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News is Out, Word In Black, Comcast NBCUniversal welcomes 16 Journalism Fellows to cover Black, LGBTQ+ communities
Philadelphia (April 15, 2024) — Today, News is Out and Word In Black, together announced the 16 fellows selected for The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab, a new initiative powered by Comcast NBCUniversal to place journalists ...
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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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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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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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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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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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City Lit Executive Artistic Director Brian Pastor talks theater, comics, queerness
City Lit Theater has announced its programming for the 2024-25 seasonwhich will be the company's 44th. It will also be the first season to be programmed under the leadership of Brian Pastor (they/them), who will assume ...
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Brown Elephant returns to Northalsted
Brown Elephant's Lake View location is moving to Northalsted and already accepting donations. Howard Brown Health, the largest LGBTQ+ health center in the midwest, operates three Brown Elephant resale shops in the Chicagoland area to help ...
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Center on Halsted's signature Human First Gala to return
--From a press release
CHICAGO, IL — Center on Halsted's signature Human First Gala will be held on Saturday, April 20 at The Geraghty. The gala brings together LGBTQ+ community members and allies for an evening of celebration to recognize ...
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SAVOR At Willies 'n Waffles, sexuality is on the menu
Having written about Chicago's culinary scene for at least 15 years, this writer has covered all sorts of spots—from Michelin-starred upscale establishments to those so-called "holes in the wall" that can serve some of the best ...
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Chicagoans indulge in a World of Chocolate
AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosted its 2024 World of Chocolate celebration the evening of Feb. 9 at Union Station. Top chocolatiers from across the city allowed guests to sample numerous confections, hors d'oevres and libations for ...
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TAWANI Foundation commits $25K to StartOut, supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship
--From a press release
CHICAGO — February 8, 2024 — The TAWANI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that provides support in the areas of arts and culture, historical preservation, health and wellness, LGBTQ+ and human rights ...
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The Jeff Awards announces the 50th-anniversary non-Equity theater nominations
--From a press release
(Feb. 6, 2024 - Chicago) — Celebrating its 50th anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the Joseph Jefferson Awards announces its nominations for theater excellence among Non-Equity theater during the ...
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Comcast NBCUniversal partners with News is Out, Word In Black on fellowship program highlighting Black, LGBTQ+ issues
--From a press release
Digital Equity Local Voices Lab Fellows to be placed at 16 local publications to receive training and create content Philadelphia (Feb. 6, 2024) — News is Out [ https://newsisout.com ] , a queer media collaborative of ...
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Mr. Chicago Leather contest returns to Touche following 2022 controversy
The Mr. Chicago Leather contest returned this past weekend, January 26-28, to Touché Chicago, over a year after numerous community members were incensed by a racist incident. But the bartender who quit Touché following the incident ...
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Looking back at Chicago LGBTQ+ community's stand against Anheuser-Busch
As conservatives across the country boycotted Anheuser-Busch products for Bud Light's partnership with trans woman Dylan Mulvaney in 2023, LGBTQ+ bars in Chicago removed their products for a different reason. Following the deeply negative response to ...
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WORLD Toronto businesses, French law, Thai bills, fight in Jamaica, Jonathan Bailey
Some Toronto LGBTQ+ business owners say they are worried that they're being shut out of a provincial grant program because their businesses sometimes include sexual products or services, which are banned in the program's eligibility rules, ...
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SAVOR Cody's dog drive, 'Dandy Holiday' and Santa
New addition: Firewood BBQ, 1856 W. North Ave., has launched its newest weekend brunch item—the brisket pierogi Benedict. For a limited time only, Chef Art Wnorowski and wife/business partner Gosia Pieniazek are presenting this Benedict that ...
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Openly gay OpenAI CEO back in charge of company
On Nov. 21, OpenAI said it had reinstated Sam Altman as its chief executivethe latest chapter in a saga that involved a boardroom coup and staff backlash. The company, which is behind ChatGPT, also said it ...
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NATIONAL Bishop removed, business news, Jezebel shutting down, MAP head
Pope Francis removed the bishop of Tyler, Texas—a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff, PBS reported. A one-line statement from the Vatican said the pope had "relieved" ...
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Howard Brown Health Workers United members gather for post-strike rally
Howard Brown Health (HBH) Workers United members held an evening post-Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike rally Nov. 15 in front of the new multi-story HBH Halsted clinic. It was the conclusion of their two-day strike that ...
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Longtime Edgewater framing business owner contemplates what's next
The large spit stains were still crusty and dry on Wall to Wall Framing's window on Saturday. They're evidence that remains more than two weeks after the incident that brought attention to the custom-frame shop's years-long ...
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Berlin Nightclub workers urge customers to boycott as they fight for fair contract
Berlin Nightclub workers are calling for people to boycott the LGBTQ+ club while they push for their first contract, which they hope will include increased wages and access to healthcare. Berlin Nightclub workers unionized in April ...
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SAVOR Bakery recommendation, venue slated to reopen, upcoming dinners
Recommendation: Provo's Bakery is offering some really cool options for the latter part of the year. (Think holiday dinners and business catering events.) The Thanksgiving menu includes items such as pumpkin bread, various pies (pumpkin, a ...
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HRC and Dylan Mulvaney to partner for 2024 SXSW Featured Session
--From a press release
WASHINGTON The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced a key Featured Session at the South By Southwest (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals curated to discuss poignant LGBTQ+ issues. The panel, titled "When Beer Goes Viral: The Role ...
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Boisterous activist/business owner Marge Summit remembered
A group of Chicago-area friends gathered Oct. 15 at the Baton Show Lounge to celebrate the extraordinary life of LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer and former bar owner Marge Summit. Summit, the former owner of the ...
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SAVOR A recommendation, a few Halloween events and stein-hoisting
Restaurant recommendation: I've eaten at the Uptown mainstay Pho 888 several times—and I've never been disappointed. And apparently I'm not the only one who likes this "hole-in-the-wall" restaurant, as it's received several "best of ...
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New research: Eight in ten LGBTQ+ employees feel comfortable being out at work
--From a press release
NEW YORK CITY, NY — As our nation prepares to commemorate National Coming Out Day, Out Leadership's "Out to Succeed 2.0," [ https://outleadership.com/ ] a global workplace survey of LGBTQ+ employees finds historic progress for LGBTQ+ ...
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Nobody's Darling celebrates expansion into adjoining property with soft opening event
In the little over two years since its opening, Nobody's Darling in Andersonville has emerged as one of the premiere inclusive spaces to gather in Chicago. Nobody's Darling has become so successful that co-owners Angela Barnes ...
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19th annual Andersonville Arts Weekend Sept. 29 - Oct. 1
--From a press release
CHICAGO (September 18, 2023) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to welcome back its 19tn annual Andersonville Arts Weekend, with the neighborhood transformed into a "walkable art gallery" ...
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NATIONAL Historic political win, Columbus situation, trans coach, Gold + Williams
Fabian Nelson won a Democratic primary runoff in Mississippi's 66th state House districtand he's now the state's first openly gay legislator, The Guardian noted. (Republicans are not running a candidate for the general election sched ...
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SAVOR Crumbl franchise co-owner talks about the sweet business of cookies
When it comes to success stories in the world of sweets, few companies and brands can compare to Crumbl and its signature pink box. Started by Jason McGowan (CEO) & Sawyer Hemsley (COO) in 2017 in ...
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Openly gay football player Carl Nassib retiring at 30
On Sept. 6, openly gay free agent defensive end Carl Nassib announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons, Sports Illustrated reported. Nassibwho played for the Cleveland Browns, the Las Vegas Raiders and twice for ...
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Openly gay airline CEO resigns amid controversy
Alan Joyce, the openly gay CEO of Australian airline Qantas, has resigned after being accused of participating in illegal ticket sales, Reuters reported. Joyce, the company's head for 15 years, had been scheduled to retire in ...
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Can Chicago escape the 'urban doom loop?'
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, major U.S. cities were experiencing strong growth fueled by financial and technological sectors of the economy. COVID, however, caused a massive change in population migration and work behavior which has created ...
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Laura Ricketts-led group of diverse investors buys Chicago Red Stars in $60 million deal
From an Sept. 1 press release: A diverse investor group led by Laura Ricketts and prominent Chicago women business and civic leaders has officially taken ownership of the Chicago Red Stars National Women's Soccer League ...
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SAVOR Japanese-inspired brunch, Jose Andres, cake decorating and more
Itoko, a Japanese restaurant courtesy of Chef Gene Kato and BOKA Restaurant Group that's at 3325 N. Southport Ave., is debuting its weekend brunch at 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch is centered around Japanese-inspired dishes such as ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce holds 15th NetWERQ Cruise
On the evening of Aug. 21, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois held its 15th annual networking and fundraising event NetWERQ on Lake Michigan. Members of the group boarded the cruise ship Spirit of Chicago ...
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Calif. store owner killed over Pride flag display
In California, Cedar Glen business owner Laura Ann Carleton was shot and killed after a dispute over the Pride flag she'd displayed outside her shop, The Advocate reported. Authorities received a report that someone had been ...
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Man pleads guilty to hate crime at UpRising Bakery
Alsip, Illinois resident Joseph I. Collins, 25, pled guilty on Aug. 16 to committing a hate crime last summer at UpRising Bakery and Cafe, a Lake in the Hills business that was preparing to host a ...
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Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts to purchase Red Stars
An investor group headed by out lesbian Chicago Cubs co-owner/Chicago Sky minority owner Laura Ricketts reached an agreement to purchase the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars, according to ...
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SAVOR Fulton Market taqueria Tacombi; upcoming events
The Fulton Market district of Chicago (just west of the Loop) has changed significantly over the past several years—and is altering more every day, with sleek and new office towers, condos and businesses populating the area. ...
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Law will reduce barriers to gender-neutral multiple-occupancy restrooms in businesses, universities, building
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Advocates celebrated Governor JB Pritzker's signing of House Bill 1286, legislation that will reduce barriers for businesses serving their communities and customers by allowing for the adoption of ...
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SAVOR Epic Burger CEO talks nutrition, money, upcoming specials
Epic Burger's David Grossman is probably one of the most affable and down-to-earth CEOs you're likely to meet. Grossman will talk about a variety of subjects (including some tumultuous days at his alma mater, the University ...
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Baton's Jim Flint celebrates 82nd birthday
Jim Flint, owner of the Baton Show Lounge, and the founder of the Miss Continental pageantry system, celebrated his 82nd birthday at the Baton on July 25. The special occasion featured cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment ...
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Take Up Space founders reach for community-building possibilities
Two Chicagoans are working to bring a new businessone part coffee shop, one part co-working space, one-part events venuecentering Black and queer identities to Lake View. Co-founder M. Rashaad Barnett said he envisions the business, to ...
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Supreme Court ruling on 303 Creative: How bad was it? Depends on who you ask
Some believe the U.S. Supreme Court's decision June 30 in 303 Creative v. Elenis may be one of the most consequential in LGBTQ legal history—a kind of "separate but equal" pronouncement on how the courts should ...
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Gilead prevails in HIV antitrust suit brought by consumers
On June 30, pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences triumphed over consumers in a $3.6-billion class-action suit that claimed the company deliberately manipulated the market in order to profit off of its expensive HIV treatment drugs, Courthouse News ...
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PASSAGES Music producer, vocalist, business owner Ralph Lampkin Jr.
Music producer, vocalist and business owner Ralph Lampkin, Jr. died June 24 of a heart attack. He was 66. Lampkin was born April 29, 1957, in New York City, where he lived with his parents Ralph ...
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Supreme Court rules in favor of anti-gay Colorado web designer, LGBTQ+ groups respond
On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court—which has a conservative majority—ruled in favor of Lorie Smith, an evangelical Christian web designer from Colorado who refuses to work on same-sex weddings, ...
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The Andersonville Vintage Market returns for summer 2023
--From a press release
CHICAGO (June 26, 2023) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to welcome back its 3rd annual Andersonville Vintage Market, featuring antiques, home décor, jewelry, accessories, clothing, music and ...
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SAVOR Movie cookbook, 'A Night of Hope,' restaurant closings and more
This week, SAVOR with Andrew's spotlight is actually on a book—Scrounging: A Cookbook. This unique cookbook contains late-night, last-ditch recipes and ingenious back-of-the-pantry meals straight from movies. Scrounging includes an ...
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Pride Fest returns with a rainbow of representation
Chicago Pride Fest took over the Lake View community area of Chicago's North Side once more on June 1718. Presented by the Northalsted Business Alliance, this two-day street festival featured over 150 merchandise and food vendors ...
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PASSAGES Athlete and retired restaurant manager Michael L. Reid
Athlete and retired restaurant manager Michael L. Reid died peacefully under hospital care June 11 due to complications from a decade-long battle with cancer. He was 65. Reid was born February 28, 1958, in Dayton, Ohio ...
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Study: More than 70% of U.S. adults oppose using religion to discriminate against LGBTQ people
--From a press release
Large majorities of U.S. adults oppose denying medical care, employment, and business services to LGBTQ people based on religious beliefs, according to a new report from the Williams Institute ...
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'We're queer all year': Nobody's Darling, Dorothy, Whiskey Girl Tavern: new spaces for queer women
Three Chicago lesbian-owned bars have opened in the past few years, creating more spaces where queer women can feel comfortable and build community with each other. Andersonville's Nobody's Darling, Dorothy in Ukranian Village, and Rogers Park' ...
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Consumer affairs reporter Jason Knowles discusses being out and proud on the air
If a Chicago-area resident has been ripped-off, swindled or otherwise cheated, there's a good chance they'll call Jason Knowles. Knowles, who is gay, has been ABC 7's consumer investigative reporter since 2014, and has been with ...
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Sidetrack marks its 41st year
Sidetrack and its owners, Art Johnston & Pepe Pena, celebrated the club's 41st Anniversary on June 8 along with hundreds of patrons. Food was providedas well as specially priced cocktails at $3.00 a piece and drawings ...
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Chicago Pride event organizers unveil plans, including safety measures in light of increased anti-LGBTQ attacks
Due to the recent onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks directed at businesses and events this past year, Windy City Times spoke to the organizers of some of this year's biggest Pride Month events in Chicago to find ...
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WORLD Global survey, Turkey, Russians in Argentina, trans-rights activist
A new survey showed that nearly one in 10 adults across 30 countries identify as LGBTQ, according to NBC News. Age and geographic location played primary roles in the findings, with younger respondents and those in ...
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HRC president calls on business community to reject coordinated, extremist anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
--From a press release
WASHINGTON - Earlier today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization, in partnership with over 100 LGBTQ+ and allied organizations, renewed its call for Target and the business community t ...
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More than 100 pro-LGBTQ+ groups, allies urge Target and business community to reject anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
--From a press release
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, GLSEN, Family Equality, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights and National Black Justice Coalition, in partnership with more ...
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Leading LGBTQ+ groups raise alarm to business community on coordinated anti-LGBTQ+ attacks; call on Target to lead
--From a press release
Organizations calling on Target and all businesses to stand up against anti-LGBTQ2S+ extremism in statement below: Family Equality, GLAAD, GLSEN, The Human Rights Campaign, National Center For Lesbian Rights, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Black J ...
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SAVOR 'Round Table II' brings chefs, nonprofits together to discuss collective vision
On May 15, the Avondale restaurant eden, 2734 W. Roscoe St., was the site of a rather extraordinary gathering of Chicagoland chefs, nonprofit CEOs and other business leaders in a moving discussion that centered on building ...
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Advocates applaud Illinois General Assembly passage of House Bill 1286 for gender-neutral multiple-occupancy restrooms
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Advocates celebrated passage by the Illinois General Assembly of House Bill 1286, legislation that will reduce barriers for businesses serving their communities and customers by allowing for the ...
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General Assembly moves closer to passing optional all-gender bathroom bill
On May 18, the Illinois Senate passed an amended version of a bill that would allow businesses and public institutions to provide multi-occupant all-gender bathrooms if they so choose, The Daily Herald reported. House Bill 1286 ...
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Sidetrack drops Anheuser-Busch products after Bud Light controversy
Sidetrack announced May 4 that it would cease selling Anheuser-Busch products after the beverage giant gave in to an anti-trans backlash following an online Bud Light advertisement featuring trans activist Dylan Mulvaney. In a Facebook post, ...
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Chicago LGBTQ+ bar to discontinue use of brewer after anti-trans acts
In light of what it considers to be anti-trans acts by Anheuser-Busch InBev, the Uptown LGBTQ+ spot 2Bears Tavern Group is discontinuing all Anheuser Busch InBev products, including Busch Light, Bud Light and Goose Island 312. Mark ...
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Lauren Verdich memorial May 20
Celebration of Life for longtime Chicagoan LGBTQ activist and business owner Lauren Verdich will be Saturday May 20, 2023, 12:30-4 p.m., University Club Chicago, 76 E. Monroe. Donations can be sent to Lambda Legal in Lauren's ...
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Lambda Legal applauds re-introduction of Federal Do No Harm Act
--From a press release
"As the Supreme Court gets ready possibly to expand even further the ability of businesses to use religion to discriminate, the federal RFRA law absolutely needs this fix."—Lambda Legal Chief Legal Officer Jennifer C. Pizer (Washington, ...
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Lesbian-owned Taylor's Tacos opens shop on Chicago's Near West Side
In the world of brick-and-mortar businesses, Taylor's Tacos (1512 W. Taylor St.; https://www.taylorstacoschicago.com) is finally making its mark, as the place selling authentic street-style tacos with soulful twists is firmly ...
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Uprising Bakery to remain open for now, plans eventual move
Uprising Bakery & Cafe, which was slated to close March 31, will be staying open for business, according to owner Corrina Sac. The Lake in the Hills establishment had faced reduced business after a number of ...
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Illinois House passes legislation allowing gender-neutral multiple-occupancy restrooms
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Advocates celebrated passage by the Illinois House of legislation that will reduce barriers for businesses serving their communities and customers by allowing for the adoption of gender-neutral multiple-occupancy ...
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More than thirty-five LGBTQ+ leaders endorse Brandon Johnson for mayor of Chicago
--From a press release
CHICAGO, IL — More than thirty-five LGBTQ+ community leaders are united in their support for Brandon Johnson for Mayor in Chicago's runoff election, representing the city's business, philanthropic, academic, civic ...
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UpRising Bakery and Cafe could soon close due to revenue losses, ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ harassment
Award-winning UpRising Bakery and Café (UpRising) in Lake in the Hills faces possible closure March 31 after many months of revenue losses and ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ harassment. This stems from the harassment owner Corinna Sac received when ...
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