BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Chicago Social Butterflies - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Chicago Social Butterflies
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Chicago
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20250309T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20251102T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20260308T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20261101T070000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0600
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:CDT
DTSTART:20270314T080000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0600
TZNAME:CST
DTSTART:20271107T070000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T223000
DTSTAMP:20260916T190912Z
CREATED:20260916T190912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T190912Z
UID:10005289-1792524600-1792535400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Write Club Chicago Launches its 17th Season of ‘Live Lit’ at GMan Tavern\, October 20
DESCRIPTION:Write Club Chicago\, announces its combatants competing in its 17th season launch Tuesday\, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at GMan Tavern\, in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood\, 3740 N. Clark St. \nWrite Club Chicago returns to Chicago Tuesday\, Oct. 20 with its infamous “bout” format\, in which three rounds of combatant writer-performers face off with original\, seven-minute essays on competing topics to win prize money and claim the cherished Loving Cup of Deathless F***ing Glory. The October 20 list of combatants are Breon Arzell\, Christopher Bigelow\, Elizabeth Gomez\, Archy Jamjun\, Jean Marie Koon and Binkey Tolefree. Winners are decided by the audience following each “bout.” \nWrite Club Chicago\, initially founded by Ian Belknap and Lindsay Muscato\, is the world’s foremost competitive reading series\, featuring the most audacious and fearsome of writers and performers. The evening offers quick\, crafted performed essays: an immediate art form that takes audiences on a seven-minute ride they will not forget. Belknap first described the show as “Live Lit\,” a turn of phrase which then became widely applied to the variety of storytelling shows produced throughout the city. \nTickets are a suggested donation of $25 and are available at the door the night of the event\, doors open at 7 p.m. More information available at WriteClubNation.com. \nImage: Combatant Loretta Perkins with the Write Club Chicago audience\, photo by Sarah Elizabeth Larson
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/write-club-chicago-launches-its-17th-season-of-live-lit-at-gman-tavern-october-20/
LOCATION:GMan Tavern\, 3740 N. Clark St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60613\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ChicagoWriteClub2026_3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261003T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261003T160000
DTSTAMP:20261001T172222Z
CREATED:20260910T041302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T172222Z
UID:10005200-1791018000-1791043200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Gerber/Hart Queer History Symposium
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Gerber/Hart’s third Queer History Symposium on Saturday\, October 3rd from 9 AM to 4 PM! This full day symposium will highlight artists\, researchers\, students\, and community members who have utilized Gerber/Hart’s collections in the past year. \nThis year\, the Symposium will take place at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at the Center on Halsted (3656 N Halsted St)! Opening remarks from curator Jack Schneider and closing remarks by historian John D’Emilio. Panel discussions on Arts in the Archives\, Archival Silences\, Queer Road Trips\, and more! \nFull Schedule coming soon!
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/gerber-hart-queer-history-symposium/
LOCATION:Center on Halsted\, 3656 N. Halsted St.\, Chicago\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:education-history,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Queer-History-Symposium-2026-Graphic-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261001T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261001T200000
DTSTAMP:20261001T171941Z
CREATED:20260916T192152Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T171941Z
UID:10005283-1790879400-1790884800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:‘Reading Came First’ Book Club: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
DESCRIPTION:Program Overview \n“Reading Came First” is a unique book club program launched by the RAPBRARY in partnership with The Closet Unlocked and Nobody’s Darling Bar. This program aims to celebrate and amplify literature by Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ authors globally. It offers a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue\, connect with the community\, and explore the richness of Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ experiences. The book club will meet monthly\, with book selections rotating every other month to allow ample time for reading\, reflection\, and discussion. \nBook Club Meeting #20 Details: \nOur next meeting will take place on Thursday\, October 1st\, 2026 at 6:30PM\, with a special discussion around our selected text and curated cocktails. \nBook #12: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler \nBook Discount Codes: \nWomen & Children’s First Bookstore: DARLING (10% off) \nSpecial Features: \nThemed drink mixes curated for each book selection
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/reading-came-first-book-club-parable-of-the-sower-by-octavia-e-butler/
LOCATION:Nobody’s Darling\, 1744 West Balmoral Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60640\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/RCF-Promo-August-2026.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260923T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260923T203000
DTSTAMP:20260827T182953Z
CREATED:20260827T182953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T182953Z
UID:10004891-1790190000-1790195400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Les Portes by Meredith Nnoka
DESCRIPTION:Please join us to celebrate the poetry collection Les Portes by Meredith Nnoka\, with Ashley Keyser and Crissonna Tennison. \nWinner of the 2025 CAAPP Book Prize\, selected by Cameron Awkward-Rich\, and named a “Best Poetry of 2025 and 2026” by Ms. Magazine\, Les Portes traces how harm against women and femmes takes root\, recurs\, and reshapes itself across generations. \nUnfolding in three movements–Le D but\, Le Pass \, and Le Pr sent–all of which rupture conventional domestic abuse narratives\, and drawing heavily from zuihitsu\, ekphrasis\, erasure\, and found forms to mirror the fractured experience of living through and after harm\, these poems serve as radical meditations on the power to reflect as resistance. A queer woman caught in an abusive marriage begins to reimagine justice not as punishment but as something restorative\, collective\, and deeply non-carceral. \nIn her debut book\, Nnoka poses the question that propels the collection: “Where is the path forward / that ensures no recurrence?” Rather than gesture toward resolution\, Les Portes dwells inside this question\, and what emerges is not consolation but an immense reckoning.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/les-portes-by-meredith-nnoka/
LOCATION:Women & Children First\, 5233 N. Clark St.\, Chicago\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/les.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260923T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260923T200000
DTSTAMP:20260827T185352Z
CREATED:20260827T185352Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T185352Z
UID:10004826-1790186400-1790193600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:StoryStudio Chicago Queer Writers Prompt & Exchange
DESCRIPTION:Come hang out at Fathom and get your word count in! Led by StoryStudio Chicago\, be in community with fellow queer writers. \nCalling All Queer Writers and Queer Writing-Curious! Join us on Wednesday\, Sept 23\, 6-8 pm at Fathom for StoryStudio’s next Chicago Queer Writers Prompt and Exchange! \nHosted by StoryStudio instructor JP Solheim\, we’ll have prompts\, sips\, and writing time for you\, followed by exchanging work and time to mingle and meet other queer writers. \nDoors at 5pm with a one hour happy hour before our event officially kicks off at 6pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a seat and writing surface.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/storystudio-chicago-queer-writers-prompt-exchange/
LOCATION:Fathom\, 1622 W. Belmont Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast,workshop-crafts
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/storystudio.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260921T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260921T203000
DTSTAMP:20260910T185228Z
CREATED:20260910T185228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T185228Z
UID:10005236-1790017200-1790022600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Out North Reads: Box Hill — Kink\, Community & Queer History
DESCRIPTION:Join Out North Reads for a discussion of Box Hill—exploring leather culture\, identity\, desire\, and queer community. 21+ welcome. \nSet against the backdrop of Britain’s leather scene in the 1970s and 1980s\, Box Hill explores themes of desire\, power exchange\, self-discovery\, identity\, and belonging through the eyes of a young man navigating a transformative relationship. The novel offers a unique lens into queer history and culture while raising timeless questions about connection\, autonomy\, and authenticity. \nWhether you’re part of the leather community\, interested in LGBTQIA+ literature\, or simply looking to connect with others through meaningful discussion\, you’ll find a welcoming and judgment-free space at Out North Reads. \nNo formal literary background is required—just bring your thoughts\, curiosity\, and an open mind.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/out-north-reads-box-hill-kink-community-queer-history/
LOCATION:Hive Center for the Book Arts\, 840 Custer AVe.\, Evanston\, IL\, 60202\, United States
CATEGORIES:kink/leather,literary-poetry-podcast,networking-mixer
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/reads.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260915T210000
DTSTAMP:20260910T042328Z
CREATED:20260820T144745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T042328Z
UID:10004591-1789498800-1789506000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Gay Men's Book Group at COH: Fairyland by Alysia Abbott
DESCRIPTION:Gay Men’s Book Group-Chicago is a free\, open monthly book discussion group welcoming male-identified individuals of all ages who are interested in reading and discussing gay-related literature\, both fiction and non-fiction. Books to be discussed are selected by the group and posted on their Facebook page and via their newsletter email. \nThis month’s selection is Fairyland: A Memoir of My Father by Alysia Abbott. \nAfter his wife dies in a car accident\, bisexual writer and activist Steve Abbott moves with his two-year-old daughter to San Francisco. There they discover a city in the midst of revolution\, bustling with gay men in search of liberation—few of whom are raising a child. \nReconstructing their life together from a remarkable cache of her father’s journals\, letters\, and writings\, Alysia Abbott gives us an unforgettable portrait of a tumultuous\, historic time in San Francisco as well as an exquisitely moving account of a father’s legacy and a daughter’s love.\nJoin us at the Center on Halsted (2nd floor) for the discussion.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/gay-mens-book-group-at-coh-fairyland-by-alysia-abbott/
LOCATION:Center on Halsted\, 3656 N. Halsted St.\, Chicago\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/fairyland.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260912T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260913T000000
DTSTAMP:20260910T043746Z
CREATED:20260903T044952Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T043746Z
UID:10004602-1789236000-1789257600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Valuable Nonsense Podcast Launch Party
DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, September 12\, 2026 | 6 p.m.–Midnight | Chicago\, IL | FREE \nChicago’s newest Latine/x queer-hosted podcast\, Valuable Nonsense\, is officially launching – and you’re invited to celebrate with us!\nHosted by Alicia Figueroa and Doris Luna\, Valuable Nonsense brings culture\, humor\, identity\, and unfiltered conversations to the forefront\, creating space for the stories and experiences that connect us across the Latine/x and queer communities. \n“We wanted the launch to feel like us\,” says Alicia\, founder of Valuable Nonsense Podcast. “Not just a party\, but a free community celebration of everything that has shaped us – the intersection of being women\, queer\, Latine/x\, mothers\, professionals\, and so much more. Valuable Nonsense was created from the understanding that we don’t live or experience the world through just one identity. This is about honoring those layers\, celebrating the communities that came before us\, and creating space for the stories\, conversations\, and connections that move us forward.” \nJoin us for a free community celebration featuring Latine/x and/or queer-owned businesses\, DJs\, food vendors\, bar\, entertainment\, and more. \nDJs: DJ Gloria\, DJ Lori Branch & DJ Sandra Suave\nVendors: Cookies & Conversations\, Luna Empanada\, Que Leche\, Sweet Things\, Recetas de Mi Caldero\, Jocelyn Lovely Tarot & GoGirl Saugatuck\nPhotography: Maria Calderon Photography\nEntertainment: Serena Fiierce\nEmcee: Erika w/a K\nSilent Auction\, and more! \nThis is more than a podcast launch – it’s a celebration of community\, identity\, connection\, and the people who helped pave the way.\nWe hope to see you there. Sigue Pa’Lante! \nAlicia Figueroa & Dee Luna\nCo-Hosts aka The VNP Crew\nvaluablenonsensepodcast@gmail.com\n@valuablenonsensepodcast
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/valuable-nonsense-podcast-launch-party/
LOCATION:Chicago Theater Works\, 1113 W Belmont Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States
CATEGORIES:dance-dj,literary-poetry-podcast,market
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/VNP-Launch-Party-Flyer-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260912T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260913T180000
DTSTAMP:20260910T185410Z
CREATED:20260610T221245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T185410Z
UID:10003488-1789207200-1789322400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Printers Row Lit Fest
DESCRIPTION:Now in its 41st year\, the Printers Row Lit Fest is one of the nation’s largest and longest-running literary festivals. The Printers Row Lit Fest\, on Saturday\, September 12\, and Sunday\, September 13\, from 10am to 6pm\, at South Dearbon\, between Ida B. Wells and Polk Street features hundreds of best-selling and award winning writers from Chicago and across the U.S.\, booksellers\, storytellers\, and cultural programs. For readers of all ages. Admission is free. For updated information visit www.PrintersRowLitFest.org. For tickets and info about the 2026 Harold Washington Literary Award dinner honoring singer\, author\, and cultural icon Patti Smith on Thursday\, September 10\, at the Union League Club of Chicago\, visit www.thenspb.org/our-events/harold-washington-literary-award-dinner/.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/printers-row-lit-fest-2/
LOCATION:637 South Dearborn\, Chicago\, IL\, 60605\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Lit-Fest-Photo00.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260910T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260910T203000
DTSTAMP:20260903T032721Z
CREATED:20260827T183115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T032721Z
UID:10004890-1789065000-1789072200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Poetry & Archival Discovery: Elizabeth Hoover and Noa Micaela Fields
DESCRIPTION:Join us at Gerber/Hart on Thursday\, September 10th\, for an author talk with Elizabeth Hoover and Noa Micaela Fields discussing poetry and archival discovery. Elizabeth will be reading from the archive is all in present tense\, her book-length love poem to queer archiving practices\, and her new project based on archival research about the pioneering queer photographer and Nazi resister Claude Cahun. Noa will be reading from her 2026 book E\, mischievous mishearings and homophonic translations that remix a classic of 20th Century American poetry. Copies of both books will be available for sale from Women & Children First Books.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/poetry-archival-discovery-elizabeth-hoover-and-noa-micaela-fields/
LOCATION:Gerber/Hart\, 6500 North Clark Street\, Chicago\, IL\, IL\, 60626\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/talk.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260903T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260903T200000
DTSTAMP:20260903T052603Z
CREATED:20260903T052603Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T052603Z
UID:10004638-1788460200-1788465600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:‘Reading Came First’ Book Club: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
DESCRIPTION:Program Overview \n“Reading Came First” is a unique book club program launched by the RAPBRARY in partnership with The Closet Unlocked and Nobody’s Darling Bar. This program aims to celebrate and amplify literature by Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ authors globally. It offers a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue\, connect with the community\, and explore the richness of Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ experiences. The book club will meet monthly\, with book selections rotating every other month to allow ample time for reading\, reflection\, and discussion. \nBook Club Meeting #19 Details: \nOur next meeting will take place on Thursday\, September 3rd\, 2026 at 6:30PM\, with a special discussion around our selected text and curated cocktails. \nWe will also be hosting “BOOKED”\, an after-party event following our discussion to celebrate the 2-year anniversary of the book club featuring sounds by DJ St. Sinclair. \nBook #11: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros \nBook Discount Codes: \nWomen & Children’s First Bookstore: DARLING (10% off) \nSpecial Features: \nThemed drink mixes curated for each book selection
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/reading-came-first-book-club-the-house-on-mango-street-by-sandra-cisneros/
LOCATION:Nobody’s Darling\, 1744 West Balmoral Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60640\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/D44B9844-ECCE-490F-A552-438C4DC1F338remoted94c91cb74ada0d79e5885e20840650be8ed4589-1-original.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260829T150000
DTSTAMP:20260827T183437Z
CREATED:20260827T183437Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T183437Z
UID:10004888-1788008400-1788015600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Gerber/Hart Play Club: Last Summer at Bluefish Cove
DESCRIPTION:Join Gerber/Hart’s Play Reading Club Saturday\, August 29th\, from 1 PM – 3 PM as we read along to Last Summer at Bluefish Cove by Jane Chambers (1980). We’ll divvy up the roles\, read aloud\, and have a short discussion after. Hope to see you there! \nA few copies of the script will be available for use\, but please bring a phone\, laptop\, or other device to read the online .pdf if you can! The elevator is located at the end of the hallway (past the Howard Brown front desk)\, and Gerber/Hart’s Raffety/Tran Community Room is just outside the elevator doors through the hallway on your right. \nWhen: Saturday\, August 29th\, from 1 PM – 3 PM \nWhere: Gerber/Hart’s Raffety/Tran Community Room \n6500 N Clark Street\, 2nd floor \n𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: Set in the late seventies\, Last Summer at Bluefish Cove is a groundbreaking play about a tight-knit lesbian enclave who gather every summer at an isolated beach resort. The usual lesbian drama is disrupted by the arrival of a newly single straight woman who quickly realizes she’s not as straight as she thought. A story about chosen family\, visibility\, love and loss\, Bluefish Cove was the first lesbian play to open at a mainstream New York Theater for its premiere in 1980. \n𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: period typical homophobia and internalized homophobia\, and discussion of illness and death.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/gerber-hart-play-club-last-summer-at-bluefish-cove/
LOCATION:Gerber/Hart\, 6500 North Clark Street\, Chicago\, IL\, IL\, 60626\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/play-club.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260718T160000
DTSTAMP:20260715T042304Z
CREATED:20260416T052059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T042304Z
UID:10001826-1784379600-1784390400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Red\, Pink & Purple Polka Dot Poetry Slam 2026
DESCRIPTION:A unique and inspiring event-the second annual Red\, Pink & Purple Polka Dot Poetry Slam. Join us on Saturday July 18 at Sidetrack\, 3349 N. Halsted\, Chicago\, IL\, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an uplifting afternoon hosted by Chicago’s spoken word diva and entrepreneurial Storie Devereaux. This event is not just about poetry\, but also about raising awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS\, Breast Cancer\, and Urban Violence/Domestic Violence on our community through spoken word and music. Over $2\,000 in cash and prizes.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/red-pink-purple-polka-dot-poetry-slam-2026/
LOCATION:IL
CATEGORIES:benefit-fundraiser,literary-poetry-podcast,wellness
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Poetry-Slam.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260627T170000
DTSTAMP:20260524T153108Z
CREATED:20260326T025215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T153108Z
UID:10001721-1782561600-1782579600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Slay the Lake Pride Book Fest
DESCRIPTION:Slay the Lake presents Chicago Pride Book Fest\, an all ages event featuring 30+ Queer authors and vendors at Soundgrowler Brewing Co. in Tinley Park on Saturday\, June 27\, 2026 12PM-5PM. This is a multi-genre indoor/outdoor event. Celebrate pride and get your books signed by LGBTQIA+ authors while enjoying great food and drinks. Everyone is welcome! \nFollow @slaythelake and see ChicagoPrideBookFest.com for our list of attending authors.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/chicago-pride-book-fest/
LOCATION:Soundgrowler Brewing Co.\, 8201 183rd St.\, Suite P\, Tinley Park\, IL\, 60487\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast,market,pride
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11x17-STL-Chi-Pride-Approved.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260625T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260625T120000
DTSTAMP:20260524T164238Z
CREATED:20260524T164238Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T164238Z
UID:10003306-1782385200-1782388800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Drag Story Time
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special story time where we share books\, songs\, movement and rhymes with a special guest!
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/drag-story-time-2/
LOCATION:Uptown Branch of Chicago Public Library\, 929 W. Buena Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60613\, United States
CATEGORIES:drag,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-nano-erdozain-120534369-27595335-scaled-e1779640749578.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260624T180000
DTSTAMP:20260523T073056Z
CREATED:20260523T073056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T073056Z
UID:10003296-1782316800-1782324000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Chicago Pride Celebration with Chicago Public Library
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a celebration of Queer Chicago Icons. Celebrate Pride month while learning about LGBTQ+ Chicagoans’ contributions to art\, history and culture. \nFor all ages.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/chicago-pride-celebration-with-chicago-public-library/
LOCATION:West Pullman Branch of Chicago Public Library\, 830 W. 119th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60643\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast,pride
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pride-books.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260623T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260623T140000
DTSTAMP:20260523T071512Z
CREATED:20260523T071459Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T071512Z
UID:10003300-1782219600-1782223200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Banned Books Drag Trivia
DESCRIPTION:Come test your knowledge on banned books and literary censorship! Bring a team or come solo to compete for prizes in a game of trivia hosted by a local Chicago drag performer! \nHosted in partnership with the Teen Best Reads interns and The Rainbow Committee. \nFor teens 13 to 18
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/banned-books-drag-trivia/
LOCATION:Sulzer Regional\, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60625\, United States
CATEGORIES:activism,drag,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cpl-9.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260616T133000
DTSTAMP:20260524T181642Z
CREATED:20260524T181549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T181642Z
UID:10003314-1781609400-1781616600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Rory O'Neill at the American Writers Museum
DESCRIPTION:Rory O’Neill ‘Queen of Ireland’ talks about LGBTQ+ Identity in Irish Literature from Joyce to Tóibín \nThe Consulate General of Ireland\, Chicago and the American Writers Museum invite you to an event with writer\, entertainer\, drag queen\, activist and ‘Queen of Ireland’ Rory O’Neill\, also known as Panti Bliss. \nJoin us as we celebrate Bloomsday – the global celebration of Irish writer James Joyce that commemorates the events of his 1922 masterpiece\, Ulysses. \nThis literary event will take us on an alternative exploration of Joyce’s work which sparkles with a few characters who can be considered part of the queer spectrum\, through to the LGBTQ+ writers and literature of today. It will traverse the path to the equality and inclusion that exists in today’s modern Ireland\, vastly different from a century ago. \nIn conversation with Carey Cranston\, President of American Writers Museum Rory O’Neill will also discuss his own memoir ‘Women in the Making’ and his part in the campaign for marriage equality in Ireland in 2015. \nA light lunch will be served.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/rory-oneill-at-the-american-writers-museum/
LOCATION:American Writers Museum\, 180 N. Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60601\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast,panel-conversation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/rory.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260615T203000
DTSTAMP:20260522T031210Z
CREATED:20260522T031210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T031210Z
UID:10003170-1781550000-1781555400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:The Lesbian Bar Chronicles: Book Launch Party & Community Story Share
DESCRIPTION:Author Rachel Karp is in the house sharing her book The Lesbian Bar Chronicles along with your own stories of sapphic space experiences. \nPresented by Cruising Podcast and Jude’s Books\, The Lesbian Bar Chronicles is made up of stories from 38 lesbian bar communities across the country. What better way to send it out into the world than by gathering to share some of our own? \nDon’t miss as author Rachel Karp shares parts of the book\, along with stories from the Dorothy community\, followed by book signing and casual conversation! Copies of the book will be sold on sight by Jude’s Books or you can add on a pre-purchased copy with your free RSVP to this event. Please note: book purchases are non-refundable. \nHave a story you’d like to share? Submit it here. \nDoors at 6pm and our event will kick off at 7pm. Dorothy remains open after the event until 11pm. \nDorothy is 21+ and requires physical or mobile ID for all to enter. Dorothy is also ADA accessible with elevator access on Campbell Ave. If you are a guest who requires elevator access\, please wait by the black door with our logo on the window and call our staff to assist: 773-770-3799 \n————- \nABOUT THE AUTHOR \nRachel Karp is a writer and producer who has worked across podcasts\, TV\, film\, theater\, and digital media. The co-creator and producer of the award-winning documentary podcast Cruising\, she has also supported series for LinkedIn News\, Paramount+\, A&E\, and Oxygen. She holds a bachelor’s degree in theater and English from Skidmore College. She lives in Brooklyn with her wife\, Jen\, in their home that has lovingly been dubbed “the home for wayward gays” by the multitude of queer friends and family members who have stayed there over the years.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/the-lesbian-bar-chronicles-book-launch-party-community-story-share/
LOCATION:Dorothy\, 2500 West Chicago Avenue\, Chicago\, IL\, 60622\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast,panel-conversation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/bar.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T150000
DTSTAMP:20260523T070736Z
CREATED:20260523T070720Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T070736Z
UID:10003305-1781359200-1781362800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Bilingual Drag Story Time / Hora de Cuentos Drag Bilingüe
DESCRIPTION:Traiga a sus pequeños y acompáñenos a disfrutar de libros ilustrados\, cuentos\, canciones y una manualidad sencilla o un rato de juego con una invitada especial!
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/bilingual-drag-story-time-hora-de-cuentos-drag-bilingue/
LOCATION:Back of the Yards Branch of Chicago Public Library\, 2111 W. 47th St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60609\, United States
CATEGORIES:drag,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cpl-14.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T113000
DTSTAMP:20260523T001058Z
CREATED:20260523T001058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T001058Z
UID:10003308-1781344800-1781350200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Rainbow Family Story Time
DESCRIPTION:Bring the family to a lively\, fun-filled story time celebrating pride and the LGBTQ+ community. \nFor kids 0 to 5 years with a participating adult.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/rainbow-family-story-time/
LOCATION:Merlo Branch of Chicago Public Library\, 644 W. Belmont Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States
CATEGORIES:education-history,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cpl-16.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260613T103000
DTSTAMP:20260526T013010Z
CREATED:20260524T164622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T013010Z
UID:10003304-1781344800-1781346600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Drag Story Time
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special story time where we share songs\, rhymes\, fingerplays\, books\, movement and music featuring a special guest drag performer\, Irregular Girl! \nFor kids 0 to 5 and their caregivers.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/drag-story-time-3/
LOCATION:Sulzer Regional\, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60625\, United States
CATEGORIES:drag,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/imgi_32_IrregularGirlQueens.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T173538Z
CREATED:20260524T173514Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T173538Z
UID:10002927-1781204400-1781209800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Book Talk: There's Only One Sin in Hollywood by Rasheed Newson
DESCRIPTION:Join us at Call & Response Books as we welcome TV writer\, producer\, and novelist Rasheed Newson in celebration of his newest novel “There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood!” \nOn Thursday\, June 11\, we’ll be welcoming Rasheed Newson for a discussion of his newest novel\, “There’s Only One Sin in Hollywood\,” a sharp-witted and cinematic novel following a backlot fixer’s investigation into the suspicious death of a closeted Black actor\, set against the backdrop of glamorous Hollywood. \nRasheed will be joined in conversation with Michael LaBorn\, founder of Left Unread Books. \nQ&A and book signing will follow discussion.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/book-talk-theres-only-one-sin-in-hollywood-by-rasheed-newson/
LOCATION:Call & Response Books\, 1390 East Hyde Park Blvd.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60615\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast,panel-conversation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6.11_CallAndResponse-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260610T113000
DTSTAMP:20260523T070900Z
CREATED:20260523T070842Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T070900Z
UID:10003303-1781087400-1781091000@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Bilingual Drag Story Time / Hora de Cuentos Drag Bilingüe
DESCRIPTION:Únase a nosotros para disfrutar de canciones\, cuentos y rimas bilingües con un invitado especial!
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/bilingual-drag-story-time-hora-de-cuentos-drag-bilingue-2/
LOCATION:Lozano Branch of Chicago Public Library\, 1805 S. Loomis St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60608\, United States
CATEGORIES:drag,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cpl-12.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260607T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260607T140000
DTSTAMP:20260524T171910Z
CREATED:20260524T171910Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260524T171910Z
UID:10003230-1780835400-1780840800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Metro East Pride Book Swap
DESCRIPTION:The second MEPSI Book Swap! Share some of your old favorites and find some new ones! Hosted by Metro East Pride of Southwest Illinois (MEPSI) and the Friends of Dorothy Book Group.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/metro-east-pride-book-swap/
LOCATION:Belleville Books\, 20 E. Main St.\, Belleville\, IL\, 62220-1602\, United States
CATEGORIES:literary-poetry-podcast,pride
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/book.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260523T065200Z
CREATED:20260523T065200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260523T065200Z
UID:10003302-1780743600-1780747200@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Drag Story Time
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special story time where we share books\, songs\, movement and rhymes with a special guest!
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/drag-story-time/
LOCATION:Lincoln Belmont Branch of Chicago Public Library\, 1659 W. Melrose St.\, Chicago\, IL\, 60657\, United States
CATEGORIES:drag,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cpl-11.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T160000
DTSTAMP:20260416T052714Z
CREATED:20260416T052714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T052714Z
UID:10001832-1780740000-1780761600@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Lesbian Fiction Author Elizabeth Andre Appears at the Uptown Art Walk
DESCRIPTION:Chicago-based lesbian fiction author Elizabeth Andre will be signing and selling her books at the Uptown Art Walk\, including her most recent releases On Track for Love (interracial Sapphic romance) and Perilous Things (queer cozy paranormal mystery).
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/lesbian-fiction-author-elizabeth-andre-appears-at-the-uptown-art-walk/
LOCATION:Wilson Avenue between Beacon and Racine\, Wilson Avenue between Beacon and Racine\, Chicago\, IL\, 60640\, United States
CATEGORIES:arts-and-galleries,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/imgi_19_2026-0311-Flyer_page-0001normal.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260606T153000
DTSTAMP:20260604T080321Z
CREATED:20260604T080321Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T080321Z
UID:10003381-1780740000-1780759800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Gerber/Hart Booksale
DESCRIPTION:Gerber/Hart is hosting our Pride Month books sale! Plus Poems While You Wait will be there for personalized typewritten poems for sale while you browse \nSaturday\, June 6th\, from 10 AM – 3:30 PM\, join us at Gerber/Hart (6500 N Clark St) for an incredible selection of LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ fiction and non-fiction books\, media\, periodicals\, and more! We’ll also have a rare books and erotica sale for our 18+ customers.\nMake sure you come early and are ready to browse. Our friends from Poems While You Wait will be tabling with us from 11 AM – 2 PM! \nMore details here: https://gerberhart.org/pride-month-book-sale/ \nAll proceeds benefit Gerber/Hart. Kick off the start of Pride Month and stock your shelves at the Gerber/Hart Book sale!
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/gerber-hart-booksale/
LOCATION:Gerber/Hart\, 6500 North Clark Street\, Chicago\, IL\, IL\, 60626\, United States
CATEGORIES:featured,literary-poetry-podcast,shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/June-GH-booksale.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260517T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260517T203000
DTSTAMP:20260514T225036Z
CREATED:20260514T225036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T225036Z
UID:10002906-1779042600-1779049800@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Sunday Reading Series: Riva Lehrer
DESCRIPTION:The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame’s been invited to help curate the May edition of Sunday Reading Series: Poetry\, Prose\, & Cocktails. Host Kenyatta Rogers will be there to lead the program\, but Simone Muench has to miss this one. The program will be at the Hungry Brain on Sunday\, May 17. Noa Micaela Fields\, Tsehaye Geralyn Hébert\, and Riva Lehrer will read–all three authors have used their disabilities as artistic explorations and also advocated for awareness and accessibility. \nNoa Micaela Fields is an echodeviant enjambment queen (translation: trans poet with hearing aids) in search of the hypervivid in her one and only captionless life. No worries\, she’ll write the captions herself. She is the author of E (Nightboat Books\, 2026)\, an alterbook embracing the glitch of mishearing as a subversive technology of transformation. This spring\, poems from the book are on view at the Palais de Tokyo\, Paris. Born in California\, she now lives in Chicago\, where she curates public programs at the Poetry Foundation and edits poetry for Chrysalis\, a literary magazine by and for trans youth. \nTsehaye Geralyn Hébert is a nationally acclaimed citizen playwright and cultural architect whose work nuances and centers the African American experience. Hébert’s civic engagement catalyzes the move towards and beyond ADA compliance\, from idea to full inclusion and accessibility. As Community Lead\, she worked with Illinois Institute of Technology (IT) students to develop innovations in accessible and inclusive theatre. Currently\, her work with Artists Design the Future (ADtF) explores affordable accessible\, and inclusive Work Live spaces owned and designed by artists\, creatives\, and entrepreneurs. With Disability Lead (ADA 25 Advancing Leadership)\, she sat on its Program Committee\, and serves as an ambassador; as well as a current ambassador and recent member of The Cultural Collaborative (Chicago Cultural Accessibility Coalition) steering committee. A former president of the African American Arts Alliance\, she sits on the honorary board of Piven Theatre Workshop\, and volunteers with local and national arts organizations. \nRiva Lehrer is an artist\, writer and curator who focuses on the socially challenged body. She is best known for representations of people whose physical embodiment\, sexuality\, or gender identity have long been stigmatized. Riva’s work has been seen in venues including the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian\, Yale University\, the United Nations\, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington\, DC\, the Arnot Museum\, the DeCordova Museum\, the Frye Museum\, the Chicago Cultural Center\, and the State of Illinois Museum. Awards include the 2017 3Arts MacDowell Fellowship for writing\, 2015 3Arts Residency Fellowship at the University of Illinois; the 2014 Carnegie Mellon Fellowship at Haverford and Bryn Mawr Colleges; the 2009 Prairie Fellowship at the Ragdale Foundation. Her memoir\, Golem Girl\, was published in October 2020. Riva is on faculty at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago\, and instructor in the Medical Humanities Departments of Northwestern University.
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/sunday-reading-series-riva-lehrer/
LOCATION:Hungry Brain\, 2319 W. Belmont Ave.\, Chicago\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:education-history,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/riva.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T200000
DTSTAMP:20260506T030734Z
CREATED:20260409T062203Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260506T030734Z
UID:10001812-1778265000-1778270400@chicagosocialbutterflies.com
SUMMARY:Conversion Therapy Dropout Chicago Release Party with Tim Schraeder Rodriguez
DESCRIPTION:Join former Chicagoan Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez to celebrate the release of Conversion Therapy Dropout with a reading\, conversation and signing. A gay Christian’s behind-the-scenes account of evangelical megachurches and eight years in conversion therapy before finding wholeness and authenticity. \nTimothy Schraeder Rodriguez was an invisible architect behind evangelical Christianity’s digital empire\, crafting messages of belonging for some of the most influential megachurches–Hillsong Church\, Elevation Church\, Willow Creek–all while secretly questioning his own place within the faith. \nIn a desperate attempt to “fix” himself\, he turned to conversion therapy\, spending eight years trying to pray the gay away. And he wasn’t alone. More than 700\,000 people in the US have undergone some form of conversion therapy. Even though Exodus International\, the largest ex-gay organization\, closed in 2013\, the practice still thrives in many conservative religious communities. After years of this harmful “therapy\,” Schraeder Rodriguez’s sexuality never changed. But his faith did.The more time he spent in evangelical Christianity\, the more he witnessed the hypocrisy of institutions that claimed to love everyone while quietly pushing people like him into silence. But Schraeder Rodriguez wouldn’t remain silent. Instead\, he forged a new path\, discovering a vibrant faith beyond the constraints of non-affirming theology and finding a community that embraced his whole self. \nConversion Therapy Dropout is a behind-the-scenes look at megachurch culture\, the hidden harm of non-affirming Christian spaces\, and the ongoing impact of conversion therapy on gay Christians. This isn’t just a coming-out story–it’s about what happens after. About rebuilding a life outside the only world you’ve ever known. And the radical act of stepping into the light after being told your whole life to stay in the shadows. Sometimes\, the greatest act of faith isn’t holding on–it’s letting go. \nTimothy will be in conversation with Kathy Khang. \nFree RSVP is requested
URL:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-events/conversion-therapy-dropout-chicago-release-party-with-tim-schraeder-rodriguez/
LOCATION:City Lit Books\, 2523 N. Kedzie Blvd.\, Chicago\, IL\, United States
CATEGORIES:activism,literary-poetry-podcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://chicagosocialbutterflies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Tim_58.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR