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Sisters in Cinema brings back Learn & Earn Program: Sisters in Cinema Newsroom
--From a press release
CHICAGO, IL- Sisters in Cinema, a Chicago-based 501 (c)3 recently in the news for breaking ground on their new Media Arts Center, is proud to announce the return of their Sisters in Cinema Newsroom Program, and ...
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Howard Brown Health expands access to medical care of sexual-assault survivors
Howard Brown Health is now providing access to medical forensic exams and evidence collection for survivors of sexual assault on the North and South sides of Chicago through its In Power program. Together with local rape-crisis ...
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Treasurer Frerichs honors Illinois leaders during Women's History Month
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD — In honor of Women's History Month, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today kicked off a virtual campaign to highlight and celebrate the achievements of women in Illinois. This year's national theme for Women's Histo ...
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Awards season kicks off with 2021 Golden Globes
The 78th Annual Golden Globes Awards were distributed Feb. 28 in a quasi-virtual event hosted by performers Tina Fey at the Rainbow Room in New York City and Amy Poehler at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly ...
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Red Stars announce 'groundbreaking' ownership group
The Chicago Red Stars announced the first members of what the team called "its groundbreaking ownership group." According to a press release, "the Chicago owners' group is [composed] of homegrown fans and believers in the power ...
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Billy Masters
"Bridgerton is like a guilty pleasure, but it's like if The CW decided to go the route of Masterpiece Theatre."—Nathan Lane during a recent appearance on "Virtual Halston" with the divine Julie Halston. When does "no ...
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MOVIES Director Ali LeRoi on his LGBT time-loop film
'The Obituary of Tunde Johnson'
The Obituary of Tunde Johnson is a movie with some familiar elements—but they're used to make a novel film. The movie uses the time-loop element that's probably most popular in the film Groundhog Day. However, director ...
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SHOWBIZ Leslie Jordan, Zendaya, 'Handmaid's Tale,' Hulu, Chaka Khan
Emmy winner and viral sensation Leslie Jordan announced his debut album. Company's Comin', will drop April 2 via Platoon, a press release noted. Inspired by his weekly "Sunday Mornin' Hymn Singin'" live stream, the album has ...
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WORLD Ghana turmoil, Malaysia case, Copenhagen 2021, Brazil churches
Anti-gay outcry has forced Ghana's first LGBT+ community center to temporarily close to protect its staff and visitors three weeks after it opened, Reuters reported. Church groups, politicians and anti-gay rights groups have called on the ...
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NATIONAL Nebraska measure, Williams Institute, Audre Lorde, journalist dies
In Nebraska, the Lincoln City Council passed an ordinance that bans licensed mental-health professionals from subjecting LGBTQ youth to the discredited practice of conversion therapy, according to a Trevor Project ...
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U.S. House passes COVID stimulus bill
A $1.9-trillion coronavirus stimulus bill—the first major legislation of President Joe Biden's term—passed the U.S. House mostly along party lines early on Feb. 27. The legislation includes stimulus checks of $1,400 for individuals making up ...
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Equality Act would provide federal civil rights protections to 13M LGBTs
--From a press release
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, federal legislation that would expressly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity under existing civil rights laws. LGBT ...
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National Restaurant Association Show cancelled
Event organizers of the National Restaurant Association Show announced the cancellation of the 2021 National Restaurant Association Show, which was scheduled to take place May 22-25 at Chicago's McCormick Place. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois ...
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ELECTIONS Chicago alderman exploring secretary of state run
According to Politico Playbook, Chicago Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd Ward) is exploring the possibility of running for secretary of state. I know I can build on the work that Secretary [of State Jesse] White has done ...
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Preservation Chicago unveils list of most endangered Chicago buildings
Preservation Chicago—which works with city officials, neighborhood residents, owners and stakeholders to prevent what is often viewed as the wholesale loss of Chicago's important buildings—has revealed its 2021 list of ...
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Harris reveals legislative agenda for 2021
--From a press release
With remote committee hearings starting next week, the Spring Session is now truly underway. I wanted to share my legislative agenda for this year with you. In addition to my duties as chief budget negotiator for ...
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COVID Vaccinations at United Center starting March 10
On Feb. 26, the Biden administration, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, and U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced that eligible Illinoisans from every part ...
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Mike Madigan picks second successor
On Feb. 25, Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar was sworn in as the new 22nd District state representative, media outlets reported. Guerrero-Cuellar is the second person to succeed now-former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan in less than a week. ...
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COVID Ann Sather restaurant fined $2,000
The Ann Sather restaurant at 909 W. Belmont Ave. has been fined $2,000 for violating the state's indoor dining ban last year, ABC7Chicago.com reported. Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney owns the restaurant, which was cited Dec. 4. ...
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Spots revealed for Chicago Restaurant Week 2021
The venues participating in Chicago Restaurant Week (March 19-April 4) have been revealed. This year's participants include a range of restaurants throughout Chicagoland offering specially priced, prix fixe menus for ...
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House passes Equality Act, LGBTQ Victory Institute demands Senate vote
--From a press release
Washington, DC — Today LGBTQ Victory Institute — the only national organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ elected officials — applauded the U.S. House for passing the Equality Act and called on U.S. senators not to filibuster ...
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Vaccine eligibility opens to Illinoisans with serious medical conditions
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Building on efforts to equitably distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Health today announced that Illinoisans with serious medical conditions can be vaccinated ...
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DANCE Hubbard Street season to resume with 'In Any Event'
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago's (HSDC's) 43rd season will resume Thursday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. with a virtual world premiere of new work by choreographer and former HSDC dancer Penny Saunders. The piece will also be ...
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Dr. Rachel Levine confirmation hearing today, to be first trans Senate-confirmed appointee
--From a press release
Washington, DC — Today Dr. Rachel Levine will testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about her experience and qualifications to be the next U.S. Assistant Secretary of Health. If moved ...
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One-third of gay, bisexual men who take PrEP discontinue within three years
--From a press release
Familiarity and favorable attitudes towards PrEP have increased over time, though use remains low A new study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law finds a significant increase in familiarity with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) ...
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Victory Institute condemns Rand Paul attack on
Dr. Rachel Levine, trans youth
--From a press release
Washington, DC — Today LGBTQ Victory Institute condemned Senator Rand Paul's transphobic attack on Dr. Rachel Levine during her confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. He attacked trans you ...
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Advocates, legislators introduce bill to
decriminalize HIV in Illinois
--From a press release
SPRINGFIELD, IL - Legislation was introduced in Springfield this week to end criminal penalties against people living with HIV (PLWH), which serve only to stigmatize and discriminate against PLWH. Current Illinois law makes legal behavior — ...
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Newman, Taylor Greene clash over Equality Act
Illinois U.S. Rep. Marie Newman's push to pass the Equality Act—a law that would ban discrimination against LGBTQ Americans—has put her at odds with controversial Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, according to The Chicago Tribun ...
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Team USA defends women's soccer title with 6-0 win
The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team won its fourth SheBelieves Cup on Feb. 24 after a commanding 6-0 victory over Argentina, the Olympic Channel reported. The victory makes the team the first to win back-to-back titles; ...
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LGBTs rise to 5.6% of U.S. population
Gallup's latest update on lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender identification finds 5.6% of U.S. adults identifying as LGBT, according to the organization. The current estimate is up from 4.5% in Gallup's previous update based on 2017 ...
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Three Illinoisans among Victory Fund's latest endorsed candidates
On Feb. 24, LGBTQ Victory Fund—the only national organization dedicated to electing LGBTQ leaders to public office—issued a press release announcing its endorsement of 30 more LGBTQ candidates for 2021 races. Illinois candidates in the group ...
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Daniel Biss wins Evanston mayoral race
Former Illinois state Sen. Daniel Biss, a Democrat, won the Evanston mayoral race on Feb. 23, media outlets reported. An hour after polls closed, Biss had collected more than 73 percent of the votes counted and ...
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Chicago Gay Men's Chorus' 'Diva Dracula' in March
Chicago Gay Men's Chorus (CGMC) will present a virtual production of "Lipstick & Lyrics: Diva Dracula," on March 6, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. CT. Featuring 15 drag performers, Diva Dracula embarks on a journey ...
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Mike Madigan now wants successor to step down
Just two days after appointing Edward Guerra Kodatt as his successor, former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan has asked him to step down, according to various media outlets. Marty Quinn, alderman of Chicago's 13th Ward, joined ...
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Andersonville Chamber expands Restaurant Week
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is expanding its traditional Andersonville Restaurant Week throughout March. Each week will feature a different collection of Andersonville restaurants with meals available for pick-up ...
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1.3 million adult immigrants in the US identify as LGBT
--From a press release
LGBT immigrants are more often male and younger compared to all immigrants in the country An estimated 1,274,500 LGBT foreign-born adults live in the U.S., including 289,700 who are undocumented and 984,800 who are documented, according ...
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THEATER Global, Grindr-based 'Borders' to run Feb. 25-27
Dirty Laundry Theatre's virtual experience Borders, directed by Chicago resident Michael R. Piazza, will feature three live shows on Feb. 25-27. Written by Nimrod Danishman and directed by Piazza, Borders tells the story of two gay ...
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Madigan resigns as state Democratic chair
On Feb. 22, former longtime Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan resigned as chairman of the state Democratic Party—one day after anointing 26-year-old constituent services worker Edward Guerra Kodatt to fill the legislative seat he held for ...
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Gov. Pritzker signs legislation transforming Illinois criminal justice system
--From a press release
CHICAGO — Building on efforts to create a more equitable and safe criminal justice system, Governor JB Pritzker signed landmark legislation that transforms Illinois' criminal justice system. This landmark legislation ...
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Chicago soccer team holding anthem contest
The Chicago-based soccer club Edgewater Castle FC (ECFC) is holding a competition for Chicago musicians, artists and composers to write its new club anthem. According to a press release, "The anthem will be sung by players ...
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Billy Masters
"Life is about building bridges, not walls."—Elton John, when criticized for performing at Rush Limbaugh's 2010 wedding. Something I say all the time might have also been a good response: "A gig's a gig." Rush Limbaugh ...
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Author and educator Sarah Chadwick talks new book on female sexuality
Sarah Chadwick's debut book, The Sweetness of Venus: A History of the Clitoris, was the result of her desire to understand the status of female sexuality in the West from an historical perspective. During Chadwick's research, ...
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Mike Madigan chooses successor
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan said Feb. 21 he hasn't made a decision on how long he will continue as state Democratic Party chairman as he installed a 26-year-old constituent services worker as his successor ...
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Pride and Less Prejudice to host panel on LGBTQ media representation March 20
On Saturday, March 20, at 1 p.m. CT, Pride and Less Prejudice (PLP)—which provides free, age-appropriate, LGBTQ-inclusive books to pre-K-3rd grade students in order to foster LGBTQ inclusivity and acceptance—will ...
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NATIONAL Virginia items, Marriott CEO, Black LGBTQ+ icons, trans kids' book
Virginia lawmakers are about to roll back a state law that allows faith-based adoption and foster-care agencies to refuse service to LGBTQ families, VirginiaMercury.com reported. The legislation has spurred heated ...
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Showbiz: Black gay director, Oscars, soccer couple, Demi Lovato
Paris Barclay, the Emmy-winning TV director and former president of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), will receive the guild's Honorary Life Member Award at the 73rd Annual DGA Awards on April 10, TheWrap reported. Barclay ...
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WORLD Canadian groups, Moroccan refugee, LGBT+ Rights Ghana, trans heroine
From $400,000 in funding for a national initiative aimed at expanding two-spirit advocacy, to $239,000 to improve LGBTQ youth housing access in the Prairies, 76 Canadian community groups are being sent nearly $15 million from the ...
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'You For Me For You' benefit on Feb. 28
Sideshow Theatre Company will launch its 2021 season with a one-night-only benefit screening of its 2018 hit You For Me For You, written by Mia Chung and directed by ensemble member Elly Green. The archival recording ...
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Male-only Michigan campsite bans trans men
In Michigan, the owners of Camp Boomerang RV Park and Campground in Orleans—about 50 miles northwest of Lansing—announced they will ban trans men from their male-only park when they officially open this spring, PrideSource.com reported. "Camp ...
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PASSAGES Maya Kali Evans dies at 53
Maya Kali Evans (formerly Curtis O. Love)—a tattoo artist and caregiver who resided in Newark, Illinois, and who previously lived in Chicago and Philadelphia—passed away peacefully Feb. 18, 2021, at home in Newark. She was 53. ...
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Red Stars rename Press Row in honor of Ida B. Wells
The Chicago Red Stars announced that they are formally renaming Press Row at SeatGeek Stadium in honor and memory of Ida B. Wells. According to the National Women's History Museum's website, Wells "was a prominent journalist, ...
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COVID Howard Brown Health COO talks vaccine rollout and race
On Feb. 13, Howard Brown Health hosted a citywide vaccination blitz at five community partner locations (New Beginnings Church of Chicago; 6620 S. King Dr.; Trinity United Church of Christ/TUCC; 400 W. 95th St.; Rising Sun ...
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Equality Act introduced Feb. 18
The Equality Act was formally reintroduced to Congress on Feb. 18 by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and openly gay U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, Gay City News reported. The legislation, which most recently passed the lower chamber ...
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Court Theatre announces 2021 Southside Youth Fest, platform for teens
--From a press release
Chicago, IL - Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, and Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, announces Court's 2021 Southside Youth Fest, inviting South Side teens to submit original digi ...
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Court Theatre premieres spotlight podcast highlighting Black writers
--From a press release
Chicago, IL - Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, and Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, announces the online premiere of its Spotlight Podcast. A key component of Court's community ...
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Equality Act reintroduced in House of Representatives, NCLR responds
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, NCLR lauded the reintroduction of the Equality Act (H.R. 5), a bipartisan comprehensive federal civil rights bill that would create permanent protections for LGBTQ individuals, women ...
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Mike Madigan to resign from Illinois House
Illinois state Rep. Michael Madigan announced that he plans to resign from the Illinois House at the end of this month, The Chicago Tribune reported. Madigan has represented a Southwest Side district for a half-century—the majority ...
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Commission: Jamaica should repeal same-sex ban
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the top rights body of the Americas, said in a symbolic landmark ruling on Feb. 17 that Jamaica should repeal its colonial-era gay sex ban, Reuters reported. Two Jamaicans ...
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LGBT Chamber's 'Celebration of Black Business Excellence' on Feb. 23
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois will hold its annual "Celebration of Black Business Excellence" on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 5:30-7 p.m. Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council President & Ceo Vince Williams will moderate the event. ...
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Lightfoot wants local statues and plaques reviewed
Statues of presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and William McKinley, as well as the Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, were among the 41 public statues and other commemorative markers that Chicago ...
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Morten Group, LLC celebrates 20th anniversary with new FIRE grant
--From a press release
Applications are now open for Morten Group, LLC's Forging Innovation in Racial Equity (FIRE) Grant and will close at 12 midnight CST on March 15, 2021. Eligible 501(c)3 entities are based in the United States and ...
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Next 'OUTspoken' event March 2
The next session of OUTspoken—a monthly storytelling event that centers on tales of fun and fortune from local LGBTQ+ men and women and their close friends—will take place Tuesday, March 2, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. ...
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PASSAGES Dr. Gary B. Beringer, epidemiologist, dies at 70
Epidemiologist Gary B. Beringer, Dr. P.H., age 70, passed away suddenly Wednesday, Jan. 27 at his home in Chicago, IL. Gary, an only child, is survived by his wife, Nancy M. Abbate, who worked closely with ...
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National Trust advocates to protect legacy of LGBTQ+ pioneers
--From a press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Trust for Historic Preservation will testify tomorrow before the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission in an attempt to secure a local landmark designation for the San Francisco home of pioneering LGBTQ+ ...
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MOVIES Dutch journalist talks about making 'My Friend, the Mayor'
In the Amazon Prime Video documentary My Friend, the Mayor: Small-town Democracy in the Age of Trump, Dutch journalist Max Westerman profiles friend Sean Strub, an openly gay activist, activist, long-term AIDS survivor and POZ magazine ...
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COVID Chicago expands indoor dining capacity
The city of Chicago plans to reduce indoor dining restrictions for a second consecutive week, allowing bars and restaurants to offer service at either 40% capacity or 50 people, whichever is less, The Chicago Tribune reported. ...
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Chicago History Museum names new president
The Chicago History Museum (CHM) announced that Donald E. Lassere—president of the Muhammad Ali Center and Museum (MAC) in Louisville, Kentucky—will succeed Gary T. Johnson as Museum president. Johnson is ...
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New dance film features 46 dancers from 20 countries
Films.Dance—a global film series produced by and under the creative direction of LA-based Jacob Jonas The Company—continues with Match, the single most expansive collaboration in the 15-film series. Match features ...
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Billy Masters
"It was the worst 90 seconds of my life, for sure."—Stormy Daniels, while on Michael Cohen's podcast. She also revealed that she first met El Presidente in 2006 at a golf tournament in Lake Tahoe where ...
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Showbiz: Jodie Foster, 'Aretha,' gospel singer, Cody Newman, gay actors
While promoting her new film The Mauritanian, Jodie Foster said she "was a little scared of" acting alongside Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, Yahoo! Entertainment noted. Of Silence (which has its 30th anniversary this ...
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NATIONAL: Missing gay man, paramedic's suit, Equality Act, Bayard Rustin
San Francisco police are seeking the public's help finding a gay man who went missing, seemingly without a trace, The Bay Area Reporter noted. The mother of Christopher J. Woitel, 50, last heard from him Jan. ...
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WORLD School items, Olympics, Angola law, Dutch senate
Toronto's Catholic school board reinstated the link to an LGBT support phone line on its website following outrage from the community, according to Yahoo! News, citing The Canadian Press. The school board removed LGBT YouthLine from ...
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Mike Simmons talks about making history in Illinois state Senate
In a historic move on Feb. 6, Mike Simmons——who is Black (half African-American, half Ethiopian) and gay— was chosen to succeed Heather Steans as Illinois state senator for the 7th District. According to Simmons, he will ...
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Queer musician Ari Gold dies at 47
New York City-based dance artist Ari Gold has died at age 47 after a long battle with cancer, according to out.com. Gold—who was also known as Sir Ari and GoldNation— released seven albums as a part ...
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Trump acquitted again on Feb. 13
On Feb. 13, the U.S. Senate acquitted Donald Trump of inciting the horrific attack on the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6, concluding a historic impeachment trial, The Chicago Tribune reported. The Senate convened for a rare weekend ...
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