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Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus hosts inaugural fundraiser
Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus held its first full-scale fundraiser, and launched an awards tradition on June 4. The event, entitled A Spring Fling, featured a full brunch buffet, a raffle, live music and an art ...
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Chicago Independent Media Alliance launches fundraising campaign for independent media outlets
--From a press release
Chicago - The Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA), a coalition of more than 80 local journalism outlets, is holding its annual fundraiser this month from June 5-19. With the theme "Powering Independence," the fundraising campaign will ...
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Lambda Legal applauds Biden admin pledge to advance LGBTQ+ equality during Pride Month
--From a Lambda Legal press release
(Washington, DC, June 8, 2023) — Today, President Biden announced a series of actions the Administration will take to fight for LGBTQ+ people's rights in America. Lambda Legal CEO Kevin Jennings released the following statement: "At ...
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A record 1,185 LGBTQ+ elected officials now serving in the United States
--From an LGBTQ+ Victory Institute press release
Washington, DC — Today LGBTQ+ Victory Institute released its 2023 Out for America Report, the only national census of out LGBTQ+ elected officials in the United States. With at least 1,185 out LGBTQ+ elected officials currently ...
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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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Chicago Red Stars holding Pride Night on June 10
The Chicago Red Stars will celebrate Pride Nighton Saturday, June 10, when the team will take on the North Carolina Courage at 7 p.m. at SeatGeek Stadium. The first 1,000 fans will receive a Chicago Red ...
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Chicago Fire FC VP Evan Whitfield talks Pride Night, out athletes and the Olympics
Chicago Fire FC has marked Pride Month in at least a couple significant ways. The MLS team recently announced the launch of the Play Proud League as a new addition to the Chicago Fire Rec Soccer ...
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SAVOR Restaurants mark Pride with various offerings
In honor of Pride Month, all Yardbird locations will be donating 50% of proceeds to the Human Rights Campaign from their specialty Pride menu items for the entire month of June. The James Beard Award-nominated Yardbird ...
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Rooftop Out of the Office Pride kickoff honors Legacy Project
On May 31, the LGBTQ networking organization Out of the Office hosted its Pride kickoff and annual fundraiser in the I/O Bar atop the Godfrey Hotel, 127 W. Huron St. The event paid tribute to Legacy Project, the Chicago-based ...
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THEATER Queer performer Yurel Echezarreta tells his 'Side' of the 'Story'
The classic musical West Side Story (by Jerome Robbins, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents) has gone through countless iterations from its 1957 origin, including the Oscar-winning ...
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Cubs' Pride Night on June 13
The Chicago Cubs will celebrate Pride Night on Tuesday, June 13. According to a release, there will be "a party at the ballpark, special entertainment, festive fan activities and other Pride recognitions." There will also be ...
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Chicago Red Stars defeat Angel City 2-1
On June 5, the Chicago Red Stars edged Angel City 2-1 in Los Angeles behind two goals from Ava Cook. Cook's two goals earned the second-year forward the first brace of her young career. She joins ...
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PASSAGES: LGBTQ+ advocate Margaret Davis a.k.a. Spencer Ice
Bisexual LGBTQ+ advocate and retired University of Chicago auditor Margaret Davis, a.k.a. Spencer Ice, died May 30 after a 14 year battle with cancer. Davis was born on Aug. 3 (she wished not to have ...
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SAVOR Step into The Parlour at the Albion Manor...after crossing one hurdle
Okay, okay: I need to get one gripe out of the way concerning the Lincoln Park spot The Parlour at The Albion Manor. It might be in that tony area, but some may not consider it the easiest spot to get ...
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LGBTQ leader Julio Rodriguez honored at Equality Illinois' annual Pride Kickoff Brunch
Longtime LGBTQ+ activist Julio Rodriguez was the main honoree at the fifth annual Pride Kickoff Brunch held by Equality Illinois at Venue West, 221 N. Paulina St., June 4. Among those officials on hand to help ...
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Lesbian activist Takala Welch to be honored June 10
Longtime community- and social justice-activist Takala Welch will receive an Activist Award from Hoop Hard Or Get Off The Court June 10 at St. Sabina Gymnasium, 1210 W. 78th Pl., during one of the organization's tournament ...
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Turner's book details a life-journey beginning 'When the World Didn't End'
Screenwriter-actor Guinevere Turner has published a new memoir, When the World Didn't End. The book describes both her childhood spent within the Lyman Family cult, and the emotionally-wrought adjustments her family made when Turner's mother left ...
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Writing Queer tour begins at American Writers Museum
--From a press release
(CHICAGO - June 1, 2023) - The American Writers Museum (AWM) launches its new Writing Queer tour that will take visitors through the entire museum, using queer authors as a sort of map through the exhibits. ...
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Artemis Singers' summer performance urges listeners to be 'defiantly optimistic'
The longstanding lesbian chorus Artemis Singers will use their annual summer concert to implore listeners to consciously choose hope in the face of hardship. The performance, "Better Times Will Come," takes place at the Irish American ...
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Pride celebration on June 11 at Prince of Peace Church in Elk Grove Village
--From a press release
The fourth annual Elk Grove Village Pride Celebration will take place on Sunday, June 11 from 2-5 PM at Prince of Peace United Methodist Church, located at 1400 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Prince of Peace is ...
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As Pride Month begins, 2Bears Tavern Group issues statement on allyship and safe spaces
--From a press release
[Chicago, IL — June 1, 2023] As we begin Pride Month, many in the LGBTQIA+ community, and in particular of late, transgender and non-binary people, drag performers, and parts of the leather, fetish, kink, and BDSM ...
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Lightfoot to teach at Harvard in the fall
Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is slated to teach at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she will lead a course tentatively titled "Health Policy and Leadership," The Chicago Sun-Times reported. The course ...
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THEATER 'Star Wars' burlesque parody at Logan Auditorium
"The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody"—featuring an unmistakable Star Wars theme—is at Chicago's Logan Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave., for an open-ended run. Featuring parodies of the classic fan-favorite ...
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Chicago Red Stars fall to Racing Louisville FC
On May 31, the Chicago Red Stars lost to Racing Louisville FC 2-0 in the team's second UKG Challenge Cup match of the season. The team is now 0-2-0 in Challenge Cup play with four games remaining in the group stage ...
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Organization holds surrogacy information event at Center June 2-3
A national surrogacy organization will host a conference and expo—aimed at gay couples and individuals wishing to learn about surrogacy and gay parents that have already used surrogacy strategies—at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., ...
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SAVOR Hamburger Mary's, Tom of Finland Vodka and more
—The Hamburger Mary's restaurant in Orlando—famous for its burgers and drag shows—is suing the state of Florida and DeSantis in federal court, claiming an anti-drag bill is a violation of ...
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House of Blues Victory Party closes out IML
The winners, contestants, and spectators partied the night away after the IML contest at the Victory Party at The House of Blues on May 28. Photos by Joseph Stevens ...
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Barela wins International Mr. Leather title
IML45 came to an exciting close at the Auditorium Theater on Sunday Night as the title was awarded to Marcus Barela of Los Angeles, California. Chris Glc of Atlanta, Georgia was awarded first runner up, and ...
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IML contestants show off their Pecs and Personality
The 54 IML45 contestants gathered at the Auditorium Theatre on the evening of May 27 for the Pecs and Personality portion of the contest. Each contestant showed off their uniqueness and body confidence to the crowd ...
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IML visitors are off to (the leather) market
International Mr. Leather visitors shopped and took part in demonstrations at the event's famous (infamous?) Leather Market at the Congress Hotel over Memorial Day weekend. Several dozen vendors took part in the event; a portion of ...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Gigi Gorgeous Spills The T Guide at Chicago Humanities Festival
Chicago Humanities Festival has created events that bring artists and audiences together for one-of-a-kind experiences in the Windy City for years—and 2023 will be no different. Programming slated for this year includes LGBTQ+ favorites such such ...
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UIC's 'lavender' graduates step out into the world
On May 2, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) held its 17th annual Lavender Graduation Ceremony in front of a crowded room of queer graduates and their friends, allies and families. The event was held in ...
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ATTRACTIONS Lose (and find) yourself in The Exhibit House
Walking into Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave.) was an experience, for sure. After all, it's not what it used to be. Marshall Field's and its successor, Macy's, are gone—as well as scores of other ...
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Warhol exhibition to open June 3 at College of DuPage
Following the success of 2021's "Frida Kahlo: Timeless," the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage will open an exhibition of the works of legendary artist/photographer Andy Warhol ...
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