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Millennium Park Summer Music Series starts Monday
--From a press release
Millennium Park Summer Music Series, presented by the Millennium Park Foundation, features a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists — in 10 genre-defying concerts at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion. This year's series ...
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HEALTH Face masks recommended indoors throughout Chicago
Chicago now recommends that everyone older than 2 should wear a mask when indoors as the delta variant spreads and the city passes 200 new COVID-19 cases a day, The Chicago Tribune reported. The move, announced ...
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Gov. Pritzker issues executive order creating new office of equity
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD — Building on the administration's ongoing work to advance equity and inclusion, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order establishing the Office of Equity to promote diversity, equity ...
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Bernie Hansen's gay-rights legacy remembered
Activist Arthur Johnston recalled the late 44th Ward Alderman Bernie Hansen as perhaps "the most unlikely gay-rights alderman." Johnston—one of the activists involved with, among other endeavors, the push for the city's Human Rights Ordinance i ...
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Olympics: U.S. women's soccer team advances to semis
The United States women's national team are through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic soccer semifinals after a penalty shootout win against Netherlands, following a 2-2 draw after extra-time, ESPN.com noted. Vivianne Miedema, who was making her ...
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THEATER Proof of vaccination required to attend 'Teatro Zinzanni'
Randolph Entertainment, presenting Teatro ZinZanni in Chicago, announced that it will be requiring all guests older than 12 to show proof of vaccination to attend its dinner and performance. This requirement will apply to all performances ...
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About Face Theatre's 27th season to be produced at The Den Theatre beginning March
--From a press release
CHICAGO (July 27, 2021) — About Face Theatre is excited to announce its return to live, in-person theatre with its 27th season. Dedicated to telling queer stories that advance dialogue about gender and sexuality, AFT will ...
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Bill would expose schools that discriminate against LGBTQ students
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-5) and Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-1), Sharice Davids (KS-3), and Mondaire Jones (NY-17) introduced the Exposing Discrimination in ...
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Taste of River North cancelled
On July 29, the River North Residents Association, along with theMART and Duff Entertainment, announced the cancellation of the 2021 edition of Taste of River North. The event was slated to take place Aug. 20-21 at ...
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Pappas introduces legislation to establish LGBTQ veterans advisory committee
--From a press release
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, introduced legislation to establish an ...
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Photographer/activist Ed Negron's funeral will take place Aug. 3
On his own Facebook page, one of the brothers of the late Chicago photographer/activist Ed Negron has revealed the details of his impending funeral. According to Leo Negron Rodriguez, Negron's funeral will take place at ...
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Reeling 39th Chicago LGBTQ+ Internat'l Film Fest in-person, virtual in September
--From a press release
(July 28, 2021 — Chicago, IL) Chicago Filmmakers, Gilead and AARP present The 39th annual Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival. Founded in 1981, the festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind, ...
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Aug. 12 LGBTQ town hall to discuss bar inclusivity
Miller Lite and Equality Federation announced "Open & Proud," an initiative that aims to create safe, inclusive spaces at bars for the LGBTQ community. The program features a series of town halls where LGBTQ individuals older ...
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'Filmmaking on the South Side' on Aug. 21
On Aug. 21, 7-9:30 p.m., Chicago Humanities Festival and local partners from Sisters in Cinema, South Side Home Movie Project and the Chicago South Side Film Festival will host a conversation about the development of community-based ...
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Taste of Andersonville returns Wed., Aug. 11
--From a press release
CHICAGO (July 28, 2021) — The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is excited to welcome back one of its most popular summer events: the annual Taste of Andersonville on Wed., Aug. 11, 5-8 p.m. This year's ...
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Logan Center Bluesfest to include Shemekia Copeland, avery r. young
This year, the Third Logan Center Bluesfest will take place Oct. 15-17. It will be a hybrid model with a series of intimate concerts, conversations and special events in which select programming is offered in-person, at ...
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Howard Brown Health calls on businesses, LGBTQ events to re-implement COVID restrictions
--From a Howard Brown press release
(Chicago, IL, July 28, 2021) — Howard Brown Health, the Midwest's largest LGBTQ healthcare organization, is imploring local businesses and public event producers to implement strict COVID-19 safety and prevention ...
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9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Walk taking place at Soldier Field
In remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, members of the public will join area firefighters to climb the stairs of Soldier Field in honor of the 343 firefighters from the FDNY who ...
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Pritzker signs bill decriminalizing HIV transmission, other pro-LGBTQ measures
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a legislative package on July 27 at Center on Halsted that, effective immediately ends the decades-long law criminalizing HIV transmission in Illinois. Illinois is now the second such state to repeal ...
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LGBTQ advocates celebrate two Illinois marriage certificate modernization bills
--From a press release
Trans and non-binary people who were married in Illinois will now be able to obtain marriage certificates that reflect their authentic selves thanks to legislation signed today by Governor JB Pritzker, according to Equality Illinois and ...
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Winifred Haun & Dancers announces 2021-22 season, return to live performances
--From a press release
Chicago & Oak Park, IL — Winifred Haun & Dancers will return to in person theater events and live programming for the upcoming 2021|22 Season. The Company will be presented at the Pritzker Pavilion, Ruth Page ...
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MacArthur Foundation grants $80M to advance racial and ethnic justice
On July 27, the MacArthur Foundation announced roughly $80 million in grants centered on advancing racial and ethnic justice. The Equitable Recovery grants are funded by MacArthur's social bonds, issued in response to the crises of ...
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Lightfoot: Mask mandates may return to Chicago
People may not want to toss those face masks. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot told The New York Times she will consider reinstating a mask mandate and other restrictions if the city starts to consistently record more ...
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THEATER Sideshow offers residency, announces digital house parties
Sideshow Theatre Company announced it will be offering a nine-month artistic residency to Chicago-based playwright Preston Choi. Through the residency, Sideshow will provide Choi with artistic and dramaturgical support as ...
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Plaque added to childhood home of Emmett Till
On what would have been Civil Rights icon Emmett Till's 80th birthday on July 25, his childhood home in Chicago's West Woodlawn neighborhood received a historic landmark plaque, CBS Chicago reported. The plaque recognizes Till and ...
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Chicago Red Stars fall to Gotham 2-1
The Chicago Red Stars' Makenzy Doniak scored in the second half's stoppage time—but the team ultimately lost to NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-1 at Harrison, New Jersey, on July 25. Allie Long and Midge Purce scored for ...
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OUTspoken storytelling to host six takes from LGBTQ+ perspective
--From a press release
The month of August is hot - but OUTspoken at the Sidetrack will be even hotter on Aug. 3 when six storytellers will tell tales of fun and fortune from a LGBTQ+ perspective! The program will start at 7:00 pm at ...
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SAVOR The Smith
Not too long ago, I sang the praises of "Red Sauce Sundays" at The Smith Restaurant + Bar (400 N. Clark St.; https://thesmithrestaurant.com/location/chicago/). Starting at 5 p.m. each Sunday, this ultimate comfort meal features a chicken ...
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PASSAGES Writer, attorney, activist Takeia R. Johnson
The local organization Affinity Community Services announced the recent passing of Takeia R. Johnson. According to Johnson's LinkedIn profile, she was editor-in-chief and lead writer at Inclusion at Work as well as a Ph.D. student focusing ...
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Chicago photographer, activist Ed Negron dies [UPDATED]
Ed Negron—an activist, Army veteran and substance-abuse counselor who served for many years as a dedicated bisexual volunteer, mentor, leader and advocate in the LGBTQ, Latino and recovering communities—passed away ...
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DANCE Deeply Rooted named to INFLUENCERS Cohort
Chicago's Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is one of five dance companies (and the only Midwestern one) named to the International Association of Blacks in Dance's (IABD's) INFLUENCERS Cohort for the 2021 COHI/MOVE program. The five ...
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'The Art of Banksy' to debut Aug. 14 at 360 N. State St.
"The Art of Banksy"—the largest touring exhibition of authentic Banksy artworks in the world—will take place in Chicago on the fourth floor of 360 N. State St.: a 45,000-square-foot space that was the home of other ...
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Helmut Jahn architecture exhibit has opened
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), 111 E. Wacker Dr., has opened its first, major limited-run exhibit, "Helmut Jahn: Life + Architecture," the career retrospective of Helmut Jahn's innovative architectural designs. ...
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Market Days performers include Jody Watley, Todrick Hall, Steve Grand
Northalsted Market Days—taking place Aug. 6-8—will feature a star-studded line-up. Just some of the performers slated to entertain are icon Jody Watley ("Looking for a New Love"), Todrick Hall, Steve ...
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Ravinia to unveil 'Bernstein's Answer' immersive theater experience
--From a press release
HIGHLAND PARK, IL—On Saturday, August 7, the Ravinia Festival and Jeffrey P. Haydon, its President and CEO, will officially unveil the Ravinia Music Box (RMB) and its immersive theater experience, titled Bernstein's Answer, and fully open ...
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THEATER 2nd Story announces first half of 2021-22 season
One of Chicago's longest-running storytelling collectives, 2nd Story, announced the first half of its 23rd season of programming for 2021-22. The season will feature nearly 30 world-premiere stories and storyteller debuts, as well as 20 of ...
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THEATER Steppenwolf announces co-artistic directors
Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced a new model of leadership, naming ensemble members Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis as the incoming artistic directors of the storied Chicago company. The new appointment ...
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Chicago arcade bar hosting LGBTQ+ event July 29
Emporium Arcade Bar-Wicker Park, 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave.—in partnership with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center's (PRCC) Trans Empowerment Program—is inviting members of the LGBTQIA+ community to hang out Thursday, July ...
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Summit looking for BIPOC LGBTQ+ attendees
Pride Action Tank (PAT) and AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) will co-host "Co-Creating Futures: A BIPOC LGBTQ+ Policy & Practices Summit," starting virtually on Saturday, July 31, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CT. According to the event's webpage, "T ...
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Chicago City Council approves civilian oversight for police
On July 21, the Chicago City Council approved a controversial civilian oversight panel, giving the public more control over Chicago police following years of protests about law enforcement misconduct, The Chicago Tribune reported. The vote was ...
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Char Schoenbach talks helping LGBTQs through Allstate, next chapter
Lifelong Chicago resident Char Schoenbach began her career in sales and worked for two insurance agents before opening her own Allstate agency 31 year ago. "I have always believed in providing all people with quality insurance," ...
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Howard Brown Health announces new leader for The Center for Education, Research, and Advocacy
--From a press release
(July 21, 2021— Chicago, IL) Howard Brown Health is pleased announce Brandon Hill, PhD (he/him/his) as Howard Brown Health's new executive director for the Center for Education, Research, and Advocacy ...
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Virtual TLGBQ+ Economic Justice Summit on Sept. 11-12
The National LGBTQ Workers Center will hold its 3rd Annual TLGBQ+ Economic Justice Summit on Sept. 11-12. This event will be held virtually. Organizers are still accepting workshop proposals. Those who would like to propose a ...
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Soapbox travels to Chicago to raise hand-hygiene awareness
Clean beauty company Soapbox unveiled the world's biggest bottle of soap in New York City's Times Square on July 15, marking the launch of a multi-city tour aimed at raising awareness for the importance of hand ...
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Women's soccer: Sweden snaps United States' 44-game win streak
In women's soccer, Sweden dominated the United States 3-0 on July 20 in Tokyo, snapping the Americans' 44-game winning streak in convincing fashion, Yahoo! Sports reported. The U.S. team entered this event as heavy favorites to ...
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Black Restaurant Week-Midwest in Chicago July 23-Aug. 1
Black Restaurant Week, LLC, joins the No Crumb Left Behind campaign by hosting its second campaign in Chicago on July 23-Aug. 1. ...
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Col. Jennifer Pritzker donating to ACLU to help fight anti-trans laws
Chicago philanthropist and business owner Col. Jennifer Pritzker plans to donate $101,000 and additional six-figure future support to the ACLU from her TAWANI Foundation to fight Tennessee's anti-transgender laws in court, a press release announced. T ...
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Chicago Filmmakers awards $100,000 to local social injustice digital media projects
--From a press release
(July 20, 2021 — Chicago, IL) Chicago Filmmakers is pleased to announce that the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund (CDMPF) has awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to eight Chicago artists for the production of ...
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MUSIC 'I'm Every Woman: Divas Through the Decades' on Aug. 2
LGBTQ+ party organization Slo 'Mo: Slow Jams for Queer Fam is celebrating its 10th anniversary with "Slo 'Mo Presents: I'm Every Woman: Divas Through the Decades with Akenya & Friends" on Monday, Aug. 2, at Millennium ...
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Quigley secures funding for Center on Halsted program and other projects
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chair of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, announced that the Appropriations Committee has approved ...
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U.S. Sen. Warnock to headline Personal PAC's annual luncheon
--From a press release
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) is slated to be a featured speaker at the Personal PAC 28th Annual Awards Luncheon on Wed., Oct. 20. The event will take place virtually and feature several pro-choice leaders. More ...
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Gov. JB Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announce re-election campaign
--From a press release
ILLINOIS—Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced he and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton will run for re-election to a second term in 2022, releasing a video that highlights the strength of the state's response to the COVID pandemic ...
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Chicago Red Stars net 3-1 victory over OL Reign
Vanessa DiBernardo and Kealia Watt celebrated league milestones as the Chicago Red Stars defeated the OL Reign at home (SeatGeek Stadium) on July 18. DiBernardo reached the 10,000th minute mark in her NWSL (National Women's Soccer ...
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Billy Masters
"No excuses—I messed up. I'm a big sports fan. I'm like the guy at the end of the game who misses a free throw or a kick."—Spike Lee explains why he prematurely announced the winner of ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame announces 2021 inductees
--From a press release
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, the only city-sanctioned LGBT Hall of Fame in the world, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was founded to honor people and entities, nominated by the community, who have made ...
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Palette Beauty dry bar offers quick, affordable makeup services
Nicola Craig has opened a new business, Palette Beauty, at 2730 N. Clark St., in Chicago's Lincoln Park area. Craig—who calls herself a "big business nerd with a passion for both entrepreneurship and creative endeavors"—started her ...
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STAYCATION A cozy 'un-hotel' hotel is in Lincoln Park
People may not have heard of The Neighborhood Hotel (2616 N. Clark St.; https://www.theneighborhoodhotel.com/). It's unique in many ways—from reservations to location, and more. But is it worth your time—and ...
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Queer In(n) producers announce inaugural installation unveiling, upcoming website
Partners and co-producers, Kelli Simpkins and Adithi Chandrashekar are creating a curated, generative online arts gallery called Queer In(n). The inaugural unveiling of a five-foot-by-six-foot wheat paste portrait of longtime ...
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PERFORMANCE Gay performer Michael Cunio part of 'Teatro ZinZanni'
Teatro ZinZanni Chicago carved out its own niche on the 14th floor of Cambria Hotel back in 2019, with the premiere of Love, Chaos, & Dinner. Blending dinner with a show under the big top in a Belgium mirror tent called ...
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Suburban theater employees leave over perceived anti-LGBTQ policy
At least two employees of a Christian-oriented suburban theater company—Sophie Murk and Will Higgins—have resigned in recent weeks, citing its policy toward LGBTQ+ students, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The exits ...
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More than 140 LGBTQ athletes slated to be at Tokyo Olympics
At least 142 publicly out LGBTQ and non-binary athletes are headed to Tokyo for the Summer Olympic Games—more than double the number who participated at the 2016 Rio Games, according to Outsports. The number of publicly ...
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The Actors Gymnasium to hold community circus, celebrate 25th year
--From a press release
Evanston, IL, July 15, 2021 — Actors Gym is proud to announce Summer Salon 2021, an evening of circus under the stars in Tallmadge Park to celebrate the organization's 25th year. It will be a family-friendly ...
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Chicago Sports Alliance continues to help combat gun violence
The Chicago Sports Alliance—a collaboration between the Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs andWhite Sox that began in 2017—announced it will move forward for a fourth year to combine the reach and resources of the franchises in ...
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BUSINESS Wilson Sporting Goods opens first in-person store, in Chicago
Visiting the new Wilson Sporting Goods store (932 N. Rush St.; https://www.wilson.com/en-us) during its July 15 grand opening, this writer learned two big things: 1. Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is actually headquartered in Chicago, in the ...
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PASSAGES Author, cultural theorist, scholar Lauren Berlant dies
Author, cultural theorist and scholar Lauren Berlant died June 28 in a Chicago hospice facility of a rare form of cancer. They were 63. Berlant (who used they/them pronouns professionally) was born Oct. 31, 1957 in ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois announces 'Shop Pride' program, showcasing LGBTQ+ business
--From a press release
CHICAGO — The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (LGBTCC), today announced the official launch of the Shop Pride program designed to encourage Illinois residents to support ...
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Gov. Pritzker signs justice-related legislation protecting youth, most vulnerable
--From a press release
CHICAGO —On Juy 15, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a package of nation-leading legislation that puts Illinois at the forefront of the work to bring about true reform to the state's justice system. "An essential tenet ...
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THEATER Chicago ensemble presenting play on bisexuality
The Trance, a Chicago-based theater ensemble, returns to the stage with Riding the Bicycle. It will be performed at The Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway, on Friday-Saturday, July 30-31, at 8 p.m. According to an email ...
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TELEVISION Joe Exotic to be resentenced
The U.S. 10th District Court of Appeals ordered Tiger King star Joseph Maldonado-Passage, aka Joe Exotic, be resentenced following his conviction in the murder-for-hire plot of Big Cat Rescue's Carole Baskin, KFOR.com reported. According to court ...
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SPORTS Sky's Parker among cover athletes for video game NBA 2K22
Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, Chicago Sky.WNBA standout Candace Parker and Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant are among the players who will be featured on the next NBA 2K video-game release, per an NBA press statement. ...
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Sky's Quigley wins three-point contest
Chicago Sky guard Allie Quigley made nine of her last 10 shots to win her third WNBA MTN DEW Three-Point Contest title at halftime of AT&T WNBA All-Star 2021 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay ...
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Chicago Police Department discusses new LGBTQ+ liaisons
Recently, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) announced five LGBTQ+ liaisons for the Chicago Police Department. The liaisons include officers Phoebe Flores (Area 1), Matthew Schlagel (Area 3), Zaida Sanabia (Area ...
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Gov. Pritzker announces next round of rental assistance as eviction moratorium ends
--From a press release
CHICAGO — As the state's gradual phaseout of the pandemic eviction moratorium continues, Governor JB today encouraged renters and landlords to apply for $500 million in existing aid and announced that an additional round of assistance ...
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LGBTQIA+ tavern to open in Uptown this fall
2Bears Tavern Group—which owns and operates Andersonville's The SoFo Tap and Meeting House Tavern as well as Rogers Park's Jackhammer—is opening 2Bears Tavern Uptown in the former Nick's on Wilson space at 1140 W. Wilson Ave. ...
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Chicago Red Stars partner with Black Bread Company, support minority businesses
--From a press release
Club Launches 'Stars of Chicago Business' Initiative to Support Local, Minority Owned Businesses CHICAGO (July 13, 2021) — The Chicago Red Stars today announced a new partnership with The Black Bread Company, the first ever Black-own ...
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