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SAVOR Proxi chef Jennifer Kim on newest endeavor, gender-identity journey
Chef Jennifer Kim (they/them) has already accomplished much in their life. A second-generation Korean American, Kim was born and raised in Chicago. After leaving the University of Illinois at Chicago, Kim enrolled in culinary school at ...
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Teatro Zinzanni returning to Cambria Hotel on Oct. 5
Teatro ZinZanni is returning to the Chicago Loop—tucked inside a mirrored spiegeltent within the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph St. The cast features returning fan favorites including Duo 19, a dynamic trapeze ...
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Megan Rapinoe receives send-off in last international match
Lesbian soccer icon Megan Rapinoe received a triumphant send-off in her last international match, and the United States beat South Africa 2-0 at Chicago's Soldier Field on Sept. 24, per ABC News. Trinity Rodman and Emily ...
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Reeling Film Festival chooses Family first for opening night
Reeling: The 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival kicked off a night of festivities with its first feature The Mattachine Family at Music Box Theatre on Sept. 9. One of the longest-running film festivals in the ...
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Nobody's Darling celebrates expansion into adjoining property with soft opening event
In the little over two years since its opening, Nobody's Darling in Andersonville has emerged as one of the premiere inclusive spaces to gather in Chicago. Nobody's Darling has become so successful that co-owners Angela Barnes ...
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SAVOR Nobody's Darling, pastry chef, The Albert and more
Congrats go to Daisies and Thattu. These two spots—in Logan Square and Avondale, respectively—were among the restaurants on a New York Times list of the publication's "50 places in the country [it's] most excited about right ...
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PASSAGES: Chicago musician, producer and DJ Don Crescendo
Queer Chicago musician, producer and DJ Rodney Donovan Taylor, a.k.a. Don Crescendo, was fatally stabbed on the evening of Sept. 12 in his Avondale neighborhood apartment building. He died Sept. 15 at Illinois Masonic Hospital after ...
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THEATER Mosaic Players revives 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
Are suburban Illinois and Wisconsin towns ready to welcome 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche into their churches, synagogues and community colleges? The artists of a Lake County theater company certainly think so. "I was very pleasantly ...
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Organizers found the Cure for the Riot (Fest) in Douglass Park
Picture it: Chicago, 2023. There were punk rockers, some in their golden years, attending Riot Fest in Douglass Park on Sept. 15, 16 and 17. Split between South Albany and South California Avenues, along West Ogden ...
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OPINION Social media use, mental health literacy and related problems among LGBTQ+ youth
Special to Windy City Times Depression levels in the United States have risen steadily over the past five decades, and steep increases have been observed in recent years among children, adolescents, and adults under 25 years ...
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2023 REELING REVIEWS
Reeling: The 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival kicks off Sept. 21. As is our annual tradition at Windy City Times, writer Steve Warren took a look at a few of the festival highlights this year. ...
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Reeling premieres a queer coming of age story told through a Southern Gothic lens
Ganymede, a Southern Gothic horror film that explores a teenager's experiences as he discovers his sexuality, will premieres Sept. 23 as part of the 41st Reeling Film Festival. The film, according to Chicago filmmakers Colby Holt ...
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Chicago Red Stars exercise option for goalie Alyssa Naeher
--From a press release
CHICAGO (Sept. 20, 2023) — The Chicago Red Stars has exercised the contract option for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher for 2024. Naeher joined the Chicago Red Stars in 2016 from former National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club, ...
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Chicago-based Pillar of Love Fellowship UCC set to celebrate 20 years
Pillar of Love Fellowship United Church of Christ (UCC), founded by Bishop Phyllis V. Pennese in 2003, will be celebrating 20 years on Oct. 1 from 2-5 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Hilton Hotel, 9333 South ...
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Chicago musician, producer and DJ Don Crescendo killed in Avondale stabbing
Chicago's LGBTQ+ nightlife community and allies have rallied around the family and close friends of local longtime musician, producer and DJ Rodney Donovan Taylor, a.k.a. Don Crescendo, in the wake of his death by stabbing last ...
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19th annual Andersonville Arts Weekend Sept. 29 - Oct. 1
--From a press release
CHICAGO (September 18, 2023) The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to welcome back its 19tn annual Andersonville Arts Weekend, with the neighborhood transformed into a "walkable art gallery" ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Wake 'n Bacon brings its enticing global style to dinnertime
When a spot is named Wake 'n Bacon (420 W. Belmont Ave.; https://eatwakenbacon.com/), you can pretty much expect that brunch is quite the specialty. (I haven't had the pleasure of trying that meal there, but I ...
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Chicago Sky swept by Las Vegas Aces; Sky's season ends
The defending WNBA champions the Las Vegas Aces continue to rollat the Chicago Sky's expense. On Sept. 17, the Aces defeated the Sky 92-70 in Vegas to end Chicago's season and move into the WNBA semifinals. ...
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Chicago Red Stars tie Angel City in front of large crowd
After staging a second-half comeback, the Chicago Red Stars split points with Angel City FC in a 2-2 draw. Ava Cook and Cheyna Matthews scored goals for Chicago. Cook's second-half goal was the forward's third against ...
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Pritzker and Brady-Davis honored at Planned Parenthood gala
On the evening of Sept. 14, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action PAC (PPIA PAC) organizations presented their annual Fighting Forward Gala fundraiser. The event shone ...
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SAVOR Negroni Week, Equality Illinois brunch, new bakery and more
Negroni Week (Sept. 18-24) is returning. Restaurants and bars around the world are joining forces to celebrate Negroni Week—a global charity initiative in support of Slow Food, with Campari at its heart, that has raised more ...
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Mets honor lesbian baseball icon Maybelle Blair
On Sept. 14 at NYC's Citi Field, the New York Mets recognized the life work of lesbian baseball pioneer Maybelle Blair, 96, with the inaugural Amazin' Mets Foundation Legacy Award, according to a Major League Baseball ...
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Marge Summit's life to be celebrated Oct. 15
--From a press release
A celebration of the extraordinary life of Marge Summit, the legendary Chicago bar owner, promoter of live music artists, political advocate and much more who passed away on May 16, 2023. Born Sept. 3, 1935 in ...
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National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts Raices Gala hosts Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ricky Martin
--From a press release
CHICAGO, Illinois (September 15, 2023) — The National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture released photos and video from its 10th Raices Gala, where Lin-Manuel Miranda bestowed the National Ceiba Award on international superstar ...
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Chicago Sky routed in playoff opener
In Las Vegas on Sept. 13, the top-seeded and defending champion Aces had little problem with the number-eight seed Chicago Sky in the playoff opener for both, with Las Vegas prevailing 87-59, per ESPN. On the ...
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Red Stars forward Cheyna Matthews selected to Jamaican Women's National Team
Chicago Red Stars forward Cheyna Matthews selected to Jamaican Women's National Team CHICAGO (Sept. 14, 2023) — Chicago Red Stars forward, Cheyna Matthews, was selected to join the Jamaican Women's National Team for the team's Ol ...
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THEATER Queer actor Kyle Patrick reflects on leading 'American Psycho: The Musical'
American Psychoboth the Bret Easton Ellis novel and the Mary Harron-directed film led by Christian Balewould seem ripe for a musical treatment, given the omnipresent campy elements (despite, or maybe because of, the gore). And, in ...
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Illinois appeals court hears Jussie Smollett request
On Sept. 12, an Illinois appeals court heard oral arguments regarding embattled gay actor Jussie Smollett lying about a racist and homophobic attack, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The actor himselfsporting a casual beige jacket and ...
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Chicago Opera Theater starts 50th-anniv. season with 'Soldier Songs'
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) is kicking off its 50th-anniversary season with David T. Little's Grammy-nominated Soldier Songsdescribed as "a haunting, heavy-metal infused theatrical cantata about the psychological impact of war." ...
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Lesbian chef Susan Feniger coming to Chicago for Reeling
Susan Feniger. FORKED—a verite-style documentary by award-winning filmmaker Liz Lachman that captures moments and the impactful career of her life partner: culinarian, author, entrepreneur and James Beard Award winner Susan ...
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Porchlight Music Theatre's announces 29th season
--From a press release
This past Friday at our special event, Porchlight ICONS: Celebrating Ben Vereen, we shared the exclusive announcement of our 29th Season! The new season launches with The Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man ...
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HRC to host Chicago dinner, auction to support response to national state of LGBTQ+ emergency
--From a press release
Chicago, IL. - September 8th - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Chicago Steering Committee is proud to host its Annual - Human Rights Campaign Chicago Fundraising Dinner and Auction!! The Dinner and Auction will be held ...
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THEATER Jim Henson production in Chicago on Nov. 14-Dec. 31
A live theatrical adaptation of Jim Henson's Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas is making its Chicago debut Nov. 14-Dec. 31, at the Studebaker Theater at the historic Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Broadway World revealed. ...
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BOOKS/SAVOR 'Made in Chicago' authors dish on stories behind local treats
When it comes to culinary scenes, Chicago is second to none, but do people really know the origins of local dishes—or even which ones have origins in this city? Revered food journalists Monica Eng and David ...
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SAVOR Upcoming events, including a wine dinner and a paella fest
The upscale Mexican restaurant Tzuco, 720 N. State St., will mark its fourth anniversary and celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Friday, Sept. 15. The event, "4 Anos, 4 Manos," will spotlight dishes by Tzuco Chef Carlos ...
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AIDS Run & Walk Chicago 2023 to draw thousands to Soldier Field on Sept. 30
The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago returns to Chicago's Soldier Field on Saturday, Sept. 30 to help create equity and justice across Chicagoland and raise awareness and funds for individuals who are living with or vulnerable ...
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Chicago Sky in playoffs for fifth straight time
Despite having a losing record (17-22), the Chicago Sky are in the playoffs for the fifth consecutive time. Kahleah Copper scored 20 points, Marina Mabrey added 19 and the Chicago Sky clinched the last playoff spot ...
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Protest action to be held at site of Sept. 9 Jason Aldean concert in Tinley Park
The Revolution Club Chicago has announced a protest action against 46- year-old country music star and Nashville resident Jason Aldean outside of his Highway Desperado Tour appearance Sept. 9 at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre. The protest ...
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Theater Review: A Taste of Soul brings music and food center stage
By Brian Kirst
We all know the sluggish quagmire of weekday work mornings. Often the only thing that gets us moving and able to face the day is our favorite songs. While all of the Black Ensemble Theater productions ...
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SAVOR Crumbl franchise co-owner talks about the sweet business of cookies
When it comes to success stories in the world of sweets, few companies and brands can compare to Crumbl and its signature pink box. Started by Jason McGowan (CEO) & Sawyer Hemsley (COO) in 2017 in ...
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Aging LGBTQ+ Americans face additional caregiving challenges
While Darcy Connors was a nursing home administrator in the South, she also operated a COVID-19 recovery center. Connors and her staff noticed that two of the patients in their charge had a strong connection with ...
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'We've had a ball': Prominent activists Jim Darby and Patrick Bova celebrate 60th anniversary
One of the first couples to be legally married in Illinois is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. Jim Darby and Patrick Bova fell in love decades before they became the lead plaintiffs in Lambda Legal's ...
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On the (gay) horizon: Center on Halsted marks 50 years
In 1973, a group of Chicagoans organized a telephone hotline, which they named Helpline, allowing the community to more easily find and assist one another. This was a time when LGBTQ+ bars were still regularly raided ...
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Steppenwolf to present Broadway's Jeremy Jordan on Jan. 13
Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Mark Cortale will present Broadway star Jeremy Jordan in his Chicago debut, performing two shows only on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 at 2 and 8 p.m. in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater, 1650 N. ...
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'Saltburn,' 'Rustin' to be shown at Chicago International Film Festival
The 59th Chicago International Film Festival announced select highlights of this year's festival, running Oct. 11-22. Films will be presented at venues throughout the city, including the AMC NEWCITY 14, the Music Box Theatre, the Gene ...
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Screening of queer film 'Chocolate Babies' at Facets on Sept. 28
Video below
Facets Film Trivia will return Thursday, Sept. 28, to the venue, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., with a screening of the 1996 queer film Chocolate Babies. According to a release from Facets, "Occupying the space between fantasy, ...
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Mitchell J. Fain explores the American Dream in The Lehman Trilogy
Chicago actor Mitchell J. Fain is one of three performers headlining TimeLine Theatre Company's upcoming production of The Lehman Trilogy. Fain brings over 30 years of performing experience in the Chicago area to the table, including ...
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Laura Ricketts talks about Chicago Red Stars deal, investor group, coming out
On Aug. 1, a group of investors led by lesbian Chicago Cubs co-owner/Chicago Sky minority owner Laura Ricketts announced that they had officially took ownership of the Chicago Red Stars National Women's Soccer League franchise. The ...
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Fundraiser held for MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis
Fundraiser held for MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis By Carrie Maxwell A fundraiser was held Aug. 31 at Sidetrack for newly sworn-in Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRC) Commissioner ...
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Can Chicago escape the 'urban doom loop?'
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, major U.S. cities were experiencing strong growth fueled by financial and technological sectors of the economy. COVID, however, caused a massive change in population migration and work behavior which has created ...
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Chicago Red Stars shut out Washington Spirit
In D.C., the Chicago Red Stars shut out the Washington Spirit 2-0 on Sept. 3. Yuki Nagasato and Bianca St-Georges scored goals for Chicago. The match also marked ...
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SAVOR REVIEW Hoyt's: Very satisfying fare from a Loop fixture
You might have walked by Hoyt's American Tavern (71 E. Wacker Dr.; https://www.sonesta.com/royal-sonesta/il/chicago/royal-sonesta-chicago-downtown#) a thousand times, and not have been aware of it. But the dependable spot (situated on the ...
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Painting Chi-town P!nk at Wrigley Field
P!nk got the party started on a Saturday night at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Aug. 12—and it didn't stop for almost two hours. Thanks to leftover outfits from Barbie movie screenings, much of the crowd knew ...
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Laura Ricketts-led group of diverse investors buys Chicago Red Stars in $60 million deal
From an Sept. 1 press release: A diverse investor group led by Laura Ricketts and prominent Chicago women business and civic leaders has officially taken ownership of the Chicago Red Stars National Women's Soccer League ...
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Halpern's multimedia 'self-portraiture on steroids' opens in West Loop
A pink and purple tapestry was mounted on the wall of a DIY punk practice space in the West Loop on Aug. 26, covered in hand-sewn embroidery floss and rhinestones. The digitally woven piece depicted a ...
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Ricky Martin to be guest at Sept. 14 gala in Chicago
Singer/actor Ricky Martin will be the guest of honor at a fundraiser for the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. The 10th Raices Gala will take place at Galleria Marchetti, ...
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After HRC's State of Emergency declaration, Canadian government recognizes threat of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
--From a press release
WASHINGTON— Just two months after the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued a National State of Emergency in response to the unprecedented and dangerous onslaught of anti-LGBTQ laws passed across the country, the Canadian government has updated ...
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Brave Space Alliance holds Post Pride Mixer
On Aug. 27, Brave Space Alliance held its Post Pride Mixer at popular lesbian-owned bar Nobody's Darling. The social gathering celebrated past accomplishments while looking forward to new horizons for both the service organization and the ...
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Chicago Gay Men's Chorus leader speaks on group's diversity, 'Sporty Forty'
The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus (CGMC) is marking its 40th-anniversary season this year, and will start this milestone on Sept. 15-16 with "Sporty Forty," an event that is layered in meanings involving stereotypes and the group's ...
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Chicagoans remember Selena at downtown tribute concert
Despite a two-day heat wave topping 100 degrees, a near SRO crowd attended the second annual Selena tribute concert at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millenium Park on Aug. 24. The event, which was sponsored by the ...
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Howard Brown Health reinstates workers following NLRB settlement recommendations
--From a press release
CHICAGO, Aug. 29, 2023 — Howard Brown Health reinstated 25 employees as part of a plan to follow the recommendations outlined in a proposed settlement from Region 13 of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The ...
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'An Evening with Audra McDonald' on Oct. 6 at Lyric Opera
Lyric Opera of Chicago will welcome the legendary Audra McDonald for a one-night-only concert experience on Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. McDonald will team with the Lyric Opera Orchestra, under the musical direction of conductor ...
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Chicago Dancers United raises more than $365K at Dance for Life
Chicago Dancers United (CDU)which supports the health and wellness of Chicago's professional dance communitywelcomed 1,600 people to the 32nd annual Dance for Life on Aug. 19 at Auditorium Theatre, per ...
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Queer parenthood explored: A transparent dive into surrogacy and hope
By Matthew Schueller. Guest commentary for News is Out
I feel extraordinarily lucky. As a kid, I never imagined my life could look like this. Growing up in the closet in the mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon, an area many consider to be the conservative Bible ...
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Chicago Red Stars tie North Carolina Courage
In Cary, North Carolina, on Aug. 27, the Chicago Red Stars tied the North Carolina Courage 1-1 in NWSL action. Orland Park native and defender Tatumn Milazzo provided the Red Stars' lone goal off of a ...
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SAVOR Japanese-inspired brunch, Jose Andres, cake decorating and more
Itoko, a Japanese restaurant courtesy of Chef Gene Kato and BOKA Restaurant Group that's at 3325 N. Southport Ave., is debuting its weekend brunch at 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Brunch is centered around Japanese-inspired dishes such as ...
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Britney Coleman keeps Company
Company is coming to Chi-town on tour with a fresh take on the classic musical that has already garnered five Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. The original material in 1970 was nominated for 14 Tony ...
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UIC among nation's top 30 campuses for LGBTQ+ students
--From a press release
The University of Illinois Chicago has been named one of the top 30 colleges and universities for LGBTQ+ students, according to Campus Pride, a national organization serving LGBTQ+ and ally student leaders and campus organizations in ...
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WNBA Aces set win mark at Chicago Sky's expense
Defending WNBA champion the Las Vegas Aces upped its record to 30-4 by defeating the Chicago Sky (13-21) 94-87 on Aug. 24 at Wintrust Arena. According to Bleacher Report, the Aces set the record for wins ...
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Sharon Zurek among Chicago Filmmakers' 'Big Shoulders Award' honorees
--From a press release
(CHICAGO, IL) Chicago Filmmakers proudly announces the recipients of their "Big Shoulders Awards" to be presented during Chicago Filmmakers' Golden Anniversary Celebration and Awards Reception. This special event takes place ...
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Christina Kahrl Named the 2023 Recipient of the Jeanne Cordova Award
--From a press release
Washington, D.C. (August 23, 2023) — Today, NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists announced that Christina Kahrl is the recipient of the 2023 Jeanne Córdova Award. "We are thrilled to honor Christina Kahrl with the Jeanne ...
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LGBT Chamber of Commerce holds 15th NetWERQ Cruise
On the evening of Aug. 21, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois held its 15th annual networking and fundraising event NetWERQ on Lake Michigan. Members of the group boarded the cruise ship Spirit of Chicago ...
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TENNIS Chicago Women's Open taking place this week
One week before the U.S. Open begins in New York, the Chicago Women's Open tennis tournament is taking place through Saturday, Aug. 26, at XS Tennis Village, 5336 S. State St. The total prize money at ...
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Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Fest announces 41st edition program
--From a press release
Chicago, Illinois (August 18, 2023) — Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival today announced its full slate of programming for the 41st edition of the second-longest running LGBTQ+ film ...
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Breaking down the origins and impact of the 'gay/trans panic defense'
The final episode of the Max documentary series "Last Call: When a Serial Killer Stalked Queer New York" reveals that the man behind the brutal murders and ...
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