—The Queeriodic Table: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Culture: Harriet Dyer's book ( a take on the periodic table, of course ) contains a glossary on current lingo and definitions; a condensed timeline of queer events from 1000 B.C.; stories of icons like Oscar Wilde, Janet Mock, Christine Jorgensen, George Michael, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvester; and much more.

—Carol's Cookies ( Website Link Here ): If you haven't tried out handmade cookies from this Northbrook-based bakery, please do. The cookies ( available at spots like L'Appetito, Whole Foods and Ghirardelli Chocolate Shops ) are huge, chewy and just plain delicious—and even come with care instructions.

—The Kimpton Gray's Pride initiative: The Kimpton Gray Hotel Chicago, 122 W. Monroe St., and premium menswear company The Tie Bar is supporting equality for all types of love this June by giving back in style. Tapping into its existing partnership with The Tie Bar, The Gray will offer ( for the first time ) an exclusively designed rainbow lapel flower pin, available for purchase only at the hotel during Pride Month. Proceeds benefit Center on Halsted.

—Uncommon Ground: Uncommon Ground ( both locations ) has many draws, including guest musicians, a rooftop farm ( at the Devon site ) and its organic, vegan brewery, Greenstar Brewing. However, the food is most impressive—ranging from the mac 'n cheese ( with smoked gouda and options ) to the sweet-potato fries ( with goat-cheese fondue ). Both locations deserve to be patronized more.

—Pride: Celebrate who you are! And, happily, there will be tons of people marking Pride and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots at many events in Chicago and the suburbs. In the city, it all culminates with the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30—and Mayor Lori Lightfoot will be the grand marshal.

—By Andrew Davis

( Andrew@WindyCityMediaGroup.com and @azygous60610 )