‘Free to Be Proud’: What freedom means to us
Against the backdrop of the 2026 Pride Parade’s theme, Free to Be Proud, I went out to Pride events with my camera, asking Chicagoans what freedom means to them. Their answers ranged from authenticity and creativity to community, responsibility, and resilience. What struck me was…
Keep readingRecent News
Getting involved: Volunteer opportunities plentiful at Chicago’s LGBTQ+ orgs
As Pride month enters its homestretch, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved at local nonprofits, whether for a one-off event in June or continuing work the rest of the year. Here’s how to volunteer with just a few Chicago LGBTQ+ nonprofits this year. Brave Space Alliance Brave Space Alliance is an LGBTQ+-focused mutual aid…
View All News
‘Pride and Punishment’ brings queer wrestling to the mat
For those who like Pride Month with a bit more rancor, fury, and punch, The Wrestling League served up its second annual LGBTQ+ Pride event on June 12 at Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave. Pride and Punishment was billed as a bruise-bash brawl, but was actually a welcoming queer-flavored wrestling event featuring LGBTQ+ wrestlers and allies, trans…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Veterans’ setback, conversion therapy bill, IGLTA president passes, African countries’ laws, Michael Longoria, Qween Jean
NATIONAL The Department of Veterans Affairs has ordered health facilities nationwide to eliminate gender identity-based initiatives and remove the LGBTQ+ designation from a network of medical coordinators created to help queer veterans navigate care, The…
Theater / Dance
‘Brokeback Mountain’ talkback focuses on LGBTQ+ health and history experiences
Following the June 10 afternoon performance of the expertly staged, poignant and funny Brokeback Mountain at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, a talkback focused on LGBTQ+ health and history. The talkback is one of many national Seven Days in June campaign events which marked the 45th anniversary of the first documented HIV/AIDS case under the banner Health is Primary. Panelists…
Music
Lakeside Pride takes the stage at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall
About 85 members of Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band joined members of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony the evening of June 5 for the Skylines in Sound concert. The performance took place at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Orchestra Hall is home to Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Assistant Artistic Director…
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
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…
Lesbian
‘We wanted to be seen’ : Gary Chichester preserves legacy of Chicago’s first Pride rally and parade
Gary Chichester’s name is on the permit for the first official Pride Parade in the world, which took place in Chicago in June 1971. He and his homemade flag haven’t missed a Pride Parade since. “It’s my favorite holiday,” Chichester said. “People are so incredibly free and happy to be free. It makes me feel…