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Chicago Fire FC launches Play Proud League; Fire's Pride Night on June 10
Chicago Fire FC announced the launch of the Play Proud League as a new addition to the Chicago Fire Rec Soccer (CFRS) programming. The league is being launched in conjunction with Common Goal's Play Proud initiative, ...
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Raoul responds to Archdiocese of Chicago's comments about child sex-abuse report
--From a press release
Chicago — Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released the following statement expressing surprise and dismay at comments made by Cardinal Blase Cupich. In comments to the media, Cardinal Cupich claims to have been unaware of names ...
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IML 2023 begins
Visitors from around the world gathered in the Florentine Room of the Congress Hotel on May 25 to kick off the opening ceremonies of the 2023 installment International Male Leather. The event was emceed by Thib ...
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Chef Art Smith talks upcoming dinner and activism
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, including more than 230,000 Illinoisans. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends serve as dementia caregivers, with more than 383,000 caregivers in Illinois. Unti ...
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British Cycling to ban trans competitors from female category
After a nine-month investigation and review, British Cycling will ban transgender women from the female category in a change that will be implemented by the end of the year, the BBC reported. Under a new policy ...
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SHOWBIZ Warhol, Sarah Paulson, upcoming books, Rufus Wainwright, Elliot Page
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled seven to two that the late artist Andy Warhol wasn't allowed to use a photographer's portrait of Prince for a series of pop-art images, per The Hollywood Reporter. Associate Justice Sonia ...
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NATIONAL Google Doodle, drag laureate, Nebraska bill, NYC AIDS Walk
D.C. poet/activist/journalist Ivy Young passed away at age 75, per a press release. Among other things, Young worked at Chicago's VISTA; the Center for Black Education and Drum and Spear Book Store in D.C.; the ...
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WORLD Japanese bill, 'HRC Equidad CL,' center closes, UN expert, amFAR gala
LGBTQ+-rights activists criticized a new bill submitted to the Diet (Japan's national legislature) aimed at "promoting understanding" of equality issues as a "meaningless gesture," Japan Today noted. Japan's coalition government ...
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State Rep. Kelly Cassidy denounces violent acts stemming from political speech
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, along with members of the House Dobbs Working Group responded to increasing acts of violence and threats stemming from political attacks on reproductive rights and the LGBTQ community ...
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SAVOR Cafe Robey: Laid-back vibes and enticing cuisine
The junction of North, Milwaukee and Damen avenues in Wicker Park is probably one of the best-known intersections in Chicago. (Some refer to this intersection as "Six Corners" but others say this is incorrect, as that ...
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Joy heals: Artist Hannah Sellers's works explore gender, trauma and clothing
Note: This article mentions sexual assault and trauma. Color Club Gallery, 4146 N. Elston Ave., was well-lit by the early evening sun May 18 as the audience gathered for Q & A event that was part ...
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Illinois Healthcare Cultural Competency Coalition applauds passage of HB 2450
--From a press release
The Illinois Healthcare Cultural Competency Coalition applauds passage by the Illinois General Assembly of legislation that will ensure cultural competency is part of continuing medical education for a range of healthcare providers in Illinois. "We are ...
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Leading LGBTQ+ groups raise alarm to business community on coordinated anti-LGBTQ+ attacks; call on Target to lead
--From a press release
Organizations calling on Target and all businesses to stand up against anti-LGBTQ2S+ extremism in statement below: Family Equality, GLAAD, GLSEN, The Human Rights Campaign, National Center For Lesbian Rights, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Black J ...
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Board of Commissioners unanimously passes Bodily Autonomy Ordinance Amendment with support of Equality Illinois, ACLU Illinois
--From a press release
Chicago, Ill. — May 25th 2023 — Today, the Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed an amendment to the Human Rights Ordinance ensuring the protection of all individual's right to their own bodily autonomy. The ...
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Fire FC advances to Lamar Cup quarters with win
In the first-ever matchup between the two teams, Chicago Fire FC defeated Austin FC 2-0 in the round of 16 of the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas on May 24. Defender Rafael Czichos and ...
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TaskForce Chicago's ED talks organization, AIDS stigma and queerness
Among the many organizations helping Chicago youths is TaskForce Prevention & Community Services. The West Side-based organization helps hundreds of youths by being committed to addressing the HIV/STI-related needs of ...
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Screenwriter Guinevere Turner book launch June 4; book chronicles growing up with infamous Lyman Family cult
--From a press release
CHICAGO—The book launch of acclaimed screenwriter Guinevere Turner's When the World Didn't End, a memoir of her childhood growing up with the infamous Lyman Family cult, will be held Sunday, June 4, 2-5 p.m. at Whiskey ...
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Louisiana Senate committee kills anti-trans bill aimed at minors
The Louisiana Senate Health & Welfare Committee has stopped an anti-trans bill aimed at minors, WBRZ News 2 in Baton Rouge has reported. Republican committee chairman Fred Mills joined Democrats on May 24 to kill Louisiana House Bill 648—a bill tha ...
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Louisiana Senate Health & Welfare Committee kills bans on gender affirming care, HRC responds
--From a press release
Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, thanks members of the Louisiana Senate Health ...
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Dr. Petros Levounis takes office as American Psychiatric Association president
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2023 — Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., an internationally renowned addiction expert and advocate of LBGTQ+ mental health, began his term as president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) at the 2023 APA ...
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HRC condemns Ohio state senate for passing education censorship bill
--From a press release
Columbus, Ohio — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — condemned the Ohio State Senate for passing ...
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Openly gay experimental artist/filmmaker Kenneth Anger dies at 96
Experimental filmmaker and artist Kenneth Anger has died at age 96. According to Variety, his gallery—Sprueth Magers, operated by Monika Spruth and Philomene Magers—confirmed the news on their website, writing ...
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Target removes some Pride merchandise after receiving threats
Ahead of Pride Month (June), Target is pulling some of its LGBTQ+ merchandise after facing "threats" and backlash from customers, Politico reported. Target's website features hundreds of items as part of its Pride Collection but will ...
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Attorney general concludes Illinois Catholic clergy sex-abuse investigation
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a comprehensive report detailing decades of child sex abuse by members of the Catholic clergy in the state. The report concludes a multi-year investigation into child sex abuse by members ...
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GLAAD, Equality Florida release resource of DeSantis' record of anti-LGBTQ+ info, actions
--From a press release
(Tuesday, May 23, 2023) GLAAD and Equality Florida released the LGBTQ record of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, an ongoing documentation of DeSantis' policies and rhetoric targeting LGBTQ people and issues. Read the DeSantis LGBTQ record on ...
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San Francisco's Harvey Milk School celebrates birthday of its namesake
Students at the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy in San Francisco's LGBTQ Castro neighborhood took to the streets Monday, May 22, and marched on Harvey Milk Day. The day of special significance in California honors the ...
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About Face Theater hosts Leppen Leadership Awards
On May 14, About Face Theater presented its Leppen Leadership Awards to members of the LGBTQ+ community for their activism and service. The organization normally awards two individuals a year but decided to expand this year, ...
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Dodgers re-invite LGBTQ+ group
The Los Angeles Dodgers apologized to the L.A. order of the LGBTQ+ drag group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence about a week after announcing the group was uninvited to the team's annual Pride Night on June 16—and ...
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Chicago Sky beat Griner-led Mercury
On May 21, the visiting Chicago Sky (2-0) defeated the Brittney Griner-led Phoenix Mercury (0-2) 75-69 in WNBA action. The Sky employed a balanced attack to win, with Kahleah Copper scoring 15 points while Dana Evans ...
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Sodomy laws repealed in Minnesota and Maryland
Sodomy laws are no longer on the books in Minnesota and Maryland. According to The Los Angeles Blade, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a public-safety bill into law on May 19 that repeals several anti-LGBTQ+ sections ...
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Billy Masters: And Anderson doesn't makes three
"We could have some good threesomes, me and Anderson." —Andy Cohen's response to Sherri Shepherd's question about his sex life, threesomes, and why he doesn't just date Anderson Cooper. Andy quickly added, "Because, by the way—excuse ...
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Red Stars lose; Fire FC ties; Chicago Nations Cup match on July 26
On May 21, the visiting Chicago Red Stars fell 4-0 to Portland Thorns FC. The match was seemingly over at halftime, when the Thorns led 3-0. Chicago heads back home to face off against the Orlando ...
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CAKE Chicago taking place June 3-4 at Broadway Armory
After several setbacks, the Chicago Alternative Comics Expo (CAKE) Chicago will take place June 3-4 at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway. The COVID pandemic caused the cancellations of the 2020 and 2021 in-person expos, and ...
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SAVOR 'Round Table II' brings chefs, nonprofits together to discuss collective vision
On May 15, the Avondale restaurant eden, 2734 W. Roscoe St., was the site of a rather extraordinary gathering of Chicagoland chefs, nonprofit CEOs and other business leaders in a moving discussion that centered on building ...
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Lambda Legal marks 50 years with Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration
Lambda Legal marked its 50th anniversary with The Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration May 19 at the Art Institute of Chicago. The event honored Windy City Times Owner and Co-Founder Tracy Baim. The celebration was named ...
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VIEWPOINT War in the 21st Century: mercenaries, private military companies, private armies
In 2022, $407 billion of the Pentagon budget—representing half of that year's funding —were obligated to private contractors, of which a significant number were Private Military Companies (PMCs) involved in ...
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Hair coming to Skokie Theater June 23 - July 30
Madkap Productions has announced the cast and creative team for the inaugural show of their 2023-24 season, the rock musical HAIR, with book and lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, and music by Gail MacDermot. ...
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Advocates applaud Illinois General Assembly passage of House Bill 1286 for gender-neutral multiple-occupancy restrooms
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Advocates celebrated passage by the Illinois General Assembly of House Bill 1286, legislation that will reduce barriers for businesses serving their communities and customers by allowing for the ...
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Gay lawyer appointed as Cook County judge
On May 18, Justice Joy V. Cunningham and the Illinois Supreme Court announced the appointment of Edward J. Underhill as an at-large Cook County Circuit judge, according to a press release. Underhill was appointed to fill ...
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LGBTQ+ Center Lake County set to host third annual PrideFest
The non-profit LGBTQ+ Center Lake County will host its third annual PrideFest Saturday, June 10 at the Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center. The family-friendly outdoor festival is free, kicks off at noon and ends ...
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HB 1286 would allow gender-inclusive multi-occupancy restrooms, Chicago groups respond
--From a press release
Statement from AIDS Foundation Chicago, Equality Illinois, and Pride Action Tank regarding HB 1286 to allow gender-inclusive multi-occupancy restrooms: We applaud the Illinois Senate for passing HB 1286 and urge the Illinois House to act expeditiously ...
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NATIONAL DHS violence report, queer Democratic club, trans influencer dies, vigil, GLSEN Awards
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that threats of violence against the LGBTQ+ community are increasing—and intensifying, according to ABC News. "These issues include actions linked to drag-themed events ...
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SHOWBIZ Cynthia Erivo, 'Next Level' winner, 'All Out,' Madonna, Omar Ayuso
LGBTQ+ actor Cynthia Erivo will star in a film adaptation of the theater sensation Prime Facie, Variety noted. Oscar nominee Erivo will take on the role originated on the West End (and, currently, on Broadway) by ...
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WORLD Spain, South Korea festival, Eurovision, marriage items, Sri Lanka
Spain became the latest country to join a U.S. initiative that seeks to promote LGBTQI+ rights around the world, The Washington Blade reported. "Promoting and protecting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ...
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General Assembly moves closer to passing optional all-gender bathroom bill
On May 18, the Illinois Senate passed an amended version of a bill that would allow businesses and public institutions to provide multi-occupant all-gender bathrooms if they so choose, The Daily Herald reported. House Bill 1286 ...
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PASSAGES Chicago cultural and music advocate, poet, educator Diane Gomez
Chicago cultural and music advocate, poet and educator Diane Gomez died May 5 due to complications from cancer. She was 70. Gomez was born September 28, 1952, on the South Side of Chicago to a very ...
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PASSAGES Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer, former bar owner Marge Summit
Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer, icon and former owner of the now defunct His n' Hers bar Marge Summit died May 16. She was 87. Summit was born Sept. 3, 1935, on the North Side ...
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White House releases statement by President Biden on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
--From a press release
From the White House, May 17, 2023/B> Everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and equality—no matter whom they love, or how they identify. On the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we reaffirm ...
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Modern Military Association of America appoints interim Executive Director
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, (May 17, 2023) — LGBTQ+ military nonprofit Modern Military Association of America (MMAA) announced today that nonprofit management expert Rachel Branaman, will step into the role of interim executive ...
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Dodgers rescind Pride Night invitation to legendary drag group
On May 17 (the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia), the Los Angeles Dodgers rescinded their Pride Night invitation toThe Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence—a famous LGBTQ+ group that ...
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Belting for Life returns for an 8th edition
On May 15, Jeff Award-winning director and activist Christopher Pazdernik celebrated his birthday with the eighth edition of Belting for Life, his annual Chicago-style theatrical concert and fundraiser for AIDS ...
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Illinois middle-school teacher loses job for promoting 'This Book Is Gay'
Making This Book Is Gay available to her eighth-grade students resulted in Illinois teacher Sarah Bonner being reported to police—and eventually losing her job, according to an item from The Advocate. According to Today.com, Bonner (who ...
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NCLR, GLAD, Trevor Project, coalition of groups support Biden administration's proposed Title IX Athletics Rule
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, DC — The National Center for Lesbian Rights, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), and The Trevor Project — along with the National Education Association and more than a dozen other organizations — have submitted ...
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Florida Gov. DeSantis signs four anti-LGBTQ bills into law; parents file for an Emergency Order to Block SB 254
--From press releases
(Miami, Florida - May 17) Today, on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law four anti-LGBTQ+ bills at a signing ceremony at a private Christian school. The bills signed ...
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SAVOR Say 'oui' to Francois Frankie
The last time I went to the French-American spot Francois Frankie was before the pandemic (2019, to be precise) and its brunch was one of the most impressive I had the pleasure of experiencing that year. ...
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Missouri Attorney General issues order terminating anti-transgender rule
--From a Lambda Legal press release
Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has issued an order terminating his anti-transgender emergency rule challenged in Southampton Community Healthcare v. Bailey, the lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, ACLU of Missouri and Brya ...
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Chicago Filmmakers to present Reeling Pride Month Film Showcase
--From a press release
Chicago Filmmakers is thrilled to announce the Reeling Pride Month Film Showcase, a special program celebrating Pride Month this June. Presented by MUBI, this showcase is a prelude to the highly anticipated Reeling: The 41st Chicago ...
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One Roof Chicago hosts launch event
One Roof Chicago, an LGBTQ+ centered community for elders and youth, held their public kickoff event May 16 at the Hinshaw and Culbertson law firm. The brainchild of Pamela Calvert, One Roof seeks to build a ...
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WNBA coach suspended for policies, comments about pregnancy
The WNBA rescinded the Las Vegas Aces' 2025 first-round draft pick and suspended head coach Becky Hammon for two games after an investigation found the franchise violated league rules regarding impermissible player benefits and workplace policies, ...
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Abortion news: North Carolina, Montana, Nancy Pelosi
On May 16, North Carolina's GOP-led General Assembly moved to ban most abortions after 12 weeks, overriding a veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. The state House voted 72-48, along party lines, hours after the state ...
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Filmmaker Laura Moss brings 'birth/rebirth' to life
Non-binary filmmaker Laura Moss, who uses they/them pronouns, likes to tackle projects that break away from societal norms. Moss' first feature, titled birth/rebirth, and tells the story of a single mother and a morgue technician bound ...
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Doug Plaut serves up The Sixth Reel
Performer Doug Plaut's career highlights the queer side of life. From the breakout role of gender-fluid Terry in Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt to the upcoming third installment playing Rex in Hurricane Bianca: All Roots of Evil, ...
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Foo Fighters, The Cure, and Tegan and Sara to perform at Riot Fest
Foo Fighters, The Cure and Death Cab for Cutie are among the headliners at this year's Riot Fest, taking place Sept. 15-17 in Douglass Park. Some of the other acts include queer twins Tegan and Sara, ...
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Trace Lysette: Film festival hit 'Monica' brings a story of trans resilience to the screen
Trans performer Trace Lysette grew up in Dayton, Ohio before moving to New York City to pursue a new life. Her television debut on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in 2013 made her one of the first trans people to ...
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Texas House passes bill SB14 which would ban healthcare for transgender youth; GLAAD speaks
--From a GLAAD press release
(New York, NY - May 15, 2023) - Today members of the Texas House of Representatives passed SB14 banning life-saving healthcare for transgender youth. The bill now heads back to the Senate for final approval before ...
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Writer Sarah Gailey crosses paths with Black Cat for Marvel Voices: Pride #1
Publishing company Marvel Comics has been showing its true colors, with Marvel Voices: Pride #1 returning in 2023 for its third year in June. The comic book series features a wide range of out and proud ...
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Billy Masters: Has The Kelly Clarkson Show gone all Ellen on us?
"That's really hard, because Brad was the sort of major chemistry, love of your life, at the time. And then Ben was, like, technically excellent." —Gwyneth Paltrow compares Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck in bed. Sounds ...
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MUSIC Billy Porter talks 'Mona Lisa,' authenticity and activism
Billy Porter certainly seems to have it all. The actor/singer/director received numerous awards—including two Tonys (for his role in Kinky Boots and as a producer of A Strange Loop), a Grammy (for Kinky Boots as well) ...
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Gloria Allen to be honored on National LGBTQ Wall of Honor on June 22
The International Imperial Court System and the National LGBTQ Task Force are honoring seven legends of the LGBTQ+-rights movement as 2023 National LGBTQ Wall of Honor inductees at NYC's historic Stonewall Inn on June 22, per ...
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Archdiocese of Chicago, Loyola offer spring retreat for LGBTQ+ community and families
--From a press release
The Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach of Chicago will partner with Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies to host a four-part spring retreat for the LGBTQ+ community and their family members starting May 24, 2023. ...
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GLAAD ceremony honors celebrities and welcomes TGNC state reps
On May 13, GLAAD announced recipients for the final 18 of this year's 33 categories of the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York City. Maren Morris accepted GLAAD's Excellence in Media Award, introduced by ...
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Kansas City declares itself an LGBTQ+ sanctuary city
Defying Missouri legislators who voted to ban gender-affirming care for minors and restrict it for some adults, officials in Kansas City—the state's largest city—approved a resolution to declare it a sanctuary for people seeking or providing ...
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Griner scores 10 in first game since being held in Russia
Brittney Griner scored 10 points for the Phoenix Mercury as her team fell 90-71 to the Los Angeles Sparks on May 12. According to CNN, the WNBA preseason match-up was Griner's first competitive game since she ...
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Red Stars fall; Fire FC ties
The Chicago Red Stars fell 3-0 to Racing Louisville FC tonight in Louisville, Kentucky. Chicago is now 1-5-1 on the season. The Red Stars certainly had their chances to score. For example, in the 18th minute, ...
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Chicago House welcomes spring with 'Secret Garden' event
On May 7, Chicago House presented its annual spring fashion brunch, this year titled The Secret Garden, in the Winter Green Ballroom of the Harold Washington Library. The annual event, which some now regard as the ...
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