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Newest competitors on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' revealed
VH1 revealed the cast for the 13th season of RuPaul's Drag Race, premiering Friday, Jan. 1, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. After winning six Emmy Awards this year and becoming the most awarded reality competition show in ...
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New narrative podcast offers lesbian rocker slice of life
Podcast attached below
For audiophiles in search of punk rock tongue-in-cheek lesbian dramedy-driven narrative storytelling, look no further: "Tampon Rock" is here. The podcast, from Anthem and iHeart Radio, focuses on lesbian bandmates Deja and Chloe as they navigate ...
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OUTspoken Storytelling to host tales from LGBTQ perspectives Nov. 10
--From a press release
Another exciting OUTspoken Storytelling Night will offer the perspective of four Chicagoans telling life's stories from their LGBTQ+ viewpoint or that of their close friends and relatives, Tuesday, Nov. 10, starting at 7 p.m. on Zoom. ...
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Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade, this year a drive-through
--From a Chicago Park District press release
CHICAGO: LUMA8, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), the Chicago Park District and Presenting Sponsor, the Blommer Chocolate Company, is pleased to announce Arts in the Dark - an UPSIDE ...
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Nightlines 1990-2001, Nightspots 2001-2015
Throughout the 1990s, Nightlines focused on the LGBTQ entertainment scene, from the bars to the stage and everything in between. With the new millennium came a significant format change as Nightspots focused in on the bar ...
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DRAG: Miss Toto builds a full-bodied career in Chicago
Miss Toto blew into the Windy City toting a tornado of talent after leaving Cumberland, Maryland behind. Toto quickly made a name for herself as "Chicago's Bodybuilder Barbie" and landed bookings all over the city. Toto ...
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PASSAGES Former Northalsted bartender Eric Sangster dies at 37
Northalsted bartender Eric Sangster died Sept. 17 unexpectedly at the age of 37. At the time of this article's publication, Sangster's cause of death is unknown. Sangster was born June 4, 1983, on a Jacksonville, North ...
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PASSAGES Gay business owner/nightlife figure Bob Yeaworth dies
Gay business owner and promoter Robert "Bob" Yeaworth died Sept. 14 from complications due to his ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) diagnosis. He was 64. Yeaworth was born Sept. 17, 1955 in Cincinnati, Ohio, ...
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PHOTOGRAPHY Lisa A. Frank talks career, inspirations, Springboard Arts Chicago installation
Fifteen years ago, Lisa A. Frank's professional world changed forever when she was fired from a job designing textiles for Ralph Lauren. The very next day, Frank went out and bought a digital camera and "never ...
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SHOWBIZ Disco fundraiser, drag queen dies, Randy Rainbow, Outfest's tribute
Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Patti LaBelle, Nile Rodgers and Kathy Sledge, and Marti Gould Cummings are slated to perform at a virtual Studio 54-themed event/fundraiser for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research on Tuesday, Sept. 15, ...
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PASSAGES Medusa's owner Dave Shelton passes away
Dave Shelton, a.k.a. Dave "Medusa" Shelton—so named for his trademark frizzy locks— "just was different," recalled his good friend of 45 years, Richard Cooke. Shelton was the proprietor of the iconic nightspot Medusa's on Sheffield in ...
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Gerber/Hart fall benefit Sept. 12-13
The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives fall benefit—"Saving LGBTQ History: Archives in a Time of Activism"—will take place Sept. 12-13 at the venue, 6500 N. Clark St. On those days, there will be a series of 90-minute ...
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Holocaust Museum's virtual soiree Sept. 2
On Wed., Sept. 2, Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's Women's Leadership Committee will host its annual soirée virtually. The event will stream live from a studio with a star-studded line-up featuring a musical performance by ...
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Virtual OPALGA+ scholarship gala slated for Oct. 24
OPALGA+/Oak Park Area Lesbian & Gay Association will hold a virtual scholarship gala Saturday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. The event will feature video clips from the organization's scholarship winners, the Founder's Award celebration and opportunities ...
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Documentary about Miss Continental pageant released
Independent nonprofit filmmakers The Reporters Inc. have released The Queens—a feature-length documentary celebrating the transgender women of the internationally revered Miss Continental female impersonator pageant. Nearly a decade in the ...
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SHOWBIZ John Waters, Billy Eichner, 'Trans & Nonbinary Kids Mix,' RuPaul
Gay filmmaker John Waters (Serial Mom; Hairspray) is the latest face of the French fashion brand Saint Laurent, Out.com noted. He appears in a suit from the brand with black shades, shot by David Sims. "My ...
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'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' winner revealed
On July 24, top three finalists Jujubee, Miz Cracker and Shea Coulee competed in a three-way lip sync for their legacy and the "All Stars" crown during the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Coulee ...
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La Cage aux FUN, opening weekend at A-ville's The Bird Cage
Photos by Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG RuPaul's Drag Race' winner Jaida revs up for a drive-in performance
Jaida Essence Hall (real name: Jared Johnson) won the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. America's current drag superstar is from Milwaukee and began performing in the early 2010s. Her drag family includes mothers Tajma Hall ...
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Survey open for potential Boystown name change
Northalsted Business Alliance is asking for the public to weigh in on the "Boystown" moniker. The Alliance has published a survey asking community members' opinions on the Lake View neighborhood, which was officially designated an "LGBTQ+ ...
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Last call for Little Jim's
Longtime Lake View tavern Little Jim's shut its doors July 2. Billing itself as "the original hookup bar," Jim Gates opened Little Jim's in 1975, and it was one of the first gay bars in the Boystown area. Gates sold the ...
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COVID-19
Replay closes July 5-6 after employee tests positive
The restaurant Replay Andersonville, 5358 N. Clark St., is closing July 5-6 after owner Mark Liberson posted on Facebook that an employee tested positive for COVID-19. On July 5, Liberson posted, "While this post is not ...
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Pride Fest Chicago goes virtual
Chicago's beloved annual Pride Fest made the move to Twitch for a special Virtual Pride Fest, presented by Northalsted Business Alliance and Gilead Sciences. The virtual fest streamed on the platform over two nights, Saturday, June ...
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TELEVISION Dashaun Wesley spills the tea on HBO Max's 'Legendary'
"Ladies, gentlemen and genderqueers" exclaims Dashaun Wesley as host and emcee for the new ballroom culture reality-competition show Legendary, on HBO Max. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, he came out at 14 and visited Christopher Street ...
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NUNN ON ONE Miss Lawrence talks new song, activism and Lee Daniels
Reality-show personality Miss Lawrence has built a diverse career in acting, singing and activism. Growing up in Atlanta, Lawrence pursued hairstyling, which led to owning salons where celebrities such as Bravo's The Real Housewives of Atlanta ...
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Drag performer dropped by nightclubs after racism allegations
By Matt Simonette Drag performer and entertainment producer T Rex has been dropped from their ongoing engagements at Roscoe's and Berlin nightclubs after allegations of racism. Roscoe's published on its Facebook page June 22 that it ...
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BOOKS Photographer focuses on 'The People of the Pride Parade'
Alyssa Blumstein captured a celebratory photography book The People of the Pride Parade, which was released in honor of the Pride Parade's 50th anniversary. The images highlight the joyful moments through a collection of marches and ...
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'Chicago Is a [Digital] Drag Festival' June 30
The Chicago Is a [Digital] Drag Festival—a Brave Space Alliance fundraiser, with Shea Coulee hosting—will take place Tuesday, June 30, at 8 p.m. CT. Just a few of the personalities slated to appear/perform are The Vixen, ...
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Equality Illinois hosts statewide Pride Month virtual event
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Equality Illinois held a "Can't Stop Our Pride: One Day, One Illinois" afternoon-long virtual Pride month event June 20. Equality Illinois Institute Board Chair Butch Trusty and Miss Trans Illinois ...
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PASSAGES Nightlife figure Cody Laughlin dies at 26
Lucky Horseshoe Lounge dancer Cody Laughlin died June 15 at his home. The cause of death is currently unknown. He was 26. Laughlin was born Dec. 30, 1993, in Chicago and graduated early from Northside College ...
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Elk Grove Village LGBTQ bar bought for $1.35M
The owner of Chicago's Admiral Theatre is selling the shuttered Phoenix Bar & Nightclub for $1.35 million to Elk Grove Village, which plans to demolish the LGBTQ bar and hold on to the land for future ...
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Drag activists align with Black Lives Matter in Boystown protest
"Make no mistake, the is not a f***king parade."—Rally organizer Jo MaMa at the start of the Drag March for Change Rally On June 14, a coalition of local drag performers and LGBTQ activists led a ...
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'Plenty O'Cookies' benefit/class June 25
On Thursday, June 25, 7-8 p.m., La Casa Norte's (LCN's) Next Generation Board will host the Zoom event "Plenty O'Cookies for a Cause," featuring drag personality Plenty O'Smiles. O'Smiles will guide bakers as they make and ...
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Equality Illinois hosting 'Can't Stop Our Pride' June 20
On Saturday, June 20, 12-5 p.m., Equality Illinois will host the virtual event "Can't Stop Our Pride" to help fund the organization's ongoing advocacy. Tickets are $25 each to receive the private broadcast link. Addition, people ...
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'Dine Out on Broadway' June 12-14, 19-21
Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce announced "Dine Out on Broadway," one of Chicago's first street closures open for outdoor dining and is part of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's "Make Way for Dining" pilot program. Thirty restaurants and ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG Miz Cracker on being an 'All Star' and using karate
Drag personality Miz Cracker drove into the spotlight by placing fifth on the 10th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. The race continues with the recent announcement that Cracker is a contestant on the fifth season of ...
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Nini's closes after posting racist, anti-gay messages
Nini's Deli—a fast-casual restaurant that served Cuban-inspired breakfast sandwiches with ropa vieja and empanadas, at 543 N. Noble St.—has permanently closed after crowds gathered over the weekend to protest a ...
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Andersonville at Home online event and fundraiser to replace Midsommarfest
CHICAGO (June 5, 2020): In light of the City of Chicago's recent announcement to issue no special events permits through Labor Day 2020, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has officially canceled ...
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'Drag March for Change' June 14
The "Drag March for Change" is slated to take place Sunday, June 14, 5-7 p.m., starting from the corner of Halsted Street and Belmont Avenue, 800 W. Belmont Ave. Participants will lead a peaceful (non-violent) protest ...
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Activists protest Spyners Pub over owner's racist post, past comments
Over 100 Spyners Pub patrons and community members gathered June 4 in front of the pub, 4623 N. Western Ave., to protest against owner and general manager Maureen Sullivan's racist Facebook posts and past racist comments ...
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Spyners Pub owner posts racist screed on Facebook, apologizes later
Amidst almost a week of protests in support of #BlackLivesMatter in Chicago and other locations across the United States, Spyners Pub owner/general manager Maureen Sullivan posted a racist screed on Facebook that has since been deleted. ...
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Jeff Awards Nominee Night cabaret concert online June 1
The Non-Equity Jeff Awards Nominee Night concert, a version of the annual event at Sidetrack to showcase Jeff Award nominees, will be broadcast without charge Monday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VZs3TQGefc . The annual ...
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Summer weather draws crowds, and criticism, to Andersonville
Numerous Chicagoans emerged from isolation over Memorial Day weekend looking to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather. Many residents and visitors in Andersonville reportedly did not practice social-distancing guidelines, eschewing ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG Miz Cracker on being an 'All Star' and using karate
Drag personality Miz Cracker drove into the spotlight by placing fifth on the 10th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. The race continues with the recent announcement that Cracker is a contestant on the fifth season of ...
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NATIONAL 'Drag Fest,' eating disorders, journalist attacked, NCLR event
Political activist/New York City drag staple Marti Gould Cummings and The Only Productions announced the largest digital drag festival during Pride 2020, a press release noted. More than 100 performers are scheduled to appear during Pride ...
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IML officially cancelled for 2020
The annual International Mr. Leather (IML) global convention—pushed back from its usual Memorial Day weekend to Sept. 25-27 because of the coronavirus pandemic—has been officially cancelled for 2020. On the ...
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Affinity to mark 25th anniversary virtually
Co-chairs and the Affinity Community Services board of directors recently announced that Affinity's 25th-anniversary event will be a virtual experience taking place the weekend of Oct. 9-11, with the centerpiece event on Saturday, Oct. 10. Co-chairs ...
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Chicago Pride Fest going virtual
Chicago Pride Fest will mark its 20th year with a virtual festival format. On June 20-21, the Northalsted Business Alliance will bring Boystown to the world with a streaming Chicago Pride Fest celebrating the love, life ...
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'Andersonville at Home' virtual event June 12
In light of the City of Chicago's recent announcement to issue no special events permits through Labor Day 2020, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) has officially canceled the postponement of Midsommarfest ...
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VIRTUAL VIBES LGBTQ bar events online
Support your favorite LGBTQ bar events online. Physical distancing, social togetherness. Virtual Music Monday-Show Tunes Trivia Join Sidetrack Monday, May 18, at 8 p.m., for a Sidetrack Show Tunes Trivia experience with your Facilitator of Fun, ...
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2Bears Tavern Group prepares community meals
When you're here, you're family ... Twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays, the staff of 2Bears Tavern Group distributes community meals at Meeting House Tavern, 5025 N. Clark St., 2-6 p.m. The effort began immediately after ...
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NUNN ON ONE DRAG Eureka O' Hara,'Here' and now
Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, David Huggard transformed into drag personality Eureka O'Hara and began performing in the local gay club called New Beginnings. Competing in the pageant system around town prepared them for a future ...
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Market Days postponed to Labor Day weekend
The Northalsted Business Alliance is rescheduling Northalsted Market Days, originally slated to take place Aug. 8-9, to Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 5-6, in combination with Chicago's PrideFest celebration. Festival Chairperson ...
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IML plans updated
UPDATE: Please see http://www.windycitytimes.com/lgbt/IML-cancelled/68601.html . After being postponed because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the annual International Mr. Leather (IML) global convention will take place Sept. 24-27 ...
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VIRTUAL VIBES
Support your favorite LGBTQ bar events online. Physical distancing, social togetherness. Virtual Men's Room Wednesday Insta Live Sidetrack brings the men right to you. How's that for service?! Check-in with Team Sidetrack ...
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Midsommarfest moved to August
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) will postpone the 55th annual Andersonville Midsommarfest, originally scheduled for June 12-14, to the weekend of Aug. 21-23. This decision was made with consideration in light ...
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About Face Theatre's Wonka Ball and Laced production postponed
Video below
CHICAGO (April 1, 2020)— About Face Theatre today announced the postponement of its annual benefit gala and its planned production of LACED, which was set to begin performances on May 13. WONKA BALL: SILVER & GOLD, ...
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NATIONAL Lesbian bishop, iconic activist dies, military lawsuit, drag legend passes
Rev. Bonnie Perry was recently ordained as the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan—beconing the first woman and openly gay person to hold the position, ClickOnDetroit.com noted. "Jesus said almost nothing about homosexuality," Perry ...
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SHOWBIZ Troye Sivan, Digital Drag Fest,'Killing Eve,' rapper comes out, 'Star Trek'
On March 22, singer Troye Sivan revealed that his brand new single, "Take Yourself Home," would be officially coming out on April 1, Billboard.com noted. Alongside his announcement, Sivan also appeared to give fans a quick ...
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COVID-19: LGBT Chicagoans weather pandemic's economic storm
Millions of U.S. residents will face uncertain financial futures as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds. Nearly 3.3 million people filed new unemployment claims the week of March 23, while economic activity has ground to a virtual halt ...
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Fundraisers online for workers sidelined by Chicago bar closings
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker has ordered the closing of all bars and restaurants for dine-in business at least through the end of April. This is a necessary action to stem ...
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IML postponed due to coronavirus
Organizers of the annual International Mr. Leather (IML) celebration announced the morning of March 19 that the annual event—normally held each Memorial Day weekend—has been postponed because of the coronavirus ...
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'Chicago Is A Drag Festival' on June 26
A Queer Pride's Chicago Is A Drag Festival (CIADF)—being promoted as the first-ever outdoor festival in Chicago that showcases an intersectional look into its drag culture and scene—is slated to take place Friday, June 26, at ...
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LGBT nightclubs prepare for mandated weeks-long closings
Please see the full story at http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/LGBT-nightclubs-prepare-for-weeks-long-closings/68186.html . ...
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LGBT nightclubs prepare for weeks-long closings
Chicago-area nightclubs and restaurants, along with all food-and-beverage hospitality businesses in Illinois, received the order from state authorities the afternoon of March 15 to cease operations at the close of business the following day. The mandate ...
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'OUTspoken' at BAC on April 10
The Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W. 111th St., will present an evening with LGBTQIA storytelling collective OUTspoken on Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. Chicago-based comedian Elizabeth Gomez will host the event, which will feature ...
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Pride in the Park Chicago to expand to two days, June 27-28) UPDATE: CANCELED
CHICAGO—March 2020—Pride in the Park Chicago today announced the return to Grant Park in downtown Chicago, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28. Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, Pride in the Park ...
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Leather64TEN Presents Kurt Allen Outstanding Community Service Award 2020
On Saturday, March 14, Leather64TEN will present the very first Kurt Allen Outstanding Community Service Award to Gerald "Daddy G" Cernak. The event will take place 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Jackhammer Bar, 6406 N. Clark St. ...
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NIGHTLIFE The Sofo Tap
Seeing red at Otter: Lumbersexual. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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NIGHTLIFE SIDETRACK Circuit Mom
A fat and happy Tuesday at Circuit Mom's Mardi Gras takeover. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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SHOWBIZ Disney first, queer band, awards events, Aretha, 'Drag Race'
Months after The Rise of Skywalker featured the first same-sex kiss in the Star Wars galaxy, the new animated film Onward introduces the first self-identified lesbian character into the Disney-Pixar universe, Yahoo! noted. Her name is ...
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PHOTOS Jackhammer
No one does it harder than Joe Whitaker's FuKr party. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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PHOTOS Sidetrack
Feeling the love of Sidetrack's Valentine's Day party. Joseph Stevens Photography ...
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ShOWBIZ 'Drag Race' judges, Dwyane Wade, 'Porgy,' Of Montreal, Cirque du Soleil
RuPaul Drag Race's season-12 guest judges consist of film, music, television, fashion and political figures such as Nicki Minaj, Whoopi Goldberg, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Chaka Khan, Robyn, Leslie Jones, Normani, Jeff ...
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March 7 fundraiser set for Elgin's first Pride Parade and Festival
Organizers of the first Elgin Pride Parade and Festival will be holding a benefit for the summer event on Saturday, March 7. The Big Queer Variety Show and Fundraiser takes place at The Martini Room, 161 ...
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