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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Chicago advocates continue pressure to reinstate LGBTQ+ ‘Press 3’ resource
After the “Press 3” option offering resources for LGBTQ+ youth was unceremoniously dropped from the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2025, U.S. legislators did not take long to try reinstating the funding. Funding for the option was quickly added to a piece of existing legislation, $33.1 million dollars was appropriated to pay…
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…
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Activist Lluvia Ramirez on her journey of HIV advocacy and community activism
For activist Lluvia Ramirez, helping out others has always been a constant. Her activism extends to various communities, many of which she belongs to. At the root of it all, her intersectional identity drives what she does. Ramirez is currently the senior program manager for public health at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation; president of FLUX…
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
Antony Sanchez is having the time of his life in Dirty Dancing: The Musical
Set in the 1960s, the 1987 Dirty Dancing movie was a popular summer love story between a young girl, Frances “Baby” Houseman, and a dance instructor, Johnny Castle. The plot covered class division, reproductive rights and personal growth, among other topics.The soundtrack sold over 40 million copies worldwide and won Best Original Song at the 60th Academy Awards for “(I’ve…
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)…