‘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…

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SAVOR Gay Wine Weekend, Rainbow Cone turns 100 and Sidetrack’s history event

—Pool runnings: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago invites locals and hotel guests to soak up summer in the city with the launch of Summer Sundays—a new poolside series taking place select Sundays from June through September. Set on the hotel’s sprawling outdoor recreation terrace—which has one of Chicago’s few outdoor hotel pools—the series (set against the…

Windy City Times Guide to Pride logo

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Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and Dreamer makes a play for Florida statehouse

When Brazilian-born Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet came to the United States in 2001 at age 14 his life changed forever. Sousa-Lazaballet was undocumented and experienced many challenges due to his immigration status and queer identity. Now, Sousa-Lazaballet is the sole Democratic candidate for Rep. Anna Eskamani’s seat (she is currently an Orlando mayoral candidate for the 2027 election). The…

Theater / Dance

Omari Collins schools Chicago in the art of wearing Kinky Boots

No matter who is wearing them, heels can come fraught with challenges.  Even Omari Collins, who’s currently playing Lola in the Chicago production of Kinky Boots, and who taught a Dancing in Heels workshop this month, said they take some work.  “As an original veteran of walking in heels, I am used to them, but the…

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

THEATER/FILM Chicago celebrates Pride on stage and screen this month

Whether you are in the mood to laugh or cry, Chicago theaters are offering incredible entertainment options to help us celebrate Pride Month. Read below to discover some of Windy City Times’s favorite theater and film options for the month of June.  Theater The complexity involved with being a 20th Century homosexual surely played a…

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…

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