SPORTS Monique Carroll on transforming CSU athletics while advancing LGBTQ+ visibility
Dr. Monique Carroll has always marched to the beat of her drum—and that has continued into her current role as athletic director of Chicago State University (CSU). Among other feats, Carroll helped secure CSU’s full membership in the Northeast Conference, launched fundraising efforts to expand…
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Chicagoans celebrate at DIFFA’s rowdy 39th annual gala
On the evening of June 25, Design Industries Fighting AIDS/Chicago (DIFFA) held its 39th annual gala at Beatnik West Town, 1604 W. Chicago Ave. The packed, sold-out event, titled Mirage in the Desert, had a goal of raising $60,000 and featured a variety of Middle Eastern-accented finger foods, a photo booth, a raffle, and dance beats and…
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ELECTIONS Pritzker reflects on LGBTQ+ rights, gay Republicans and ‘character’ in the age of Trump
Since taking office in 2019, Gov. JB Pritzker has overseen efforts expanding affordable healthcare, increasing investments in underserved communities, and creating (then doubling) a state child tax credit. Pritzker’s administration also advanced several initiatives benefiting the state’s LGBTQ+ community. Among them are the launch of Illinois Pride Connect, which provides free legal advice and advocacy tools; legislation…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Idaho law blocked, Pulse anniversary, Kréyòl Pride, David Hockney dies, Lil Nas X, GALECA nods
Warning: This column mentions suicide and a mass shooting. NATIONAL A federal judge granted a request for a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of H.B. 752, a new Idaho law threatening transgender people with up to…
Theater / Dance
Chicagoans gather to learn about Black queer dance, expression
As massive crowds, former presidents and other celebrities mingled in Jackson Park for the opening of the Obama Center on June 18, a much smaller group on the North Side came together with an entirely different kind of gathering for the second edition of Welcome Home: A Celebration of Queer Street Dance. The event, which took…
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
Queer women kick off Pride with soiree
Despite a non-stop torrential downpour on the afternoon of June 21, guests stayed dry and toasty at the Queer Women’s Pride Kick Off Celebration for 2026 at Beatnik West Town, 1604 W. Chicago Ave. The social was the latest gathering curated by Clandestina and DJ Gloria and created a warm, inviting social space for queer women…