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IML visitors are off to (the leather) market
International Mr. Leather visitors shopped and took part in demonstrations at the event's famous (infamous?) Leather Market at the Congress Hotel over Memorial Day weekend. Several dozen vendors took part in the event; a portion of ...
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Chicago Fire FC launches Play Proud League; Fire's Pride Night on June 10
Chicago Fire FC announced the launch of the Play Proud League as a new addition to the Chicago Fire Rec Soccer (CFRS) programming. The league is being launched in conjunction with Common Goal's Play Proud initiative, ...
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Raoul responds to Archdiocese of Chicago's comments about child sex-abuse report
--From a press release
Chicago — Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released the following statement expressing surprise and dismay at comments made by Cardinal Blase Cupich. In comments to the media, Cardinal Cupich claims to have been unaware of names ...
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IML 2023 begins
Visitors from around the world gathered in the Florentine Room of the Congress Hotel on May 25 to kick off the opening ceremonies of the 2023 installment International Male Leather. The event was emceed by Thib ...
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Chef Art Smith talks upcoming dinner and activism
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, including more than 230,000 Illinoisans. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends serve as dementia caregivers, with more than 383,000 caregivers in Illinois. Unti ...
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State Rep. Kelly Cassidy denounces violent acts stemming from political speech
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, along with members of the House Dobbs Working Group responded to increasing acts of violence and threats stemming from political attacks on reproductive rights and the LGBTQ community ...
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SAVOR Cafe Robey: Laid-back vibes and enticing cuisine
The junction of North, Milwaukee and Damen avenues in Wicker Park is probably one of the best-known intersections in Chicago. (Some refer to this intersection as "Six Corners" but others say this is incorrect, as that ...
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Joy heals: Artist Hannah Sellers's works explore gender, trauma and clothing
Note: This article mentions sexual assault and trauma. Color Club Gallery, 4146 N. Elston Ave., was well-lit by the early evening sun May 18 as the audience gathered for Q & A event that was part ...
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Illinois Healthcare Cultural Competency Coalition applauds passage of HB 2450
--From a press release
The Illinois Healthcare Cultural Competency Coalition applauds passage by the Illinois General Assembly of legislation that will ensure cultural competency is part of continuing medical education for a range of healthcare providers in Illinois. "We are ...
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Board of Commissioners unanimously passes Bodily Autonomy Ordinance Amendment with support of Equality Illinois, ACLU Illinois
--From a press release
Chicago, Ill. — May 25th 2023 — Today, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an amendment to the Human Rights Ordinance ensuring the protection of all individual's right to their own bodily autonomy. The ...
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Fire FC advances to Lamar Cup quarters with win
In the first-ever matchup between the two teams, Chicago Fire FC defeated Austin FC 2-0 in the round of 16 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on May 24. Defender Rafael Czichos and ...
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TaskForce Chicago's ED talks organization, AIDS stigma and queerness
Among the many organizations helping Chicago youths is TaskForce Prevention & Community Services. The West Side-based organization helps hundreds of youths by being committed to addressing the HIV/STI-related needs of ...
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Screenwriter Guinevere Turner book launch June 4; book chronicles growing up with infamous Lyman Family cult
--From a press release
CHICAGO—The book launch of acclaimed screenwriter Guinevere Turner's When the World Didn't End, a memoir of her childhood growing up with the infamous Lyman Family cult, will be held Sunday, June 4, 2-5 p.m. at Whiskey ...
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Attorney general concludes Illinois Catholic clergy sex-abuse investigation
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a comprehensive report detailing decades of child sex abuse by members of the Catholic clergy in the state. The report concludes a multi-year investigation into child sex abuse by members ...
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About Face Theater hosts Leppen Leadership Awards
On May 14, About Face Theater presented its Leppen Leadership Awards to members of the LGBTQ+ community for their activism and service. The organization normally awards two individuals a year but decided to expand this year, ...
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Chicago Sky beat Griner-led Mercury
On May 21, the visiting Chicago Sky (2-0) defeated the Brittney Griner-led Phoenix Mercury (0-2) 75-69 in WNBA action. The Sky employed a balanced attack to win, with Kahleah Copper scoring 15 points while Dana Evans ...
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Red Stars lose; Fire FC ties; Chicago Nations Cup match on July 26
On May 21, the visiting Chicago Red Stars fell 4-0 to Portland Thorns FC. The match was seemingly over at halftime, when the Thorns led 3-0. Chicago heads back home to face off against the Orlando ...
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CAKE Chicago taking place June 3-4 at Broadway Armory
After several setbacks, the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) Chicago will take place June 3-4 at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway. The COVID pandemic caused the cancellations of the 2020 and 2021 in-person expos, and ...
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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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Lambda Legal marks 50 years with Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration
Lambda Legal marked its 50th anniversary with The Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration May 19 at the Art Institute of Chicago. The event honored Windy City Times Owner and Co-Founder Tracy Baim. The celebration was named ...
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VIEWPOINT War in the 21st Century: mercenaries, private military companies, private armies
In 2022, $407 billion of the Pentagon budget—representing half of that year's funding —were obligated to private contractors, of which a significant number were Private Military Companies (PMCs) involved in ...
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Hair coming to Skokie Theater June 23 - July 30
Madkap Productions has announced the cast and creative team for the inaugural show of their 2023-24 season, the rock musical HAIR, with book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, and music by Gail MacDermot. ...
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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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Gay lawyer appointed as Cook County judge
On May 18, Justice Joy V. Cunningham and the Illinois Supreme Court announced the appointment of Edward J. Underhill as an at-large Cook County Circuit judge, according to a press release. Underhill was appointed to fill ...
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LGBTQ+ Center Lake County set to host third annual PrideFest
The non-profit LGBTQ+ Center Lake County will host its third annual PrideFest Saturday, June 10 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. The family-friendly outdoor festival is free, kicks off at noon and ends ...
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HB 1286 would allow gender-inclusive multi-occupancy restrooms, Chicago groups respond
--From a press release
Statement from AIDS Foundation Chicago, Equality Illinois, and Pride Action Tank regarding HB 1286 to allow gender-inclusive multi-occupancy restrooms: We applaud the Illinois Senate for passing HB 1286 and urge the Illinois House to act expeditiously ...
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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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PASSAGES Chicago cultural and music advocate, poet, educator Diane Gomez
Chicago cultural and music advocate, poet and educator Diane Gomez died May 5 due to complications from cancer. She was 70. Gomez was born September 28, 1952, on the South Side of Chicago to a very ...
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PASSAGES Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer, former bar owner Marge Summit
Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer, icon and former owner of the now defunct His n' Hers bar Marge Summit died May 16. She was 87. Summit was born Sept. 3, 1935, on the North Side ...
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Belting for Life returns for an 8th edition
On May 15, Jeff Award-winning director and activist Christopher Pazdernik celebrated his birthday with the eighth edition of Belting for Life, his annual Chicago-style theatrical concert and fundraiser for AIDS ...
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Illinois middle-school teacher loses job for promoting 'This Book Is Gay'
Making This Book Is Gay available to her eighth-grade students resulted in Illinois teacher Sarah Bonner being reported to police—and eventually losing her job, according to an item from The Advocate. According to Today.com, Bonner (who ...
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SAVOR Say 'oui' to Francois Frankie
The last time I went to the French-American spot Francois Frankie was before the pandemic (2019, to be precise) and its brunch was one of the most impressive I had the pleasure of experiencing that year. ...
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Missouri Attorney General issues order terminating anti-transgender rule
--From a Lambda Legal press release
Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has issued an order terminating his anti-transgender emergency rule challenged in Southampton Community Healthcare v. Bailey, the lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, ACLU of Missouri and Brya ...
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Chicago Filmmakers to present Reeling Pride Month Film Showcase
--From a press release
Chicago Filmmakers is thrilled to announce the Reeling Pride Month Film Showcase, a special program celebrating Pride Month this June. Presented by MUBI, this showcase is a prelude to the highly anticipated Reeling: The 41st Chicago ...
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One Roof Chicago hosts launch event
One Roof Chicago, an LGBTQ+ centered community for elders and youth, held their public kickoff event May 16 at the Hinshaw and Culbertson law firm. The brainchild of Pamela Calvert, One Roof seeks to build a ...
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Doug Plaut serves up The Sixth Reel
Performer Doug Plaut's career highlights the queer side of life. From the breakout role of gender-fluid Terry in Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt to the upcoming third installment playing Rex in Hurricane Bianca: All Roots of Evil, ...
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Foo Fighters, The Cure, and Tegan and Sara to perform at Riot Fest
Foo Fighters, The Cure and Death Cab for Cutie are among the headliners at this year's Riot Fest, taking place Sept. 15-17 in Douglass Park. Some of the other acts include queer twins Tegan and Sara, ...
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Gloria Allen to be honored on National LGBTQ Wall of Honor on June 22
The International Imperial Court System and the National LGBTQ Task Force are honoring seven legends of the LGBTQ+-rights movement as 2023 National LGBTQ Wall of Honor inductees at NYC's historic Stonewall Inn on June 22, per ...
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Archdiocese of Chicago, Loyola offer spring retreat for LGBTQ+ community and families
--From a press release
The Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach of Chicago will partner with Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies to host a four-part spring retreat for the LGBTQ+ community and their family members starting May 24, 2023. ...
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Griner scores 10 in first game since being held in Russia
Brittney Griner scored 10 points for the Phoenix Mercury as her team fell 90-71 to the Los Angeles Sparks on May 12. According to CNN, the WNBA preseason match-up was Griner's first competitive game since she ...
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Red Stars fall; Fire FC ties
The Chicago Red Stars fell 3-0 to Racing Louisville FC tonight in Louisville, Kentucky. Chicago is now 1-5-1 on the season. The Red Stars certainly had their chances to score. For example, in the 18th minute, ...
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Chicago House welcomes spring with 'Secret Garden' event
On May 7, Chicago House presented its annual spring fashion brunch, this year titled The Secret Garden, in the Winter Green Ballroom of the Harold Washington Library. The annual event, which some now regard as the ...
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Gigi Gorgeous Spills The T Guide at Chicago Humanities Festival
Chicago Humanities Festival has created events that bring artists and audiences together for one-of-a-kind experiences in the Windy City for years—and 2023 will be no different. Programming slated for this year includes LGBTQ+ favorites such such ...
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UIC's 'lavender' graduates step out into the world
On May 2, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) held its 17th annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony in front of a crowded room of queer graduates and their friends, allies and families. The event was held in ...
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ATTRACTIONS Lose (and find) yourself in The Exhibit House
Walking into Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.) was an experience, for sure. After all, it's not what it used to be. Marshall Field's and its successor, Macy's, are gone—as well as scores of other ...
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Warhol exhibition to open June 3 at College of DuPage
Following the success of 2021's "Frida Kahlo: Timeless," the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage will open an exhibition of the works of legendary artist/photographer Andy Warhol ...
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Howard Brown responds to FDA's relaxation of blood-donation guidelines
Howard Brown Health has responded to The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s elimination of restrictions that had previously barred many blood donations by gay and bisexual men. The FDA said it will recommend a series of ...
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Chicago Opera Theater announces new General Director Lawrence Edelson
--From a press release
May 12, 2023 (Chicago) — After a three-month nationwide search, the Chicago Opera Theater (COT) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that veteran artistic leader and stage director Lawrence Edelson has been named the next ...
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Lyric Opera of Chicago introduces first-ever Artist-in-Residence program with soprano Whitney Morrison
--From a press release
CHICAGO (5/11/23) — Anthony Freud, General Director, President & CEO of Lyric Opera of Chicago, announced the launch of a new Artist-in-Residence program. Developed by Lyric Unlimited, the company's learning ...
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Basketball coach to take $1M salary reduction for anti-gay slur
Longtime West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins has agreed to a million-dollar salary reduction (believed to be one of the largest in college athletics), a three-game suspension and sensitivity training after using an anti-gay slur ...
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Chicago Imperial Court celebrates Derby Day
On the afternoon of May 6, the Chicago Imperial Court held Fifi's Annual Derby Day, a fundraiser and celebration of the Kentucky Derby. The event took place at Charlie's, with the Trevor Project and the Chicago ...
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ART on THE MART's summer programs include Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, Pride celebration
--From a press release
CHICAGO, IL — ART on THE MART, an innovative digital art project that transforms a Chicago architectural landmark into a larger-than-life canvas, will introduce two new commissions this summer. Building Light, a new projection by Gensler, ...
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PASSAGES: Real estate agent and former DJ Earl Reid, Jr.
Real estate agent and former DJ Earl King Reid, Jr. died May 1 due to hypertension and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He was 67. Reid was born in 1956 in Chicago, where he lived his entire life. ...
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Clare Killman on Carbondale City Council is first trans person to serve on a city council in Illinois
--From a press release
A statement from Myles Brady Davis, Communications Director of Equality Illinois, the state's civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Illinoisans: "We are extremely excited by ...
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Chicago Fire FC beats St. Louis CITY FC, advances in competition
In the first-ever matchup between the two teams, Chicago Fire FC defeated St. Louis CITY SC 2-1 in the round of 32 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois ...
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Q Christian Fellowship holds annual Parent and Family Summit
Q Christian Fellowship (QCF) held its annual Parent and Family Summit May 5-7 at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago. According to the event's press release, this year's gathering "is a proclamation that LGBTQ+ people are beloved ...
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South Chicago Dance Theatre to debut 'Memoirs of Jazz' on June 10
--From a press release
(May 8, 2023) Through the 1960s and '70s, Jazz in the Alley on Chicago's South Side was a hotbed for jazz and a meeting place for some of the country's prominent musicians, visual artists, poets, activists, ...
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College basketball coach uses anti-gay slur, later apologizes
Longtime West Virginia men's basketball coach Bob Huggins used an anti-gay slur in an interview with a Cincinnati radio station on The Bill Cunningham Show but later apologized in a statement, ESPN noted. Discussing his in-city ...
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Chicago theaters hold memorial, will dim lights in honor of Frank Galati
--From a press release
CHICAGO (May 8, 2023) — Several major theatres across the Chicago-area will dim their marquees or lobby lights on the evening of Saturday, May 13, in tribute to late playwright, director, actor and educator Frank Galati, ...
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Sophie B. Hawkins swoops into City Winery this May
Sophie Ballatine Hawkins is a talented Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter currently out on tour. Her roots in music began at an early age as she attended the Manhattan School of Music for percussion. She found commercial ...
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Chicago Fire FC parts ways with head coach
On May 8, the Chicago Fire FC announced that the club has parted ways with head coach Ezra Hendrickson. Frank Klopas will be head coach for the remainder of the 2023 season. Additionally, the Club has ...
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Chicago Red Stars lose to Gotham FC
Despite multiple close attempts, the Chicago Red Stars couldn't find the equalizer to walk away with points and fell 2-1 to New Jersey/New York Gotham FC on May 7. Brazilian national Julia Bianchi connected with forward ...
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Chicago Fire FC falls 3-0 to Nashville SC
On May 6, the Chicago Fire FC lost to Nashville SC 3-0 at GEODIS Park. In a hard-fought match, the Fire fell behind after conceding a pair of penalty kicks in the third minute of first half stoppage time and in ...
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Kayla Boye's 'Call Me Elizabeth' to run at Venus Cabaret on June 16-18
--From a press release
Chicago—"Call Me Elizabeth," a one-woman show about the early life of Elizabeth Taylor, will be presented June 16—18 by KB Productions at Venus Cabaret Theater. Kayla Boye stars in and wrote the production; Michael Weber directs. ...
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SAVOR Mother's Day restaurant recommendations in Chicago
Mother's Day might be right around the corner (on Sunday, May 14) but there's still time to make reservations at some of the coolest spots in Chicago. Here are a few spots/ideas to consider for Mom's ...
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Howard Brown Health identifies Monkeypox (Mpox) resurgence
--From a press release
(Chicago, IL, May 5, 2023) — Howard Brown Health has identified a resurgence in cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) in the Chicago area. As of this morning, the agency has diagnosed seven new cases of mpox since ...
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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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Lambda Legal to celebrate 50 years with Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration May 19
--From a press release
Lambda Legal's Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration returns on Friday, May 19, 2023 at The Art Institute of Chicago. The event is named after Robert Bonvoulier "Bon" Foster, a Chicago attorney and civil rights leader who ...
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Wrexham to play U.S. women in June
Wrexham—the Welsh soccer team bought by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney that's been promoted to the fourth tier of English football for the 2023-24 season—will play Como from Italy's second tier, a U.S. women's side ...
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LGBTQ+ movie 'The Conformist' to open at Music Box on May 13
Kino Lorber will present a new 4K restoration of Bernardo Bertolucci's 1970 LGBTQ+ masterpiece The Conformist—and it will open Saturday, May 13, at Chicago's Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., for one weekend only. The ...
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ARC Music Festival expands artist line-up with local acts
The organizers of the Sept. 1-3 house/techno event known as the ARC Music Festival—which will take place in Chicago's Union Park—has expanded its line-up of artists. ARC's phase-two lineup additions include Monnom Black label head an ...
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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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2023 Leppen Leadership Awards announced, event May 14
--From a press release
About Face Theatre has announced the return of the Leppen Leadership Awards. Now in the 28th season, About Face has been honoring community luminaries since 2001 with the Leppen Leadership Award, named for founding supporter and ...
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VIEWPOINT Telling the world about my mental health disorders
Over the years, coming out as a lesbian hasn't been that hard for me—because I was always too busy hiding something else. Confessing queerness can be a breeze compared to revealing mental illness. But I decline ...
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Illinois to become first state to punish book-banning
Illinois is about to become the first state to punish public institutions that ban books. Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker has said he supports a House bill that would withhold state funding from any of the state's ...
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