—Gender Ambiguity in the Workplace: This informative and analytical book, by Alison Ash Fogarty and Lily Zheng, focuses on the harsh workplaces experiences (embodying discrimination, isolation and hostility) of 25 transgender and genderfluid individuals in the San Francisco Bay area. However, this work goes a step beyond by offering strategies for avoiding and reducing bias. It’s a must-read for employees and employers everywhere.
—Union Full Board: Located in Wrigleyville at 3473 N. Clark St., this restaurant incorporates much of what’s at Evanston’s much-adored Union Pizzeria. Judging by the pizza I’ve had from the Lake View restaurant, this upcoming spot (slated to open in May, and coupled with the cocktail lounge Tinker to Evers) is off to a great start.
—The Phluid Project: This New York-based concept shop aims to provide a “gender-free retail experience,” per a press release. The shop (which apparel, accessories, beauty items and gifts) specializes in brands that offer gender-free products such as Kinfolk, Champion, Gypsy Sport, Dr. Martens, Soulland, Context, Le Spe, and State Bags as well as Phluid Project’s own brand. Feel free to shop at www.thephluidproject.com/.
—Portillo’s/Barnelli’s: Hey—sometimes it’s a night for an upscale restaurant, and other times it’s a Portillo’s night. The fast-casual restaurant features an almost dizzying selection of menu options, including sandwiches, burgers, salads (which are more popular than one might think), hot dogs and shakes (including the sinful chocolate cake shake). Thank goodness for those calorie listings.