PRIDE MONTH EVENTS

June 1

Lambda Literary Awards

When: 6-8 p.m. CT Where: Online What: Created 30+ years ago to celebrate the best LGBTQ literature, the Lammys are usually held in NYC, but this year will be available virtually – free – to the world. Hosted by Rakesh Satyal (Lambda winner for his 2009 debut novel, “Blue Boy”), Lammys will be presented by John Paul Brammer, Katherine V. Forrest, Alex Gino, Alan Hollinghurst, Cyree Jarell Johnson, R.O. Kwon, Carmen Maria Machado, Ryan O’Connell and Torrey Peters, with a performance by funk, soul and hip-hop singer/songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello. Donors of $75+ receive digital gift bags. Sign up at lambdaliterary.org/awards/

June 3

Rainbow Storytime with Mr. James

When: 11-11:30 a.m. Where: Zoom What: Join Mr. James from the Chicago Public Library’s Edgebrook Branch in a celebration of love and Pride Month through stories, songs and more during this special time for families with children age 0 to 5. Please register at least 24 hours ahead at https://chipublib.org/bibliocommons/events (and scroll to June 3) since space is limited. More information is available from Mr. James at 312.774.8313 or edgebrook@chipublib.org

June 5

Rainbow Storytime

When: 10-10:30 a.m. Where: Zoom What: The Thomas Hughes Children’s Library of the Harold Washington Library will offer a 25-minute story time featuring books, finger plays, movement activities, rhymes and music to celebrate Pride Month for children 0 to 5 and their caregivers. Register at least 24 hours ahead at https://chipublib.org/bibliocommons/events More information at 312.747.4200.

June 8

Grab & Go: Pride Mini Charm Keychain

When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St., 8th floor reference desk What: Are you an adult, teen or tween looking for a fun creative outlet? How about a dangling mini jar filled with beads in rainbow colors or blue, pink and white? Courtesy of the Chicago Public Library Arts & Music Department and the Maker Lab, the kit is available until June 30 or while supplies last. More information at 312.747.4300.

June 8

Drag Story Time

When: 10:30-11:30 a.m. Where: Zoom What: Leaders from the Chicago Black Drag Council, Miss Toto and Manic Maxxie, will lead a virtual story time for kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers, facilitated by Rogers Park children’s librarian Miss Jessie. Please register at least two hours in advance, only one registration per household needed, at https: //chipublib.org/bibliocommons/events More information from 312.744.0156 or acantu@ chipublib.org .

June 9

Author Talk: 'Tinderbox’

When: 6-7 p.m. Where: Chicago Public Library’s YouTube and Facebook pages What: Robert W. Fieseler reconstructs the fire in the Upstairs Lounge in New Orleans that has only recently emerged as a catalyzing event of the gay liberation movement. The June 24, 1973 arson killed 31 men and one woman: the largest mass murder of gays until 2016. Relying on unprecedented access to survivors and archives, Fieseler created an indelible portrait of a closeted, blue-collar gay world that flourished. Originally from Chicago, he is a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and recipient of a Pulitzer Traveling Fellowship. He writes about marginalized groups that make the world better for themselves and now lives in New Orleans with his husband and his dog. You will be able to ask questions during this event, which will be archived for future viewing.

June 9

Book talk: ‘Boy Erased’

When: 6-7 p.m. Where: Zoom What: Garrard Conley was the son of a Baptist pastor in small town Arkansas. Outed to his parents as a 19-year-old college student, he was forced to make a life-changing decision: either attend a church-supported conversion therapy or risk losing family, friends, and the God he prayed to every day. Garrard found the strength to search for his true self and forgiveness. Register at least 24 hours ahead at chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events More information at 312.744.1965 or oriolepark@ chipublib.org

-Compiled by Suzanne Hanney