An OUTspoken Storytelling Night taking place Tuesday, Sept. 7, will offer tales told by six people who will relate their stories of fun and fortune from a LGBTQ+ perspective. The entertainment will start at 7 p.m. at Sidetrack Bar, 3349 N. Halsted St.
The first speaker, Joe Strauss, is proud of his two sons: one straight and one gay. Joe marches in the Pride Parade with the following message: "My son has made me a better man." His story is one of amends and redemption—but he bares his soul in choosing unconditional acceptance and love.
Suz Baldus is an assistant principal at a Wheaton school. She, too, has two sons—one straight and one gay. She speaks of loving them each for who they are as they share their journeys together. She is a great fan of the "grape slushies" that are served at the Sidetrack Bar.
Evgeni Lilanov came to Chicago from Bulgaria and admits freely that he was a lost teen-ager who struggled with his sexuality and could not find a place to "fit in." He used heroin until he came to the United States, where he found help with support groups. He facilitated meetings at a detox center for two years, then decided to go back to school and recently became a nurse. Today he is clean for nine years.
Kim L. Hunt has called Chicago her home for more than 30 years. She is the founding co-host of OUTspoken LGBTQ+ storytelling and has also told stories for "2nd Story," "Pour One Out" and "You're Being Ridiculous." She believes deeply in the power of stories, advocacy and a great pair of shoes!
Joy Wright is a "Best-Of-The-Net" nominated writer, storyteller, social-justice activist and single mom. She is a fundraiser for a group that promotes gender and racial equality and she spends time telling stories at shows around Chicago. Her articles and stories have been published in Huff Post as well as Creative Nonfiction, Entropy Magazine and Rebellious Magazine.
Lisa DeSantiago is an educator who is delighted to share stories of the resilience and survival of her Jibaro, Puerto Rico, ancestors. They offered her life lessons as well as love and hope. She sees herself as a purveyor of peace.
Hunt and Art Johnston will host this OUTspoken production.
NOTE: All attendees must be masked and show proof of vaccination.
For more information, call 773-477-9189 or email info@outspoken.com .
