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Howard Brown Health calls on businesses, LGBTQ events to re-implement COVID restrictions
--From a Howard Brown press release
(Chicago, IL, July 28, 2021) — Howard Brown Health, the Midwest's largest LGBTQ healthcare organization, is imploring local businesses and public event producers to implement strict COVID-19 safety and prevention ...
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Gay Calif. donor convicted in deaths of two Black men
On July 27, a federal jury convicted wealthy California political donor Ed Buck, 66, on charges he injected gay men with methamphetamine in exchange for sex, leading to two deaths and other overdoses, CBS News reported. ...
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9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and Walk taking place at Soldier Field
In remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, members of the public will join area firefighters to climb the stairs of Soldier Field in honor of the 343 firefighters from the FDNY who ...
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Report: LGBTQ elected officials up by 17% in past year; 28,116 more would be equitable representation
--From a Victory Institute press release
Out for America 2021 report finds 986 out LGBTQ elected officials nationwide; Black LGBTQ elected officials increased by 75% in the past year; Mississippi is only state in the nation with zero known LGBTQ elected officials ...
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Pritzker signs bill decriminalizing HIV transmission, other pro-LGBTQ measures
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a legislative package on July 27 at Center on Halsted that, effective immediately ends the decades-long law criminalizing HIV transmission in Illinois. Illinois is now the second such state to repeal ...
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Rapper DaBaby defends anti-gay comments
Rapper DaBaby addressed his recent controversial comments at the Rolling Loud music festival in Miami—and drew the ire of many on social media, CNN.com noted. During the performance, he made false and insulting comments about gay ...
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Olympics: Japan tops U.S. in gold-medal softball game
In the Olympics, host country Japan beat the United States 2-0 to take the gold medal on July 27. Softball was added to the games at host country Japan's request, and from the moment it became ...
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LGBTQ advocates celebrate two Illinois marriage certificate modernization bills
--From a press release
Trans and non-binary people who were married in Illinois will now be able to obtain marriage certificates that reflect their authentic selves thanks to legislation signed today by Governor JB Pritzker, according to Equality Illinois and ...
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CDC: Some vaccinated people should wear masks indoors
To prevent further spread of the Delta variant, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance on July 27 to recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors when in areas with ...
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Winifred Haun & Dancers announces 2021-22 season, return to live performances
--From a press release
Chicago & Oak Park, IL — Winifred Haun & Dancers will return to in person theater events and live programming for the upcoming 2021|22 Season. The Company will be presented at the Pritzker Pavilion, Ruth Page ...
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Donnelley Foundation announces 'Broadening Narratives' grant recipients
The Chicago-based Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (the Foundation)—which supports land conservation, artistic vitality and regional collections for the people of the Chicago region and the Lowcountry of South Carolina—announces ...
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NBC Sports apologizes for misgendering Olympian; GLAAD responds
GLAAD responded to media coverage of the first several days of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo, including the misgendering of Team USA skateboarder Alana Smith. Smith made Olympic history July 25 as the first ...
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MacArthur Foundation grants $80M to advance racial and ethnic justice
On July 27, the MacArthur Foundation announced roughly $80 million in grants centered on advancing racial and ethnic justice. The Equitable Recovery grants are funded by MacArthur's social bonds, issued in response to the crises of ...
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Lightfoot: Mask mandates may return to Chicago
People may not want to toss those face masks. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot told The New York Times she will consider reinstating a mask mandate and other restrictions if the city starts to consistently record more ...
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Olympics: Women's soccer team advances to quarterfinals
United States women's national team (USWNT) forward Alex Morgan had a goal disallowed as the squad settled for a 0-0 tie with Australia in its final game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics group stage, ESPN.com noted. ...
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Gay British diver wins Olympic gold
The British team of Tom Daley and Matty Lee narrowly won the 10-meter synchronized diving competition on July 26 at the Tokyo Olympics, upsetting favored China and keeping the diving powerhouse from any chance of a ...
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THEATER Sideshow offers residency, announces digital house parties
Sideshow Theatre Company announced it will be offering a nine-month artistic residency to Chicago-based playwright Preston Choi. Through the residency, Sideshow will provide Choi with artistic and dramaturgical support as ...
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Plaque added to childhood home of Emmett Till
On what would have been Civil Rights icon Emmett Till's 80th birthday on July 25, his childhood home in Chicago's West Woodlawn neighborhood received a historic landmark plaque, CBS Chicago reported. The plaque recognizes Till and ...
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Billy Masters
"I'd still be full of jokes and fun, but no more naked pranks. I can see now my actions were pretty juvenile but this was a different time and it's something I would not do today."—John Barrowman told The Daily Mail ...
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Chicago Red Stars fall to Gotham 2-1
The Chicago Red Stars' Makenzy Doniak scored in the second half's stoppage time—but the team ultimately lost to NJ/NY Gotham FC 2-1 at Harrison, New Jersey, on July 25. Allie Long and Midge Purce scored for ...
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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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Pelosi names Kinzinger to Jan. 6 committee
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced July 25 that she has appointed U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Illinois) to the House select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, bolstering the Republican presence on ...
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SAVOR The Smith
Not too long ago, I sang the praises of "Red Sauce Sundays" at The Smith Restaurant + Bar (400 N. Clark St.; https://thesmithrestaurant.com/location/chicago/). Starting at 5 p.m. each Sunday, this ultimate comfort meal features a chicken ...
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PrEP pills to be free for insured people
The U.S. government has stated that nearly all health insurers must cover the entire cost of HIV prevention treatments, according to U.S. News & World Report. That includes the two approved pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drugs Truvada ...
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PASSAGES Writer, attorney, activist Takeia R. Johnson
The local organization Affinity Community Services announced the recent passing of Takeia R. Johnson. According to Johnson's LinkedIn profile, she was editor-in-chief and lead writer at Inclusion at Work as well as a Ph.D. student focusing ...
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WORLD Marriage in Chile, Polish website, Toronto news, 'Reclaim Pride' march
On July 21, Chile's Senate approved an equal-marriage bill, DW.com reported. The regulations were presented during the second government of the socialist Michelle Bachelet (2014-2018) and last June 1, during ...
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SHOWBIZ Script contest, LGBTQ film, Lady Gaga, Showtime, out sprinter
GLAAD and The Black List—the writer-centric entity whose work includes its annual list, screenplay marketplace, writer labs, and film and television productions—announced plans for The 2021 GLAAD List, the third ...
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NATIONAL California cases, trans woman killed, Pride staircase, sports law
Proponents of Proposition 8 have to file a brief on or before Aug. 16 to show they have standing to appeal a district court decision to release tapes of the landmark Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial that ...
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Hungarian protesters defy prime minister with sizable march
In Hungary, approximately 30,000 people joined the annual Pride celebrations in the capital of Budapest on July 24, with attendees marching in colorful outfits in support of inclusion and freedom, according to CNN.com. However, this year ...
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Chicago photographer, activist Ed Negron dies [UPDATED]
Ed Negron—an activist, Army veteran and substance-abuse counselor who served for many years as a dedicated bisexual volunteer, mentor, leader and advocate in the LGBTQ, Latino and recovering communities—passed away ...
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Women's soccer: U.S. Olympic team bounces back with 6-1 win
Days after Sweden snapped the U.S. women's national team's (USWNT's) 44-game win streak with a deflating 3-0 loss, the U.S. team scored a 6-1 victory over New Zealand on July 24, The Sporting News noted. The ...
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DANCE Deeply Rooted named to INFLUENCERS Cohort
Chicago's Deeply Rooted Dance Theater is one of five dance companies (and the only Midwestern one) named to the International Association of Blacks in Dance's (IABD's) INFLUENCERS Cohort for the 2021 COHI/MOVE program. The five ...
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'The Art of Banksy' to debut Aug. 14 at 360 N. State St.
"The Art of Banksy"—the largest touring exhibition of authentic Banksy artworks in the world—will take place in Chicago on the fourth floor of 360 N. State St.: a 45,000-square-foot space that was the home of other ...
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Helmut Jahn architecture exhibit has opened
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), 111 E. Wacker Dr., has opened its first, major limited-run exhibit, "Helmut Jahn: Life + Architecture," the career retrospective of Helmut Jahn's innovative architectural designs. ...
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Market Days performers include Jody Watley, Todrick Hall, Steve Grand
Northalsted Market Days—taking place Aug. 6-8—will feature a star-studded line-up. Just some of the performers slated to entertain are icon Jody Watley ("Looking for a New Love"), Todrick Hall, Steve ...
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Ravinia to unveil 'Bernstein's Answer' immersive theater experience
--From a press release
HIGHLAND PARK, IL—On Saturday, August 7, the Ravinia Festival and Jeffrey P. Haydon, its President and CEO, will officially unveil the Ravinia Music Box (RMB) and its immersive theater experience, titled Bernstein's Answer, and fully open ...
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Gina Ortiz Jones, Shawn Skelly confirmed by U.S. Senate; both make LGBTQ history
--From a press release
Washington, DC — The United States Senate today confirmed two historic LGBTQ presidential nominees by unanimous consent. Gina Ortiz Jones, confirmed for Under Secretary of the Air Force, will be the first out lesbian to serve ...
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THEATER 2nd Story announces first half of 2021-22 season
One of Chicago's longest-running storytelling collectives, 2nd Story, announced the first half of its 23rd season of programming for 2021-22. The season will feature nearly 30 world-premiere stories and storyteller debuts, as well as 20 of ...
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U.S. House resolution apologizes to LGBTQ service members, civilian workers
A new resolution introduced in the U.S. House apologizes for the federal government's treatment of LGBTQ federal civilian workers and U.S. service members, who were once subject to expulsion from their positions because of their sexual ...
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THEATER Steppenwolf announces co-artistic directors
Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced a new model of leadership, naming ensemble members Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis as the incoming artistic directors of the storied Chicago company. The new appointment ...
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Chicago arcade bar hosting LGBTQ+ event July 29
Emporium Arcade Bar-Wicker Park, 1366 N. Milwaukee Ave.—in partnership with the Puerto Rican Cultural Center's (PRCC) Trans Empowerment Program—is inviting members of the LGBTQIA+ community to hang out Thursday, July ...
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Federal judge blocks Arkansas anti-trans healthcare law
Judge James M. Moody Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas temporarily blocked an Arkansas law that would have banned physicians in the state from providing transition-related healthcare—e.g., hormones and puberty ...
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Summit looking for BIPOC LGBTQ+ attendees
Pride Action Tank (PAT) and AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) will co-host "Co-Creating Futures: A BIPOC LGBTQ+ Policy & Practices Summit," starting virtually on Saturday, July 31, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. CT. According to the event's webpage, "T ...
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Chicago City Council approves civilian oversight for police
On July 21, the Chicago City Council approved a controversial civilian oversight panel, giving the public more control over Chicago police following years of protests about law enforcement misconduct, The Chicago Tribune reported. The vote was ...
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Char Schoenbach talks helping LGBTQs through Allstate, next chapter
Lifelong Chicago resident Char Schoenbach began her career in sales and worked for two insurance agents before opening her own Allstate agency 31 year ago. "I have always believed in providing all people with quality insurance," ...
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Wisconsin priest resigns over allegations of 'improper behavior'
Citing allegations of "possible improper behavior," the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced the resignation of its top administrative official: Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill, who previously served in Wisconsin, the ...
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Howard Brown Health announces new leader for The Center for Education, Research, and Advocacy
--From a press release
(July 21, 2021— Chicago, IL) Howard Brown Health is pleased announce Brandon Hill, PhD (he/him/his) as Howard Brown Health's new executive director for the Center for Education, Research, and Advocacy ...
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Virtual TLGBQ+ Economic Justice Summit on Sept. 11-12
The National LGBTQ Workers Center will hold its 3rd Annual TLGBQ+ Economic Justice Summit on Sept. 11-12. This event will be held virtually. Organizers are still accepting workshop proposals. Those who would like to propose a ...
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Research: LGBTQ people of color meet more discrimination, Equality Act an urgent need
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Discrimination inflicts profoundly greater harm on LGBTQ people of color in a wide range of areas, according to recent analysis of scholarly research released by the National Black Justice Coalition, National Center for ...
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Soapbox travels to Chicago to raise hand-hygiene awareness
Clean beauty company Soapbox unveiled the world's biggest bottle of soap in New York City's Times Square on July 15, marking the launch of a multi-city tour aimed at raising awareness for the importance of hand ...
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Women's soccer: Sweden snaps United States' 44-game win streak
In women's soccer, Sweden dominated the United States 3-0 on July 20 in Tokyo, snapping the Americans' 44-game winning streak in convincing fashion, Yahoo! Sports reported. The U.S. team entered this event as heavy favorites to ...
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Black Restaurant Week-Midwest in Chicago July 23-Aug. 1
Black Restaurant Week, LLC, joins the No Crumb Left Behind campaign by hosting its second campaign in Chicago on July 23-Aug. 1. ...
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Col. Jennifer Pritzker donating to ACLU to help fight anti-trans laws
Chicago philanthropist and business owner Col. Jennifer Pritzker plans to donate $101,000 and additional six-figure future support to the ACLU from her TAWANI Foundation to fight Tennessee's anti-transgender laws in court, a press release announced. T ...
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AMA Foundation begins fellowship program to address LGBTQ+ health disparities
--From a press release
CHICAGO — The American Medical Association Foundation (AMA Foundation) today announced the University of Wisconsin—Madison as the inaugural institution of its National LGBTQ+ Fellowship Program to begin transforming the health ...
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Chicago Filmmakers awards $100,000 to local social injustice digital media projects
--From a press release
(July 20, 2021 — Chicago, IL) Chicago Filmmakers is pleased to announce that the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund (CDMPF) has awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to eight Chicago artists for the production of ...
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MUSIC 'I'm Every Woman: Divas Through the Decades' on Aug. 2
LGBTQ+ party organization Slo 'Mo: Slow Jams for Queer Fam is celebrating its 10th anniversary with "Slo 'Mo Presents: I'm Every Woman: Divas Through the Decades with Akenya & Friends" on Monday, Aug. 2, at Millennium ...
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Quigley secures funding for Center on Halsted program and other projects
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chair of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, announced that the Appropriations Committee has approved ...
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Hockey prospect makes history by coming out
Just weeks after the first active pro-football came out as gay, a professional hockey prospect has done the same. Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop has come out as gay, becoming the first active player under contract ...
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U.S. Sen. Warnock to headline Personal PAC's annual luncheon
--From a press release
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) is slated to be a featured speaker at the Personal PAC 28th Annual Awards Luncheon on Wed., Oct. 20. The event will take place virtually and feature several pro-choice leaders. More ...
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Gov. JB Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton announce re-election campaign
--From a press release
ILLINOIS—Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced he and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton will run for re-election to a second term in 2022, releasing a video that highlights the strength of the state's response to the COVID pandemic ...
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Trans model makes history with SI Swimsuit cover
On July 19, Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit announced this year's cover models: rapper Megan Thee Stallion, tennis player Naomi Osaka and model/actress Leyna Bloom—each making history in her own way. A press release sent to Windy ...
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Chicago Red Stars net 3-1 victory over OL Reign
Vanessa DiBernardo and Kealia Watt celebrated league milestones as the Chicago Red Stars defeated the OL Reign at home (SeatGeek Stadium) on July 18. DiBernardo reached the 10,000th minute mark in her NWSL (National Women's Soccer ...
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Billy Masters
"No excuses—I messed up. I'm a big sports fan. I'm like the guy at the end of the game who misses a free throw or a kick."—Spike Lee explains why he prematurely announced the winner of ...
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Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame announces 2021 inductees
--From a press release
The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame, the only city-sanctioned LGBT Hall of Fame in the world, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, was founded to honor people and entities, nominated by the community, who have made ...
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Palette Beauty dry bar offers quick, affordable makeup services
Nicola Craig has opened a new business, Palette Beauty, at 2730 N. Clark St., in Chicago's Lincoln Park area. Craig—who calls herself a "big business nerd with a passion for both entrepreneurship and creative endeavors"—started her ...
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STAYCATION A cozy 'un-hotel' hotel is in Lincoln Park
People may not have heard of The Neighborhood Hotel (2616 N. Clark St.; https://www.theneighborhoodhotel.com/). It's unique in many ways—from reservations to location, and more. But is it worth your time—and ...
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Queer In(n) producers announce inaugural installation unveiling, upcoming website
Partners and co-producers, Kelli Simpkins and Adithi Chandrashekar are creating a curated, generative online arts gallery called Queer In(n). The inaugural unveiling of a five-foot-by-six-foot wheat paste portrait of longtime ...
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SHOWBIZ Ben Whishaw, non-binary actor, Cardi B, Obama, 'Grease' prequel
Out actor Ben Whishaw stars in the film Surge, which will debut Sept. 24 and On Demand, a press release announced. Whishaw portrays Joseph, who is trapped in a soulless job, living a life devoid of ...
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WORLD Cameraman dies, order for Russia, French priest, 'Benedetta'
A Georgian TV cameraman who was among dozens of journalists attacked by a right-wing mob during chaos aimed at pro-LGBTQ campaigners has died, RFERL.org reported. Co-workers of Lekso Lashkarava, 37, said July 11 that he had ...
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NATIONAL Amazon, condo collapse, T-shirt controversy, GLSEN
At least two Amazon employees have resigned in recent weeks to protest the company's decision to continue to sell a book they say frames young people who identify as transgender as mentally ill, NBC News reported. ...
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Billie Jean King part of group inducted into Tennis Hall of Fame
Lesbian trailblazer and icon Billie Jean King was one of 12 people inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on July 17, according to the hall's website. The Class of 2021 includes coach Dennis Van ...
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PERFORMANCE Gay performer Michael Cunio part of 'Teatro ZinZanni'
Teatro ZinZanni Chicago carved out its own niche on the 14th floor of Cambria Hotel back in 2019, with the premiere of Love, Chaos, & Dinner. Blending dinner with a show under the big top in a Belgium mirror tent called ...
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Suburban theater employees leave over perceived anti-LGBTQ policy
At least two employees of a Christian-oriented suburban theater company—Sophie Murk and Will Higgins—have resigned in recent weeks, citing its policy toward LGBTQ+ students, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. The exits ...
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More than 140 LGBTQ athletes slated to be at Tokyo Olympics
At least 142 publicly out LGBTQ and non-binary athletes are headed to Tokyo for the Summer Olympic Games—more than double the number who participated at the 2016 Rio Games, according to Outsports. The number of publicly ...
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The Actors Gymnasium to hold community circus, celebrate 25th year
--From a press release
Evanston, IL, July 15, 2021 — Actors Gym is proud to announce Summer Salon 2021, an evening of circus under the stars in Tallmadge Park to celebrate the organization's 25th year. It will be a family-friendly ...
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