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FILM 'The Adventures of Priscilla' to show nationwide on June 2
Iconic Events Releasing will kick off Pride Month with a special nationwide rerelease of MGM's classic 1994 Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Screenings will take place in select theaters nationwide on ...
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'Queen of the Universe' winner Grag Queen in Chicago on June 3 and 19
Grag Queen—the Brazilian drag queen who won the reality-competition show Queen of the Universe, and who just released her first English-language single, "You Betta"—will be in Chicago twice next month. ...
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Chicago part of Taco Bell Drag Brunch tour
Starting next month, Taco Bell is launching the Taco Bell Drag Bruncha five-stop restaurant tour that aims to celebrate drag culture and the LGBTQ+ community, Food and Wine noted. Taking place at five Taco Bell Cantina ...
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Dance Divas return to Baton July 31 and Aug. 1
-- From a press release
Showcasing Chicago dancers in a night of music, dance, and laughter, Chicago Dancers United presents Dance Divas 2022, a party and performance Sunday, July 31 at 6 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 1, at 7 and 9 p.m. at the Baton Show Lounge ...
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THEATER Otherworld hosting sci-fi drag fantasy cabaret 'Hyperfantasia' on May 11
Otherworld Theatre Company, 3914 N. Clark St., has announced a special one-night-only performance of the sci-fi fantasy drag cabaret show Hyperfantasia, to be staged Wed., May 11. Employing original music ...
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Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project showcases 'History of Milwaukee Drag' starting June 27
-- From a press release
Milwaukee, WI. - A History of Milwaukee Drag: Seven Generations of Glamour, by local historians Michail Takach and BJ Daniels, will be released Monday, June 27 by The History Press. For nearly 150 years, Milwaukee has ...
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FILM/TV New 'Drag Race All Stars' to only feature previous winners
In a watershed moment in "RuPaul's Drag Race" history (or herstory), all eight returning queens on season seven of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars have won previous seasons of "Drag Race" or "All Stars," Variety noted. ...
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'RuPaul's Drag Race British Invasion' show in Chicago on May 21
The queens of RuPaul's Drag Race UK are coming to the United States this May for a week of live shows in six major cities. Produced by Voss Events and World of Wonder, RuPaul's Drag Race British Invasion will launch May ...
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LGBTQIA+-focused talent group launches in Orlando, Chicago and Miami
Orlando-based experiential marketing company, 82 South, Inc., has launched MODE (Made on Diversity and Equality) Talent Group this month to promote LGBTQIA+ and other underrepresented talent for bookings in fashion ...
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BenDeLaCreme talks about new tour, 'Drag Race'
Drag artist BenDeLaCreme is racing back into Chicago for a solo tour after postponing due to the COVID pandemic. The openly gay RuPaul's Drag Race All-Star is bringing "BenDeLaCreme is…Ready to be Committed" to Thalia Hall ...
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'Werq the World Tour' at Rosemont July 23 and at Hard Rock Aug. 12
The "RuPaul's Drag Race Werq the World Tour" will stop at the Rosemont Theater on Saturday, July 23, and the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on Friday, Aug. 12. ...
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WORLD Singapore ruling, journalist killed, Ukraine items, 'Flee'
Singapore's highest court dismissed a challenge by three LGBTQ+-rights activists against a law criminalizing sex between men ruling that since authorities did not enforce the law, it did not breach plaintiffs' ...
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Hell in a Handbag Productions presents 'The Drag Seed'
-- From a press release
CHICAGO (February 25, 2022) — Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 20th anniversary season with a revival of its popular comedy The Drag Seed, an unauthorized parody of the 1956 psychological horror-thriller ...
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Drag figure Edie coming to Davenport's on March 4
Best known for her role as the emcee in Cirque du Soleil's long-running hit show Zumanity, at the NY-NY Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Edie will be performing at Chicago venue Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee ...
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Ginger Minj paints on 'A Little More Mascara' in La Cage aux Folles
Joshua Allen Eads took the world by storm as drag artist Ginger Minj on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race. After being the runner-up for that season, Minj returned to the franchise for the second ...
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FireLake Drag Champagne Brunch on Feb. 27
Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel spot FireLake, 221 N. Columbus Dr., will host the Drag Champagne Brunch on Sunday, Feb. 27, now at 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Attendees can sip on mimosas and dine on brunch delicacies while dancing along to ...
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Artifact Events hosting Feb. 26 Golden Girls-themed drag brunch
In remembrance of the late and great Betty White, Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave., will host a Golden Girls-themed Drag Brunch on Saturday, Feb. 26. Attendees can enjoy bottomless mimosas, musical drag performances, sketches, photo ...
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PASSAGES Jeffrey Wayne ("Jef") Morgan
Jeffrey Wayne "Jef" Morgan, of Chicago's West Rogers Park neighborhood, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack while shoveling snow on Jan. 2. He was 58. Jef was the well-loved manager at Little Jim's on ...
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SHOWBIZ Kennedy Center, drag series, Bjork, awards, Wil Wheaton
Returning to the Kennedy Center Opera House with an audience for the first time since 2019, the 44th Kennedy Center Honors ceremony recently honored a music-heavy class of Bette Midler, Joni Mitchell, Motown founder Berry Gordy ...
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Kit Kat Lounge hosting Kamayan feast Oct. 24
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club, 3700 N. Halsted St., in honor of Filipino American History Month, will host a special "diva-infused" Kamayan feast featuring Chef Jordan Andino on Sunday, Oct. 24. Andino is the creative ...
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DRAG Utica Queen finds a home in Chicago
Ethan Mundt rose to fame as Utica Queen in season 13 of the Emmy-winning show RuPaul's Drag Race. Ultimately placing sixth in the competition, this young, gay 25-year-old showed creativity and personality. Mundt's latest project, Homecoming ...
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Urban Village Church hosting drag worship service, Pride prom Oct. 10
On Sunday, Oct. 10, Urban Village Church (UVC) will host a drag worship service at its Wicker Park site, 1012 N. Noble St. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. (CST) with performances from local drag artists, including ...
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'Andersonville Homecoming' Sept. 24-26; line-up, vendors, safety protocols announced
--From a press release
CHICAGO (Sept. 15, 2021) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce the full entertainment line-up and vendors for Andersonville Homecoming--a three-night, two-day outdoor festival featuring ...
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TELEVISION 'Drag Race,' 'Queer Eye,' 'Pose' among Creative Emmy winners
Three 2021 Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies took place Sept. 11-12 and Netflix's The Queen's Gambit led the way with nine wins going into next weekend's Primetime Emmys, Deadline reported. LGBTQ+ individuals and shows also scored se ...
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Next OUTspoken show Sept. 7
An OUTspoken Storytelling Night taking place Tuesday, Sept. 7, will offer tales told by six people who will relate their stories of fun and fortune from a LGBTQ+ perspective. The entertainment will start at 7 p.m. ...
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Lips Drag Queen Show Palace celebrates two years with grand reopening
--From a press release
CHICAGO Lips, the ultimate in drag dining, today announced they will celebrate two years on Chicago's iconic Motor Row with reimagined performances, a new show night and a dynamic new cast to deliver its one-of-a-kind ...
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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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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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LGBTQIA+ tavern to open in Uptown this fall
2Bears Tavern Groupwhich owns and operates Andersonville's The SoFo Tap and Meeting House Tavern as well as Rogers Park's Jackhammeris opening 2Bears Tavern Uptown in the former Nick's on Wilson space at 1140 W. Wilson Ave. ...
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Mercury Theater Chicago open house July 10-11; Honey West new Venus Cabaret director
--From a press release
Chicago (June 14, 2021)— Mercury Theater Chicago will celebrate its reopening plans at an Open House at the Venus Cabaret, 3745 N. Southport Ave, on July 10 and 11, 2021. The Open House will be a ...
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'Drag March for Change' on June 13
The second annual Drag March for Change will take place Sunday, June 13. The event will kick off on the corner of Belmont Avenue and Halsted Street (in Boystown/Northalsted) at 1 p.m. Last year, a coalition ...
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Temple Beth-El to offer 'Drag Queen Story Time' on June 5
Temple Beth-El, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Northbrook, will hold "Drag Queen Story Time" on Saturday, June 5, 4-4:45 p.m., on Zoom. The all-ages event will feature Merriam Levkowitz, described on a flyer as "Chicago's premier ...
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Pride Parade coordinator provides latest on the 'likely scenario' for event
Tim Frye, the coordinator of the 2021 Pride Parade, told Windy City Times that the assessment of this year's event has not changed over the last few weeks. The official statement/assessment at this point is: "We ...
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'Drag Race' finalists GottMik, Rose to perform
in Chicago on May 28-30
Voss Events announced that RuPaul's Drag Race finalists GottMik and Rose are joining the cast of the springtime edition of outdoor-concert series Drive 'N Drag Saves 2021. The tour stops by Chicago's Soldier Field on May ...
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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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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" Sheltonso 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 Queensa 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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Petition urges Boystown name change
An online petition launched late in June is demanding that the "Boystown" neighborhood designation be changed to a term that is more inclusive of the entire LGBTQ community. The petitionwhich is on Change.org and was authored ...
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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 Festivala Brave Space Alliance fundraiser, with Shea Coulee hostingwill 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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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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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 Delia 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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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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