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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OPINION Trump’s insanity triggers a duty to act
On Trump’s social media posts, he keeps depicting himself in fantasy roles: Superman, Jesus, the Pope, Sci-Fi leader of dystopian death machines and a larger than life military commander. His fantasies are sometimes “official,” communicated to the American public directly under White House insignia, and they frequently come in waves of multiple fantasies at one time. Over Labor Day he indulged and made it public 37 times. Fantasizing during…
Fairies descend on Hydrate for Tooth Fairy Sprint
On the afternoon of Sept. 12, hordes of giddy fairies gathered at Hydrate 3458 N. Halsted St., to participate in the Second Annual Tooth Fairy Sprint, which aimed to raise $10,000 for the Harrison Mackler Dental Center at Howard Brown Health. Participants either brought or were provided with wings and wands as part of the…
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Chicago advocates continue pressure to reinstate LGBTQ+ ‘Press 3’ resource
After the “Press 3” option offering resources for LGBTQ+ youth was unceremoniously dropped from the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2025, U.S. legislators did not take long to try reinstating the funding. Funding for the option was quickly added to a piece of existing legislation, $33.1 million dollars was appropriated to pay…
Nation & World
IN BRIEF Election items, trans people’s medical records, Chilli Pepper, queer Irish exhibit, George Michael, lesbian movies/TV shows, Beyonce’s new/old album
Warning: This column mentions physical violence and sexual assault. NATIONAL In a historic development, Dr. Everett Blair Jr. won the special election to replace the late Rep. David Scott in Georgia’s 13th congressional district following…
Theater / Dance
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…
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
Illinois sues over Medicaid restrictions on gender-affirming care
Illinois joined 21 other states in challenging a federal rule restricting Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Lesbian
Chicagoans reflect on Gloria Steinem’s relationship with LGBTQ+ community
Gloria Steinem is being remembered as a feminist leader and icon. But the Chicagoans who interacted with her said she never made the movement about her—it was about all of us. “She treated everyone like a peer,” said Illinois State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, who met Steinem several times, starting when Cassidy worked for the National Organization for Women’s (NOW)…