OPINION The Pride flag was removed from Stonewall—and our community is on notice
This editorial originally appeared in News is Out. The Pride flag has been an enduring symbol of the LGBTQ+ community since 1978, when the first design by Gilbert Baker debuted at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade. Over the decades, the flag’s design has evolved…
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IN BRIEF Medical group’s update, HRC dinner, ‘Rafiki,’ Algerian boxer, queer gymnast, Super Bowl
NATIONAL The American Medical Association (AMA) has updated its recommendations for gender-affirming care, endorsing certain limitations on surgery for minors, LGBTQ Nation noted. The AMA is now the second major medical organization (following the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or ASPS) to walk back its total support for whatever gender-affirming treatments a doctor and a…
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‘Undocumented and unafraid’: Antonio Gutierrez on empowering others through activism
Antonio Gutierrez’s undocumented status prevented them from chasing their dream job as an architect—but they didn’t let it deter them from making an impact on the city. Gutierrez has spent the last 13 years immersed in Chicago’s activist scene, most notably with Organized Communities Against Deportation. As their strategic coordinator, they connect with ICE rapid…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Anti-queer incidents, Don Lemon, prisoners in Cameroon, mayor indicted, queer Grammy party
NATIONAL There were more than 1,000 anti-LGBTQ+ incidents across 47 states and D.C. last year, according to the ALERT Desk, GLAAD’s Anti-LGBTQ Extremism Reporting Tracker, Out noted. This marked a 5% increase from the 984 incidents in 2024. These included 128 acts of vandalism, 76 assaults, 22 threats of mass violence and 15 arson attempts.…
Theater / Dance
The Jeff Awards announces nominations for the52nd Non-Equity Theater Awards
Chicago – Celebrating its 52nd anniversary awarding recognition for Non-Equity theater, the Joseph Jefferson Awards announces its nominations for theater excellence among Non-Equity theater during the 2025 season. In keeping with governing Jeff Awards procedures, ballots compiled throughout the entire Non-Equity season are comparatively analyzed to determine the nominees who will be represented in each category.…
Music
Queer ‘rapbrarian’ Roy Kinsey talks hip-hop, dandelions and representation
Have you heard of the “Rapbrary?” For those who haven’t, it’s the brainchild of Roy Kinsey, who developed the one-of-a-kind library to preserve rap and hip-hop as culturally significant literary art forms, foster creativity, preserve marginalized voices and fight censorship, among other things. Kinsey hopes that the Rapbrary will lay the groundwork for an expansive…
Film / TV / Gossip
Tonatiuh spins a web in the Windy City for Kiss of the Spider Woman
Multi-hyphenated singer-dancer-actor Tonatiuh brought the story of Luis Molina to life in the movie musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, released in theaters in October of 2025. Spider Woman continues to have legs and brought this talented queer performer to town to host a special fundraising screening at Music Box Theatre on Jan. 13. Proceeds from the event…
Books / Art
Trans
HRC Foundation takes next step in class action litigation against Trump administration, files complaint with EEOC over prohibition on gender-affirming healthcare coverage for federal employees
WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) took the next step in the litigation process against the Trump administration on behalf of federal employees and their families, filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) over the Administration’s prohibition on health insurance coverage for gender-affirming care under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) and…
Lesbian
WCT issues call for 30 Under 30 nominees
CHICAGO—Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBTQ+ individuals (and allies) who live and/or work in Chicagoland. Nominees should be 30 years or younger as of June 30 and should have made substantial contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in the fields of entertainment, politics, health, activism, academics, sports or other areas. The…