OPINION The LGBTQ+ vote could decide Congress. Here are the numbers
In journalism, we’re taught never to bury the lede. So here’s the lede: The LGBTQ+ community could be an important part of what happens in November’s midterm elections. We keep hearing predictions of a possible Democratic wave that could change control of Congress and, if…
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Fairies descend on Hydrate for Tooth Fairy Sprint
On the afternoon of Sept. 12, hordes of giddy fairies gathered at Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted St., to participate in the Second Annual Tooth Fairy Sprint, which aimed to raise $10,000 for the Harrison Mackler Dental Center at Howard Brown Health. Participants either brought or were provided with wings and wands as part of the…
Chicagoans welcome queer Jewish new year at cabaret
On Sept. 11, Batty Page and Rabbi Manny Schevitz welcomed a sold-out crowd to L’Shana Tada: A Queer Jewish New Year to mark the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. The cabaret- style variety show took place at Stars and Garters at 3914 N. Clark St., while making a point of mixing queerness with tradition without political debate or…
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IN BRIEF Election items, ‘Witt v. Air Force,’ Mount Sinai’s anti-trans move, Switzerland’s government, Freddie Mercury mural, WNBA, Janet Jackson, ‘Tip Toe’
Warning: This column mentions details of killings. NATIONAL In Indiana, six candidates for Owen County township offices in the November election are coming out to voters, introducing themselves on two billboards, WISH noted. The promotion, paid for by the Stonewall Democrats of South Central Indiana, marks the first time the organization has endorsed any candidates…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Election items, trans people’s medical records, Chilli Pepper, queer Irish exhibit, George Michael, lesbian movies/TV shows, Beyonce’s new/old album
Warning: This column mentions physical violence and sexual assault. NATIONAL In a historic development, Dr. Everett Blair Jr. won the special election to replace the late Rep. David Scott in Georgia’s 13th congressional district following…
Theater / Dance
DANCE Queer choreographer Brendan Fernandes reflects on the arts, upcoming performances and flux
Brendan Fernandes (he/they) is one busy individual. The Chicago-based contemporary artist—a Canadian with Kenyan and Indian roots who examines everything from migration to queer issues through interdisciplinary performance—will host Brendan Fernandes:Score for the Murphy Auditoriumat the Driehaus Museum on Sept. 16 (4-6 p.m.), Oct. 14 (5-7 p.m.) and Nov. 14 (3-5 p.m.); there will also be…
Music
CGMC kicks off 43rd season with’Rhythm & Blues’ cabaret
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) kicks off its 43rd season with Rhythm & Blues, a cabaret celebrating one of America’s most influential musical genres. Performances will take place Friday-Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. From old-school favorites to more recent hits, Rhythm & Blues explores the…
Film / TV / Gossip
FILM ‘Castaway’ seeks to create intergenerational dialogue for Latinx audiences through storytelling
An upcoming short film, “Castaway” by director and writer Nathan Marquez, shines a spotlight on the intersectionality between being queer, growing up Latinx and Catholic and learning to find community. The film is currently in pre-production with Z Marc Productions both producing and supporting funding for the short film by hosting the Queer Creative Lounge…
Books / Art
Trans
Illinois sues over Medicaid restrictions on gender-affirming care
Illinois joined 21 other states in challenging a federal rule restricting Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Lesbian
Chicagoans reflect on Gloria Steinem’s relationship with LGBTQ+ community
Gloria Steinem is being remembered as a feminist leader and icon. But the Chicagoans who interacted with her said she never made the movement about her—it was about all of us. “She treated everyone like a peer,” said Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who met Steinem several times, starting when Cassidy worked for the National Organization for Women’s (NOW)…