Windy City Times

IN BRIEF Legal setback in Calif., Scouting America, queer inmates released, Alexandra Billings, Ricky Martin NATIONAL In the case of Mirabelli v. Bonta, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a big setback to California transgender students, allowing parents challenging the state’s school gender-identity policies to enforce a lower-court injunction that restricts student confidentiality while the case moves forward on appeal, The Advocate noted. The justices ruled that parents objecting on religious grounds are "likely to succeed on the merits" of their claims under the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

IN BRIEF Legal setback in Calif., Scouting America, queer inmates released, Alexandra Billings, Ricky Martin

NATIONAL In the case of Mirabelli v. Bonta, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a big setback to California transgender students, allowing parents challenging the state’s school…

Connections and brotherhood focus of newly formed Transmasc Society of Chicago When Brave Space Alliance Development Manager Troy Taylor moved to Chicago last March, he was determined to find new trans guy friends at the social events he attended. That proved difficult for Taylor, so he decided to create the Transmasc Society of Chicago (TMS).

Connections and brotherhood focus of newly formed Transmasc Society of Chicago

When Brave Space Alliance Development Manager Troy Taylor moved to Chicago last March, he was determined to find new trans guy friends at the social events he attended. That proved difficult for Taylor, so he decided to…

LBTQ Giving Council hosts Women’s Day dance

International Women’s Day Dance. Photos by Kat Fitzgerald, Mystic Images Photography The LBTQ Giving Council of Chicago Foundation for Women’s annual International Women’s Day Dance raised more than $40,000 for granting programs in a dance-filled party…

DIFFA celebrates LGBTQ+ resilience with Lip Sync fundraiser On March 5, DIFFA (Design Industries Fighting AIDS) threw its Seventh Annual Lip Sync for Life Benefit in front of a near sold out Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., with a goal of raising $80,000. The event was packed with individuals working in architecture, textiles, design and construction for a night of drag, competitive video screenings, networking, comedy and fundraising.

DIFFA celebrates LGBTQ+ resilience with Lip Sync fundraiser

On March 5, DIFFA (Design Industries Fighting AIDS) threw its Seventh Annual Lip Sync for Life Benefit in front of a near sold out Lincoln Hall, 2424 N. Lincoln Ave., with a goal of raising $80,000. The event was packed with individuals…

SAVOR Andersonville Restaurant Weeks, ‘Chocolate’ winners and Cesar’s Rainbow Cake  Green day:  If you’re looking for a spot to check out on St. Patrick’s Day weekend (which is quickly approaching), look no further than the free column at SAVOR with Andrew (which has plenty of news in addition to what's here). —Winner time: The official winners of AIDS Foundation Chicago’s World of Chocolate, held Feb. 27 at Artifact Events, have been revealed.

SAVOR Andersonville Restaurant Weeks, ‘Chocolate’ winners and Cesar’s Rainbow Cake 

Green day:  If you’re looking for a spot to check out on St. Patrick’s Day weekend (which is quickly approaching), look no further than the free column at SAVOR with Andrew (which has plenty of news in addition to…

37th GLAAD Media Awards: Liza Minnelli, Don Lemon, ‘Heated Rivalry’ cast and many others attend   

37th GLAAD Media Awards: Liza Minnelli, Don Lemon, ‘Heated Rivalry’ cast and many others attend 

 

PASSAGES Joe Nathan Canup Joe Nathan Canup, 58—an artist, photographer, bartender and gardener, of LaPorte, Indiana, formerly of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood—passed away due to complications of a sudden recurrence of metastatic esophageal cancer. Born in Aurora, Joe graduated from Oswego High School in 1985 and took college classes. In 2001, he moved to Chicago and worked as a bartender at Touché from 2009-17. He was also the invaluable gallery assistant at the Leigh Gallery (2005-2019).

PASSAGES Joe Nathan Canup

Joe Nathan Canup, 58—an artist, photographer, bartender and gardener, of LaPorte, Indiana, formerly of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood—passed away due to complications of a sudden recurrence of metastatic esophageal cancer. Born in Aurora, Joe graduated from Oswego High…

‘Sinners’ dominates 2026 Dorian Film Awards, Rose Byrne and Amy Madigan take acting prizes

Eva Victor’s ‘Sorry, Baby’ Garners Two Wins; Ryan Coogler Earns Three Honors in a Breakout Year for Bold, Community-Driven CinemaSponsored by Tello Films  March 3, 2026, Los Angeles – GALECA: The Society of…

Trans Up Front Illinois marks one year with Light the Way Soiree, TDOV rally One year after two trans parents organized a protest in a blizzard outside Lurie Children’s Hospital, Trans Up Front Illinois is marking the milestone with two major events: its first Light the Way Soiree and a second annual Transgender Day of Visibility rally. The organization will host the Light the Way Soiree March 21, followed two weeks later by the…

Trans Up Front Illinois marks one year with Light the Way Soiree, TDOV rally

One year after two trans parents organized a protest in a blizzard outside Lurie Children’s Hospital, Trans Up Front Illinois is marking the milestone with two major events: its first Light the Way Soiree and a second…

Howard Brown Health appoints national health equity leader Dr. Justin M. List as Chief Medical Officer

Chicago, IL — Howard Brown Health, one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ affirming federally qualified health centers, today announced the appointment of Dr. Justin M. List, MD, MAR, MSc, FACP as…

Brave Space Alliance announces second annual Dignity Dash 5 K Race

Dignity Dash: Thriving Through the Finish Line will honor transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, while raising critical funds to support BSA’s life-saving services CHICAGO, IL – Today, Brave Space Alliance (BSA), a…

We Keep Us Safe throws Queer Happening in support of Brave Space Alliance On the chilly evening of Feb. 28, the new organization We Keep Us Safe held its inaugural queer happening Let Yourself Shine with Brave Space Alliance as the beneficiary. The event took place at i0 Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury St., and invited guests to "come as your shiniest self" for a soiree that featured ambient performers, curated art installations, stylistically varied live performances, a silent art auction and a warm, welcoming LGBTQ+ atmosphere that bridged the DIY aesthetic with old world burlesque seamlessly.

We Keep Us Safe throws Queer Happening in support of Brave Space Alliance

On the chilly evening of Feb. 28, the new organization We Keep Us Safe held its inaugural queer happening Let Yourself Shine with Brave Space Alliance as the beneficiary. The event took place at i0 Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury…

Comptroller candidate Margaret Croke highlights fiscal oversight, LGBTQ+ allyship State Rep. Margaret Croke is making the case that her background in public administration and legislative leadership uniquely prepares her to serve as Illinois’ next comptroller. Croke, who represents Chicago’s 12th District—including the Northalsted LGBTQ+ district—entered the race after building a record in Springfield focused on financial policy, social services and LGBTQ+ equality. The Democratic primary field includes several candidates…

Comptroller candidate Margaret Croke highlights fiscal oversight, LGBTQ+ allyship

State Rep. Margaret Croke is making the case that her background in public administration and legislative leadership uniquely prepares her to serve as Illinois’ next comptroller. Croke, who represents Chicago’s 12th…

Chicago Pride Parade announces ‘Free to Be Proud’ theme and community grand marshals Organizers of the 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade announced this year’s theme, “Free to Be Proud,” and named Windy City Times owner and cofounder Tracy Baim among the 2026 community grand marshals. Baim will serve alongside fellow community grand marshals Evette Cardona and Mona Noriega, as well as the Alliance of Illinois Judges. The annual parade will step off on Sunday, June 28, continuing a more than five-decade tradition through Northalsted.

Chicago Pride Parade announces ‘Free to Be Proud’ theme and community grand marshals

Organizers of the 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade announced this year’s theme, “Free to Be Proud,” and named Windy City Times owner and cofounder Tracy Baim among the 2026 community grand marshals. Baim will…

IN BRIEF Mount Sinai, Stonewall gala, Kazakhstan activists, Megan Thee Stallion, queer hockey player NATIONAL In New York City, the Mount Sinai Health System has been accused of further restricting gender-affirming care for youth in the face of pressure from the Trump administration, Gay City News reported. Mount Sinai and some other providers had already faced scrutiny for allegedly canceling appointments for youth after President Donald Trump signed an executive order limiting federal funds for providers offering gender-affirming care for individuals younger than 19 years old.

IN BRIEF Mount Sinai, Stonewall gala, Kazakhstan activists, Megan Thee Stallion, queer hockey player

NATIONAL In New York City, the Mount Sinai Health System has been accused of further restricting gender-affirming care for youth in the face of pressure from the Trump administration, Gay City News…

How Chicago programs are turning jobs into lasting careers for LGBTQ+ workers Chicago organizations are expanding employment initiatives designed to help LGBTQ+ residents not only find jobs, but stay in them long enough to build careers. Employment is often a gateway to economic stability, but advocates say extra barriers—especially for transgender workers—can make workplaces difficult to enter and even harder to remain in. Hiring practices, day-to-day culture and access to advancement often determine whether a paycheck becomes long-term mobility.

How Chicago programs are turning jobs into lasting careers for LGBTQ+ workers

Chicago organizations are expanding employment initiatives designed to help LGBTQ+ residents not only find jobs, but stay in them long enough to build careers. Employment is often a gateway to economic stability, but…

Chicagoans snack their way through AFC’s World of Chocolate  On Feb. 27, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) presented its annual World of Chocolate at Artifacts Events, continuing a tradition of fundraising, HIV activism and chocolate—lots  and lots of chocolate. This 2026 edition featured 14 chocolatiers and chefs in contention for awards, along with fundraising opportunities that included a balloon drop, an online art auction, a silent auction and a punchboard with hidden prizes, with vintage ‘70s disco beats provided by DJ Onwa.

Chicagoans snack their way through AFC’s World of Chocolate 

On Feb. 27, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) presented its annual World of Chocolate at Artifacts Events, continuing a tradition of fundraising, HIV activism and chocolate—lots  and lots of chocolate. This 2026 edition featured 14…

SAVOR Dance divas, hidden gem in Lake View, ‘Spotlight’ drag brunch, Chicago Fire launch —Dance fever: During International Women’s Month, HER: HRC—the local women’s branch of the LGBTQ+-rights group the Human Rights Campaign—will present a ‘90s dance party at D.S. Tequila, 3352 N. Halsted St., on March 7, 7-11 p.m. DJ CASH ERA will spin the tunes as attendees channel their inner Janet Jackson or Paula Abdul. According to the event’s Facebook page, the party will “celebrate the power, resilience and impact of LGBTQ+ women while honoring queer culture and chosen family.” Tickets are available at…

SAVOR Dance divas, hidden gem in Lake View, ‘Spotlight’ drag brunch, Chicago Fire launch

—Dance fever: During International Women’s Month, HER: HRC—the local women’s branch of the LGBTQ+-rights group the Human Rights Campaign—will present a ‘90s dance party at D.S. Tequila, 3352 N. Halsted St., on…

Banned by the Nazis: ‘Der Silbersee’ (‘The Silver Lake’) is reclaimed by Chicago Opera Theater There are major historical and political reasons why most audiences are unfamiliar with Der Silbersee (The Silver Lake). Chicago Opera Theater is reclaiming this obscure German hybrid work for its Chicago premiere at the Studebaker Theater in early March. Der Silbersee was the last collaboration between The Threepenny Opera composer Kurt Weill and German expressionist playwright Georg Kaiser. Their previous one-act operas…

Banned by the Nazis: ‘Der Silbersee’ (‘The Silver Lake’) is reclaimed by Chicago Opera Theater

There are major historical and political reasons why most audiences are unfamiliar with Der Silbersee (The Silver Lake). Chicago Opera Theater is reclaiming this obscure German hybrid work for its…

Gerber/Hart dips into archives to mark Black History Month Black LGBTQ+ History was the focus of a Life is Work-hosted presentation, Black Queer History: Celebrating the Black LGBTQ+ Community in Chicago and the Midwest Through the Archives, on Feb. 26 at the organization’s resource center location in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Gerber/Hart Library and Archives Operations Director Erin Bell led the discussion. She first detailed Gerber/Hart’s work, then reflected on the contributions made by four notable Black LGBTQ+ Chicagoans: Rev.

Gerber/Hart dips into archives to mark Black History Month

Black LGBTQ+ History was the focus of a Life is Work-hosted presentation, Black Queer History: Celebrating the Black LGBTQ+ Community in Chicago and the Midwest Through the Archives, on Feb. 26 at the organization’s resource center…

OPINION In these crazy times: Finding the joy of honesty in the darkness of lies

Sabrina Haake In our era of performative politics, the arts can lead us back to truth. Last week I watched the Attorney General of the United States sneer at the rule of law and felt sick. I’ve been a federal trial…

Hands Off Chicago Coalition responds to Trump’s State of the Union

CHICAGO – The Hands Off Chicago coalition – supported by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights, Indivisible Chicago, Personal PAC, Equality Illinois, Sierra Club Illinois, the Illinois AFL-CIO, and the Chicago…

OPINION Leaving behind memories, not messes

When I tell people just how much organization goes into dying, most folks get skittish and think they can opt out. Alas, opting out of dying is not optional.  And the paper trail we need to leave behind is impressive. Making plans to gather it while of…

PASSAGES Rigardo Punzalan Morales

Rigardo Punzalan Morales, “Ricki”, 81, of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, passed away Feb. 22.  Inclusive Funeral Care. Image courtesy Inclusive Funeral Care He was born Jan. 16, 1945, in Batangas, Philippines, the youngest of five children. He graduated from…

PASSAGES Antonio Benecchi Antonio Benecchi, 62, of Chicago, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a life that seemed to hold several lifetimes within it. Born in Busseto and having lived in both Parma and Milan, Italy, Antonio moved through the world with an elegance that was unmistakably his own. He was intellectually curious, stylish and striking, and had an instinctive appreciation for history, architecture, beauty and the culinary arts.

PASSAGES Antonio Benecchi

Antonio Benecchi, 62, of Chicago, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a life that seemed to hold several lifetimes within it. Born in Busseto and having lived in both Parma and Milan, Italy, Antonio moved through the world with an elegance…

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Bbrings diva royalty to the Center on Halsted with Lipstick & Lyrics: Bette, Barbra & Beyoncé CHICAGO, IL (March 6-7, 14) – Hold on to your wigs! Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus proudly announces the return of its annual live-singing drag extravaganza, Lipstick & Lyrics: Bette, Barbra & Beyoncé, lighting up the stage at Chicago’s Center on Halsted. Tickets are available now at cgmc.org/lnl. This year’s edition celebrates three legendary divas: Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, and Beyoncé.

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus Bbrings diva royalty to the Center on Halsted with Lipstick & Lyrics: Bette, Barbra & Beyoncé

CHICAGO, IL (March 6-7, 14) – Hold on to your wigs! Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus proudly announces the return of its annual live-singing drag extravaganza, Lipstick & Lyrics: Bette,…

Tryst luxury hotel proposed for former D.S. Tequila site in Northalsted A luxury LGBTQ+ boutique hotel is being proposed for the former D.S. Tequila site in Northalsted, adding another hospitality project to the neighborhood’s evolving development landscape. Tryst Hospitality announced plans Feb. 25 for the Tryst Chicago, a five-story, 21-room hotel with a rooftop pool, restaurant and nightclub at 3350-3352 N. Halsted St. The site was previously home to D.S. Tequila before its closure in 2023…

Tryst luxury hotel proposed for former D.S. Tequila site in Northalsted

A luxury LGBTQ+ boutique hotel is being proposed for the former D.S. Tequila site in Northalsted, adding another hospitality project to the neighborhood’s evolving development landscape. Tryst Hospitality announced plans Feb.…

Pansexual organizer Drake Warren challenges Gainer for Cook County’s 10th District seat Drake Warren said his campaign for Cook County commissioner is rooted in a simple idea: helping shape the city he plans to grow old in. The industrial engineer, organizer and openly pansexual candidate is running for the Cook County Board’s 10th District seat, challenging incumbent Commissioner Bridget Gainer, who has held the position since 2010, in a race spanning parts of Chicago’s North and Northwest sides.

Pansexual organizer Drake Warren challenges Gainer for Cook County’s 10th District seat

Drake Warren said his campaign for Cook County commissioner is rooted in a simple idea: helping shape the city he plans to grow old in. The industrial engineer, organizer and openly pansexual candidate is…

Comptroller candidate Holly Kim brings LGBTQ+ allyship to statewide race Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim is running for Illinois Comptroller in a race that includes multiple LGBTQ+ touchpoints tied to her campaign, from past advocacy around marriage equality to her experience as the mother of a transgender child. Kim is seeking the statewide financial office in a crowded field that also includes Margaret Croke, Karina Villa, Stephanie Kifowit and Bryan Drew.

Comptroller candidate Holly Kim brings LGBTQ+ allyship to statewide race

Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim is running for Illinois Comptroller in a race that includes multiple LGBTQ+ touchpoints tied to her campaign, from past advocacy around marriage equality to her experience as the mother of a…

Caprice Carthans Academy honors mentorship legacy of trans trailblazer Dr. Z went from struggling to read as a teenager navigating homelessness on Chicago’s South Side to earning a doctorate—and founding an accredited adult high school designed for people whose education was interrupted. And Dr. Z named it after the person who first believed that future was possible for her. The Caprice Carthans Academy, an adult high school diploma program serving students ages 18 and up, recently received regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, a milestone that places the school alongside nationally recognized institutions and allows graduates to pursue college, military service and career pathways with widely accepted credentials.

Caprice Carthans Academy honors mentorship legacy of trans trailblazer

Dr. Z went from struggling to read as a teenager navigating homelessness on Chicago’s South Side to earning a doctorate—and founding an accredited adult high school designed for people whose education was interrupted. And Dr. Z…