For Black queer people, Juneteenth is about identities and intersection
June is already a special time for LGBTQ+ people, but for Black people in the community, the month holds even more significance when Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day) is celebrated. (Here’s a historical note: Despite President Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1,…
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Sidetrack throws itself a 44th Birthday Bash
Though the skies threatened to open up and pour sheets of rain on the North Side, and the humidity was thick enough to cut with a chainsaw, Sidetrack owners and spouses Art Johnston and Pepe Pena threw their baby a 44th birthday party on June 11. A jovial crowd snacked on fresh-baked pretzels and mini-chicken…
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THEATER ‘Smiley’ recounts romantic pitfalls in an online world
A frustration I have with romantic comedies is their plots too often hinge on failures to communicate. Writers frequently deploy deflections, white lies and veiled resentments to create character-conflict that serves as a narrative pivot. I too often find myself wanting to scream: “Just talk to each other!” But breakdowns in communication are a feature, not a…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Jason Collins, trans student stabbed, Warsaw’s pro-marriage move, Uganda drops bill, INK, Janet Jackson, Sally Field
NATIONAL Jason Collins—the NBA’s first openly gay player, who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion—died at age 47 after an eight-month battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, according to media reports.…
Theater / Dance
THEATER Handbag’s Golden Girls return with fun ‘Cheese Pyramid’ scheme
I don’t have the bonafides of a true cheesemonger, but I do fancy myself as sort of a minor cheese expert. I come from a small town in southwest Wisconsin, whose high school sports team was known as the Cheesemakers. I know enough to accurately guess how long a cheddar has been aged for, and…
Music
Lakeside Pride takes the stage at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall
About 85 members of Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band joined members of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony the evening of June 5 for the Skylines in Sound concert. The performance took place at Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Orchestra Hall is home to Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Assistant Artistic Director…
Film / TV / Gossip
FILM The Chicago Critics Film Festival winds up with a Wilde week in the Windy City
The Chicago Critics Film Festival is curated by the Chicago Film Critics Association and is the only United States film festival programmed exclusively by critics. Founded in 1990, the Chicago Film Critics Association supports filmmaking and is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization. For its 13th edition, the CCFF was held from May 1-7 in 2026, at…
Books / Art
Trans
Trans Ice Cream Social marks a decade of joy
As heavy rainclouds invaded the skies, and sheets of rain pelted the North Side of Chicago on June 8, Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., hosted a giddy crowd at its 10th annual Trans Ice Cream Social. Trans individuals and allies scarfed down gluten-free Peppermint Patty, Honey Vanilla Bean, Brambleberry Crisp, Double Dough and Peanut…
Lesbian
Evette Cardona, Mona Noriega reflect on years of activism ahead of Pride Parade Grand Marshals role
Longtime LGBTQ+ advocates/activists Evette Cardona and Mona Noriega are among this year’s Chicago Pride Parade Community Grand Marshals. Cardona and Noriega were chosen alongside author, Press Forward Chicago Executive Director and Windy City Times Co-Founder/Owner Tracy Baim and the Alliance of Illinois Judges (Illinois’ LGBTQ+ judges’ association). The honorees were chosen through a community nomination process and,…