For Black queer people, Juneteenth is about identities and intersection
June is already a special time for LGBTQ+ people, but for Black people in the community, the month holds even more significance when Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day) is celebrated. (Here’s a historical note: Despite President Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1,…
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THEATER ‘Smiley’ recounts romantic pitfalls in an online world
A frustration I have with romantic comedies is their plots too often hinge on failures to communicate. Writers frequently deploy deflections, white lies and veiled resentments to create character-conflict that serves as a narrative pivot. I too often find myself wanting to scream: “Just talk to each other!” But breakdowns in communication are a feature, not a…
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Brave Space Alliance taps Nikki Patin as new CEO
Brave Space Alliance has named Nikki Patin its new CEO after several months serving as the organization’s interim leader. The appointment follows a national search that attracted more than 100 applicants from across the country, according to Brave Space Alliance. The organization’s board unanimously selected Patin, who has served as interim CEO since former leader…
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
THEATER Handbag’s Golden Girls return with fun ‘Cheese Pyramid’ scheme
I don’t have the bonafides of a true cheesemonger, but I do fancy myself as sort of a minor cheese expert. I come from a small town in southwest Wisconsin, whose high school sports team was known as the Cheesemakers. I know enough to accurately guess how long a cheddar has been aged for, and…
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
Trans Ice Cream Social marks a decade of joy
As heavy rainclouds invaded the skies, and sheets of rain pelted the North Side of Chicago on June 8, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., hosted a giddy crowd at its 10th annual Trans Ice Cream Social. Trans individuals and allies scarfed down gluten-free Peppermint Patty, Honey Vanilla Bean, Brambleberry Crisp, Double Dough and Peanut…
Lesbian
Evette Cardona, Mona Noriega reflect on years of activism ahead of Pride Parade Grand Marshals role
Longtime LGBTQ+ advocates/activists Evette Cardona and Mona Noriega are among this year’s Chicago Pride Parade Community Grand Marshals. Cardona and Noriega were chosen alongside author, Press Forward Chicago Executive Director and Windy City Times Co-Founder/Owner Tracy Baim and the Alliance of Illinois Judges (Illinois’ LGBTQ+ judges’ association). The honorees were chosen through a community nomination process and,…