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On State of the Union eve, HRC highlights Biden-Harris record on LGBTQ+ equality, urges action
--From a press release
WASHINGTON — As President Biden prepares to deliver his second State of the Union address on Tuesday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender ...
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HRC on end of Mpox Public Health Emergency: Today we enter a new phase in a continuing fight
--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 — marked the end of the Mpox Public ...
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TPAN announces merger with Vivent Health
Local HIV/AIDS organization TPAN announced Jan. 19 that it would be merging with Milwaukee-based Vivent Health. The merger is expected to be finalized by March 1, according to both organizations. Vivent Health, so named in 2019, ...
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One in five older LGBT adults experienced poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic
--From a press release
A new report from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law found that during the COVID-19 pandemic LGBT adults aged 50 and older were more likely to have household incomes below the federal poverty level ...
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GLAAD announces nominees for 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
--From a press release. Video below
Jan. 18, 2023 - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced the nominees for the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. ...
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Asians and Friends holding Chinese New Year dinner on Feb. 4
In a throwback to the days of Hugh Hefner, Asians and Friends Chicago (AFC) will host a Playboy and Playgirl "Bunny"-themed dinner celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, bringing together members of the LGBTQ+ community to ...
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Windy City Gay Chorus, Windy City Treble Quire begin search for artistic directors
--From a press release
The Board of Directors for Windy City Performing Arts has started their search for two Artistic Directors for the organization's choruses. Applications are now being accepted in hopes to fill these positions prior to the 2023-2024 season. ...
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Black LGBTQ+ film festival among Chicago NEA grant recipients
The Black Alphabet Film Festivalthe world's oldest Black LGBTQ+-focused event of its kindwas part of the first round of grant recipients from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA), receiving $20,000. In a press release, Black ...
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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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Howard Brown, union officials dispute allegations around sidewalk incident
As striking Howard Brown Health Workers United (HBH Workers United) members represented by the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) and their allies were picketing outside of the Andersonville Brown Elephant location at 5404 N. Clark St. on ...
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Cherkasov to head Illinois Holocaust Museum
-- From a press release
Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is proud to announce the appointment of national nonprofit leader Bernard Cherkasov as the Museum's Chief Executive Officer. [Cherkasov is gay and has been a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.] ...
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Howard Brown strike reaches third day
Amid layoffs of 60 unionized and four non-union staffers at multiple Howard Brown Health (Howard Brown), Broadway Youth Center and Brown Elephant locations across Chicago, over 400 HBH Workers United non-nurse members represented by the Illinois ...
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Brave Space Alliance to Illinois General Assembly: Don't back down on trans protections
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, IL - January 4, 2023 - Brave Space Alliance (BSA), the South Side LGBTQ+ Center, has been made aware of active discussions to exclude protections for trans people and gender-affirming care from pending legislation that ...
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AFC's World of Chocolate on Feb. 17
After a nearly three-year hiatus, AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) will host the return of its famed World of Chocolate fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 17, at Union Station, 225 S. Canal St. This event features a menu ...
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Howard Brown Health staff prepares for January strike
Illinois Nursing Association (INA) filed an intent-to-strike notice against the Howard Brown Health medical organization on Dec. 23, after negotiations between the two sides have further strained in recent months. ...
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LGBTs nine times more likely than non-LGBTe to be victims of violent hate crimes
-- From a Williams Institute press release
About one out of 10 violent victimizations against LGBT people are hate crimes, according to a new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. LGBT people are nine times more likely than non-LGBT ...
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Report released on online hate and gender-affirming providers
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC Foundation) has released "Online Harassment, Offline Violence: Unchecked Harassment of Gender-Affirming Care Providers and Children's Hospitals on Social Media, and its Offline Violent Consequences." ...
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National LGBTQ Task Force plans 50th anniversary celebrations
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. The National LGBTQ Task Force — the country's oldest LGBTQ advocacy group — celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023, honoring 50 years of advancing freedom, justice, and equality for ...
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HRC: Texas AG's reported data collection about trans adults compromises privacy of LGBTQ+s
-- From a press release
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, responded to reports of Texas Attorney General Ken ...
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Brave Space Alliance to offer name change clinic for queer, trans people
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, IL — December 13, 2022 — In its continual efforts of creating and protecting "brave spaces" for transgender and queer Black people to affirm their dignity, Brave Space Alliance (BSA) is providing a free name ...
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Johnson among HRC Chicago's Nov. 12 honorees
E. Patrick Johnson, dean of the School of Communication and Annenberg University Professor of Performance Studies at Northwestern University, was recognized by HRC Chicago at its 2022 gathering Nov. 12 at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park ...
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GLAAD post-election poll shows surge of LGBTQ+ voters in midterm elections
-- From a press release
(New York, NY, TBD) GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is releasing the findings of its 2022 post midterm election poll of ...
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HRC Foundation names 2022 Global Small Grants recipients ahead of International Human Rights Day
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, announced this year's recipients ...
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Brittney Griner released, national groups respond
-- From press releases
GLAAD: GLAAD the world's largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, is responding to news that Brittney Griner has been released from prison in Russia. President Biden tweeted with photos of an elated President Biden, Vice President Harris ...
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Warnock's win marks major victory for LGBTQ+ equality
-- From a press release
GEORGIA Georgians re-elected U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock to a full six-year term this evening, repudiating months of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and millions of dollars in anti-LGBTQ+ advertising from his opponent, Herschel Walker, that sought to attack ...
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Howard Brown Health set to lay off 15 percent of the staff, union members respond
Just two months after Howard Brown Health (HBH) leadership and non-nurse employees represented by the Illinois Nurses Association (INA) finalized a three-year union contract, the nonprofit has announced that about ...
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ISU group to host holiday drag show to benefit Club Q supporter Colorado Gives
-- From a press release
Illinois State University is home to one of the state's largest charity drag shows south of Chicago and north of St. Louis. Now, a new student organization at ISU is launching to expand student drag opportunities. Drag ...
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Mpox Working Group sends letter to Congress calling for $900 million in funding
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with 39 other leading public health, HIV/AIDS, medical ...
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Chicago's sweetest party and fundraiser, World of Chocolate returns In-person Feb. 17 at Union Station
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — Glitz, glamour and chocolate…after a nearly three-year hiatus, AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) proudly announces the return of its famed World of Chocolate fundraiser on Friday, February 17 at Union Station ...
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Cleve Jones, founder of AIDS Memorial Quilt, honored with Lifetime of Commitment Award on World AIDS Day
-- From a press release
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, 2022) — The National AIDS Memorial marked World AIDS Day with a national observance at the 10-acre National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco, honoring AIDS activist and founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt ...
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World AIDS Day: GLAAD releases 2022 State of HIV Stigma Study
-- From a press release
(New York, NY - December 1, 2022) GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is releasing its third annual State of HIV Stigma ...
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Record 120 U.S. cities excel in protecting LGBTQ+ rights per HRC LGBTQ+ Equality Index
-- 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, in partnership with The ...
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State of LGBTQ+ Equality in nine Illinois municipalities detailed in HRC Index
-- 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, in partnership with The ...
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Brave Space Alliance releases statement on forensic audit of organizational finances
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, IL - The Board of Directors ("Board") of Brave Space Alliance (BSA) has sent a report to the Illinois Attorney General Office's Charitable Trust Bureau outlining the findings of ...
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OnePulse releases statement on Club Q mass shooting
-- From a press release
Orlando, FL — onePULSE Foundation, the not-for-profit established following the June 12, 2016 tragedy to honor and preserve the legacy of those killed and create a sanctuary of hope, today released the following statement: "We are ...
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Chicagoans pay tribute to Club Q victims
Community advocates and political officials were among those who gathered for a candlelight vigil outside Nobody's Darling, 1744 W. Balmoral Ave., the evening of Nov. 20 to remember the LGBTQ+ individuals killed and injured the previous ...
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NATIONAL Respect for Marriage Act, lesbian judge, gay official resigns
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said that debate on the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) is suspended and will continue on Nov. 28, when the Senate reconvenes after Thanksgiving, LGBTQ Nation reported. The RFMA ...
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History made: More LGBTQ+ people elected to congress than ever before
-- From an HRC press release
Washington, DC — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — hailed the victory of at least ...
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National AIDS Memorial names 2022-2023 Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship recipients
-- From a press release
SAN FRANCISCO, California, Nov. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National AIDS Memorial has announced its 2022/2023 Pedro Zamora Young Leaders scholars, its largest and most diverse class ever, providing ...
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HRC Chicago to bestow annual Community Visibility Award, spotlight local partners
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, IL, November 3, 2022 — E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication and Annenberg University Professor of Performance Studies and African American Studies at Northwestern University is to be recognized for distinguished service ...
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Washington DC to host WorldPride in 2025
-- From a press release
Washington DC, November 4, 2022… InterPride, an international association of over 400 Pride organizations from over 70 countries, announced that the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) has been selected to host WorldPride in 2025. "CPA is thrilled ...
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Santa Speedo Run Northalsted to return, has raised more $500,000+ for Chicago's LGBTQ+ community
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (Nov. 1, 2022) The Santa Speedo Run Northalsted is back with a full afternoon of events that begin at noon on Saturday, Dec 3. Proceeds from the annual event benefit Center on Halsted, Chicago's LGBTQ ...
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$44B Musk/Twitter deal raises questions about content moderation, HRC responds
-- 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, issued a statement following Elon Musk completing his purchase ...
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Chicago Journalists Association names honorees
-- From a press release
(CHICAGO)— President and publisher of the Chicago Reader, Tracy Baim, will receive the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Chicago Reader staff writer Kelly Garcia will be recognized as Chicago Emerging Journalist of the Year at the ...
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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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Hundreds attend Plainfield Pride's 'Pride at PARC'
After encountering some resistance, "Pride at PARC" took place Oct. 16 in Plainfield, with hundreds of people attending. The event took place at the Plainfield Park District's Prairie Activity and Recreation Center (PARC). Among other things, ...
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'Martinis That Matter' to honor former TPAN CEO Jeff Berry on Oct. 30
Marty's Martini Bar, 1511 W. Balmoral Ave., presents "Martinis That Matter," a community giving-back program that funds community groups, charities and organizations. Profits from the sales during these events go to the organizations hosting. On Sunda ...
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Chicago Artists Coalition announces departure of executive director
Chicago Artists Coalition (CAC) announced that Teresa Silva, CAC's executive and artistic director, will leave the organization on Wed., Oct. 26. CAC Board Chair J. Gibran Villalobos will serve as interim executive director during the executiv ...
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Racial-equity symposium in Andersonville on Nov. 5
Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC), in partnership with Dynamic Cooperative, will host "Re-imagining Health, Safety and Racial Justice in Andersonville"a free, one-day collaborative learning environment to explore the meaning of ...
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Gerber/Hart Library and Archives holds 'Unboxing Queer History LIVE' fall benefit
Gerber/Hart Library and Archives (Gerber/Hart) held its fall benefit, "Unboxing Queer History LIVE!," on Oct. 15 at Gerber/Hart to raise funds in support of the library's mission to preserve LGBTQ+ history in Chicago and the Midwest. ...
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Legacy Walk marks 10th anniversary with newest dedications: Hart, Sarria and Sotomayor
On the afternoon of Oct. 15, the Legacy Project celebrated its 10th anniversary with the dedication of three new bronze memorials along Chicago's Legacy Walk. The Legacy Walk, which runs along Halsted Street between Addison and ...
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ALMA welcomes its first executive director at community reception
The Association of Latino/as Motivating Action (ALMA) welcomed its first executive director at a reception on Oct. 13. The event, which took place at Pilsen's Quesadilla La Reina del Sur restaurant, celebrated ALMA's 38-year evolution whil ...
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MOVIES 'Beyond Ed Buck' to kick off Black Alphabet Film Festival on Nov. 5
Black Alphabeta nonprofit committed to promoting equity awareness on behalf of the Black LGBTQ+ community through the use of media and the artsannounced the 9th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival (BAFF) will kick off with the ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame 2022 induction ceremony honors activists, artists, community organizations
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inducted eight individuals, three organizations and three "Friends of the Community" (allies) at an Oct. 11 ceremony hosted by The Chicago History Museum. Founded in 1991, it's the only city-sanctioned ...
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HRC celebrates National Coming Out Day and the significance of chosen family
-- From a press release. Video below
WASHINGTON—Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is commemorating the 34th annual National Coming Out Day (NCOD) by ...
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Rainbow Railroad set to hold fundraising event with out singer Patricia Barber
Rainbow Railroad will hold its fourth annual fundraising event, "When I Am Free"featuring renowned lesbian jazz singer, composer and pianist Patricia Barberon Wed., Oct. 26, at Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Ct., 6:30-9:30 p.m. This event ...
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ViiV announces recipients of largest U.S. fund for HIV prevention in Black women
ViiV Healthcare announced the recipients of an $8-million investment to increase awareness and action around HIV prevention and care for Black women, according to a press release via CSR Wire. Funding will support community programs focused ...
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Lambda Legal names Jenny Pizer as new permanent chief legal officer
Lambda Legal announced that Jennifer C. Pizer has been named permanent chief legal officer (CLO). Pizer has served as the organization's acting CLO since June, leading a department of 26 attorneys and 11 paraprofessionals with offices ...
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Equality Illinois praises Pritzker for state board/commission diversity
In light of Gov. JB Pritzker releasing his 2022 Boards and Commissions Appointment Demographics Reportand revealing that Illinois now has the highest number of out LGBTQ+ people serving on state boards and commissions in the state's ...
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Brave Space Alliance announces CEO change
CHICAGO, IL - The board of directors of Brave Space Alliance (BSA) has announced that BSA's founder, LaSaia Wade, will no longer serve as CEO of the organization, effective Oct. 3. Board chair Channyn Lynne Parker ...
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BREAKING Howard Brown Health nurses' strikes averted
On Sept. 30, the Illinois Nurses Association (INA)—which represents 30 registered nurses who work at Howard Brown Health—reached a tentative agreement with the North Side clinic, averting a series of strikes slated to begin Monday, Oct. ...
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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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Trevor Project returns donation from controversial tech company
The Trevor Project—a leading nonprofit devoted to the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth which wants "a world where all LGBTQ young people see a bright future for themselves," according to its website—has returned a donation from ...
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Gerber/Hart fall benefit on Oct. 15
Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, 6500 N. Clark St., will hold its fall benefit on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. "Unboxing Queer History LIVE!" will be an in-person event to celebrate and support its mission to ...
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31st annual AIDS Run & Walk, with the theme 'Forward Together,' returns this weekend
The 31st annual AIDS Run & Walk returns to Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 2, in order to raise awareness about the disease and funds for the organizations that help people impacted by HIV/AIDS across the city. ...
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Chicago-area media to host joint fundraiser Oct. 3-17
Video below
CHICAGO —Nearly 40 independent Chicago-area media outlets, members of the Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA), are joining forces for their third annual fundraising campaign kicking off next week. Under the ...
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GLAAD releases third annual 20 Under 20 list
-- From a press release
New York, NYGLAAD revealed its third annual 20 Under 20 list, spotlighting 20 young LGBTQ people, ages 20 and younger, who are accelerating acceptance of LGBTQ people while shaping the future of media and activism. GLAAD's ...
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AIDS Foundation Chicago holding Women's Connection Summit of Hope on Oct. 6
-- From a press release
AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is hosting a Women Connection Summit of Hope in partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to address the needs of cis and transgender women who have been recently released from ...
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Howard Brown Health partners with Chicago Dancers United
-- From a press release
Howard Brown Health and Chicago Dancers United (CDU) have announced a partnership to improve healthcare outcomes for local dance community members. Through the partnership, Howard Brown will be the go-to ...
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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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Palm Center to close permanently on Sept. 30
The Palm Centeran independent research institute that uses scholarship to inform the national conversation about military policy concerning LGBTQ+ service memberswill close permanently on Sept. 30 after running for 24 ...
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Michelle Obama among those inducted into Women's Hall of Fame
Attorney/author/former First Lady and native Chicagoan Michelle Obama was among nine women celebrated on Sept. 23-25 as they were inducted into The National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, New York. Other inductees included science-fiction ...
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NATIONAL Veterans bill, Charlie Crist, Task Force honor, Elton John
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to assist LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) in updating their records and accessing education, health, burial and other benefits available ...
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Center on Halsted makes senior staff hires in development, DEI and culinary arts programs
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — Three senior hires have been added to Center on Halsted's staff recently. Brittany Terry was named senior director of diversity, equity, and inclusion/training services. Brad Snyder began work as chief development officer last month. ...
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Human Rights Campaign makes history with new president
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) announced that Kelley Robinson (she/her) will become the organization's ninth presidentand the first Black, queer woman to lead the ...
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