Illinois organizers help lead National Trans Visibility March in Puerto Rico, with Chicago set to host in 2027
A national gathering of transgender advocates is heading to Puerto Rico this fall amid escalating attacks on trans rights—with several Illinois organizers helping lead the effort before it comes to Chicago in 2027. The National Trans Visibility March (NTVM) takes place Oct. 14-17 in San Juan, Puerto…
Keep readingRecent News
ALMA’s executive director on the organization’s moment of crisis and its future
When the Chicago organization ALMA formed in 1989 amidst the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it was known as the Association for Latin Men for Action. The meaning of the acronym changed in subsequent years—with ALMA now standing for Association of Latinos/as/xs Motivating Action—and its mission has expanded, as it now advocates for the fair treatment and equality…
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TRAVEL Valencia prepares to host the 2026 Gay Games
Valencia, Spain, is getting ready to host the 2026 Gay Games and tourism boosters are already preparing to put the city’s best face forward with the hopes of converting some of the estimated 8,000-12,000 attendees to return again and again. For LGBTQ+ visitors the city has it all, from world-class beaches, nightlife and restaurants to centuries-old culture and…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Day of Silence, ex-Illinois attorney, Uganda’s Supreme Court, Cyndi Lauper, queer WNBA icons, singer zzzahara
NATIONAL Thousands of students across the United States took part in the 30th annual Day of Silence (a student-led campaign organized by Glisten, formerly GLSEN) on April 10, The Advocate noted. What began in 1996…
Theater / Dance
PrideArts brings a same-sex take to A.R. Gurney’s ‘Love Letters’
One of my favorite memorabilia pieces is a Cosmopolitan from January 1959 signed by Betsy Palmer. Palmer, perhaps best known for playing Mrs. Voorhees in the original Friday the 13th, had graduated from the Goodman School of Drama (now Theatre School at DePaul) and she autographed the magazine while performing in a benefit production of Love Letters in her…
Music
Singer Mika spins out in the Windy City
Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr., better known as pop singer Mika, has carved out a career of catchy tunes over the years. His first album, Life in Cartoon Motion, debuted in 2007 and displayed his dynamic range with the lead single “Grace Kelly.” The second single from the same record, “Love Today,” was nominated for a Grammy and…
Film / TV / Gossip
‘Sinners’ dominates 2026 Dorian Film Awards, Rose Byrne and Amy Madigan take acting prizes
Eva Victor’s ‘Sorry, Baby’ Garners Two Wins; Ryan Coogler Earns Three Honors in a Breakout Year for Bold, Community-Driven CinemaSponsored by Tello Films March 3, 2026, Los Angeles – GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, the second largest entertainment journalists organization in the world, today announced the group’s 2026 Dorian Film Awards, with Sinners emerging as the…
Books / Art
Trans
‘Allyship isn’t enough anymore’: Chicago Trans Visibility rally calls for action on trans rights
Several hundred people waving transgender pride flags and signs of support marched through downtown Chicago on April 4, led by chants of “My rights are your rights; trans rights are human rights.” The march followed Trans Up Front Illinois’ Rally for Trans Visibility in Federal Plaza, bringing together activists, politicians, nonprofit leaders and community members…
Lesbian
Owners of beloved lesbian bar ‘Dorothy’ open queer dive bar ‘Fathom’ in Lakeview
The owners of the popular lesbian bar Dorothy opened a new queer bar in Lakeview this week, with a more casual, “classic neighborhood dive bar” feel. Fathom, 1622 W. Belmont Ave., opened April 9 and was quickly at capacity, with a line of people waiting that stretched down the block. The new nautical-themed bar is designed to…