Vern Hester

1 day ago | windycitytimes.com | Vern Hester

On the evening of June 3, LGBTQ+ Chicagoans and their friends gathered at Goodman Theater, 170 N. Dearborn St. to join with Season of Concern Chicago to pay tribute to the Biscotto-Miller Fund. The Fund, now celebrating its fortieth anniversary, was the first organized AIDS response by the theater community for the theater community, proceeding Season of Concern or Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Established in 1985, the Fund began as an act of passion, spontaneity, purpose, and urgency.

4 days ago | windycitytimes.com | Vern Hester

On June 1, Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus (CBGMC) celebrated Gay Pride and its 20th anniversary with a fully loaded Spring Fling. This year's edition was held at The Iron Lab, 3700 S.

5 days ago | windycitytimes.com | Vern Hester

As a kickoff for Pride Month 2025 in Chicago, Baird and Warner held its 23rd annual Out of the Office fundraiser and networking event at The Godfrey Hotel at 127 W. Huron on May 29. The beneficiary of the event was The Legacy Project. This year's event featured a raffle and a cash bar with light food offerings on the roof of the hotel and plenty of networking options. The event was sponsored by the Godfrey Hotel with Windy City Times as media sponsor.

2 weeks ago | windycitytimes.com | Vern Hester

Producer Christopher Pazdernik celebrated his birthday in partnership with A Season of Concern and presented the 10th annual Belting for Life concert to the packed nightspot SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave. in Evanston, on May 19. The show, which has become a yearly anticipated event gathered theater fans and music lovers to raise funds for AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and to present a stunning show with many of Chicago's top divas in performance.

3 weeks ago | windycitytimes.com | Vern Hester

On May 8, the Equality Illinois advocacy held its annual Lobby Day event in Springfield-with the highest turnout ever, according to the organization-gathering LGBTQ+ advocates from across the state to connect with their legislators face-to-face. This year, advocates spoke out about three pending bills: The Safe Schools for All Act (HB 3297 and SB 2065), The Healthcare Transparency Act (HB 2904 and SB 1679) and The Equality for Family Act (SB 2507 and HB 2623).