GLAAD, local leaders respond to anti-LGBTQ shooting at Tucson queer bar
(New York, NY – September 1, 2026) – GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is responding to the targeted shooting at an LGBTQ bar in Tucson, and sharing additional responses from local LGBTQ groups and allied leaders. Early…
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Second City Sisters invokes Dolly Parton’s ‘nurturing spirit’ with Chicago tribute
Novice Sister Hagatha Bundy—a member of Chicago’s Second City Sisters Abbey of the Irreverent Bean—grew up in the South. As such, Dolly Parton was a constant, almost ethereal presence in her household. “My mom loved Dolly, so Dolly was very much part of our childhood,” Novice Sr. Hagatha told Windy City Times Aug. 31. “My mom…
OPINION: Is all this abject fear or pattern recognition?
Have you ever woken in the morning steeped in a sense of nonspecific dread? It’s undefined, and even though you have no idea what it’s about, it’s palpable.You recognize that it’s just a feeling, not a fact, yet the heaviness presses. You scan the night’s memories for a bad dream… nothing in jackboots chased you…
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BUSINESS Rachel Dennis’s combined vintage wares and hair salon showcases Chicago’s queer talent
Two years ago, Rachel Dennis was at a crossroads professionally and wanted to make a bold change. They were bored and wanted more than the monotonous daily grind they were experiencing as a hairstylist at other people’s salons so they decided to open Rap Pop! Vintage Emporium and Rad Hair Salon in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood at 5820…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Queer pastor dies, trans intelligence agent, Landmark Dinner, UN experts, India’s queer MP, ‘Heated Rivalry,’ Hayden Panettiere
Warning: This column mentions violence and suicide. NATIONAL Rev. Derek Terry, a Cincinnati pastor known for his LGBTQ+ activism, has died at age 42, per The Cincinnati Enquirer. He served as a Christian pastor at…
Theater / Dance
BUSINESS ‘Punk, intense and all-encompassing’: Chicagoan Dawn Heilung brings trans artists into focus
Gender Fucked Productions (Gender Fucked) Founder and former Executive Director and Artistic Director Dawn Heilung uses many labels to describe themselves— queer, bisexual, pansexual, polyamorous, trans, non-binary, transfleminine—because “I don’t think one can fully encompass my experience.” “I started [the trans, enby and queer arts and event production focused nonprofit] Gender Fucked Productions in 2022 because…
Music
Chicago’s House scene shaped global culture. But some of its artists face housing instability
For some artists, the community sustaining Chicago’s House culture has also become an informal safety net.
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…