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Yucatan adventures--with an LGBTQ+ twist--await in Mexico
The Yucatan region lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in southeastern Mexico. It is home to the states of Campeche and Quintana Roo, and features a variety of destinations appealing to LGBTQ+ ...
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Filmmaker Peter Jones tells an 'International Male Story'
Out and proud Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jones has a new project that will resonate with many gay men. All Man: The International Male Story is a documentary covering the popular mail-order catalog and ...
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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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Federal judge rejects Tennessee's anti-drag law
U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker—who was appointed by former President Donald Trump—ruled that Tennessee's anti-drag show law is unconstitutional, per NPR. Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater company Friends of George's filed a ...
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U.S. Navy takes down Pride posts
The U.S. Navy took down posts celebrating the start of Pride Month from its official Instagram and Twitter accounts, according to The Hill. The service's Instagram account, on June 1, featured a post depicting a fighter ...
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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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New doc 'Mama Bears' follows Christian mothers who fiercely advocate for their LGBTQ+ children
--From a press release. Video below
(San Francisco, CA) March 17, 2023 — Spread across the country and connected through private Facebook support groups, a network of women call themselves "mama bears," because of the ferocity with which they fight for the ...
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Chicago Independent Media Alliance launches fundraising campaign for independent media outlets
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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GALECA reveals winners of inaugural Dorian Theater Awards
--From a press release
Thursday June 1, 2023 - The 35 members of GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics' theater wing announced the winners and finalists of its inaugural Dorian Theater Awards, honoring the best in Broadway and Off-Broadway ...
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WORLD Global survey, Turkey, Russians in Argentina, trans-rights activist
A new survey showed that nearly one in 10 adults across 30 countries identify as LGBTQ, according to NBC News. Age and geographic location played primary roles in the findings, with younger respondents and those in ...
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NATIONAL North Carolina, 'Pride Heroes,' school news, gay publication folds, Iowa
Video below
The Campaign for Southern Equality (CSE) and Campus Pride released a report focused on the life, school, and health experiences of LGBTQ+ people in North Carolina. The report's release comes as the North Carolina General Assembly ...
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SHOWBIZ Romance films, Megan Thee Stallion, Keith Haring, Cher, George Maharis
Video below
Instinct published an article on five gay romance films that the writers feel are especially emotional. They include the 2022 British film In From the Side, about two gay rugby players; the 2019 production Monsoon, starring ...
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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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Alabama bans trans women, girls from sports at public colleges
Alabama has prohibited transgender women and girls from female sports teams in public colleges and universities, The Advocate reported. Republican Gov. Kay Ivey signed House Bill 261 into law on May 30. The state has had ...
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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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Second Japanese court finds marriage equality ban unconstitutional
On May 30 in Japan, the Nagoya District Court ruled that prohibiting same-sex marriage was unconstitutional—a decision activists welcomed as a step toward marriage equality, Reuters reported. Japan is the only Group of Seven (G-7) nation ...
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HRC president calls on business community to reject coordinated, extremist anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
--From a press release
WASHINGTON - Earlier today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy organization, in partnership with over 100 LGBTQ+ and allied organizations, renewed its call for Target and the business community t ...
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More than 100 pro-LGBTQ+ groups, allies urge Target and business community to reject anti-LGBTQ+ attacks
--From a press release
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, GLSEN, Family Equality, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights and National Black Justice Coalition, in partnership with more ...
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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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Strict Ugandan anti-LGBTQ+ bills signed into law
Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has signed some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, according to CNN. The bill includes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality," which includes sex with a minor, having sex while ...
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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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Billy Masters: 'Vegas loves Manilow' and Mary's sues Florida
"I always go back to Divine. Also I was always a big fan of Varla. There's such a wink and a poke." —Melissa McCarthy, who plays Ursula in the live-action film "The Little Mermaid", talks about ...
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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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British Cycling to ban trans competitors from female category
After a nine-month investigation and review, British Cycling will ban transgender women from the female category in a change that will be implemented by the end of the year, the BBC reported. Under a new policy ...
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SHOWBIZ Warhol, Sarah Paulson, upcoming books, Rufus Wainwright, Elliot Page
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled seven to two that the late artist Andy Warhol wasn't allowed to use a photographer's portrait of Prince for a series of pop-art images, per The Hollywood Reporter. Associate Justice Sonia ...
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NATIONAL Google Doodle, drag laureate, Nebraska bill, NYC AIDS Walk
D.C. poet/activist/journalist Ivy Young passed away at age 75, per a press release. Among other things, Young worked at Chicago's VISTA; the Center for Black Education and Drum and Spear Book Store in D.C.; the ...
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WORLD Japanese bill, 'HRC Equidad CL,' center closes, UN expert, amFAR gala
LGBTQ+-rights activists criticized a new bill submitted to the Diet (Japan's national legislature) aimed at "promoting understanding" of equality issues as a "meaningless gesture," Japan Today noted. Japan's coalition government ...
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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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Leading LGBTQ+ groups raise alarm to business community on coordinated anti-LGBTQ+ attacks; call on Target to lead
--From a press release
Organizations calling on Target and all businesses to stand up against anti-LGBTQ2S+ extremism in statement below: Family Equality, GLAAD, GLSEN, The Human Rights Campaign, National Center For Lesbian Rights, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Black J ...
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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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Louisiana Senate committee kills anti-trans bill aimed at minors
The Louisiana Senate Health & Welfare Committee has stopped an anti-trans bill aimed at minors, WBRZ News 2 in Baton Rouge has reported. Republican committee chairman Fred Mills joined Democrats on May 24 to kill Louisiana House Bill 648—a bill tha ...
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Louisiana Senate Health & Welfare Committee kills bans on gender affirming care, HRC responds
--From a press release
Baton Rouge, Louisiana — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, thanks members of the Louisiana Senate Health ...
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Dr. Petros Levounis takes office as American Psychiatric Association president
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2023 — Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., an internationally renowned addiction expert and advocate of LBGTQ+ mental health, began his term as president of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) at the 2023 APA ...
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HRC condemns Ohio state senate for passing education censorship bill
--From a press release
Columbus, Ohio — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — condemned the Ohio State Senate for passing ...
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Openly gay experimental artist/filmmaker Kenneth Anger dies at 96
Experimental filmmaker and artist Kenneth Anger has died at age 96. According to Variety, his gallery—Sprueth Magers, operated by Monika Spruth and Philomene Magers—confirmed the news on their website, writing ...
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Target removes some Pride merchandise after receiving threats
Ahead of Pride Month (June), Target is pulling some of its LGBTQ+ merchandise after facing "threats" and backlash from customers, Politico reported. Target's website features hundreds of items as part of its Pride Collection but will ...
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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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GLAAD, Equality Florida release resource of DeSantis' record of anti-LGBTQ+ info, actions
--From a press release
(Tuesday, May 23, 2023) GLAAD and Equality Florida released the LGBTQ record of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, an ongoing documentation of DeSantis' policies and rhetoric targeting LGBTQ people and issues. Read the DeSantis LGBTQ record on ...
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San Francisco's Harvey Milk School celebrates birthday of its namesake
Students at the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy in San Francisco's LGBTQ Castro neighborhood took to the streets Monday, May 22, and marched on Harvey Milk Day. The day of special significance in California honors the ...
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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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Dodgers re-invite LGBTQ+ group
The Los Angeles Dodgers apologized to the L.A. order of the LGBTQ+ drag group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence about a week after announcing the group was uninvited to the team's annual Pride Night on June 16—and ...
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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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Sodomy laws repealed in Minnesota and Maryland
Sodomy laws are no longer on the books in Minnesota and Maryland. According to The Los Angeles Blade, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed a public-safety bill into law on May 19 that repeals several anti-LGBTQ+ sections ...
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Billy Masters: And Anderson doesn't makes three
"We could have some good threesomes, me and Anderson." —Andy Cohen's response to Sherri Shepherd's question about his sex life, threesomes, and why he doesn't just date Anderson Cooper. Andy quickly added, "Because, by the way—excuse ...
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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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NATIONAL DHS violence report, queer Democratic club, trans influencer dies, vigil, GLSEN Awards
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that threats of violence against the LGBTQ+ community are increasing—and intensifying, according to ABC News. "These issues include actions linked to drag-themed events ...
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