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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MUSIC Mel C is set to break a ‘Sweat’ in Chicago
Melanie Chisholm became part of a cultural pop phenomenon as Sporty Spice in the Spice Girls before she carved out a career as a solo artist. Nine albums later, she headlines a 25-city North American Tour that bringing her Sweat to the Windy City this September.The record’s title track “Sweat” samples Diana Ross’ “Work That Body” and…
OPINION Trump’s insanity triggers a duty to act
On Trump’s social media posts, he keeps depicting himself in fantasy roles: Superman, Jesus, the Pope, Sci-Fi leader of dystopian death machines and a larger than life military commander. His fantasies are sometimes “official,” communicated to the American public directly under White House insignia, and they frequently come in waves of multiple fantasies at one time. Over Labor Day he indulged and made it public 37 times. Fantasizing during…
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Spanish actor Carlos González digs into history and sand at the 44th Reeling Film Festival
The fiercely talented queer performer Carlos González has yet to visit the Windy City in person, but he is set to appear virtually for two Spanish-language projects at the second-longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival in the world. La Bola Negra kicks off opening night of the 44th edition of Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival at…
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
DANCE Queer choreographer Brendan Fernandes reflects on the arts, upcoming performances and flux
Brendan Fernandes (he/they) is one busy individual. The Chicago-based contemporary artist—a Canadian with Kenyan and Indian roots who examines everything from migration to queer issues through interdisciplinary performance—will host Brendan Fernandes:Score for the Murphy Auditoriumat the Driehaus Museum on Sept. 16 (4-6 p.m.), Oct. 14 (5-7 p.m.) and Nov. 14 (3-5 p.m.); there will also be…
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)…