—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 First Amendment rights, according to ClickOrlando.com . The law in question, SB 1438, Protection of Children, penalizes venues that allow children to an "adult live performance" by suspending or revoking their business licenses.
A branch of the casual spot used to be in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood; the closest one now is in Milwaukee. Neither Illinois nor Wisconsin has an anti-drag law on the books.
—And yet another local spot is doing something in connection with Taylor Swift's upcoming performances in Chicago. Offshore Rooftop, at Navy Pier, will host a themed drag show and brunch buffet on Sunday, June 4, with shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The "In My Swiftie Era" Drag Brunch will feature top drag queens from the Chicago area, including Utica from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 13, Miss Toto, Mimi Marks and Bella DeBalle. Tickets are available here.
—Product spotlight: With Pride Month coming up (and with IML just being in Chicago), there's probably no better time to feature Tom of Finland vodka.
Named for the artist who created the gay leather iconography that represented an entire LGBTQ+ subculture and was adopted by Freddie Mercury, George Michael and Karl Lagerfeld, Tom of Finland Organic Vodka is distilled at Lignell & Piispanen, the oldest distillery in Finland, from 95% wheat and 5% rye, with water from the surrounding Arctic region. And I have to add, it's pretty smooth.
The vodka's suggested retail price is $34.99; it's available at retail nationwide, on Drizly and online through the importer Wolf Spirit.
—Six women chefs have joined together to raise money to benefit the non-profit International Society for Better Health (ISBHA) for its school and food security programs.
Tigist Reda, chef/owner of Demera Ethiopian Restaurant; Christine Cikowski, chef/owner of Honey Butter Fried Chicken; Diana Dávila, chef/owner of Mi Tocaya; Sandra Holl, chef/owner of Floriole Cafe & Bakery; Sandra Pak, chef/owner of Thattu; and Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe will host the benefit "A Night of Hope" on Sunday, June 11, 4-8 p.m., at Guild Row, 3130 N. Rockwell St.
The cost to attend is $75—bu those who cannot attend can still contribute. To purchase tickets and make donations, visit https://givebutter.com/twUHkD.
Find more news items at future3733.substack.com .
