‘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…
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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…
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
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…
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…