Elected officials raise Pride flag over Daley Plaza, warn of threats to LGBTQ+ rights
Local elected officials continued their annual Pride Month tradition of raising a Progress Pride Flag over Daley Plaza, using this year’s ceremony to warn that decades of progress on LGBTQ+ rights are under threat amid growing political attacks. Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison, who hosted…
Keep readingRecent News
Transmasc Society of Chicago celebrates at Sons of Olympus event
Transmasc Society of Chicago (TMS) held a Sons of Olympus: A Night for Transmasc Celebration event May 30 at Center on Halsted, 36356 N. Halsted St. The event was inspired by TMS’ namesake Olympus, and celebrated transmasculinity in all its regal, powerful and radiant forms. TMS Founder Troy Talyor said, “We are so excited to be here tonight and celebrate…
View All News
Federal appellate court blocks Trump’s military ban, stopping discharge of transgender service members
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision in Talbott v. USA (formerly Talbott v. Trump) upholding a preliminary injunction halting the discharge of transgender service members The preliminary injunction was issued by District Court Judge Ana Reyes on March 18, 2025. In a forceful order in which Reyes held that…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Jason Collins, trans student stabbed, Warsaw’s pro-marriage move, Uganda drops bill, INK, Janet Jackson, Sally Field
NATIONAL Jason Collins—the NBA’s first openly gay player, who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion—died at age 47 after an eight-month battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, according to media reports.…
Theater / Dance
DANCE On the 30th anniversary of Deeply Rooted, a founder and dancer discuss legacy, inclusion and performance
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is preparing to celebrate its milestone 30th anniversary season with a one-night-only show at The Auditorium on Saturday, May 30, at 7:30 p.m. The lineup will feature the premieres of new works choreographed by company co-founders Kevin Iega Jeff and Gary Abbott. Also, the audience will witness Ulysses Dove’s Episodes and, in honor of the 30th…
Music
Chicago singers help Belting for Life reach new heights
On May 11, the 11th annual Belting for Life Concert reached a new milestone. The event, a fundraiser for AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) was the most successful Belting for Life event yet, nearly selling out SPACE at 1245 Chicago Ave. in Evanston. Conceived, produced and curated by Christopher Pazdernik—and taking place on his birthday—Belting for…
Film / TV / Gossip
FILM The Chicago Critics Film Festival winds up with a Wilde week in the Windy City
The Chicago Critics Film Festival is curated by the Chicago Film Critics Association and is the only United States film festival programmed exclusively by critics. Founded in 1990, the Chicago Film Critics Association supports filmmaking and is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization. For its 13th edition, the CCFF was held from May 1-7 in 2026, at…
Books / Art
Trans
Angela Davis discusses political moment at Brave Space Alliance’s ‘Soirée’
Longtime activist Angela Davis headlined Brave Space Alliance’s second annual Planting Power and Perseverance-themed Partners in Dignity Soirée May 21 at Venue West, 221 N. Paulina St., in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Davis spoke about her long history in activism as well the current cultural moment, particularly threats both political and physical against transgender Americans. She opened by emphasizing that in…
Lesbian
Owners of beloved lesbian bar ‘Dorothy’ open queer dive bar ‘Fathom’ in Lakeview
The owners of the popular lesbian bar Dorothy opened a new queer bar in Lakeview this week, with a more casual, “classic neighborhood dive bar” feel. Fathom, 1622 W. Belmont Ave., opened April 9 and was quickly at capacity, with a line of people waiting that stretched down the block. The new nautical-themed bar is designed to…