| |
2023 REELING REVIEWS
Reeling: The 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival kicks off Sept. 21. As is our annual tradition at Windy City Times, writer Steve Warren took a look at a few of the festival highlights this year. ...
|
| |
| |
Lambda, TLDEF urge 4th Circuit to uphold rulings protecting gender-affirming care in NC, WV
--From a press release
(RICHMOND, VA - Thursday, Sept 21) — Today, a full panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit heard arguments in two cases involving equal access to health care for transgender people. State ...
|
|
| |
| |
Reeling premieres a queer coming of age story told through a Southern Gothic lens
Ganymede, a Southern Gothic horror film that explores a teenager's experiences as he discovers his sexuality, will premieres Sept. 23 as part of the 41st Reeling Film Festival. The film, according to Chicago filmmakers Colby Holt ...
|
| |
| |
Arrests, fights punctuate battles across Canada over gender diversity in schools
Arrests were reported in the Canadian cities of Ottawa, Halifax, Vancouver and Victoria, among others, on Sept. 20 as opposing groups clashed on how schools address issues of gender identity and how teachers refer to transgender ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Red Stars exercise option for goalie Alyssa Naeher
--From a press release
CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2023) — The Chicago Red Stars has exercised the contract option for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for 2024. Naeher joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2016 from former National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club, ...
|
| |
| |
WORLD French fund, mausoleum, Abrazo Grupal, Biden, Billie Jean King
French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna announced a fund to help promote the rights of LGBTQ+ people, French24 reported. She made the announcement at the 15th anniversary of an LGBTQ+ group at the United Nations at the ...
|
| |
| |
NATIONAL Sarah McBride, TIME100 lists, Kentucky clerk, suspects arrested
A poll showed that Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride—who is bidding to become the nation's first openly transgender member of Congress—leads her primary opponents by a wide margin, The Hill reported. In a survey of likely Democratic ...
|
| |
| |
SHOWBIZ John Waters, Madonna, Miriam Margoyles, Angelica Ross, 'Cassandro'
Openly gay film director John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Serial Mom, Cry-Baby) received his star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, The Hollywood Reporter noted. (Actors Ricki Lake and Mink Stole as well as photographer Greg Gorman were ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago-based Pillar of Love Fellowship UCC set to celebrate 20 years
Pillar of Love Fellowship United Church of Christ (UCC), founded by Bishop Phyllis V. Pennese in 2003, will be celebrating 20 years on Oct. 1 from 2-5 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, 9333 South ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago musician, producer and DJ Don Crescendo killed in Avondale stabbing
Chicago's LGBTQ+ nightlife community and allies have rallied around the family and close friends of local longtime musician, producer and DJ Rodney Donovan Taylor, a.k.a. Don Crescendo, in the wake of his death by stabbing last ...
|
|
| |
| |
19th annual Andersonville Arts Weekend Sept. 29 - Oct. 1
--From a press release
CHICAGO (September 18, 2023) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to welcome back its 19tn annual Andersonville Arts Weekend, with the neighborhood transformed into a "walkable art gallery" ...
|
| |
| |
SAVOR REVIEW Wake 'n Bacon brings its enticing global style to dinnertime
When a spot is named Wake 'n Bacon (420 W. Belmont Ave.; https://eatwakenbacon.com/), you can pretty much expect that brunch is quite the specialty. (I haven't had the pleasure of trying that meal there, but I ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Sky swept by Las Vegas Aces; Sky's season ends
The defending WNBA champions the Las Vegas Aces continue to roll—at the Chicago Sky's expense. On Sept. 17, the Aces defeated the Sky 92-70 in Vegas to end Chicago's season and move into the WNBA semifinals. ...
|
| |
| |
Billy Masters: The world is full of amicable separations
"The people had to meet a couple of criteria, but it was just kind of my personal interest and love of them. Insofar as the women, just none of them were as articulate enough on this intellectual level." —Jann Wenner (co-founder ...
|
| |
| |
Jann Wenner comments on women and Black musicians, later apologizes
Openly gay Rolling Stone magazine founder Jann Wenner apologized for telling The New York Times that, for his book The Masters, he chose interviews with white male musicians who he called the "philosophers of rock" because ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Red Stars tie Angel City in front of large crowd
After staging a second-half comeback, the Chicago Red Stars split points with Angel City FC in a 2-2 draw. Ava Cook and Cheyna Matthews scored goals for Chicago. Cook's second-half goal was the forward's third against ...
|
| |
| |
Pritzker and Brady-Davis honored at Planned Parenthood gala
On the evening of Sept. 14, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action PAC (PPIA PAC) organizations presented their annual Fighting Forward Gala fundraiser. The event shone ...
|
| |
| |
SAVOR Negroni Week, Equality Illinois brunch, new bakery and more
Negroni Week (Sept. 18-24) is returning. Restaurants and bars around the world are joining forces to celebrate Negroni Week—a global charity initiative in support of Slow Food, with Campari at its heart, that has raised more ...
|
| |
| |
Mets honor lesbian baseball icon Maybelle Blair
On Sept. 14 at NYC's Citi Field, the New York Mets recognized the life work of lesbian baseball pioneer Maybelle Blair, 96, with the inaugural Amazin' Mets Foundation Legacy Award, according to a Major League Baseball ...
|
| |
| |
Marge Summit's life to be celebrated Oct. 15
--From a press release
A celebration of the extraordinary life of Marge Summit, the legendary Chicago bar owner, promoter of live music artists, political advocate and much more who passed away on May 16, 2023. Born Sept. 3, 1935 in ...
|
|
| |
| |
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts Raices Gala hosts Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ricky Martin
--From a press release
CHICAGO, Illinois (September 15, 2023) — The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture released photos and video from its 10th Raices Gala, where Lin-Manuel Miranda bestowed the National Ceiba Award on international superstar ...
|
| |
| |
WORLD Quebec lesbians, violence study, Rugby World Cup, Ugandan bill
The hidden history of Quebec lesbians is being explored, the CBC reported. Between 1985 and 1996, a group of lesbians leased the Plateau-Mont-Royal school and ran it as a community center. The school was also home ...
|
| |
| |
SHOWBIZ Kim Petras, LGBTQ+ movies, TIFF, canceled shows, yachts
Video below
Ahead of her Feed the Beast world tour, Grammy-winning international trans pop singer/songwriter Kim Petras has shared reimagined, symphonic, seven-piece string-ensemble performances of fan favorites from her debut album Feed ...
|
| |
| |
NATIONAL Lesbian politician, Nancy Pelosi, bomb threat, politician dies, Lyft
Kathy Kozachenko—the first out politician elected to public office in the country—will be honored with a statue on the 50th anniversary of her historic election, per The Advocate. The city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, will honor ...
|
| |
| |
MAP reports on obstacles trans people face with healthcare, legal recognition
--From a press release
Today the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) released Banning Medical Care and Legal Recognition for Transgender People, the fifth in MAP's report series, Under Fire: The War on LGBTQ People in America. The report details how the ...
|
| |
| |
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to resume abortions after ruling
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin (PPWI) announced that it will resume abortion-care services Monday, Sept. 18, after a judge ruled in July that an old state law that appeared to ban the procedure does not apply to ...
|
| |
| |
Olivia Hill becomes first trans person elected in Tennessee
Olivia Hill is the first openly transgender person ever elected to Nashville's Metro Council, per The Tennessean. And according to LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, Hill, 57, is the first transgender woman elected in Tennessee. Hill secured one ...
|
| |
| |
Newsom ends California's travel ban against anti-LGBTQ+ states
On Sept. 13, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that he signed SB 447 by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), which ends the state's restriction on taxpayer-funded travel by state agencies and departments ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Sky routed in playoff opener
In Las Vegas on Sept. 13, the top-seeded and defending champion Aces had little problem with the number-eight seed Chicago Sky in the playoff opener for both, with Las Vegas prevailing 87-59, per ESPN. On the ...
|
| |
| |
In D.C., Black LGBTQ+ lawmakers protest Nigerian wedding arrests
On Sept. 12, Black LGBTQ+ lawmakers—led by Maryland state Del. Gabriel Acevero and D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker, and alongside the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and other advocacy groups—protested outside ...
|
|
| |
| |
Red Stars forward Cheyna Matthews selected to Jamaican Women's National Team
Chicago Red Stars forward Cheyna Matthews selected to Jamaican Women's National Team CHICAGO (Sept. 14, 2023) — Chicago Red Stars forward, Cheyna Matthews, was selected to join the Jamaican Women's National Team for the team's Ol ...
|
| |
| |
THEATER Queer actor Kyle Patrick reflects on leading 'American Psycho: The Musical'
American Psycho—both the Bret Easton Ellis novel and the Mary Harron-directed film led by Christian Bale—would seem ripe for a musical treatment, given the omnipresent campy elements (despite, or maybe because of, the gore). And, in ...
|
| |
| |
SAG-AFTRA and WGA join GLAAD in releasing Studio 11th Responsibility Index
--From a press release
Hollywood—Sept. 14, 2023 — GLAAD released its annual Studio Responsibility Index in a joint press event in Hollywood alongside the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio ...
|
| |
| |
Illinois appeals court hears Jussie Smollett request
On Sept. 12, an Illinois appeals court heard oral arguments regarding embattled gay actor Jussie Smollett lying about a racist and homophobic attack, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The actor himself—sporting a casual beige jacket and ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Opera Theater starts 50th-anniv. season with 'Soldier Songs'
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) is kicking off its 50th-anniversary season with David T. Little's Grammy-nominated Soldier Songs—described as "a haunting, heavy-metal infused theatrical cantata about the psychological impact of war." ...
|
| |
| |
Univ. of Alabama condemns fans' racist, anti-gay slurs
The University of Alabama condemned its fans' behavior after they were heard shouting racist and homophobic slurs at three Texas Longhorn players during the football teams' Sept. 9 clash, ABC News reported. In a video that ...
|
| |
| |
Lesbian chef Susan Feniger coming to Chicago for Reeling
Susan Feniger. FORKED—a verite-style documentary by award-winning filmmaker Liz Lachman that captures moments and the impactful career of her life partner: culinarian, author, entrepreneur and James Beard Award winner Susan ...
|
| |
| |
Porchlight Music Theatre's announces 29th season
--From a press release
This past Friday at our special event, Porchlight ICONS: Celebrating Ben Vereen, we shared the exclusive announcement of our 29th Season! The new season launches with The Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man ...
|
| |
| |
HRC to host Chicago dinner, auction to support response to national state of LGBTQ+ emergency
--From a press release
Chicago, IL. - September 8th - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Chicago Steering Committee is proud to host its Annual - Human Rights Campaign Chicago Fundraising Dinner and Auction!! The Dinner and Auction will be held ...
|
| |
| |
LGBTQ+ media welcome Press Forward nat'l media funds for local news innovation, survival
--From a press release
[CHICAGO] – Members of News Is Out, a collaborative of six legacy LGBTQ+ media organizations, have expressed support and excitement about the newly announced national Press Forward effort to support local media in the United States. ...
|
| |
| |
THEATER Jim Henson production in Chicago on Nov. 14-Dec. 31
A live theatrical adaptation of Jim Henson's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is making its Chicago debut Nov. 14-Dec. 31, at the Studebaker Theater at the historic Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Broadway World revealed. ...
|
| |
| |
Prime minister of Andorra comes out as gay
Xavier Espot Zamora, the head of the government of the tiny European country of Andorra, has come out as gay—although he added that he never hid his sexual orientation, according to a translated article from The ...
|
| |
| |
Billy Masters: Russell Tovey and the new Superman both go to the dogs
"I just can't believe I will be 80 at some point, sooner than I wish. And I will still be wearing my jeans. And I will still be wearing long hair. And I will still be doing the same stuff I've ...
|
| |
| |
BOOKS/SAVOR 'Made in Chicago' authors dish on stories behind local treats
When it comes to culinary scenes, Chicago is second to none, but do people really know the origins of local dishes—or even which ones have origins in this city? Revered food journalists Monica Eng and David ...
|
| |
| |
SAVOR Upcoming events, including a wine dinner and a paella fest
The upscale Mexican restaurant Tzuco, 720 N. State St., will mark its fourth anniversary and celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Friday, Sept. 15. The event, "4 Anos, 4 Manos," will spotlight dishes by Tzuco Chef Carlos ...
|
| |
| |
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2023 to draw thousands to Soldier Field on Sept. 30
The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago returns to Chicago's Soldier Field on Saturday, Sept. 30 to help create equity and justice across Chicagoland and raise awareness and funds for individuals who are living with or vulnerable ...
|
| |
| |
'Merchant of Death' talks about exchange with Brittney Griner
Russian Viktor Bout—the so-called "merchant of death" involved in a prisoner exchange for out WNBA star Brittney Griner late last year—told ESPN that, among other things, he followed Griner's case closely from federal prison in Illinois. ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Sky in playoffs for fifth straight time
Despite having a losing record (17-22), the Chicago Sky are in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive time. Kahleah Copper scored 20 points, Marina Mabrey added 19 and the Chicago Sky clinched the last playoff spot ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Red Stars midfielder selected to Canada Women's National Team
--From a press release
CHICAGO—Chicago Red Stars midfielder Bianca St-Georges has been called up to join the Canadian Women's National Team (CANWNT) for its upcoming CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying matches in Kingston, Jamaica and Toronto ...
|
| |
| |
Dykes to Watch Out For Audible series returns listeners to the '80s
By Ro White
From 1983-2008, Alison Bechdel's comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For captured the drama and hilarity of lesbian life. Now it's been adapted into an Audible Original series that draws parallels between the queer past and ...
|
| |
| |
Protest action to be held at site of Sept. 9 Jason Aldean concert in Tinley Park
The Revolution Club Chicago has announced a protest action against 46- year-old country music star and Nashville resident Jason Aldean outside of his Highway Desperado Tour appearance Sept. 9 at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre. The protest ...
|
| |
| |
SHOWBIZ 'Sex Education' star, Rotten Tomatoes, Jessica Lange, Queer/Art
Video below
Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa officially came out during an interview with Elle UK, according to Out. "I remember being at Manchester Pride, going through the streets with all my boys, shaking my cha-chas, living it ...
|
| |
| |
NATIONAL Historic political win, Columbus situation, trans coach, Gold + Williams
Fabian Nelson won a Democratic primary runoff in Mississippi's 66th state House district—and he's now the state's first openly gay legislator, The Guardian noted. (Republicans are not running a candidate for the general election sched ...
|
| |
| |
Theater Review: A Taste of Soul brings music and food center stage
By Brian Kirst
We all know the sluggish quagmire of weekday work mornings. Often the only thing that gets us moving and able to face the day is our favorite songs. While all of the Black Ensemble Theater productions ...
|
| |
| |
WORLD Couple's win, attack in Beirut, German military, gay ski week
In Strasbourg, France, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Bulgaria violated the rights of a same-sex couple (Darina Koilova and Lili Babulkova) by not recognizing their marriage abroad, RFE/RL reported. Rights groups lauded the ...
|
| |
| |
SAVOR Crumbl franchise co-owner talks about the sweet business of cookies
When it comes to success stories in the world of sweets, few companies and brands can compare to Crumbl and its signature pink box. Started by Jason McGowan (CEO) & Sawyer Hemsley (COO) in 2017 in ...
|
| |
| |
NLGJA: Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists names Hall of Fame honorees
--From a press release
Washington, D.C. — Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists announced that co-publishers Susan Horowitz and Jan Stevenson, publisher Franco Stevens, and journalist James B. Stewart are the 2023 inductees ...
|
| |
| |
Aging LGBTQ+ Americans face additional caregiving challenges
While Darcy Connors was a nursing home administrator in the South, she also operated a COVID-19 recovery center. Connors and her staff noticed that two of the patients in their charge had a strong connection with ...
|
| |
| |
'We've had a ball': Prominent activists Jim Darby and Patrick Bova celebrate 60th anniversary
One of the first couples to be legally married in Illinois is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. Jim Darby and Patrick Bova fell in love decades before they became the lead plaintiffs in Lambda Legal's ...
|
| |
| |
On the (gay) horizon: Center on Halsted marks 50 years
In 1973, a group of Chicagoans organized a telephone hotline, which they named Helpline, allowing the community to more easily find and assist one another. This was a time when LGBTQ+ bars were still regularly raided ...
|
| |
| |
Steppenwolf to present Broadway's Jeremy Jordan on Jan. 13
Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Mark Cortale will present Broadway star Jeremy Jordan in his Chicago debut, performing two shows only on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at 2 and 8 p.m. in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. ...
|
| |
| |
Openly gay football player Carl Nassib retiring at 30
On Sept. 6, openly gay free agent defensive end Carl Nassib announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons, Sports Illustrated reported. Nassib—who played for the Cleveland Browns, the Las Vegas Raiders and twice for ...
|
| |
| |
'Saltburn,' 'Rustin' to be shown at Chicago International Film Festival
The 59th Chicago International Film Festival announced select highlights of this year's festival, running Oct. 11-22. Films will be presented at venues throughout the city, including the AMC NEWCITY 14, the Music Box Theatre, the Gene ...
|
| |
| |
Hong Kong court grants rights of same-sex couples, stops short of marriage
On Sept. 5, Hong Kong's top court ordered the city's government to legally recognize the rights of same-sex couples in a partial victory for LGBTQ+-rights activists, CNN reported. Five judges from Hong Kong's Court of Final ...
|
| |
| |
Screening of queer film 'Chocolate Babies' at Facets on Sept. 28
Video below
Facets Film Trivia will return Thursday, Sept. 28, to the venue, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., with a screening of the 1996 queer film Chocolate Babies. According to a release from Facets, "Occupying the space between fantasy, ...
|
| |
| |
Mitchell J. Fain explores the American Dream in The Lehman Trilogy
Chicago actor Mitchell J. Fain is one of three performers headlining TimeLine Theatre Company's upcoming production of The Lehman Trilogy. Fain brings over 30 years of performing experience in the Chicago area to the table, including ...
|
| |
| |
Openly gay airline CEO resigns amid controversy
Alan Joyce, the openly gay CEO of Australian airline Qantas, has resigned after being accused of participating in illegal ticket sales, Reuters reported. Joyce, the company's head for 15 years, had been scheduled to retire in ...
|
| |
| |
Laura Ricketts talks about Chicago Red Stars deal, investor group, coming out
On Aug. 1, a group of investors led by lesbian Chicago Cubs co-owner/Chicago Sky minority owner Laura Ricketts announced that they had officially took ownership of the Chicago Red Stars National Women's Soccer League franchise. The ...
|
| |
| |
Billy Masters: Billy unlocks the DaVinci Code
"Mmmkay! And I'm 110lbs and a virgin! I'm not a scale or a doctor but I have spent some time beneath 215 lb. men and Tiny was not one of them." —Stormy Daniels' Tweet about the alleged weight of the former president. ...
|
| |
| |
Fundraiser held for MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis
Fundraiser held for MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis By Carrie Maxwell A fundraiser was held Aug. 31 at Sidetrack for newly sworn-in Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRC) Commissioner ...
|
| |
| |
Can Chicago escape the 'urban doom loop?'
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, major U.S. cities were experiencing strong growth fueled by financial and technological sectors of the economy. COVID, however, caused a massive change in population migration and work behavior which has created ...
|
| |
| |
Chicago Red Stars shut out Washington Spirit
In D.C., the Chicago Red Stars shut out the Washington Spirit 2-0 on Sept. 3. Yuki Nagasato and Bianca St-Georges scored goals for Chicago. The match also marked ...
|
| |
| |
SAVOR REVIEW Hoyt's: Very satisfying fare from a Loop fixture
You might have walked by Hoyt's American Tavern (71 E. Wacker Dr.; https://www.sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/il/chicago/royal-sonesta-chicago-downtown#) a thousand times, and not have been aware of it. But the dependable spot (situated on the ...
|
| |
| |
Painting Chi-town P!nk at Wrigley Field
P!nk got the party started on a Saturday night at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 12—and it didn't stop for almost two hours. Thanks to leftover outfits from Barbie movie screenings, much of the crowd knew ...
|
| |
| |
Matthew Shepard film to be shown ahead of 25th anniversary of his death
Ahead of the 25th anniversary of Matthew Shepard's death, a new two-hour documentary has been announced to honor the posthumous impact made by the gay college student who died after being abducted, beaten and left for ...
|
| |
