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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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WORLD Spain, South Korea festival, Eurovision, marriage items, Sri Lanka
Spain became the latest country to join a U.S. initiative that seeks to promote LGBTQI+ rights around the world, The Washington Blade reported. "Promoting and protecting the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ...
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PASSAGES Chicago cultural and music advocate, poet, educator Diane Gomez
Chicago cultural and music advocate, poet and educator Diane Gomez died May 5 due to complications from cancer. She was 70. Gomez was born September 28, 1952, on the South Side of Chicago to a very ...
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PASSAGES Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer, former bar owner Marge Summit
Longtime LGBTQ+ activist and community organizer, icon and former owner of the now defunct His n' Hers bar Marge Summit died May 16. She was 87. Summit was born Sept. 3, 1935, on the North Side ...
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NCLR, GLAD, Trevor Project, coalition of groups support Biden administration's proposed Title IX Athletics Rule
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, DC — The National Center for Lesbian Rights, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), and The Trevor Project — along with the National Education Association and more than a dozen other organizations — have submitted ...
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Writer Sarah Gailey crosses paths with Black Cat for Marvel Voices: Pride #1
Publishing company Marvel Comics has been showing its true colors, with Marvel Voices: Pride #1 returning in 2023 for its third year in June. The comic book series features a wide range of out and proud ...
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Archdiocese of Chicago, Loyola offer spring retreat for LGBTQ+ community and families
--From a press release
The Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach of Chicago will partner with Loyola University Chicago's Institute of Pastoral Studies to host a four-part spring retreat for the LGBTQ+ community and their family members starting May 24, 2023. ...
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Griner scores 10 in first game since being held in Russia
Brittney Griner scored 10 points for the Phoenix Mercury as her team fell 90-71 to the Los Angeles Sparks on May 12. According to CNN, the WNBA preseason match-up was Griner's first competitive game since she ...
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FDA changes 40-year blood donation guidelines to focus on behavior, not orientation or identity; GLAAD responds
--From a press release
(New York, NY - Thursday, May 11, 2023) GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is responding to news that the FDA will allow more gay and bisexual men ...
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Clare Killman on Carbondale City Council is first trans person to serve on a city council in Illinois
--From a press release
A statement from Myles Brady Davis, Communications Director of Equality Illinois, the state's civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Illinoisans: "We are extremely excited by ...
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Louisiana House passes discriminatory education bill targeting LGBTQ+ youth, HRC responds
--From an Human Rights Campaign 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, condemns the Louisiana House for passing HB ...
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Lambda Legal to celebrate 50 years with Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration May 19
--From a press release
Lambda Legal's Bon Foster Civil Rights Celebration returns on Friday, May 19, 2023 at The Art Institute of Chicago. The event is named after Robert Bonvoulier "Bon" Foster, a Chicago attorney and civil rights leader who ...
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2023 Leppen Leadership Awards announced, event May 14
--From a press release
About Face Theatre has announced the return of the Leppen Leadership Awards. Now in the 28th season, About Face has been honoring community luminaries since 2001 with the Leppen Leadership Award, named for founding supporter and ...
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VIEWPOINT Telling the world about my mental health disorders
Over the years, coming out as a lesbian hasn't been that hard for me—because I was always too busy hiding something else. Confessing queerness can be a breeze compared to revealing mental illness. But I decline ...
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Artemis Singers presents June 10 "Better Times Will Come" Pride Concert and Dance
--From a press release
CHICAGO─Artemis Singers, Chicago's lesbian feminist chorus, will present "Better Times Will Come" Pride Concert & Dance, Saturday, June 10, at the Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. ...
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HRC celebrates Minnesota governor Tim Walz for signing statewide 'Conversion Therapy' ban into law
--From a press release
St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — celebrated Governor Tim Walz for ...
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NLGJA, Curve Foundation announce recipients of inaugural Curve Award for Excellence in Lesbian Coverage
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 27, 2023) — Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists and The Curve Foundation announced the recipients of the inaugural Curve Award for Excellence in Lesbian Coverage. ...
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Biden administration files lawsuit challenging Tennessee's ban on trans youth care, HRC responds
--From an HRC press release
WASHINGTON- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, applauded the Department of Justice's filing of a federal lawsuit ...
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PASSAGES: Retired Chicago Fire Department district chief, paramedic Pat Ciara
Retired Chicago Fire Department (CFD) district chief, paramedic and at one time the highest ranking out lesbian in the history of the CFD, Pat Ciara died April 19 of lung cancer in Lake Worth, Florida. She ...
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LA LGBT Center's gala raises $1M+; Leslie Jordan among those honored
On April 22, the Los Angeles LGBT Center raised more than $1 million to support its lifeline services and advocacy benefiting the LGBTQ+ community ...
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HRC applauds Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for vetoing extremist attacks on transgender lives
--From a press release
Topeka, KS - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for vetoing a total of four bills designe ...
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Lauren Verdich memorial May 20
Celebration of Life for longtime Chicagoan LGBTQ activist and business owner Lauren Verdich will be Saturday May 20, 2023, 12:30-4 p.m., University Club Chicago, 76 E. Monroe. Donations can be sent to Lambda Legal in Lauren's ...
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Artemis Singers to present 'Better Times Will Come'
--From a press release
Kick off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Artemis Singers' next concert, Better Times Will Come, a celebration of hopefulness after this long global slog of fear and separation. Enjoy an uplifting experience highlighting opportunities to create a ...
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HRC condemns Montana senate passage of dangerous health care bill, calls for Governor's veto
--From a press release
Helena, Montana — The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the Montana Senate for passing HB ...
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National LGBTQ+ legal groups condemn Missouri action barring healthcare for transgender people
--From NCLR press release
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has issued an Emergency Rule regarding the medical treatment of transgender people. Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the National Center for Lesbian ...
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HRC condemns North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum for signing two anti-trans sports bans
--From a press release
Bismarck, ND - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for signing ...
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New group hosts sober events for sapphic Chicagoans
Members of the LGBTQ+ community who do not drink alcohol are often frustrated that so many of our community's social events frequently have it so readily available and prominent. A new community group is dedicated to ...
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Brittney Griner memoir to be published in 2024
The book company Alfred A. Knopf will publish openly lesbian WNBA superstar Brittney Griner's as-yet-untitled memoir in the spring of 2024. According to Deadline, Griner will discuss the events of 2022 that both reshaped her life ...
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Lesbian-owned Taylor's Tacos opens shop on Chicago's Near West Side
In the world of brick-and-mortar businesses, Taylor's Tacos (1512 W. Taylor St.; https://www.taylorstacoschicago.com) is finally making its mark, as the place selling authentic street-style tacos with soulful twists is firmly ...
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HRC denounces Kansas legislature for overriding Gov. Kelly's veto of bill banning trans students from school sports
--From a press release
Topeka, KS - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned Kansas legislators for voting to override Governor ...
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Equality Illinois celebrates victories for trans representation in southern Illinois and Will County
--From a press release
A statement from Myles Brady Davis, Communications Director of Equality Illinois, the state's civil rights organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) Illinoisans: "We are extremely proud of ...
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Florida Senate passes extreme gender-affirming care ban
--From a press release
Tallahassee, Florida — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemns the Florida Senate for advancing Senate Bill ...
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Biden appoints Laura Ricketts to Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
President Joe Biden has appointed Laura Ricketts—the lesbian co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, board chair of Chicago Cubs Charities and board chair of LPAC, which works to elect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer women and ...
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Affinity renews Burning Bowl tradition
On the afternoon of March 19, Affinity Community Services held Burning Bowl 2023 Renewal: And Still We Rise at the Pavilion at the Dan Ryan Woods. ...
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Center on Halsted to Honor Sen. Tammy Baldwin April 15, Human First Gala at The Geraghty
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Center on Halsted is pleased to announce that its inaugural Trailblazer Award will be presented to Senator Tammy Baldwin at its annual Human First Gala being held the evening of Saturday, April 15, in ...
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Navratilova says she is cancer-free
Legendary tennis figure Martina Navratilova said she is now cancer-free—four months after announcing she had been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer, ESPN reported. "As far as they know I'm cancer-free," Navratilova told Piers Morgan for ...
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Protest held outside New Life Covenant Church over alleged anti-LGBTQ practices
Now-former New Life Covenant Church parishioner Rosaly Andino, who is a lesbian, and her allies gathered across the street from the church in the Humboldt Park neighborhood March 12 to protest alleged anti-LGBTQ practices by Pastor David Marrero. ...
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LPAC expands board of directors, building on successful 2023 midterms
--From a press release
Washington, DC — LPAC, the national political organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ women and nonbinary people to public office, announced today that Liz Culley and Janelle Perez have joined its Board of Directors. LPAC is the ...
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WORLD Kenyan group, Alan Emtage, trans anchor, Hershey campaign
The Kenyan Supreme Court allowed an LGBTQI+-rights group to register as a non-governmental organization, The Washington Blade reported. Ten years ago, Eric Gitari, the former executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission ...
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Lightfoot concedes but other LGBTQ+ candidates make inroads
Incumbent Lori Lightfoot, the city's first Black lesbian mayor, conceded defeat the evening of Feb. 28, after a tumultuous term and a difficult election season, where she competed against eight challengers for her post. "I stand ...
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Singer Zolita zips through Chicago on a whirlwind tour
Zoe Montana Hoetzel has evolved into the multidimensional artist known as Zolita while cultivating a massive following. Her personality is multifaceted as well. She identifies as a lesbian, an activist and a witch, but she's also ...
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Passages: Longtime activist Achebe (Betty) Powell passes away
Veteran social justice organizer and educator Achebe (Betty) Powell passed away Feb. 21, according to multiple reports. Powell died of COVID-19 related complications at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Brooklyn, according to a Feb. 22 statement ...
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HRC condemns North Dakota House for latest "Slate of Hate" targeting trans, non-binary people
--From a press release
Bismarck, ND - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, denounced members of the North Dakota House for ...
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Hidden History: Pamela Bannos brings the life of 19th-century lesbian photographer to new audiences
Few people outside of New York may know about 19th-century photographer Alice Austen (1866-1952)—but author/historian/Northwestern University professor Pamela Bannos wants to change that. Bannos recently completed a podcast series about ...
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At 'FIRST(ISH)' Sight: Producer Ashley Flowers speaks on 'honest' representation
Ashley Flowers—a producer, co-creator and actor in the short film First(ish) Date, now in pre-production—wears many creative hats. She also has an extensive resume working with stage and film props as well; Flowers has been working ...
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ILGA-Europe report: 2022 was the deadliest year for anti-LGBTI violence
ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association)-Europe's "Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia"— announced Feb. 20 in Brussels, Belgium—reveals ...
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NATIONAL Under secretary leaving, gay man killed, anti-trans moves, SF gay bar
Under Secretary Gina Ortiz Jones—the Air Force's second-highest ranking civilian—is stepping down on March 6, after a year and a half in the position, according to military.com. Jones was appointed by President Joe Biden as the ...
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PASSAGES: LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS activist, retired business owner Lauren Verdich
Longtime LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS activist and businesswoman Lauren Verdich died Feb. 12 of complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 77. Verdich was born Dec. 30, 1945, in Chicago. She grew up in the Albany Park neighborhood ...
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180+ journalists and NY Times contributors join HRC, GLAAD to call out biased coverage of trans people in Times coverage
--From a press release
(New York, NY — Feb. 15, 2023) — Today GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is joined by hundreds of journalists, organizations ...
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ELECTIONS 2023 Mayor Lori Lightfoot on LGBTQ+ issues, regrets and Tom Tunney
This is part of a series of interviews Windy City Times is running on LGBTQ+ candidates in the 2023 municipal elections taking place Feb. 28. In 2019, Lori Lightfoot became the 56th mayor of Chicago. What ...
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Pauli Murray becomes first Black queer person on U.S. currency
Pauli Murray (1910-85)—who was an LGBTQ+ human-rights activist, lawyer and Episcopal priest and who is the subject of the documentary My Name Is Pauli Murray—will soon be honored with a quarter of her own, USA Today ...
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LGBT poverty dropped to 17% during the COVID-19 pandemic
--From a press release
Economic well-being increased most among LGBT people of color and in households with children A new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds a dramatic decrease in the number of LGBT and ...
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On State of the Union eve, HRC highlights Biden-Harris record on LGBTQ+ equality, urges action
--From a press release
WASHINGTON — As President Biden prepares to deliver his second State of the Union address on Tuesday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender ...
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Lesbian Singles Over 45 event Feb. 11
--From a press release
Queer Ministries of Lincoln United Methodist Church (LUMC) is hosting the 1st Annual Lesbian Singles Event Over 45 on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.Lincoln United Methodist Church Community Center located a ...
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ELECTIONS 2023: Incumbent 49th Ward Ald. Maria Hadden talks accomplishments, second term goals
ELECTIONS 2023: Incumbent 49th Ward Ald. Maria Hadden discusses accomplishments, second term goals By Carrie Maxwell This is part of a series of interviews Windy City Times is running on LGBTQ+ candidates in the 2023 municipal ...
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ELECTIONS 2023: 49th Ward challenger Belia Rodriguez on why running, differences from incumbent
This is part of a series of interviews Windy City Times is running on LGBTQ+ candidates in the 2023 municipal elections taking place Feb. 28. Belia Rodriguez is a lifelong Chicagoan who attended Chicago Public Schools. ...
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HRC on end of Mpox Public Health Emergency: Today we enter a new phase in a continuing fight
--From a press release
WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization — marked the end of the Mpox Public ...
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ELECTIONS 2023 Jessie Fuentes: 26th Ward candidate talks mental health, LGBTQ+ Chicagoans
This is part of a series of interviews Windy City Times is running on LGBTQ+ candidates in the 2023 municipal elections taking place Feb. 28. The 2023 race to represent Chicago's 26th Ward—which includes parts of ...
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Lesbian named presiding judge of Cook County Circuit Court's Pretrial Division
--From a press release
CHICAGO (January 27) — The Hon. Mary C. Marubio has been named the acting presiding judge of the Pretrial Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans said. Marubio (who Windy ...
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Lesbian tennis player ends 23-year career
Australian tennis player Sam Stosur has called it a career after back-to-back losses at the Australian Open, Yahoo! Sport noted. Stosur—an out lesbian who played for 23 years—lost in the first round of the women's doubles ...
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Rogers Park's R Public House's door destroyed by homophobic vandal
The lesbian-owned restaurant and bar R Public House, 1508 W. Jarvis Ave., was targeted by a hammer-wielding man yelling anti-LGBTQ slurs at about 5:40 p.m. during happy hour on Monday, Jan. 16. Owners (and married couple) ...
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GLAAD announces nominees for 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
--From a press release. Video below
Jan. 18, 2023 - GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, today announced the nominees for the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. ...
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SHOWBIZ Indigo Girls, LGBTQ+ films, GALECA nods, Jeremy Pope
Indigo Girls will perform at an opening-night celebration for the Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 19 in Park City, Utah, Variety reported. The Grammy-winning lesbian folk-rock duo are debuting their new documentary, It's Only Life After All, ...
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Brittney Griner named 2022 Outsports Person of the Year
The LGBTQ+ sports website Outsports named WNBA star Brittney Griner as its 2022 Person of the Year. Some of the previous honorees include figure skater Adam Rippon, former NFL player Michael Sam, soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe ...
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Navratilova diagnosed with two types of cancer
Out lesbian tennis legend Martina Navratilova revealed on Jan. 2 that she has been diagnosed with throat cancer and breast cancer, ESPN reported. In a statement released by her rep, the 18-time Grand Slam singles champion ...
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Activists gather outside Pritzker's home, call for lesbian prisoner Bernina Mata's release
Free Bernina Team and Love and Protect members, among other groups and individuals, gathered outside of Gov. J.B. Prizker's Chicago home Dec. 19 to call for the release and commutation of 52-year old Latinx lesbian prisoner ...
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