Chicagoans reflect on Gloria Steinem’s relationship with LGBTQ+ community
Gloria Steinem is being remembered as a feminist leader and icon. But the Chicagoans who interacted with her said she never made the movement about her—it was about all of us. “She treated everyone like a peer,” said Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who met Steinem several times, starting…
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Antony Sanchez is having the time of his life in Dirty Dancing: The Musical
Set in the 1960s, the 1987 Dirty Dancing movie was a popular summer love story between a young girl, Frances “Baby” Houseman, and a dance instructor, Johnny Castle. The plot covered class division, reproductive rights and personal growth, among other topics.The soundtrack sold over 40 million copies worldwide and won Best Original Song at the 60th Academy Awards for “(I’ve…
The North Side of Chicago goes to the pets
The Midwest Pet & Handler Contest returned to Chicago the weekend of September 4-6, kicking off with a meet-and-greet at Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark Street, where the two contestants, Pup Shimmer and Pup Defiant, were introduced and asked various questions about themselves, pet play and the community at large. This year, the Chicago Rose, 6525…
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Ron Clewer provides updates on the investigation of his brother’s 2004 murder
On March 24, 2004, Kevin Clewer, 31, was found in his Northalsted apartment at 3444 N. Elaine Pl.. He was the victim of dozens of fatal stab wounds after a night out locally. His killer has still been at large—and Clewer’s murder has now been considered a cold case. Specifically, about that fateful night, what…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF School brief, married couple killed, Asia’s House, Yoyoi Kusama passes, Tim Hortons protest, Dolly Parton items, ‘Vampire’ edition
Warning: This column mentions murder and child sexual abuse. NATIONAL The Congressional Equality Caucus said that 179 members of Congress had signed a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve Colorado’s power to prevent…
Theater / Dance
BUSINESS ‘Punk, intense and all-encompassing’: Chicagoan Dawn Heilung brings trans artists into focus
Gender Fucked Productions (Gender Fucked) Founder and former Executive Director and Artistic Director Dawn Heilung uses many labels to describe themselves— queer, bisexual, pansexual, polyamorous, trans, non-binary, transfleminine—because “I don’t think one can fully encompass my experience.” “I started [the trans, enby and queer arts and event production focused nonprofit] Gender Fucked Productions in 2022 because…
Music
‘She loved all of us’: Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community remembers Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton’s flamboyance, acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ rights made her an enduring queer icon and inspired Chicago artists, performers and generations of LGBTQ+ fans.
Film / TV / Gossip
FILM ‘Castaway’ seeks to create intergenerational dialogue for Latinx audiences through storytelling
An upcoming short film, “Castaway” by director and writer Nathan Marquez, shines a spotlight on the intersectionality between being queer, growing up Latinx and Catholic and learning to find community. The film is currently in pre-production with Z Marc Productions both producing and supporting funding for the short film by hosting the Queer Creative Lounge…
Books / Art
Trans
BUSINESS Chicagoan Molly Brodzeller built a stained glass business from a lifelong passion
Molly Brodzeller was first introduced to creating stained glass in third grade, sparking a lifelong love of the craft. Reflecting back on that experience, Brodzeller said it definitely “made roots in my mind.” They eventually parlayed their love into a Chicago business, Stained Glass by Molly B. A portfolio of Brodzeller’s work and the partnerships they…
Lesbian
Meet the new chair of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council
Starr De Los Santos is stepping into leadership of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council with the goal of strengthening the body’s connections with the community. De Los Santos was appointed chair after outgoing chair Jin-Soo Huh stepped down in February. Her rise to leadership coincides with six new members joining the council and Antonio King recently taking…