June 7 - 13, 2023

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Arts

SportsWise

The SportsWise Team discusses the NBA Finals.

Cover Story: LGBTQIA+ Organizations

Chicago has often been a haven for LGBTQIA+ persons in the Midwest. These organizations work for equality, provide entertainment and ensure a happy, healthy city for all Chicagoans.

Pride

Part 2

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

A Life's Work!

‘Gary Simmons: Public Enemy’

Running June 13 - October 1, “Gary Simmons: Public Enemy” is the first comprehensive career survey of the work of multidisciplinary artist Gary Simmons. The exhibition covers 30 years of the artist’s career, encompassing approximately 70 works. Since the late 1980s, Simmons has played a key role in situating questions of race, class, and gender identity at the center of contemporary art discourse. In this timely exhibition—accompanied by a major exhibition catalogue and slate of related programs—visitors will gain a holistic understanding of the complex and profoundly moving work of this groundbreaking and influential artist at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave. The MCA is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is $15; $8 students/teachers/seniors.

See Me Feel Me Touch Me Heal Me!

The Who’s ‘Tommy’ Myth and spectacle combine in a fresh reinvention of The Who’s exhilarating 1969 rock concept album, "Tommy"—including the unforgettable anthems “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Sensation” and “Pinball Wizard.” After witnessing his father shoot his rival, the young Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tony Award-winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony Award-winning original director Des McAnuff find powerful resonance reexamining this iconic story for today. Playing June 13 - July 23 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets start at $30 at goodmantheatre.org

'Ulysses' Celebrated! 'Bloomsday'

“Bloomsday” returns to Chicago at two different venues on June 16, the anniversary of the day that Leopold Bloom wandered Dublin in 1904 in the book “Ulysses” by James Joyce.

At 7 p.m., Puddin’head Press will present a “salon in a saloon” hosted by playwright and author Jeff Helgeson on the second floor of The Galway Arms, 2442 N. Clark St. This year’s is the 20th since commemorations began on the centennial of the day on which the novel is set; it will feature readings by local actors, writers, scholars and James Joyce fans. $7 cover at the door. More info at www.Facebook.com/BloomsdayChicago or www.puddinheadpress.net/bloomsday-in-chicago-june-16th/ The Cliff Dwellers will also celebrate Bloomsday with food, drink, song and readings, from 5-8 p.m. at 200 S. Michigan Ave. More information is at cliff-chicago.org. Banned in the U.S. for its sexual content when it was first published in 1922, the book is filled with al lusions, extended passages of stream of consciousness, and word play. The Modern Library selected "Ulysses" as the best novel of the 20th century.

Lunchtime Moves!

See Chicago Dance: Live at Lunch!

This FREE lunchtime event offers a chance to experience a curated hour of dance classes and performances. Over 10 weeks this summer, a different dance genre and artist will be featured at each session. Performances will be at The Green, 320 S. Canal St., noon to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through September 13. Whether one is a professional or just looking to try something new, "Live at Lunch!" is the perfect way to get your dance fix. Part performance, part class, and totally fun, the Live at Lunch! dances will leave participants invigorated and energized. Upcoming performances include RE|Dance Group (June 14), Dance Avondale (June 28), Utkalaa Center for Odissi (July 12) and more.

Compiled by Dave Hamilton

Ballet at Ravinia!

‘Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends’

Ruth Page Center of the Arts presents its annual Ruth Page Festival of Dance at Ravinia with two performances of “Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15 and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at Ravinia's Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St. Johns Ave. This program shares the stage with fellow Ruth Page Center resident Hedwig Dances, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Chicago Human Rhythm Project artistic director Jumaane Taylor. $25 at ravinia.org

Falling In and Out of Love!

‘Another Marriage’

You meet. You marry. You have kids. That’s the way it always goes. Or is it? W hat if your story changes? W hat would it cost? "Another Marriage" is an intimate and beautifully rendered portrait of an ever-evolving relationship that may never be quite finished. Steppenwolf ensemble member Kate Arrington’s playwriting debut upends time and the typical romantic comedy to explore the liabilities of falling in and out of love. Playing June 15-July 23 at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St., tickets start at $70 at steppenwolf.org

Make It Happen!

‘Being Seen’

"Being Seen" was voted Fan Favorite at the New York International Fringe Festival. Written by Richard Gustin and starring Will Clinger and Kelly Ann Clark, the play has its Chicago premiere June 14-July 2 in the Crosby Theatre at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. An actor answers the audition notice of a highly acclaimed director and finds herself navigating his outlandish creative process. This tour-de-force comedy asks the question: "W hat would you do for a dream?" Tickets $35; $20 seniors/industry/students at TheDenTheatre.com

‘Memoirs of Jazz in the Alley’

Jazz Meets Dance!

Witness the combustible fusion of jazz music and dance for one night only with Chicago’s rising star choreographer Kia S. Smith, and saxophonist Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few. Making an Auditorium Theatre debut, South Chicago Dance Theatre presents the world premiere of “Memoirs of Jazz in the Alley,” in which Smith celebrates the legacy of her father, the renowned saxophonist Jimmy Ellis. 7:30 p.m. at Auditorium Theatre, 50 W. Ida B. Wells Drive. Tickets start at $25 at auditoriumtheatre.org

The Blues is Back!

Chicago Blues Festival

The largest, free Blues festival in the world returns June 8-11 with top-tier talent performing across three stages in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Noon-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Headliners include: Los Lobos, Blind Boys of Alabama, Bobby Rush, Mud Morganfield, John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, the Jimmy Burns Band, Sugaray Rayford, and many more. Guests can enjoy a Blues-inspired food and drink pop-up in the park, titled “Wally’s BBQ Pit” catered by Eleven North Hospitality, in addition to a large-scale, historic Blues photography installation curated by Praize Productions.

A Classical Tradition!

Grant Park Music Festival

For nearly 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago's summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, can have a transformative impact on the city. The season begins with “Schumann Symphony No. 4 6:30 p.m. at June 14, and closes with “Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances” on August 19, at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Performances are every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. FREE seating in the Great Lawn, or reserved seats for members ($99+ for the season). See the full schedule or become a member at grantparkmusicfestival.com

The NBA Finals are upon us!

Patrick: As long as the playoffs have seemed, it’s amazing that we’re at the Finals. As this edition goes to press May 26, we’ve shaved down the teams—post-play-in-tournament games—to just 2.

John: We got the Denver Nuggets out of the West, who knocked off the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, and the stillbattling Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics out of the East.

Russ: So, it’s going to be Nikola Jokić and the top-seeded Denver Nuggets versus the winner of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics.

Donald: Don’t forget to mention that the upset-minded Heat were up 3-0 over the 2nd-seeded team in the East: the Jayson Tatum-led Boston Celtics. Completely blindsided me.

Patrick: Remember, though, it takes 4 wins to move on to the next round; so far, only up to 3…even though it doesn’t look good...

John: So, my original picks were the Celtics over the Nuggets in the Finals. However, as we rolled through the playoffs, I couldn’t help noticing the troubling signs for the Celtics, what with multiple home-playoff-losses. That said, however, I believe the Celtics' overall talent will outlast Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat—despite Jimmy Butler’s absolutely outstanding play during this much-

deeper-than-anticipated playoff run. As of this moment, they just came back from being down 3 games to 0 to win the 5th game and force a 6th–possibly a 7th–in the Eastern Conference Finals, to decide to goes on to play the Denver Nuggets in the Finals.

Russ: From what I’m getting, only the fans thought this impossible, because the Heat are playing as if they’re the number-one seed in all of this.

Patrick: I’m stunned. I mean, I remember when Jimmy Butler led the Heat—back in 2020—to the Finals appearance against the Lakers during the bubble. It was a loss, but a good match, and yeah, with the season they just had, no one besides the Heat could have predicted this possible upset.

Donald: And by the time this issue hits the stands, we could already be 2-games-deep into the 2022-2023 NBA Finals.

Russ: When exactly are the Finals?

John: Thursday, June 1, through Sunday, June 18—if it goes 7 games.

Patrick: We could be on the verge of a series featuring a dominant Denver Nuggets team led by 2-time League MVP Jokić–versus a surprising Miami… or a Celtics team that would have to win 4 straight games to make it to the Finals.

John: That would be something. Like I said earlier, I did pick the Celtics to win the title over the Nuggets, but I didn’t expect them to have to dig out of a 0-3 hole.

Russ: I’ve made no official NBA predictions, but I did know I didn’t want the Lakers or the Celtics to win it all.

Donald: Who did you like originally?

Russ: Definitely Denver and the Philadelphia 76’ers. I’ll assume Miami will finish off the Celtics and, then, face the Nuggets in the Finals. I choose Denver over Miami in 6.

Patrick: Miami’s been tripping me out. I almost want to pick them, but I can’t because I’m not so sure the Celtics won’t come back. If Miami does close out the Celtics, I choose Denver to win in 5 games; if the Celtics come back and beat Miami, I’ll rock with the Celtics in 7 over the Nuggets. The Celtics would be feeling real good about themselves if they were to pull out 4 in a row to beat the Heat.

John: Denver Nuggets. Jokić is the best player in the NBA.

Donald: Agreed, Jokić is just too good.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org

Rashanah Baldwin

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Chicagoland's LGBTQIA+ organizations

Chicago has been known as an LGBTQIA+ haven in the Midwest. Get to know the organizations that continue to ensure Chicago is a happy and healthy city for ALL Chicagoans. AboutFace(Facebook)

About Face

5252 N. Broadway aboutface.org

About Face uses theater to build community and advance conversation around issues of gender identity and sexu ality. Volunteers who help out with shows and production preparation may be rewarded with tickets to plays and the annual gala. Besides the adult and youth plays produced throughout the year, About Face holds its Wonka Ball fundraising gala each spring.

Affinity 95

2850 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 108 affinity95.org

Affinity Community Services is a Black-led, queer-led organization on Chicago’s South Side dedicated to social justice in Black LGBTQIA+ communities. For 25 years, it has centered Black queer women via community organizing, intergenerational programming, education, and healing justice. It works to end the marginalization of Black LGBTQIA+ people globally by building brave activist com munities where all intersections of LGBTQIA+ identity are ful ly embraced; through activism, education, and transformative justice practices, it builds avenues for collective action, LGBTQIA+ justice, healing, and Black liberation.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago

200 W. Monroe St., Suite 1150 aidschicago.org

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) assists with medical and behavioral health care, housing, case management and advocacy for people with HIV and AIDS, as well as building awareness and providing resources to prevent infection. AFC welcomes all types of volunteers, but people with specialized skills such as web programming, graphic design and other areas are especially appreciated. During warmer months, the Team to End AIDS athletic arm relies on volunteers to help at marathon and triathlon training sites. Calendar highlights

include the tasty World of Chocolate gala, the Team to End AIDS athletic/ fundraising program, and the August Dance for Life.

Alma Chicago

3656 N. Halsted almachicago.org

Founded in 1989, in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, ALMA is rooted in advocating for the fair treatment and equality of the Latinx LGBTQ+ community. Its mission is to fight for the rights of the Latinx Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Questioning community by advocating for fairness and equality, and affirming Latinx LGBTQ culture.

Compiled by Dave Hamilton

Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach of Chicago

708 W. Belmont Ave. aglochicago.org

In 1988, a small group of gay and lesbian Catholics celebrated their first mass as a newly organized ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago, especially created to reach out to Chicago’s LGBT community. The new ministry was named the Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach of Chicago, and its acronym – AGLO – was no coincidence. For over 25 years, AGLOChicago has labored to reflect the light of Christ’s love, offering its dazzling promise to people long forced to live in shadows, not wholly unlike the first Christians.

Assata’s Daughters

5427 S. Harper Ave. assatasdaughters.org

Assata’s Daughters (“AD”) first formed in 2015 as a volunteerbased collective of Black women, femmes, and gender nonconforming people, to address a shortage of programming and community for women-identified, femme, and gender non-conforming young Black people in Chicago. In 2018, AD shifted from a collective-model to a formal organizational structure with a board and staff. it continues to be an abolitionist organization led by Black women using a Black queer feminist lens and relationship-based tactics to organize bases of young Black people in disinvested areas of Chicago. Through its programs, it aims to deepen, escalate, and sustain the movement for black liberation, and disrupt the status quo.

Black Alphabet

1440 W. Taylor St., #1792

blackalphabet.org

What began as a conversation about the lack of exposure of films that explore the Black LGBTQ+ experience, birthed the Black Alphabet Film Festival, Chicago’s first Black LGBTQ film festival. The organization now focuses on advocating for social equity by creating and spreading awareness of issues adversely or disproportionately impacting the Black LGBT+ community through media and the creative arts.

Brave Space Alliance

1515 E. 52nd Place, 3rd Floor

www.bravespacealliance.org

Brave Space Alliance is a Black and trans-led LGBTQIA+ center on Chicago’s South Side that provides/creates culturally competent resources, programs, and services for the LGBTQIA+ communities on the South and West Sides. BSA aims to educate and empower each other through mutual aid, resources directly from the community, and by sharing its knowledge with others to reach liberation of oppressed people.

Broadway Youth Center

1023 W. Irving Park Rd.

howardbrown.org/byc

Part of Howard Brown Health Center, The Broadway Youth Center (BYC) helps the city’s LGBT with shelter, medical care, social services and other essential care. The center welcomes donations of clothing; single-ride Ventra cards; pharmacy gift cards to help with prescriptions; and personal hygiene goods. Watch the BYC Facebook page for events; in April, the annual Cupcake Wars is a tasty throwdown.

Center on Halsted

3656 N. Halsted St.

www.centeronhalsted.org

The Center on Halsted is all about building community and the health of Chicago’s LGBT community. More than 1,000 people visit the center daily to use the computers, seek counseling, explore health services, and tap into housing and employment resources. In addition to daily social gatherings hosted at the Lakeview location, the Center also hosts special events such as the annual On the Red Carpet Oscars party, the spring Human First gala, and more.

The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches

chicagowelcomingchurches.org

The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches is a collaboration of more than 80 churches and other ministries in the Chicago metropolitan area, which welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Its goals are: to spread the message of members' LGBTQ-inclusion across the Chicago metropolitan area, mindful that a positive message about sexual and family diversity is a gift to all people; and to connect the leaders, members, and guests of partner churches for fellowship and education, enabling support and resource-sharing for the practices of faithful welcome.

Chicago Gender Society

chicagogender.org

Chicago Gender Society (CGS) provides a safe place for people to explore their gender identity. CGS holds socials throughout the year for members and newcomers to get to know each other and have fun; it also hosts a May Kentucky Derby shindig, a December holiday gathering and it sponsors a float in the Pride Parade.

Chicago House

2229

S. Michigan Ave, Unit 304

chicagohouse.org

The group aids people and families disenfranchised by HIV/ AIDS, LGBTQ discrimination, homelessness and other causes by providing housing, job services, medical linkage and retention services, and more. Interested volunteers can help stuff safe sex kits, enter data, do HIV prevention outreach, and more. It hosts a Spring Brunch and Fashion Show, and other events throughout the year.

Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame

chicagolgbthalloffame.org

The Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame is both an historic event and an exhibit. Through the Hall of Fame, residents of Chicago and the world are made aware of the contributions of Chicago’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, and the communities’ efforts to eradicate homophobic bias and discrimination.

Equality Illinois

73 W. Monroe St. equalityillinois.us

Equality Illinois was founded in 1991 as the Illinois Federation for Human Rights to secure, protect and defend the basic civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer and questioning transgender (LGBTQ+) Illinoisans. The founders of the Chicagobased organization were activists Arthur Johnston, Rick Garcia and the late Jon Henri Damski and Lana Hostetler, who had played key roles in the 1988 passage of Chicago's Human Rights Ordinance. The name was changed to Equality Illinois in 2000, and the organization has grown to become the state's oldest, largest, and most effective LGBTQ+ equality organization.

Gay For Good Chicago

gayforgood.org

Gay for Good's LGBTQIA+ volunteers work on service projects throughout the community. Each month, members pitch in on a social welfare or environmental service project. Past outings include sprucing up the Lincoln Park Conservancy’s North Pond, packing food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository and helping at a local shelter. Outings combine service and smiles—as they’re working to make Chicago a better place, enjoying the sunshine (weather permitting) and making new friends.

Gerber/Hart Library

6500 N. Clark St., 2nd floor

gerberhart.org

Founded in 1981, Gerber/Hart’s collections focus on the culture and history of LGBTQ peoples and additional marginalized sexual and gender minorities in Chicago and the Midwest. Open to all, Gerber/Hart serves these communities by collecting, preserving, and making accessible collection items of individuals, organizations, and businesses, as well as publicly distributed items. Additionally, Gerber/ Hart provides programming and exhibitions related to items in its collections and on other topics in LGBTQ history and culture.

Hell in A Handbag

4335 N. Western Ave. handbagproductions.org

Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage.

Howard Brown Health

1525 E. 55th St.

641 W. 63rd St. (dental also avail able here)

6500 N. Clark St.

2800 N. Sheridan Rd.

3533 W. North Ave. (at La Casa Norte)

4025 N. Sheridan Rd.

732 W. 47th St. (at Thresholds South)

3948 N. Sheridan Rd. (counseling center) howardbrown.org

Howard Brown Health was founded in 1974 and is now one of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) organizations. With an annual budget of over $145 million, the agency serves more than 40,000 adults and youth in its diverse health and social service delivery system focused on seven major programmatic divisions: primary medical care, behavioral health, research, HIV/STI prevention, youth services, elder services, and community initiatives. Howard Brown serves men, women, trans and gender nonconforming folks, infants, youth, and children through a multisite operation.

Lambda Legal

Clark Adams Building, 105 W. Adams St. lambdalegal.org

Lambda Legal secures the civil rights of LGBT and HIV-positive people through education, legal work and public policy advocacy. The group leans upon helpers for office work, for Lambda Legal events, and for information booths at summer street fests. It hosts a monthly happy hour for women, as well as events like the Into the Woods outdoor party and Bon Foster gala.

Leather Archives & Museum

6418 N. Greenview Ave. leatherarchives.org

The Leather Archives & Museum is a community archive, library, and museum located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. Founded by Chuck Renslow and Tony DeBlase in 1991, its mission is "making leather, kink, BDSM, and fetish accessible through research, preservation, education and community engagement."

TheLegacyProject's " Legacy

The Legacy Project legacyprojectchicago.

org

The award-winning Legacy Project is a Chicago-based cultural and educational non-profit dedicated to researching and promoting the contributions Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQIA+) people have made to world history and culture. It is driven by a core of historians, biographers, educators, youth advocates, social activists, and community and business leaders who share a commitment to ending the redaction of LGBTQIA+ contributions from shared human history. The organization's most recognizable project is the “Legacy Walk,” featuring 40 bronze memorial plaques highlighting the contributions of queer people in history on the rainbow pylons on North Halsted.

LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois

4753 N. Broadway

lgbtcc.com

The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois (formerly the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) was established in 1995 as a small business association that specifically served the needs of the LGBTQIA+ business community. With nearly 400 members today, the chamber has reestablished a place for a community of like-minded inclusive individuals, business professionals, entrepreneurs, and community allies. Its membership benefits include tickets to semimonthly NetWerq and Members’ NightOUT events, access to annual premier events, unique member promotions and partnerships, business resources, 1-on-1 coaching and support, and new professional development programming, and more.

LGBTQ Community Fund - Chicago Community Trust

33 S. State St., Suite 750

cct.org/lgbtq-fund

In 2010, civic leaders joined in a commitment to address a broad range of needs within the LGBTQIA+ community, through strategic support to non-profit organizations that serve it. Through an operating grant from The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust and funding support from The Chicago Community Trust, the LGBTQIA+ Community Fund serves as a tool to educate the region about LGBTQ issues and promote effective philanthropy to achieve strategic change.

Life is Work Resources Center

5463 W. Chicago Ave.

lifeiswork.org

The purpose of Life Is Work is to support and empower trans persons of color through direct services, activism, and ad-

vocacy. To achieve this objective, Life Is Work provides case management-guided programs that assist with employment, legal assistance, and safe housing options.

Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland

2335 N. Orchard St. lightfoundchi.org

Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland is a Black Queer-led, multiracial social justice organization that advances justice for Black LGBTQIA+ people across Chicagoland through empowerment, education, and entertainment. It envisions a Chicagoland in which Black LGBTQIA+ people are safe, resourced, empowered, liberated, and flourishing. It provides a multitude of services, from a book club to entertainment, to loans and wellness.

Masjid al-Rabia

637 S. Dearborn St. masjidalrabia.org

Masjid al-Rabia is an Islamic community center in Chicago that centers spiritual care for mar ginalized (Black, LGBTQIA+, Disabled, and currently incarcerated) Muslims with heal ing justice practices in mind. Through outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives, it's created a faith-justice space that is safe and affirming for all Muslims. In 2018, It became the first trans-led, women-centered, and LGBTQ-affirming mosque in North America. Since then, it has implemented several programs including its groundbreaking Prison Ministry designed to serve incarcerated Black and Queer Muslims.

The Night Ministry’s Youth Engagement Services & The Crib

1735 N. Ashland Ave., Suite 2000 thenightministry.org

The Night Ministry’s Youth Engagement Services meets and builds relationships with youth and young adults experiencing homelessness on the streets, in schools, at drop-in programs, and other locations across Chicago. The Youth Outreach Team identifies youth and young adults living on the streets or at risk of becoming homeless and helps them meet their basic needs through resources and referrals. The Crib provides young adults ages 18-24 with safe and supportive overnight emergency shelter, as well as life- and leadership-development skills. In Chicago, nearly 16,000 unaccompanied people age 14-24 struggle with homelessness a year. Many of them face complex challenges, including rejection because of sexual orientation or gender identity. Young people who identify as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender) are more than twice as likely to report being homeless as their non-LGBT peers.

SynapseArts

"CrosswalkDancing"

(Facebook)

PR!DEArts

4139 N. Broadway

pridearts.org

PR!DEArts is the premiere not-for-profit organization that exhibits, promotes, and champions LGBTQ artists through all media and art forms. Thoughtful curation celebrates the global queer community by providing diverse talent a safe and supportive environment in which to explore and address issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. These expressive outlets include live events at the PR!DEARTS Center in Chicago, and an online and virtual platform accessible throughout the globe.

Reeling Film Festival

1326 W. Hollywood Ave. reelingfilmfest.org

Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second-longest-running film festival of its kind, and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced. This year’s festival runs from September 21 - October 8 at The Music Box Theatre, Landmark Century Centre Cinema, and Chicago Filmmakers.

Synapse Arts

6205 N. Sheridan Rd. synapsearts.com

Synapse Arts is a dance-theater company that presents profession al performances, teaches classes to children and adults, and that mentors emerging artists. All its work supports women and LGBTQIA+ artists.

Test Positive Awareness Network (TPAN)

5537 N. Broadway

tpan.com

TPAN was founded in 1987 as the Test Positive Aware Network during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. It was a place for HIV-positive people to share vital information and find peer-support in a time when fear, misinformation, and rampant discrimination in the healthcare system contributed to countless lives lost. While HIV is a common concern for its clients, it is not the only issue addressed. Today, almost 30% of those who visit TPAN are homeless, and many are coping with mental health or substance use issues. The average client has an annual household income of $15,000. TPAN’s free services address co-occurring conditions faced by HIVpositive and vulnerable individuals: people with HIV stigma, mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, unemployment, extreme poverty and inadequate access to healthcare.

Transformative Justice Law Project

203 N. LaSalle St.

tjlp.org

Transformative Justice Law Project consists of folks who believe in the power of communal care over systemic oppression. They are radical activists, legal workers, and organizers who provide support, advocacy, and free, holistic legal services to poor and street-based transgender people in Illinois. They use their legal access and privilege as people on the outside to further the prison abolition movement. They work in three project areas: legal services, support community survival, and educational resources and trainings.

Trikone Chicago

trikonechicago.org

Trikone Chicago strives to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment, where LGBT South Asians can meet, make connections and proudly promote awareness and acceptance of their sexuality in society. It works towards the following goals: to bring people of South Asian heritage together; to promote awareness, visibility and cultural and legal acceptance of people with alternative sexual orientations and gender identities; and to help people proudly affirm both their South Asian identity and their sexual orientation. Through cultural nights, film festivals, literary events, awareness campaigns, pride celebrations, and a host of other collaborative programming, Trikone Chicago has worked hard to nurture and empower the LGBT South Asian community in the Midwest region of the U.S.

Pride Month Calendar Pt. 2

Pride Month is underway, and there is no shortage of events to celebrate for people of all ages, all over town!

Writing Queer Tour

American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave. All month, Thurs-Tues at 3 p.m.

In this unique tour of the American Writers Museum, you’ll discover how many great works of American writing were created by LGBTQIA+ writers, who used their sexuality and gender identity as inspiration for their work. Complimentary with museum admission.

‘Tango’

Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway. Wed-Thurs 7:30 p.m.; Sun 3 p.m. through June 11.

An elderly waitress at a Chinese restaurant in Singapore refuses to serve a same-sex couple and their adoptive son because of her religious beliefs. When a video of her actions is shared online, this erupts into vitriol, heated debates and a protest rally that rocks the country. $35 at pridearts.org/tango

Andersonville Midsommarfest

On Clark, Foster to Gregory. June 9-11, Fri 5-10 p.m., Sat & Sun, Noon-10 p.m. Now in its 57th year, Midsommarfest

celebrates the neighborhood’s Swedish origins with traditions like dancing around the maypole, as well as the international foods and sounds of today, kids’ pet parade and face painting. Lineup includes Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press, Chicago Soul Spectacular, Professor Pinkerton’s Irrelevant Orchestra, 16 Candles, Too Much Molly Band, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Mama Digdown’s Brass Band, and more. $10 donation to benefit Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. andersonville.org/events/midsommarfest/

Pride Bar Crawl

The North End, 3733 N. Halsted St. June 10, 4 p.m.

Tickets are $15-$20 (available at www. crawlwith.us/chicago/pride) with 20% of all event proceeds going to Center on Halsted. 1,000 people are expected at over 5 venues with exclusive drink specials.

Queer Prom: A Starry Night

Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. June 10, 7 p.m.

21+ event with great music, dancing, live performances, cash bar, 50/50 Prom Royalty Raffle and Silent Auction

with all proceeds going to support Center on Halsted’s Youth & Family Services. $50 on Eventbrite.

Pride Skate Party

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rollerskating and Bowling Center, 1219 W. 76th St. June 10, 10:30 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Presented by Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland. FREE, but reserve your spot on Eventbrite.

The Belmont Rocks: A Talk with Owen Keehnen

Chicago Public Library Merlo Branch, 644 W. Belmont Ave. (or attend virtually) June 12, 6 p.m.

LGBTQ author and historian Owen Keehnen will discuss the importance and evolution of the Belmont Rocks, a gathering place for LGBTQ+ Chicagoans from the early 1960s until their demolition in 2003. In 2022, the area once known as the Belmont Rocks became AIDS Garden Chicago. Participants attending online must register at chipublib.org to receive the Zoom link.

Pride Bar Crawl

Pride Skate Party

Get Lit: Pride Night

American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave.

June 13, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Slay a themed scavenger hunt for the chance to win prizes, experience a special drag storytime, and strut your stuff in the Pride Parade throughout the museum. Enjoy beer, wine, and a signature cocktail “This Drink Is Gay,” inspired by the book “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson. $25 at americanwritersmuseum.org

Chicago Cubs Pride Celebration

Wrigley Field, 1060 W. Addison St.

June 13, 7:05 p.m.

Join the Chicago Cubs in honoring Pride Month and celebrating the local LGBTQ+ community on Tuesday, June 13 with a party at the ballpark, featuring special entertainment, festive fan activities, and other Pride recognitions. A portion of the proceeds from each Pride Day ticket will go to Cubs Charities to support LGBTQ+ community partners. Tickets with a special edition Pride Cubs jersey available at www. mlb.com/cubs/tickets/specials/pride

Chicago Pride Fest

Halsted St. from Addison to Grace.

June 17 & 18, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Celebrate LBGTQ+ life, culture and community with 150 food/merchandise vendors, Best of Chicago Drag, High

Heel Race, Proud Pet Parade, Youth Pride space. Music lineup includes Heather Small (pictured above), Slayyter, Meet Me @ the Altar, JORDY, Eureka O’Hara, BbyMutha, Cookiee Kawaii, Nick Osin, Shab, 16 Candles. $15 suggested donation. northalsted. com/pridefest

A Night Full of Stars: Windy City Performing Arts

2023 Pride Concert

DePaul Gannon Concert Hall, 2330 N. Halsted St. June 17, 7 p.m.

Featuring solo and group performances, this concert will spotlight many of WCPA's members and allow them to truly show what makes them Windy City Stars. “Pay what you can” (suggested donation $25) at windycitysings.org/upcoming-concerts

LGBTQIA+ Comic Creator Panel

Chicago Public Library Logan Square Branch, 3030 W. Fullerton Ave.

June 20, 6:30 p.m.

Comic books can have some of the best LGBTQ+ representation, but what is it like creating them? Join local LGBTQ+ comics creators Kat Leyh (“Lumberjanes”), Pamela Nuñez-Trejo (“The Witch of Luminoza”), and Whitney Wasson (“Sober Rabbit”) as they discuss their creative processes and

tell some history of representation from moderator Devin Whitlock (“Devin’s Chicago Comics Book Club Digest”)! FREE.

Pride Flannel Friday

Whiskey Girl Tavern, 6318 N. Clark St.

June 23, 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Queer Pop Events popular monthly celebrates with a special PRIDE edition. $10 at Eventbrite.

Pride in the Park Chicago

Butler Field, South Lake Shore Drive & East Monroe St., Grant Park.

June 23 & 24, Fri 3-10 p.m., Sat 2-10 p.m.

National and local LGBTQ+ performers will inspire you to dance. Enjoy artists, DJs, food and merch. A portion of proceeds benefits the Center on Halsted, the Midwest’s most comprehensive LGBTQ gathering place. General admission $45+ at prideparkchi.com

Pride Bowl

Montrose Harbor, 600 W. Montrose Ave. June 23 & 24, 8 a.m.

Pride Bowl is an annual flag football tournament, featuring both Open and Women’s divisions, with champions crowned across multiple tiers. Tournament Pool Play June 23, Tournament Playoffs June 24.

Chicago Pride Fest

Get Lit: Pride Night Pride Bowl

Navy Pier Pride

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

June 24, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Navy Pier Pride is an annual free event that consists of a full day of familyfriendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community. This event includes Storytime with Drag Queens, live performances, special film presentations, and a "Queer the Pier" fashion and music show. FREE.

Back Lot Bash

5238 N. Clark St.

June 24, Noon-11 p.m.

One-day-only event this year, where the girls come out to play – and to showcase female artists and community organizations – during Pride Weekend. Tickets $20 on Eventbrite.

Sounds of Pride

The Wagner & Zeng Residence, 1312 N. Leavitt St.

June 24, 6 p.m.

Returning for a third year, Chicago Fringe Opera will celebrate the immeasurable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to the world of performing arts with a pride party featuring a brief, intimate musical program composed and performed by members of the LGBTQ+ community, featuring new music by composer Lucas Van Linden. Tickets start at $15 at Eventbrite.

Pride North Chicago

Morse CTA Red Line stop.

June 23-25, Fri 3-10 p.m.; Sat & Sun Noon -10 p.m.

Chicago's largest North Side neighborhood Pride party. Features live entertainment and DJs: DJ Riley York, DJ Laura B, DJ Wolfy, and more. FREE.

Proud to Run 5K/10K/Half Marathon

Kickoff at 601 W. Montrose Ave.

June 25, 8 a.m.

Race along the lakefront for a great cause at the Proud to Run 5K/10K/ Half Marathon! Celebrating its 40th annual event, the run has raised more than $600,000 for the local LGBTQ+ community. Register at proudtorunchcicago.org

Chicago Pride Parade

Montrose Ave. & Broadway to Diversey Pkwy. & Sheridan Road

June 25, Kickoff at Noon

Pride Weekend is always the last in June, to commemorate the uprising outside NYC’s Stonewall Inn in 1969 that started the Gay Pride movement. Chicago’s parade started the next year and is the 2nd largest in the U.S., with 200 entries and one million attendees. Thinner crowds farther north. FREE. chicagopride.gopride.com/info.cfm

Drag Story Time

Chicago Public Libraries, FREE Register online at chipublib.org

Celebrate love–especially being able to love whomever we choose. We are all special in some way, and our differences make our world more colorful. Queens will share songs, rhymes and stories related to Pride Month. For families with children ages 0 to 5 and their caregivers.

June 12 West Lawn Branch, 4020 W. 63rd St., 6 p.m.

June 13 Beverly Branch, 1962 W. 95th St., 10:30 a.m.

June 13 Austin-Irving Branch, 6100 W. Irving Park Rd., 1 p.m.

June 14 Lozano Branch, 1805 S. Loomis St., 10:30 a.m.

June 16 Merlo Branch, 644 W. Belmont Ave., 10:30 a.m.

June 17 Kelly Branch, 6151 S. Normal Boulevard, 1 p.m.

Pride South Side: Present and Beyond

DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Pl.

July 1, Noon-7 p.m.

5th annual festival of Chicago Black Pride. Embark on a journey to a #fearless future of LGBTQI+ folks on the South Side of Chicago. More info and FREE RSVP at pridesouthside.org

-compiled by Dave Hamilton

Chicago Pride Parade Navy Pier Pride Pride South Side

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the

Last week's Answers

How StreetWise Works

StreetWise exists to elevate marginalized voices and provide opportunities for individuals to earn an income and gain employment. Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of crisis.

StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.”

All vendors go through an orientation focusing on their rights and responsibilities as a StreetWise Magazine Vendor. Authorized vendors have badges with their name, picture and current year.

Vendors purchase the magazine for $1.15 and sell it for $3 plus tips. The vendor keeps all of their earnings.

Buy the Magazine, Take the Magazine

When you buy the magazine, take the magazine, and read the magazine, you are supporting our microentrepreneurs earning an income with dignity.

New vendor orientation is every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at 2009 S. State St. Find your nearest vendor at www.streetwise.org

¡BENEFICIOS A TU ALCANCE!

¡Conéctese!

El Benefits Access Network ayuda para conectar a nuestros vecinos con beneficios alimentarios y médicos, como SNAP y Medicaid en Austin, Englewood y Lawndale. La asistencia es gratuita.

PODEMOS AYUDAR:

• Determinar su elegibilidad para beneficios alimentarios (SNAP/Link) y/o seguro médico (Medicaid)

• Recibir ayuda para llenar su solicitud por primera vez

• Renovar sus beneficios alimentarios y médicos que están por vencer

• Refiriéndole a recursos de WIC, LIHEAP y EITC

Tu salud no puede esperar. Nuestros socios te pueden ayudar a evitar demoras para que tú y tu familia puedan recibir beneficios ahora.

PARA CONOCER MÁS, VISITA: bancodealimentoschicago.org/BAN

Benefits Access Network

Esta institución es un proveedor y empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades. Este proyecto se ha financiado en parte con fondos federales del Departamento de Agricultura de los EE.UU. El contenido de esta publicación no necesariamente refleja la opinión o las políticas del Departamento de Agricultura de los EE.UU, ni la mención de nombres comerciales, productos comerciales u organizaciones implica apoyo del gobierno de los EE.UU.