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Belting for Life Sunday May 16, streaming through May 31
--From a press release
CHICAGO - Jeff Award-winning director and HIV+ activist Christopher Pazdernik presents the 6th annual Belting for Life (formerly known as Chris' Birthday Belt Fest), an annual benefit concert for Howard Brown Health, one of the nation's ...
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Simmons moves to gather data on how COVID-19 has harmed LGBTQ+ communities
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD — To better determine how the COVID-19 pandemic has harmed LGBTQIA+ communities in Illinois, State Sen. Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) passed legislation out of an Illinois Senate committee Thursday that ...
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Rev. Elle Dowd of Illinois joins Planned Parenthood Clergy Advocacy Board
CHICAGO— Today, April 14, 2021, The Rev. Elle Dowd from Chicago, Illinois officially joined the Clergy Advocacy Board (CAB) of Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). The CAB leads the ...
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More than 45,000 trans youth put at risk of losing access to gender-affirming care
--From a Williams Institute press release
An estimated 45,100 transgender youth ages 13 and older in the U.S. are at risk of being denied gender-affirming medical care due to proposed and enacted state bans, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA School ...
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Illinois first state to extend Medicaid postpartum benefits to 12 months
Gov. JB Pritzker announced that Illinois is the first state in the nation to extend full Medicaid benefits from 60 days to 12 months postpartum, following the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approval ...
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NATIONAL College items, Easter rally, mental-health study, Chuck Schumer
The NCAA LGBTQ OneTeam—a group of NCAA-trained facilitators at colleges across the country—published an open letter condemning the actions taken by 28 states across the country to introduce, pass and ...
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New study shows discrimination, stigma, family pressure drive transgender "detransition"
--From a press release
BOSTON—A new study published in LGBT Health found that 13.1% of currently identified transgender people have detransitioned at some point in their lives, but that 82.5% of those who have detransitioned attribute their decision to at ...
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COVID Chicago to follow national vaccine-eligibility call
As Vice President Kamala Harris visited Chicago on April 6, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city will meet President Joe Biden's call to open vaccine eligibility to all U.S. adults by April 19, The Chicago Tribune ...
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COVID: CDC updates domestic travel guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update regarding domestic travel—and eased restrictions for travelers who are fully vaccinated. The CDC website stated, as of April 3: People who are fully vaccinated with ...
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AIDS Healthcare Foundation Lake View clinic holds ribbon-cutting
Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) held a ribbon-cutting event for its Lake View facility on March 31. The clinic, 3311 N. Halsted St., is housed within AHF's Out of the Closet thrift store and will ...
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Planned Parenthood of Illinois received $20,000 COVID-19 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
--From a press release
CHICAGO—To help ease the ongoing needs created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) awarded Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) a $20,000 grant to support operations and enhance the delivery of ...
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COVID Lightfoot won't follow Illinois regarding vaccine eligibility
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city won't open the vaccine to everyone 16 and older along with the rest of the state in two weeks because of a "quantum leap" in COVID cases, according to ...
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Cook County exceeds 10,000 COVID-19 deaths
--From a Cook County press release
The Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the County's 10,000th death due to COVID-19 infection this morning, just over a year after the virus claimed its first victim here. "We mourn with the 10,000 families in our community ...
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Wisconsin Supreme Court strikes down mask mandate
On March 31, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Gov. Tony Evers' statewide face mask mandate, WISN.com reported. The ruling was four to three. Republican lawmakers filed the suit last October. They said the governor did ...
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Senate confirms Levine as first out trans federal official
On March 24, the U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Rachel Levine as assistant secretary for health in the Department of Health and Human Services—making her the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by that governmental ...
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Dr. Rachel L. Levine confirmed as HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, Lambda responds
--From a Lambda Legal press release
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, the United States Senate confirmed the appointment of Dr. Rachel L. Levine to lead the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, a critical ...
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Freedom & Opportunity for All Coalition formed to support Equality Act
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a new national campaign advocating for urgent passage of the Equality Act launched with support from hundreds of the nation's top leaders in civil rights, faith, education, health care, and advocacy. The ...
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Arkansas legislature passes most extreme, deadly anti-LGBTQ healthcare bill in U.S.
--From a press release
Little Rock, AR—March 18, 2021—Today, the civil rights watchdog American Atheists denounced passage (32-1) by the Arkansas Senate of SB 289, the most extreme denial of healthcare bill in the country. The bill, having already passed ...
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COVID Pritzker announces vaccine eligibility for those 16+ will start April 12
On March 18, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced a metrics-based, vaccination-informed framework for Illinois to advance to Phase 5 ...
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National Health Awareness Week will take place March 22-26
The National Coalition for LGBT Health announced that the 19th annual National LGBT Health Awareness Week will take place March 22-26. The week's theme is "OUT for Equity." This theme arises from a word cloud of ...
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177 IL organizations document COVID-19 stories, support racial equity work
--From a press release
CHICAGO — A report detailing the hardships and successes of 177 Illinois-based community organizations underscores the need for more support in protecting our social fabric in a post-COVID world. Illinois Humanities, the Illinois affiliate to the ...
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Nearly one-quarter of LBQ women are parents
--From a press release
New research from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law examines the demographic and mental health differences ...
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PrEP options likely to change following Truvada patent expiration
Among the myriad challenges facing HIV/AIDS advocates and healthcare providers has been increasing use of pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, among persons at risk for HIV transmission. A PrEP intervention, which usually consists of taking the oral ...
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PPIA to feature Lauren Underwood on March 5
Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) has announced a special Activist University Extra Credit session featuring Congresswoman Lauren Underwood on Friday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m. Kicking off Women's History Month ...
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COVID More than 100K United Center vaccine appointments to start March 4
More than 100,000 appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations at the United Center's new mass vaccination site will open March 4, NBC Chicago reported. Appointments will open exclusively to Illinois residents age 65 and older at 8:30 a.m. ...
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COVID Lightfoot: Bars, restaurants can be at 50%, stay open until 1 a.m.
On March 2, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city will allow bars and restaurants to boost indoor capacity to 50% and remain open until 1 a.m., The Chicago Tribune reported. Lightfoot also will allow ...
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APA adopts resolution opposing efforts to change people's gender identity
--From a press release
WASHINGTON — The American Psychological Association has adopted a resolution opposing efforts to change people's gender identity, citing scientific research showing that such actions may be harmful. The resolution, adopted ...
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United Center vaccination appointments open Thursday for Illinois seniors
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Beginning Thursday, March 4 at 8:30 a.m., Illinois seniors can schedule their first COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the United Center vaccine site, which will begin to administer a limited number of vaccines on March ...
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Howard Brown Health expands access to medical care of sexual-assault survivors
Howard Brown Health is now providing access to medical forensic exams and evidence collection for survivors of sexual assault on the North and South sides of Chicago through its In Power program. Together with local rape-crisis ...
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NATIONAL Nebraska measure, Williams Institute, Audre Lorde, journalist dies
In Nebraska, the Lincoln City Council passed an ordinance that bans licensed mental-health professionals from subjecting LGBTQ youth to the discredited practice of conversion therapy, according to a Trevor Project ...
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COVID Vaccinations at United Center starting March 10
On Feb. 26, the Biden administration, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, and U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced that eligible Illinoisans from every part ...
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Vaccine eligibility opens to Illinoisans with serious medical conditions
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Building on efforts to equitably distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Health today announced that Illinoisans with serious medical conditions can be vaccinated ...
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Dr. Rachel Levine confirmation hearing today, to be first trans Senate-confirmed appointee
--From a press release
Washington, DC — Today Dr. Rachel Levine will testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about her experience and qualifications to be the next U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health. If moved ...
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One-third of gay, bisexual men who take PrEP discontinue within three years
--From a press release
Familiarity and favorable attitudes towards PrEP have increased over time, though use remains low A new study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds a significant increase in familiarity with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) ...
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Victory Institute condemns Rand Paul attack on
Dr. Rachel Levine, trans youth
--From a press release
Washington, DC — Today LGBTQ Victory Institute condemned Senator Rand Paul's transphobic attack on Dr. Rachel Levine during her confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He attacked trans you ...
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COVID Howard Brown Health COO talks vaccine rollout and race
On Feb. 13, Howard Brown Health hosted a citywide vaccination blitz at five community partner locations (New Beginnings Church of Chicago; 6620 S. King Dr.; Trinity United Church of Christ/TUCC; 400 W. 95th St.; Rising Sun ...
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COVID Chicago expands indoor dining capacity
The city of Chicago plans to reduce indoor dining restrictions for a second consecutive week, allowing bars and restaurants to offer service at either 40% capacity or 50 people, whichever is less, The Chicago Tribune reported. ...
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The Amazon Trail Covid 19 Pioneer
Now that President Biden and Vice President Harris are in office, I've been able to have my first Covid 19 vaccine shot. It was no big deal. I went to our county fairgrounds expecting to be injected through my car window, ...
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CDC establishes school-reopening guidelines
On Feb. 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that teachers and students should return to the classroom and can do so safely—even in areas with high rates of viral transmission—if certain mitigation ...
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COVID Pritzker announces expansion of Phase 1B eligibility on Feb. 25
In light of a steadily increasing federal vaccine supply, Gov. JB Pritzker announced that Illinois is making plans to expand Phase 1B eligibility on Thursday, Feb. 25, to people who have comorbidities and underlying conditions as ...
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Biden administration postponing discriminatory Trump-era HHS change, HRC responds
--From a press release
WASHINGTON — Today, in response to a legal challenge, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agreed to a court order that will temporarily halt a Trump-era discriminatory rule change that would have permitted discrimination ...
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COVID Lightfoot announces plan to ease restrictions in Chicago
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection announced a roadmap for Chicago to continue to cautiously ease regulations on businesses as COVID-19 metrics improve. ...
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Report: LGBTs of color 2X as likely to test positive for COVID-19 as straight white people
--From a press release
Data collected in fall 2020 finds that LGBT people—in particular LGBT people of color—have disproportionately experienced the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, according to a new report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of ...
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Howard Brown, museum partner for no-cost COVID testing in Pilsen
Howard Brown Health and the National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) have announced a partnership to provide no-cost COVID-19 testing in Pilsen. The new testing site will be embedded inside the NMMA, 1852 W. 19th St., ...
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Among California Latinx, older LGBs more likely than straight peers to have stress
--From a Williams Institute press release
In both LGB and straight populations, Latinx people had poorer physical health outcomes New research from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds that Latinx older adults in California are similar to their non-LGB ...
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HRC responds to Rand Paul's questions about trans children
On Feb. 3, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee held a hearing on the confirmation of Connecticut Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona to be Secretary of Education. During the event, U.S. Sen. Rand ...
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COVID Chicago promotes website that helps users find, book vaccination appointments
The city of Chicago is promoting a national website that will allow people to find and schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments, The Chicago Tribune reported. The site, ZocDoc.com/vaccine, is run by an outside provider. It will allow ...
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Indianapolis council condemns conversion therapy; Indiana Stonewall Dems celebrate
Indiana Stonewall Democrats celebrated the Indianapolis City-County Council and its LGBTQ councillors for passing a proclamation on Feb. 1 that formally condemns "conversion therapy" and the long-term health complications it ...
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COVID Lightfoot: Restrictions for bars, restaurants will remain
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the city will keep the current indoor dining limits at restaurants in place even if the state allows the city to loosen capacity rules Feb. 2, The Chicago Tribune reported. The ...
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CDC issues mask mandate for travelers
Starting in February, travelers and commuters will be required to wear face masks on nearly all forms of public transportation as part of a sweeping new order from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ...
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Milwaukee PrideFest announces postponement
--From a press release at milwaukeepride.org
Milwaukee PrideFest has announced that it will move this year's festival from its usual time slot in early June. PrideFest is working with Milwaukee Ethnic Festivals, Inc. on potential dates, hoping to reschedule the event for late summer or early fal ...
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Removing "Global Gag" will benefit millions of women worldwide, leaders comment
--From press releases
On Jan. 28, President Joe Biden signed a presidential memorandum that will reverse restrictions on abortion access domestically and abroad imposed and expanded by the Trump administration, CNN.com reported. ...
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Biden plan increases access to health care for millions of LGBT people
--From a press release
Today, President Biden signed several executive orders aimed at improving access to health care. One order directs the Department of Health and Human Services to review the Title X gag rule, which restricts federal funding to ...
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Report: 51 years since Stonewall health, poverty, housing hurdles face LGBTQ 50+ NYers
--From a press release
NEW YORK, N.Y. — LGBTQ New Yorkers age 50+ face steeper barriers to healthcare, higher rates of poverty, and greater challenges to their economic security than their non-LGBTQ counterparts, and the COVID-19 crisis has only exacerbated ...
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Joe Hollendoner to lead Los Angeles LGBT Center
Joe Hollendoner—who was once in executive leadership roles at AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Howard Brown Health as well as a Windy City Times 30 Under 30 honoree—will officially succeed Lorri Jean as CEO of the ...
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Norwegian American Hospital changes name to Humboldt Park Health
Norwegian American Hospital, 1044 N. Francisco Ave., has changed its name to Humboldt Park Health, according to a press release Windy City Times received. "The new name, Humboldt Park Health, signifies a renewal of its commitment ...
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COVID Pritzker announces state coronavirus website
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced a new portal on coronavirus.illinois.gov to provide residents with easily accessible information about the COVID-19 vaccine. Coronavirus.illinois.gov will provide eligible residents with nearby vaccination sites ...
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COVID Lightfoot, CDPH unveil plan to ensure equity in vaccine distribution
On Jan. 25, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), alongside elected officials and community partners, announced new initiatives to address racial equity in the COVID-19 response and vaccine distribution, with ...
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Steamworks launches fundraiser to keep staff insurance
Private men's bathhouse Steamworks Chicago launched an online fundraiser Jan. 21 to continue covering the health insurance of its staff as the pandemic progresses. In a GoFundMe post, General Manager Nirmalpal Sachdev said, "For the past ...
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Biden's relief plan grows assistance for 3M LGBT adults experiencing food insecurity
Today, President Biden signed executive orders to address the economic effects of the COVID-19 crisis. The orders include plans to expand the federal nutrition assistance program, pause federal debt payments for veterans, establish a $15 an ...
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COVID-19 Chicago, suburban restaurants slated to reopen Jan. 23
Customers will be allowed back inside restaurants and many bars in Chicago and suburban Cook County beginning Saturday, Jan. 23, The Chicago Sun-Times reported. The city and Cook County will move from Tier 2 to Tier ...
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Pritzker: Illinois moving into Phase 1B of COVID vaccination plan
Building on the state's progress in administering the COVID-19 vaccine, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced the state will move into the early stages of Phase 1B of the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Plan beginning Monday, Jan. 25. ...
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Governors, Lt. Governors encourage all to make a plan and get vaccinated
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Today, Governor Pritzker and governors and lieutenant governors from Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin joined together to encourage everyone to make a plan for how they can get the safe and effective ...
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Gov. Pritzker praises President Biden's plan to combat COVID-19
--From a press release
Gov. Pritzker Statement on the Announcement of President Biden's Plan to Combat COVID-19 CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement following President Biden's announcement of the national plan to combat COVID-19. "One ye ...
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As Sen. Heather Steans resigns, Planned Parenthood of Illinois comments on her work
--From a press release
Statement from Jennifer Welch, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois Action: "We will miss working with Senator Heather Steans, a fierce champion for reproductive rights in Illinois. As the lead Senate sponsor for HB40 and ...
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Planned Parenthood Illinois event to celebrate anniversary of Roe v. Wade ruling
--From a press release
CHICAGO - Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) and PPIA PAC celebrate the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court ruling at its Roe v. Wade Anniversary Event, to be held virtually on Thursday, January 28. The event ...
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AMA applauds Biden Day 1 actions on COVID-19, racial equity, climate, WHO
--From a press release
CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) today applauded the Biden Administration's first-day actions that tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, re-engage with the World Health Organization (WHO), and ...
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Day 1 executive action addresses disparate impact of COVID-19 on LGBTQ people
--From a Williams Institute press release
Today, President Biden signed an executive order to combat the health and economic impact of COVID-19. The executive action focuses on strengthening public health measures, such as mask-wearing and social ...
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LETTER: Unnecessary legislation
To the Editor: At a time when Illinois lawmakers should be supporting healthcare heroes who are working tirelessly during the COVID-19 pandemic, we instead receive unwelcome new legislation that will drive up the costs of practicing ...
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National COVID-19 Memorial Service Jan. 19 to remember lives lost
CHICAGO, IL— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the City of Chicago, in partnership with the incoming Biden-Harris Administration, invite everyone in Chicago to take part in the National COVID-19 Memorial Service to remember the lives lost ...
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Biden nominates Dr. Rachel Levine, first trans person nominated for Senate-confirmed position
--From press releases
From Victory Institute: Washington, DC — President-elect Joe Biden nominated Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine to be the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health — a historic nomination that makes her the first out trans ...
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Biden picks transgender assistant health secretary
President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be his assistant secretary of health—positioning her to become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, a Seattle Times ...
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COVID-19 restrictions for Chicago, suburbs relaxed, but still no indoor dining
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced that Chicago and its suburbs would move to Tier 2 mitigation restrictions, effective immediately, The Chicago Tribune reported. Under the updated metrics, four regions under the reopening plan will ...
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SHOWBIZ LGBTQ movies, 'Color Purple,' Nick Jonas, gay coach
The film Draw with Me has launched its virtual theatrical release at ArenaScreen through Feb. 9, and was the subject of the first-ever panel at the United Nations on Transgender Health, a release stated. Featuring Jennifer ...
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WORLD Global Fund, Croatian case, Poland items, Hillsong
In 2020, the Global Fund signed 157 grants for a total of $8.54 billion for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria programs and to strengthen systems for health—and this is the highest number of grants the program ever ...
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