Nicki Minaj, Whoopi Goldberg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chaka Khan, Robyn, Leslie Jones, Normani, Jeff Goldblum, Daisy Ridley, Thandie Newton, Olivia ...
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March 7 fundraiser set for Elgin's first Pride Parade and Festival
Organizers of the first Elgin Pride Parade and Festival will be holding a benefit for the summer event on Saturday, March 7. The Big Queer Variety Show and Fundraiser takes place at The Martini Room, 161 ...
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Decades after San Francisco closed gay bathhouses, new law makes way for return
SAN FRANCISCO — District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman introduced legislation Tuesday at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors requiring the San Francisco Department of Public Health to remove current regulations requiring the monitoring of patrons' sexual ...
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'Love Out Loud' ball Feb. 8
In Demand Entertainment and CSU Royal Court are presenting the Love Out Loud Ball on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2-10 p.m., at Chicago State University's Student Union Building, 9501 S. King Dr. The ball-approved event is offering ...
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'A Night with Oscar' viewing party Feb. 9
Center on Halsted will hold its annual "A Night with Oscar" viewing party Sunday, Feb. 9, 6-11 p.m. at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., with the red-carpet arrivals starting at 5 p.m. There will ...
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Queer Valentine's Day event at MCA
"Odd Pleasures: A Queer Valentine's Day Event" will take place Friday, Feb. 14, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Museum for Contemporary Art ( MCA ), 200 E. Chicago Ave. Chicago drag queen/comedian Aunty Chan will host the ...
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