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Chicago Pride event organizers unveil plans, including safety measures in light of increased anti-LGBTQ attacks
Due to the recent onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks directed at businesses and events this past year, Windy City Times spoke to the organizers of some of this year's biggest Pride Month events in Chicago to find ...
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WORLD Global survey, Turkey, Russians in Argentina, trans-rights activist
A new survey showed that nearly one in 10 adults across 30 countries identify as LGBTQ, according to NBC News. Age and geographic location played primary roles in the findings, with younger respondents and those in ...
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HRC president calls on business community to reject coordinated, extremist anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
--From a press release
WASHINGTON - Earlier today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization, in partnership with over 100 LGBTQ+ and allied organizations, renewed its call for Target and the business community t ...
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More than 100 pro-LGBTQ+ groups, allies urge Target and business community to reject anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
--From a press release
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, GLSEN, Family Equality, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights and National Black Justice Coalition, in partnership with more ...
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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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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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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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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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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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Chicago Opera Theater announces new General Director Lawrence Edelson
--From a press release
May 12, 2023 (Chicago) — After a three-month nationwide search, the Chicago Opera Theater (COT) Board of Directors is pleased to announce that veteran artistic leader and stage director Lawrence Edelson has been named the next ...
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Sidetrack drops Anheuser-Busch products after Bud Light controversy
Sidetrack announced May 4 that it would cease selling Anheuser-Busch products after the beverage giant gave in to an anti-trans backlash following an online Bud Light advertisement featuring trans activist Dylan Mulvaney. In a Facebook post, ...
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Chicago LGBTQ+ bar to discontinue use of brewer after anti-trans acts
In light of what it considers to be anti-trans acts by Anheuser-Busch InBev, the Uptown LGBTQ+ spot 2Bears Tavern Group is discontinuing all Anheuser Busch InBev products, including Busch Light, Bud Light and Goose Island 312. Mark ...
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Lauren Verdich memorial May 20
Celebration of Life for longtime Chicagoan LGBTQ activist and business owner Lauren Verdich will be Saturday May 20, 2023, 12:30-4 p.m., University Club Chicago, 76 E. Monroe. Donations can be sent to Lambda Legal in Lauren's ...
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Lambda Legal applauds re-introduction of Federal Do No Harm Act
--From a press release
"As the Supreme Court gets ready possibly to expand even further the ability of businesses to use religion to discriminate, the federal RFRA law absolutely needs this fix."—Lambda Legal Chief Legal Officer Jennifer C. Pizer (Washington, ...
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Chicago Pride Fest returns June 17-18
--From a press release
Chicago Pride Fest returns June 17-18, 2023, 11 a.m. — 10 p.m., the weekend before the Chicago Pride Parade (June 25). The two-day street festival features live music on three stages, a Youth Pride Space for ...
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Lesbian-owned Taylor's Tacos opens shop on Chicago's Near West Side
In the world of brick-and-mortar businesses, Taylor's Tacos (1512 W. Taylor St.; https://www.taylorstacoschicago.com) is finally making its mark, as the place selling authentic street-style tacos with soulful twists is firmly ...
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Uprising Bakery to remain open for now, plans eventual move
Uprising Bakery & Cafe, which was slated to close March 31, will be staying open for business, according to owner Corrina Sac. The Lake in the Hills establishment had faced reduced business after a number of ...
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Illinois House passes legislation allowing gender-neutral multiple-occupancy restrooms
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Advocates celebrated passage by the Illinois House of legislation that will reduce barriers for businesses serving their communities and customers by allowing for the adoption of gender-neutral multiple-occupancy ...
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More than thirty-five LGBTQ+ leaders endorse Brandon Johnson for mayor of Chicago
--From a press release
CHICAGO, IL — More than thirty-five LGBTQ+ community leaders are united in their support for Brandon Johnson for Mayor in Chicago's runoff election, representing the city's business, philanthropic, academic, civic ...
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UpRising Bakery and Cafe could soon close due to revenue losses, ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ harassment
Award-winning UpRising Bakery and Café (UpRising) in Lake in the Hills faces possible closure March 31 after many months of revenue losses and ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ harassment. This stems from the harassment owner Corinna Sac received when ...
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NATIONAL Folx Health, gay mayor arrested, powerlifter's suit, Versace visit
Boston-based Folx Health—which provides primary healthcare services and gender-affirming healthcare to LGBTQIA people—made Fast Company's list of the world's 50 most innovative businesses. A few of the other healthcare companies ...
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National Gay Basketball Association founder steps down after more than three decades at helm
Mark Chambers—the founder of the National Gay Basketball Association (NGBA)—has stepped down after more than 30 years in the business, Outsports reported. The player and organizer has been on the LGBTQ+ basketball scene since 1990, when ...
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Coalition of tradeswomen, teachers, civil rights groups applaud end of Trump-Era rule allowing discrimination
--From a press release
Washington, D.C. — On March 1, the United States Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) officially rescinded a Trump-era rule that vastly expanded the ability ...
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Woman-owned Family Tree Resale shop helps Chicagoans in need
When Elizabeth Basa opened Family Tree Resale shop in 2009 at 5066 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood, her mission was "to build an environmentally sustainable shop centered on helping those in need in ...
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Old Town home of gay pioneer Henry Gerber finds buyer
An Old Town row house that was home to two of the founders of the country's first gay-rights organization recently found a buyer, according to Crain's Chicago Business. The Henry Gerber House, 1710 N. Crilly Ct., ...
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PASSAGES: LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS activist, retired business owner Lauren Verdich
Longtime LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS activist and businesswoman Lauren Verdich died Feb. 12 of complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 77. Verdich was born Dec. 30, 1945, in Chicago. She grew up in the Albany Park neighborhood ...
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ELECTIONS 2023: 48th Ward candidate Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth on why running, biggest differences from other challengers
A lifelong Chicagoan, Leni Manaa-Hoppeworth is running to become the next 48th Ward Alderperson. She is currently a small business owner (Chicago Dance Supply, 5301 N. Clark St., for the past 20 years) in the ward ...
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Chicagoans gather for Jackhammer re-opening
Photos by Joseph Stevens
Rogers Park leather and fetish bar Jackhammer held its grand re-opening the evening of Jan. 27 after a long renovation process. The longtime North Side watering hole opened in 1999, taking over the space previously occupied ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame calls for nominations
--From a news release
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame has announced a call for nominations for the 2023 Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame. Those wishing to may nominate individuals, organizations, businesses, or "Friends of the Community," up until April ...
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NATIONAL 'Queer to Stay,' gay pol dies, drag-show attacks, 'Don't Say Gay' lawmaker
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Showtime announced the 25 recipients of "Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative" to support and uplift small businesses that focus on LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the trans+ community ...
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WORLD Mexican report, Kristen Stewart, Elton John, Netanyahu
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) launched the sixth annual HRC Equidad MX: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral—a survey evaluating LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion within major Mexican businesses and multinationals, a press ...
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Supreme Court hears Colorado religious objection case
The ordinary rights of LGBTQ people are on the line again at the U.S. Supreme Court —this time on Monday, December 5, with a case seeking to allow any business to deny service to a customer ...
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Windy City Times holiday shopping guide
If you're looking for ideas for holiday gifts, check out what we have to offer: A supreme idea: You may not know this but one of the coolest new stores in Chicago is the Wicker Park spot Supreme, at 1438 N. ...
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The Northalsted Business Alliance makes statement on Club Q Shooting in Colorado Springs
-- From a press release
The Northalsted Business Alliance shares its thoughts and prayers with our LGBTQ+ family in Colorado suffering from yet another senseless gun tragedy. We mourn the five lives lost and stand with those injured and traumatized ...
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Tulsa business attacked after hosting drag event, HRC responds
-- From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Oct. 31, news broke that a business based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Donut Hole, was vandalized when someone threw a Molotov cocktail — a hand-thrown incendiary weapon — after hosting an event ...
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WCT's Andrew Davis moves to The TRiiBE, Matt Simonette named WCT Executive Editor
Windy City Times news release
Longtime Windy City Times executive editor Andrew Davis is stepping down from his post to take a new full-time role as digital news editor of The TRiiBE, an outlet that is working to reshape the narrative ...
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Esquire: Chicago has three of the country's 'most fun' LGBTQ+-inclusive bars
Esquire magazine's editorial staff curated a list of the "most fun and inclusive LGBTQ+-friendly bars"—and the choices may seem surprising. The magazine chose the Uptown spots Big Chicks and Carol's Pub as well as the Andersonville ...
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Dillin Ravenscraft new ED OF LGBT Chamber of Commerce-Illinois
-- From a press release
The board of directors for the LGBT Chamber of Commerce — Illinois [LGBTCC] announced the selection of Dillin Ravenscraft as the organization's new executive director, effective Oct. 24. ...
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THINGS TO DO Open House Chicago taking place Oct. 15-16
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) is presenting Open House Chicago (OHC) 2022 presented by Wintrust on Oct. 15-16. The public is encouraged to discover a roster of 150+ sites in 20 community areas over the weekend, ...
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Philadelphia hosts street renaming ceremony for gay tourism expert
On Oct. 11, Philadelphia officials will honor the late civic pride booster, celebrated author and former Visit Philadelphia President/CEO Jeff Guaracino by renaming a portion of South 13th Street after the tourism marketer and LGBTQ+ trailblazer ...
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Red Stars name Kim Vender Moffat as board chair and Mike Ernst as interim chief business officer
-- From a press release
CHICAGO—The Chicago Red Stars announced the changes to the board of directors and front office to further the club's efforts to reorganize leadership. Kim Vender Moffat will now serve as the chairwoman on the board of ...
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Chicago Marathon adds non-binary division, albeit quietly
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon—taking place Sunday, Oct. 9, throughout the city—has quietly made a significant change this year. The race will hold a non-binary division for the first time ever, The Chicago Sun-Times reported. ...
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UpRising Bakery hosts LGBTQ+ history event; protesters still a constant
A handful of anti-LGBTQ+ protesters regularly stand outside the mall that houses UpRising Bakery and Cafe in Northwest suburban Lake in the Hills. That was the case again Oct. 1, the start of LGBTQ+ History Month, ...
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Person found dead at Berlin Nightclub
Police are investigating a death at Berlin, a longtime LGBTQ+ nightclub in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood at 954 W. Belmont Ave., according to ABC 7 Chicago. A 27-year-old person (identified as female by Chicago police, according ...
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FashionBar hosting Chicago Fashion Week, PFLAG conference
Fashion Bar announced that it's hosting Chicago Fashion Week. The shows will take place Oct. 16-23 at Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave. Additionally, FashionBar will host the. PFLAG Northern Illinois conference at Water Tower ...
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Molson Coors donates $50,000 to 14 LGBTQ+ organizations through annual Tap Into Change program
The beverage company Molson Coors presented $50,000 to 14 LGBTQ+ organizations at Sidetrack Sept. 26 as part of its 11th annual Tap Into Change program. Organizations partnered with local bars during the summer to raise money ...
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City asks Bloomington LGBTQ+ bar to remove Pride artwork
The city of Bloomington, Illinois has asked an LGBTQ+ bar to remove its Pride decorations, according to Central Illinois Proud. Last month, The Bistro, hosted its annual downtown Pridefest with at least 6,000 attendees from all ...
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Chicago Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg Women launch strategic alliance
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, Ill. (Sept. 20, 2022) - The Chicago Red Stars and VfL Wolfsburg Women, of the German Frauen-Bundesliga, today launched a strategic alliance that will see the two clubs collaborate and coordinate technical and business resources ...
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WORLD Malta PM, Kenya official, Kharkiv Pride, sex-education campaign
Malta Prime Minister Robert Abela has promised reforms for the country's LGBTQ+ community, including free gender-affirming surgery for trans people, according to PinkNews. In an interview with ONE Radio, he said, "I believe that social reform ...
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SAVOR Latin Restaurant Weeks running Sept. 16-30
Latin Restaurant Weeks (LRW) will take place Sept. 16-30 in various cities, including Chicago. Illinois has the nation's fifth-largest Hispanic population; Chicago has more than 29% of people who identify as Hispanic. LRW partners with Hispani ...
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Six Flags hosts 'Out in the Park'
Out in the Park—an annual private diversity event featuring unlimited riding of all Six Flags Great America's thrill rides—took place Sept. 10. Attendees enjoyed rides, eats and music (the latter courtesy of DJs). According to a ...
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Ricky Martin sues 'maladjusted' nephew for $20 million [UPDATE]
Actor/singer/author Ricky Martin has filed a $20-million lawsuit against the nephew who accused him of sexual abuse, Deadline reported. "The reckless, malicious and culpable actions by Defendant Sanchez were motivated by the desire to expose Plaintiff ...
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DANCE Rogers Park group Synapse Arts to hold Sept. 17 fundraiser
On Saturday, Sept. 17, there will be another “Crosswalk Dance” from the Rogers Park company Synapse Arts as well as another Jarvis Square Artisan Market and the celebration of National Dance Day. ...
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POLITICS Talking with queer mayoral candidate J Saxon
With the 2023 mayoral election rapidly approaching, names such as Ald. Raymond Lopez, businessman Willie Wilson and, of course, incumbent Lori Lightfoot have proven to be some of the most recognizable so far. However, J Saxon, ...
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Ald. Tom Tunney announces retirement from Chicago City Council
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, August 30, 2022 - After nearly two decades of dedicated public service on the Chicago City Council, 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney today announced that he will retire at the end of his term in ...
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POLITICS Queer businesswoman running for alderperson in 48th Ward
Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth—a queer native Chicagoan and 23-year resident of Andersonville who also describes herself as a "mother of three, tango dancer, small business owner and community organizer"—announced her candidacy for ...
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Chicago Digital Equity Fund and Tech Desk launched
GET Cities—an initiative focused on accelerating the leadership and influence of women, trans and non-binary people in tech—has partnered with Gumbo Media and DePaul University's Women in Entrepreneurship Institute to ...
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Market Days marks 40 years
The Northalsted Market Days street festival returned to the Halsted Street area for its 40th anniversary on Aug. 6 -7. Running from Belmont Avenue to Addison Street, a $15 suggested donation greeted attendees as they entered ...
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Drag show finally takes place at UpRising Bakery and Cafe
After a series of events that encompassed everything from vandalism to meetings with village officials to a visit from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, LGBTQ+-owned Lake in the Hills business UpRising Bakery and Cafe finally held its ...
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Pritzker visits UpRising Bakery and Cafe
On Aug. 5, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker met with Corrina Sac, owner of Lake in the Hills business UpRising Bakery and Café, as well as leaders from Equality Illinois and Woodstock Pride and Illinois state Rep. ...
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UpRising Bakery allowed to hold drag brunch, other events
UpRising Bakery—a Lake in the Hills business extensively vandalized after scheduling a brunch event featuring drag performers—will be able to host the rescheduled event and other programs after reaching an agreement with Lake in the Hills ...
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Chalk Howard Street outdoors for the first time since 2019 on Aug. 27
-- From a press release
CHICAGO, IL (Aug. 1, 2022)—Chicago's only chalk art festival, Chalk Howard Street, announced its entertainment programming and vendors list, as it makes a full return outdoor and in person for the first time since 2019. National ...
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Northalsted Market Days to take place Aug. 6-7
The 40th Northalsted Market Days—a live music street festival celebrating community in Chicago's Northalsted/Lakeview district—will take place Aug. 6-7. The half-mile long summer festival features all-day lineups of live music ...
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Michigan court: State law protects LGBTQ+ people
A landmark ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court held that state law prohibits businesses, landlords and others from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity, The Detroit Free Press reported. The five-to-two decision will have ...
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Lightfoot, office launch new disability employment center
-- From a press release
CHICAGO - Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) today announced the launch of a new MOPD Career Center. The MOPD Career Center, 2102 W. Ogden Ave., will assist people ...
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Quidditch organizations cite Rowling's anti-trans statements in acquiring new name
Major League Quidditch, the real-life semi-pro league inspired by the magical contests played by wizards in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter novels and their film adaptations, now has a new name. ...
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Report: Nearly half LGBTQ-owned small businesses that applied for loans denied financing
-- From a press release
The Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR) and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) released a groundbreaking report on the financial health and needs of LGBTQ-owned small businesses, using ...
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Suburban bakery cancels drag event after controversy, vandalism [UPDATE]
After protests, controversy and repeated vandalism, a suburban bakery's planned all-ages drag show/brunch has been canceled, ABC 7 Chicago reported. ...
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ACTIVITIES Architectural Artifacts brings the goods to new Chicago location
Following its 35-year legacy as one of the nation's top destinations for globally sourced design and architectural statement pieces, Architectural Artifacts, Inc. (AAI) has reimagined a 35,000-square-foot Mid Century-style school ...
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Laura Ricketts reportedly considering investing in the Chicago Sky
Chicago Cubs co-owner and out lesbian Laura Ricketts has had preliminary conversations with Sky principal owner Michael Alter about becoming a potential investor in the WNBA team, The Chicago Tribune reported. One source said Ricketts and ...
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More than 500 women sue Uber over claims of sexual assault
Uber is being sued by more than 500 women who claim they were assaulted by drivers who use the ride-hailing platform, CNBC reported. The complaint—filed in San Francisco County Superior Court—claims that "women passengers in multiple ...
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Lightfoot to travel to London, Paris to highlight Chicago's economy
-- From a press release
CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot will lead a delegation of City officials and business leaders on a five-day trip to London and Paris on July 11-15. The mayor will meet with city and business leaders ...
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Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale to take place July 29-31
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (July 5, 2022) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to present the annual Andersonville Summer Sidewalk Sale from Friday, July 29-Sunday, July 31, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. (Hours vary by business.) More than ...
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Dan Wolf, owner of The Bagel, dies at 77
Dan Wolf, the longtime owner of the iconic The Bagel Restaurant & Deli, has died at age 77. According to an obituary at legacy.com, Wolf was of the few child survivors of the infamous Theresienstadt concentration ...
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CBS Sports Radio guest host pulled after anti-LGBTQ+ tweets become known
In the sports world, plans to have Dan Sileo guest-host the Jim Rome Show on July 5 on CBS Sports Radio (Audacy Property) were canceled when Sileo's past anti-LGBTQ+ tweets were publicized. An individual named Brian ...
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