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LGBTQ+ nonfiction writing class starts Feb. 23
StoryStudio Chicago, 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., is offering a new course on writing stories from a queer perspective. Conceived by author Jeremy Owens, this class focuses on LGBTQ+ nonfiction writing, and it starts Sunday, Feb. 23, ...
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Young Playwrights Festival running through Jan. 25
Pegasus Theatre Chicago is presenting the 33rd Young Playwrights Festival through Saturday, Jan. 25, at The Courtyard Theatre in The Getz Theater Center at Columbia College Chicago, 72 E. 11th St. The Young Playwrights Festival ( ...
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Trans, undocumented students can now access college aid
Undocumented and some transgender students can now access state college aid, now that a loophole preventing them from doing so has closed, The Chicago Sun-Times reported. The new statute—called the Retention of Illinois Students and Equity ...
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MOMBIAN Holiday gift guide for LGBTQ children's books
It's time for my annual gift guide to some of the year's best LGBTQ-inclusive children's picture books! There were happily more books published this year than I can include here, so please visit Mombian.com for a ...
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School official dismisses trans-related suicides
In Evansville, Indiana, a school board member seemingly dismissed activists' concerns about safety for LGBTQ kids and trans-related suicides, Advocate.com reported. Members of the Tri-State Alliance—a social service and educational organization serving LGBTQ communities in southeastern ...
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Youth urged to take quiz before World AIDS Day
As part of a continuing effort to educate young people about HIV prevention and treatment, Illinois HIV Care Connect has introduced HIV and youth web content to support the Y.O.U.T.H. ( Youth Overcoming Undetected and Treatable ...
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AMA supports laws protecting youth from conversion therapy, NCLR responds
CHICAGO, IL — Today, the American Medical Association ( AMA ) announced that it will formally support state and federal legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from the life-threatening practice of conversion therapy. The AMA, which has long ...
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WORLD Ugandan raid, pope's statement, Turkish university, Peruvian movie
A Ugandan court charged 67 people with causing a nuisance after they were arrested in a gay-friendly bar, in a move condemned by activists as the latest "homophobic" attack, Reuters reported. The 67—who were among 127 ...
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Trevor Project raises $1.2M at L.A. gala
On Nov. 18, the Trevor Project—the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people—hosted its 2019 TrevorLIVE Los Angeles fundraising gala at The Beverly Hilton. The honorees included Cybill Shepherd, Hayley Kiyoko ...
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CDC releases report on school health policies
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) released "School Health Profiles"—a system of surveys assessing school health policies and practices in states, large urban school districts and territories. LGBTQs composed a significant part ...
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YEPP holds second annual 'Rise Up' event
Youth Empowerment Performance Project ( YEPP ) held its second annual Rise Up: A Celebration of Resilience Nov. 13 at Chicago Theater Works. YEPP Board Member and Co-Chair La Tony welcomed the more than 200 people ...
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Palatine school district to back trans access to restrooms, lockers
On Nov. 14, Palatine School District 211 voted to relax bathroom and locker room restrictions for transgender students, media outlets reported. At the public meeting, held at Fremd High School, parents and students spoke out on ...
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NATIONAL Manhattan sculpture, Pulse memorial, TrevorLIVE LA, unsolved murder
A 10-foot tall sculpture dedicated to the transgender and gender nonconforming community ( TGNC ) was unveiled at Tribeca Park in Manhattan, ABC7NY.com reported. Internationally known visual artist Rubem Robierb is the creator of the sculpture ...
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YEPP fall fundraiser Nov. 13 at Theater Works
Youth Empowerment Performance Project ( YEPP ) will hold its inaugural fall fundraiser, "Rise Up: A Celebration of Resilience" Wed., Nov. 13, 6-9 p.m., at Chicago Theater Works, 1113 W. Belmont Ave. At the event, YEPP ...
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Top worry for lesbian parents? Stigmatization
New study finds lesbian parents worry about stigmatization but are proud to be role models The latest findings from the US National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study New analysis asked 131 lesbian parents to reflect on the ...
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Chicagoan helps bring nuances of foster system to the screen
Chicago attorney Jay Paul Deratany, who is gay, recently penned the screenplay for a new film about the inherent dysfunction within the U.S. foster care system—a realm he knows well. "Practicing law is telling a story ...
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Mayor Lightfoot releases statement on resolution to CTU negotiations
We are pleased to have reached a deal with the Chicago Teachers Union to resolve the strike, and enable our students to return to school tomorrow. This five-year overall agreement is historic. It provides significant benefits ...
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Safe Schools Alliance advances PHIMC partnership [UPDATE]
Illinois Safe Schools Alliance ( the Alliance ) has been putting the finishing touches on a merger with the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago ( PHIMC ). The Alliance has long advocated on behalf of ...
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Spelman College creates Chair in Queer Studies with matching gift of $2M
ATLANTA, GA — OCTOBER 29, 2019 — Spelman College, the global leader in the liberal arts education of Black women, today announced the creation of a chair in Queer Studies backed by a matching gift from ...
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State teachers hold 2019 convention
Coinciding with a strike involving Chicago teachers—the first since 2012—nearly 400 delegates and guests from around the state convened in Rosemont this past weekend to conduct union business at the Illinois Federation of Teachers ( IFT ...
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Congress warned about mental health challenges experienced by Black queer youth
WASHINGTON— The National Black Justice Coalition ( NBJC ) yesterday, joined Susan Taylor, former Essence magazine editor-in-chief, and the National CARES Mentoring Movement to support a youth delegation offering testimony about the experiences of Black youth ...
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BYC closing Oct. 14, will reopen Oct. 28
Broadway Youth Center ( BYC ) will be closed for two weeks of staff training starting Monday, Oct. 14 and will reopen Monday, Oct. 28. During this time, there will also be no GED or VOICES ...
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Suburban high school has gay homecoming king
Anthony Arnori—an openly gay senior and hockey player at East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois—was voted homecoming king, The Advocate reported. In an op-ed in The Washington Post, he wrote, in part, "As I ...
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Law school honored for TGNC efforts
Chicago-Kent College of Law recently received the 2019 Henry J. Ramsey, Jr. Diversity Award from the Law Student Division of the American Bar Association. The award—named in honor of Henry J. Ramsey Jr., who served as ...
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Mayor, first lady launch youth commission
Following in the steps of cities ranging from Sioux City, Iowa, to Charleston, South Carolina, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman have launched the Mayor's Youth Commission—a group of more than 30 ...
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NCAA trans swimmer at Oakton on Sept. 24
Schuyler Bailar, the first transgender National College Athletic Association ( NCAA ) Division I men's athlete, will speak in Oakton Community College's Student Center on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 12:30-1:45 p.m. The talk will take place in ...
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District 211 to deliberate on crafting transgender locker room policy
Officials from Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 said Sept. 19 that they'll need more time to determine logistics of a policy that would permit transgender students to use the locker rooms corresponding to the gender with ...
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Township High District 211 board of education to discuss trans students, restrooms
PALATINE, Ill. —September 19, 2019— Tonight at their September board meeting, Township High School District 211 board of education will discuss ending their current policy requiring transgender students to use privacy stalls in locker rooms at ...
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Youth auditions for Christmas Carol Sept. 21
The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., is holding youth auditions for A Christmas Carol on Saturday, Sept. 21. In-person registration will be 8:30-10:30 a.m.; auditions will be 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Youth ( ages 5-17 ) ...
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Trans athlete to headline ISU dinner Sept. 20
Swimmer Schuyler Bailar will be the speaker for Illinois State University's ( ISU's ) Housing Services LGBTQA Cultural Dinner at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, in the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Normal. A ...
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Applications out for Illinois High School Musical Theater Awards
Broadway In Chicago is inviting high schools throughout the state to participate in the Ninth Annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards. Beginning Thursday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m., high school educators may fill out a ...
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MOMBIAN Pushing for inclusivity in children's books, one publisher shows how
Orca Book Publishers of British Columbia, Canada, is an independent publisher with the goal of offering "reading material that represents the diversity of human experience to readers of all ages." Among other titles, they have produced ...
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Reports: Teen to testify against Aurora church employee
A minor alleging that an Aurora area church employee solicited nude photos from them via Snap Chat and text messages will be allowed to testify against the defendant, according to reports. The Kane County Chronicle reported ...
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IL Safe Schools Alliance, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago merge
Chicago, IL - After almost a year of integrating operations, the Boards of Directors for Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago ( PHIMC ) and Illinois Safe Schools Alliance( the Alliance ) are delighted to announce ...
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Trans ex-student prevails in restroom case
In Virginia, U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen ruled Aug. 9 that a school board's transgender bathroom ban discriminated against former student Gavin Grimm, multiple media outlets reported. In 2015, the Gloucester County School Board's policy ...
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Gov. Pritzer signs pro-LGBTQ measures
On Aug. 9, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a number of measures—including at least three that are seen as specifically benefiting LGBTQ individuals. HB 246 ensures the contributions of LGBTQ people are taught in public schools. ...
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LGBTQ Inclusive Curriculum Bill Approved by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Students in Illinois public schools will learn about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in state and national history after approval today of the Inclusive Curriculum Law by Gov. Pritzker, according to Equality ...
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College student balances LGBTQ+ activism, student life
After her semester at a new college, Zaiden Sowle knew she found what was lacking at her previous college. Before, her experience at Connecticut College—a small, liberal arts school in New London, Connecticut—was not the personal ...
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Education board chair on pro-trans executive order, agency plans
By Joshua Irvine
After several years as a University of Chicago ( UChicago ) administrator, former Illinois State Board of Education official Darren Reisberg has returned to the agency as chair of the board. Reisberg entered the four-year term ...
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New artist and writers group for LGBTQ for 12+
Chicago Community Activist Steve English and Licensed Professional Counselor Patti Ahern are joining forces to create an artist and writers group for LGBTQ and questioning adolescents aged 12 and up. The purpose of the group is ...
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Teen performer talks Jimmys, being on Broadway
By Joshua Irvine
He was standing on an escalator in the lobby of a Times Square theater when the magnitude of what Jacob Simon was experiencing hit him. "It was surreal," Simon said. "I was, like, 'Wow, we're in ...
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One Indiana school refuses to fire gay teacher for Catholic status, another fires
The Archbishop of Indianapolis asked a Jesuit school to fire a teacher who is in a same-sex marriage—but it refused to do so, CNN.com reported. And because of the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School's defiance, Archbishop Charles ...
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Trevor Project gala raises more than $2M
On June 17, The Trevor Project hosted its 2019 TrevorLIVE New York gala at Cipriani Wall Street. With actress/comedian/writer Nicole Byer and actor/director/digital producer Eugene Lee Yang co-hosting, the event helped raise more than $2 million. ...
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Windy City Times marks Pride Month with annual 30 Under 30 Awards
Windy City Times celebrates Pride Month with annual 30 Under 30 Awards . The ceremony takes pace Wed, June 26 at Polo Cafe and Catering, 3322 S. Morgan St. beginning with a 5:30 p.m. reception, with ...
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HRC Foundation releases report on child-welfare agencies
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Foundation released "Celebrating Everyday Change-Makers in Child Welfare"—a first-of-its-kind report highlighting more than 70 child-welfare agencies across the country that partnered with the HRC Foundation's All Children-All Families ( ...
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DignityUSA reponds to Archbishop denying school "Catholic" label
Boston, MA. June 21, 2019. Leaders of DignityUSA, the world's oldest organization of Catholics supporting equality and full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex ( LGBTQI ) Catholics in the church and society, ...
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Point Foundation announces 2019 scholarships to 41 LGBTQ students
LOS ANGELES, JUNE 19, 2019 — Point Foundation ( Point ), the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ ) students, today announced its 2019 scholarship recipients. The students receiving ...
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About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble to debut '20/20'
The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the world premiere of 20/20—a dive into recent queer history devised and performed by members of the About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble ( AFYT ...
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30 Under 30 Awards to be held June 26
Windy City Times will again mark Pride Month with its annual 30 Under 30 Awards. The ceremony will take pace Wed, June 26. As in the past few years, the event will take place at Polo ...
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Teens competing at Jimmy Awards
Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards' Marguerite Reed and Jacob Simon will be among 86 students being celebrated at the 11th Annual Jimmy Awards, honoring the best performances in U.S. high school production this past year, ...
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Pride South Side hosts inaugural Pride Fest
Chicago, IL — The Pride South Side Organizing Committee has organized its first inaugural pride festival with activities beginning Friday, June 28 and going until Sunday, June 30, 2019, in partnership with various venues on the ...
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Teens competing
at Jimmy Awards
Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards' Marguerite Reed and Jacob Simon will be among 86 students being celebrated at the 11th Annual Jimmy Awards, honoring the best performances in U.S. high school production this past year, ...
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About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble celebrates 20th anniversary with 20/20
CHICAGO ( June 12, 2019 ) — The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the world premiere of 20/20, an exhilarating dive into recent queer history devised and performed by members ...
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Barrington community members show support after hate crime
Local politicians and Barrington residents were among those who registered support the evening of June 10 at a meeting of the Barrington village board in support of a gay student whose house had been vandalized. Police ...
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Trevor Project survey shows link between suicide, conversion therapy
The Trevor Project released a new survey showing that 57 percent of young people who experienced conversion therapy attempted suicide in the last year. The National Survey on LGBTQ Youth: Mental Health 2019 is consistent with ...
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Student bullied in Barrington, Commissioner Morrison responds
ELK GROVE, Ill. —June 10, 2019—Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison calls on residents to support one another amidst recent bullying and harassment of an LGBTQ youth in Barrington. Commissioner Morrison said, "We must all work ...
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Morrison hosting 'Earth, Air, Water and Fire Day' event June 15
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison will host Earth, Air, Water, and Fire Day—featuring a fishing derby, casting lessons, kids' tree climb, guided hikes and other family fun activities in the forest preserves of Cook County. ...
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NATIONAL Conversion therapy, honoring trans pioneers, case against ex-guv
Colorado banned gay conversion therapy as openly gay Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill one day before the start of LGBT Pride Month, ABC News reported. Polis actually signed two bills dealing with LGBT rights: the ...
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Illinois Senate Directs Auditor General to Evaluate Care to LGBTQ Youth in DCFS
SPRINGFIELD - Today, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Resolution 403, which calls on the Auditor General to evaluate the care provided to LGBTQ children and youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and ...
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Gay teens claim bias by Big Boy Gyros
Two teens from Lane Tech High School—Kendall Anderson and Peder Sevig—have accused Big Boy Gyros, 3541 N. Western Ave., of anti-LGBT discrimination stemming from an alleged incident involving a hug between the couple at the restaurant ...
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Lurie Children's, DCFS identifying LGBTQ youths in foster-care system
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago ( Lurie Children's ) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services ( DCFS ) are teaming on a research study to identify LGBTQ youth who ...
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OP-ED: I didn't know what being gay was until middle school
At 20 years old, I am now an out and proud lesbian—but, growing up, I didn't even know queer people existed. I have lesbian aunts who have been in a committed relationship since before I was ...
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Illinois Collaboration on Youth holds gender-expansive services symposium
Illinois Collaboration on Youth ( ICOY ) held a day-long gender expansive services symposium May 13 at the Chicago Teachers Union. The day focused on how girls and gender non-conforming youth are impacted by the juvenile-justice ...
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Planned Parenthood' youth-led initiative to hold day-long conference May 18
CHICAGO - Planned Parenthood of Illinois' ( PPIL ) youth-led initiative My Body. My Story. is hosting the Generation Empowered conference for young people of all ages on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 ...
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New Planned Parenthood videos connect teens to Sex Ed answers
Video below
New York, NY — Planned Parenthood Federation of America is excited to debut Roo High School, YouTube videos that answer some of teens' most common questions while showing how easy, fun, and helpful it is to ...
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Chicago launches first festival celebrating the future of learning
( Chicago, Illinois ) May 8, 2019 — From May 16 - 19, Chicago's neighborhoods, particularly those on the South and West sides, will turn into a learning laboratory through Remake Learning Days Chi ( RLD ...
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Pro-trans college aid bill sent to Pritzker
A bill that would allow transgender students to receive state financial aid for college, as well as undocumented students, is on its way to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk. House Bill 2691, known as the Retention of ...
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DePaul dinner honors trans icons Johnson, Rivera
On April 24, DePaul University students and faculty attended the Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera Dinner Gala to commemorate the trans icons who two of the influential figures of the Stonewall riots, The DePaulia reported. ...
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'No Boundaries' motorcycle event May 19
Organized Chaos and Youth Outlook will host a motorcycle charity ride Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m., at Fox River Harley Davidson, 131 S Randall Rd, St. Charles. ( Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. ) There will ...
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Event supporting scholarships for future LGBTQ leaders planned for May 23
Point Foundation Scholarships support the next generation of LGBTQ leaders through direct financial contribution toward the cost of education. Beyond that, each scholar is paired with a mentor and participates in leadership development programs and events. ...
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'Queer Prom' at Center on May 10
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., is hosting the 2019 Queer Prom ( theme: "Midnight in Paris" ) for LGBTQ youth on Friday, May 10, 5-8 p.m., on the building's third floor. The annual prom ...
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Nominations sought for 30 Under 30 Awards
Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBT individuals ( and allies ) for its annual 30 Under 30 Awards. The ceremony will take place Wed., June 26. There will be a 5:30 ...
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NATIONAL Teen suicide, scholarship loss, discrimination cases
Out.com reported that Alabama high-school student Nigel Shelby died by suicide after being the target of homophobic bullying, according to reports that began to surface over the weekend on Facebook. Rocket City Pride—the local LGBTQ+ Pride ...
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Safe-schools group holds annual 'Night of Noise' fundraiser
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance held its third annual Night of Noise fundraiser—titled "Onward and Upward"—on April 14 at the Haymarket Pub and Brewing. The event—which included a VIP reception, raffle and variety show—is a direct ...
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Anti-trans District 211 lawsuit dropped
Long-running litigation involving public-accommodations access for transgender students in the Northwest suburbs came to a seeming end April 15, when U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso on Monday approved the dismissal of a lawsuit seeking to bar ...
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