OPINION The LGBTQ+ vote could decide Congress. Here are the numbers
In journalism, we’re taught never to bury the lede. So here’s the lede: The LGBTQ+ community could be an important part of what happens in November’s midterm elections. We keep hearing predictions of a possible Democratic wave that could change control of Congress and, if…
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Planned Parenthood Illinois Action board unveils 2026 general election endorsements
CHICAGO—The Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA)—the non-partisan political and advocacy arm of Planned Parenthood of Illinois—announced endorsements for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. Candidates were selected based on their promotion of bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive health care and their commitment to protecting the health and rights of all…
DANCE Queer choreographer Brendan Fernandes reflects on the arts, upcoming performances and flux
Brendan Fernandes (he/they) is one busy individual. The Chicago-based contemporary artist—a Canadian with Kenyan and Indian roots who examines everything from migration to queer issues through interdisciplinary performance—will host Brendan Fernandes:Score for the Murphy Auditoriumat the Driehaus Museum on Sept. 16 (4-6 p.m.), Oct. 14 (5-7 p.m.) and Nov. 14 (3-5 p.m.); there will also be…
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The North Side of Chicago goes to the pets
The Midwest Pet & Handler Contest returned to Chicago the weekend of September 4-6, kicking off with a meet-and-greet at Jackhammer, 6406 N. Clark Street, where the two contestants, Pup Shimmer and Pup Defiant, were introduced and asked various questions about themselves, pet play and the community at large. This year, the Chicago Rose, 6525…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF School brief, married couple killed, Asia’s House, Yoyoi Kusama passes, Tim Hortons protest, Dolly Parton items, ‘Vampire’ edition
Warning: This column mentions murder and child sexual abuse. NATIONAL The Congressional Equality Caucus said that 179 members of Congress had signed a brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to preserve Colorado’s power to prevent…
Theater / Dance
The Joffrey Ballet’s president/CEO to step down in December 2027
CHICAGO (Sept. 3, 2026)— The Joffrey Ballet today announced that President and CEO Greg Cameron will depart in December 2027, concluding a 15-year tenure that transformed the organization’s financial and institutional strength and elevated its standing in Chicago and the international dance community. The transition follows a succession plan Cameron and the Joffrey Board of Directors developed three years…
Music
CGMC kicks off 43rd season with’Rhythm & Blues’ cabaret
Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC) kicks off its 43rd season with Rhythm & Blues, a cabaret celebrating one of America’s most influential musical genres. Performances will take place Friday-Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. From old-school favorites to more recent hits, Rhythm & Blues explores the…
Film / TV / Gossip
FILM ‘Castaway’ seeks to create intergenerational dialogue for Latinx audiences through storytelling
An upcoming short film, “Castaway” by director and writer Nathan Marquez, shines a spotlight on the intersectionality between being queer, growing up Latinx and Catholic and learning to find community. The film is currently in pre-production with Z Marc Productions both producing and supporting funding for the short film by hosting the Queer Creative Lounge…
Books / Art
Trans
BUSINESS Chicagoan Molly Brodzeller built a stained glass business from a lifelong passion
Molly Brodzeller was first introduced to creating stained glass in third grade, sparking a lifelong love of the craft. Reflecting back on that experience, Brodzeller said it definitely “made roots in my mind.” They eventually parlayed their love into a Chicago business, Stained Glass by Molly B. A portfolio of Brodzeller’s work and the partnerships they…
Lesbian
Meet the new chair of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council
Starr De Los Santos is stepping into leadership of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Council with the goal of strengthening the body’s connections with the community. De Los Santos was appointed chair after outgoing chair Jin-Soo Huh stepped down in February. Her rise to leadership coincides with six new members joining the council and Antonio King recently taking…