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ELECTIONS 2023: 48th Ward candidate Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth on why running, biggest differences from other challengers
A lifelong Chicagoan, Leni Manaa-Hoppeworth is running to become the next 48th Ward Alderperson. She is currently a small business owner (Chicago Dance Supply, 5301 N. Clark St., for the past 20 years) in the ward ...
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Chicagoans gather for Jackhammer re-opening
Photos by Joseph Stevens
Rogers Park leather and fetish bar Jackhammer held its grand re-opening the evening of Jan. 27 after a long renovation process. The longtime North Side watering hole opened in 1999, taking over the space previously occupied ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame calls for nominations
--From a news release
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame has announced a call for nominations for the 2023 Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. Those wishing to may nominate individuals, organizations, businesses, or "Friends of the Community," up until April ...
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NATIONAL 'Queer to Stay,' gay pol dies, drag-show attacks, 'Don't Say Gay' lawmaker
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Showtime announced the 25 recipients of "Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative" to support and uplift small businesses that focus on LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the trans+ community ...
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WORLD Mexican report, Kristen Stewart, Elton John, Netanyahu
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) launched the sixth annual HRC Equidad MX: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral—a survey evaluating LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion within major Mexican businesses and multinationals, a press ...
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Supreme Court hears Colorado religious objection case
The ordinary rights of LGBTQ people are on the line again at the U.S. Supreme Court —this time on Monday, December 5, with a case seeking to allow any business to deny service to a customer ...
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Windy City Times holiday shopping guide
If you're looking for ideas for holiday gifts, check out what we have to offer: A supreme idea: You may not know this but one of the coolest new stores in Chicago is the Wicker Park spot Supreme, at 1438 N. ...
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The Northalsted Business Alliance makes statement on Club Q Shooting in Colorado Springs
-- From a press release
The Northalsted Business Alliance shares its thoughts and prayers with our LGBTQ+ family in Colorado suffering from yet another senseless gun tragedy. We mourn the five lives lost and stand with those injured and traumatized ...
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Tulsa business attacked after hosting drag event, HRC responds
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Oct. 31, news broke that a business based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Donut Hole, was vandalized when someone threw a Molotov cocktail — a hand-thrown incendiary weapon — after hosting an event ...
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WCT's Andrew Davis moves to The TRiiBE, Matt Simonette named WCT Executive Editor
Windy City Times news release
Longtime Windy City Times executive editor Andrew Davis is stepping down from his post to take a new full-time role as digital news editor of The TRiiBE, an outlet that is working to reshape the narrative ...
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Esquire: Chicago has three of the country's 'most fun' LGBTQ+-inclusive bars
Esquire magazine's editorial staff curated a list of the "most fun and inclusive LGBTQ+-friendly bars"—and the choices may seem surprising. The magazine chose the Uptown spots Big Chicks and Carol's Pub as well as the Andersonville ...
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Dillin Ravenscraft new ED OF LGBT Chamber of Commerce-Illinois
-- From a press release
The board of directors for the LGBT Chamber of Commerce — Illinois [LGBTCC] announced the selection of Dillin Ravenscraft as the organization's new executive director, effective Oct. 24. ...
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THINGS TO DO Open House Chicago taking place Oct. 15-16
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is presenting Open House Chicago (OHC) 2022 presented by Wintrust on Oct. 15-16. The public is encouraged to discover a roster of 150+ sites in 20 community areas over the weekend, ...
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Philadelphia hosts street renaming ceremony for gay tourism expert
On Oct. 11, Philadelphia officials will honor the late civic pride booster, celebrated author and former Visit Philadelphia President/CEO Jeff Guaracino by renaming a portion of South 13th Street after the tourism marketer and LGBTQ+ trailblazer ...
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Red Stars name Kim Vender Moffat as board chair and Mike Ernst as interim chief business officer
-- From a press release
CHICAGO—The Chicago Red Stars announced the changes to the board of directors and front office to further the club's efforts to reorganize leadership. Kim Vender Moffat will now serve as the chairwoman on the board of ...
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Chicago Marathon adds non-binary division, albeit quietly
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon—taking place Sunday, Oct. 9, throughout the city—has quietly made a significant change this year. The race will hold a non-binary division for the first time ever, The Chicago Sun-Times reported. ...
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UpRising Bakery hosts LGBTQ+ history event; protesters still a constant
A handful of anti-LGBTQ+ protesters regularly stand outside the mall that houses UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Northwest suburban Lake in the Hills. That was the case again Oct. 1, the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, ...
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Person found dead at Berlin Nightclub
Police are investigating a death at Berlin, a longtime LGBTQ+ nightclub in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood at 954 W. Belmont Ave., according to ABC 7 Chicago. A 27-year-old person (identified as female by Chicago police, according ...
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FashionBar hosting Chicago Fashion Week, PFLAG conference
Fashion Bar announced that it's hosting Chicago Fashion Week. The shows will take place Oct. 16-23 at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. Additionally, FashionBar will host the. PFLAG Northern Illinois conference at Water Tower ...
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Molson Coors donates $50,000 to 14 LGBTQ+ organizations through annual Tap Into Change program
The beverage company Molson Coors presented $50,000 to 14 LGBTQ+ organizations at Sidetrack Sept. 26 as part of its 11th annual Tap Into Change program. Organizations partnered with local bars during the summer to raise money ...
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City asks Bloomington LGBTQ+ bar to remove Pride artwork
The city of Bloomington, Illinois has asked an LGBTQ+ bar to remove its Pride decorations, according to Central Illinois Proud. Last month, The Bistro, hosted its annual downtown Pridefest with at least 6,000 attendees from all ...
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Chicago Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg Women launch strategic alliance
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, Ill. (Sept. 20, 2022) - The Chicago Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg Women, of the German Frauen-Bundesliga, today launched a strategic alliance that will see the two clubs collaborate and coordinate technical and business resources ...
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WORLD Malta PM, Kenya official, Kharkiv Pride, sex-education campaign
Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela has promised reforms for the country's LGBTQ+ community, including free gender-affirming surgery for trans people, according to PinkNews. In an interview with ONE Radio, he said, "I believe that social reform ...
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SAVOR Latin Restaurant Weeks running Sept. 16-30
Latin Restaurant Weeks (LRW) will take place Sept. 16-30 in various cities, including Chicago. Illinois has the nation's fifth-largest Hispanic population; Chicago has more than 29% of people who identify as Hispanic. LRW partners with Hispani ...
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Six Flags hosts 'Out in the Park'
Out in the Park—an annual private diversity event featuring unlimited riding of all Six Flags Great America's thrill rides—took place Sept. 10. Attendees enjoyed rides, eats and music (the latter courtesy of DJs). According to a ...
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Ricky Martin sues 'maladjusted' nephew for $20 million [UPDATE]
Actor/singer/author Ricky Martin has filed a $20-million lawsuit against the nephew who accused him of sexual abuse, Deadline reported. "The reckless, malicious and culpable actions by Defendant Sanchez were motivated by the desire to expose Plaintiff ...
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DANCE Rogers Park group Synapse Arts to hold Sept. 17 fundraiser
On Saturday, Sept. 17, there will be another “Crosswalk Dance” from the Rogers Park company Synapse Arts as well as another Jarvis Square Artisan Market and the celebration of National Dance Day. ...
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POLITICS Talking with queer mayoral candidate J Saxon
With the 2023 mayoral election rapidly approaching, names such as Ald. Raymond Lopez, businessman Willie Wilson and, of course, incumbent Lori Lightfoot have proven to be some of the most recognizable so far. However, J Saxon, ...
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Ald. Tom Tunney announces retirement from Chicago City Council
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, August 30, 2022 - After nearly two decades of dedicated public service on the Chicago City Council, 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney today announced that he will retire at the end of his term in ...
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POLITICS Queer businesswoman running for alderperson in 48th Ward
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth—a queer native Chicagoan and 23-year resident of Andersonville who also describes herself as a "mother of three, tango dancer, small business owner and community organizer"—announced her candidacy for ...
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Chicago Digital Equity Fund and Tech Desk launched
GET Cities—an initiative focused on accelerating the leadership and influence of women, trans and non-binary people in tech—has partnered with Gumbo Media and DePaul University's Women in Entrepreneurship Institute to ...
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Market Days marks 40 years
The Northalsted Market Days street festival returned to the Halsted Street area for its 40th anniversary on Aug. 6 -7. Running from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street, a $15 suggested donation greeted attendees as they entered ...
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Drag show finally takes place at UpRising Bakery and Cafe
After a series of events that encompassed everything from vandalism to meetings with village officials to a visit from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, LGBTQ+-owned Lake in the Hills business UpRising Bakery and Cafe finally held its ...
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Pritzker visits UpRising Bakery and Cafe
On Aug. 5, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker met with Corrina Sac, owner of Lake in the Hills business UpRising Bakery and Café, as well as leaders from Equality Illinois and Woodstock Pride and Illinois state Rep. ...
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UpRising Bakery allowed to hold drag brunch, other events
UpRising Bakery—a Lake in the Hills business extensively vandalized after scheduling a brunch event featuring drag performers—will be able to host the rescheduled event and other programs after reaching an agreement with Lake in the Hills ...
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Chalk Howard Street outdoors for the first time since 2019 on Aug. 27
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, IL (Aug. 1, 2022)—Chicago's only chalk art festival, Chalk Howard Street, announced its entertainment programming and vendors list, as it makes a full return outdoor and in person for the first time since 2019. National ...
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Northalsted Market Days to take place Aug. 6-7
The 40th Northalsted Market Days—a live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago's Northalsted/Lakeview district—will take place Aug. 6-7. The half-mile long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music ...
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Michigan court: State law protects LGBTQ+ people
A landmark ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court held that state law prohibits businesses, landlords and others from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity, The Detroit Free Press reported. The five-to-two decision will have ...
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Lightfoot, office launch new disability employment center
-- From a press release
CHICAGO - Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) today announced the launch of a new MOPD Career Center. The MOPD Career Center, 2102 W. Ogden Ave., will assist people ...
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Quidditch organizations cite Rowling's anti-trans statements in acquiring new name
Major League Quidditch, the real-life semi-pro league inspired by the magical contests played by wizards in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels and their film adaptations, now has a new name. ...
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Report: Nearly half LGBTQ-owned small businesses that applied for loans denied financing
-- From a press release
The Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR) and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) released a groundbreaking report on the financial health and needs of LGBTQ-owned small businesses, using ...
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Suburban bakery cancels drag event after controversy, vandalism [UPDATE]
After protests, controversy and repeated vandalism, a suburban bakery's planned all-ages drag show/brunch has been canceled, ABC 7 Chicago reported. ...
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ACTIVITIES Architectural Artifacts brings the goods to new Chicago location
Following its 35-year legacy as one of the nation's top destinations for globally sourced design and architectural statement pieces, Architectural Artifacts, Inc. (AAI) has reimagined a 35,000-square-foot Mid Century-style school ...
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Laura Ricketts reportedly considering investing in the Chicago Sky
Chicago Cubs co-owner and out lesbian Laura Ricketts has had preliminary conversations with Sky principal owner Michael Alter about becoming a potential investor in the WNBA team, The Chicago Tribune reported. One source said Ricketts and ...
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More than 500 women sue Uber over claims of sexual assault
Uber is being sued by more than 500 women who claim they were assaulted by drivers who use the ride-hailing platform, CNBC reported. The complaint—filed in San Francisco County Superior Court—claims that "women passengers in multiple ...
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Lightfoot to travel to London, Paris to highlight Chicago's economy
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot will lead a delegation of City officials and business leaders on a five-day trip to London and Paris on July 11-15. The mayor will meet with city and business leaders ...
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Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale to take place July 29-31
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (July 5, 2022) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to present the annual Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale from Friday, July 29-Sunday, July 31, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (Hours vary by business.) More than ...
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Dan Wolf, owner of The Bagel, dies at 77
Dan Wolf, the longtime owner of the iconic The Bagel Restaurant & Deli, has died at age 77. According to an obituary at legacy.com, Wolf was of the few child survivors of the infamous Theresienstadt concentration ...
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CBS Sports Radio guest host pulled after anti-LGBTQ+ tweets become known
In the sports world, plans to have Dan Sileo guest-host the Jim Rome Show on July 5 on CBS Sports Radio (Audacy Property) were canceled when Sileo's past anti-LGBTQ+ tweets were publicized. An individual named Brian ...
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Lightfoot's Women's Advisory Council releases report on economic impacts of COVID on Chicago women
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot's Women's Advisory Council (WAC), in partnership with World Business Chicago, Women Employed, and Civic Consulting Alliance, published Creating a More Equitable Recovery: Addressing ...
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Gay-owned Galena inn receives honor from Tripadvisor
Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages—a gay-owned bed and breakfast in Galena, Illinois—announced it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award winner for Bed and Breakfasts, ranking 13th out ...
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Equal Employment Opportunity Commission adds X gender marker to charge intake process
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced today full implementation of the opportunity to select a nonbinary "X" gender marker during the intake process for filing a charge of discrimination. "By adding a ...
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Indiana Univ. establishes Kinsey-Kelley Center for Gender Equity in Business
A new research center at Indiana University (IU) Bloomington will address issues of gender inequity, sexual misconduct and sexual harassment in the workplace, through an innovative partnership between the Kinsey Institute and the Kelley School of ...
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HRC report: Wage for LGBTQ+ women is 79 cents to the average man's dollar
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released new data outlining ...
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The Andersonville Village Market returns for summer 2022
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (June 21, 2022) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to welcome back its 2nd annual Andersonville Vintage Market, featuring antiques, home décor, jewelry, accessories, clothing, music and ...
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New report looks at LGBTQ+ restaurant workers and job risks they face
-- From a press release
Today, One Fair Wage, a national nonprofit representing tipped subminimum wage restaurant workers, released a new report on the harsh realities of being a LGBTQ+ restaurant worker. The report shows that the subminimum wage encourages rampant ...
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Venture capital firm 'Colorful Capital' launches with a focus on undervalued companies led by LGBTQ+ founders
-- From a press release
EVANSTON, IL — JUNE 8, 2022 — With LGBTQ+ founders receiving less than 1% of U.S. venture funding, Colorful Capital launched today with a mission of delivering capital and support to an undervalued community of business ...
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Molson Coors hosts return to Tap Into Change program
Molson Coors recently marked the return of its Tap Into Change Program—in which proceeds of sales from Molson Coors products at select locations are donated to local LGBTQ+ non-profit organizations—by hosting a kickoff event at the ...
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ELECTIONS 2022 Democratic Gubernatorial race: Gov. JB Pritzker talks record, future plans if re-elected
Gov. JB Pritzker is running for re-election in the Democratic primary against challenger Beverly Miles. Prior to becoming governor, Pritzker spearheaded the creation of the non-profit business incubator 1871 and was the co-founder and managing partner ...
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WORLD Grindr ads, British mayor, Billie Jean King, Australian awards
In Australia, a retail worker-turned-Greens politician credited catchy ads on gay hookup app Grindr for his stunning victory in Brisbane, The Daily Mail noted. Stephen Bates defeated Liberal-National Party incumbent Trevor Evans in the inner-city seat ...
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Pritzker, Stratton visit queer-owned businesses in Andersonville
-- From a press release
Chicago, IL — Following visits to several queer-owned small businesses in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton reaffirmed their commitment to Illinois' LGBTQ+ community ...
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HRC, Showtime launch third year of QUEER TO STAY, an LGBTQ+ small business initiative
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and SHOWTIME announced the third consecutive year of "QUEER ...
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20th OUT of the Office held at The Godfrey
Andrew Hayes, founder and producer of OUT of the Office, rebounded with a fabulous 20th anniversary event after a two-year COVID-19-imposed hiatus. The June 1 celebration, at The Godfrey Hotel in River North, attracted more than ...
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce report: 72% of small biz willing to lose customers over pro-LGBTQ+ policies
-- From a press release
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (https://www.uschamber.com/) has released its Special Report on Small Business and LGBTQ+ Inclusion, focusing on how the small business community has increased inclusivity initiatives, non-discrimination policies ...
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GLAAD: True LGBTQ allyship extends to all aspects of business, including political giving
-- From a press release
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 (New York, NY)—GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announces GLAAD's Recommendations for Corporate Allies to educate corpo ...
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State Farm drops GenderCool Project; Illinois General Assembly LGBTQ Caucus, Equality Illinois respond
This week in response to an outcry from a hateful few, Illinois-based insurer State Farm dropped their support for The GenderCool Project, which provides LGBTQ-affirming books to schools across the country on a voluntary basis. We ...
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Molson Coors to host Tap Into Change program kickoff at Roscoe's
-- From a press release
With Pride Month right around the corner, Molson Coors is celebrating the return of its Tap Into Change Program, a program in which proceeds of sales from Molson Coors products at select locations are donated to ...
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Leather business 64TEN to name street after Ed Negron on May 30
On May 25-30, leather shop 64TEN, 6410 N. Clark St., will mark its 21st anniversary.
The celebrations will coincide with the International Mr. Leather (IML)/Memorial Day holiday weekend. ...
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Gov. Pritzker signs legislation addressing rise in organized retail thefts
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — On May 13, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joined Attorney General Kwame Raoul, lawmakers, advocates and law-enforcement officials to sign legislation designed to combat a nationwide rise in coordinated retail thefts. "This new law represents ...
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Deadline for Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame nominations is May 31
The deadline to nominate individuals, businesses, organizations, and allies to the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame is on May 31 at midnight. Nominations may be made online at www.chicagolgbthalloffame.org/nominate. The goal is to honor people and ...
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Grindr going public in $2.1-billion deal
The people behind the LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr said the company would go public through a merger with a blank-check acquisition firm—a deal that values it at $2.1 billion and features Tiga Investments CEO Raymond Zage ...
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Mayor names Bally's at Tribune Publishing Center for Chicago's sole casino license
-- From a press release
CHICAGO —Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced May 5 that the City has selected Bally's Corporation to be the recipient of its sole casino license and the developer to create a world-class casino-resort and entertainment experience in ...
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Two Whole Foods stores to close; Lightfoot, Hunter respond
Whole Foods is closing two Chicago stores—including one it opened on the South Side six years ago amid promises to end the food desert in that area, Block Club Chicago reported. The Englewood spot and a ...
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Annual LGBTQ+ networking event 'Out of the Office' to take place June 1
The annual LGBTQ+ networking event Out of the Office will take place Wed., June 1, 4:30-7 p.m., at The Godfrey Hotel Chicago's rooftop lounge, I|O, 127 W. Huron St., to kick off Pride Month. The event ...
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Reader owner steps down; paper can now go nonprofit route
Chicago Reader co-owner Len Goodman and three board members stepped down April 26 amid protests from employees, freeing the embattled alternative newspaper to transition to a nonprofit organization, The Chicago Tribune reported. The Reader has been ...
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