Chicago Social Butterflies

Atrium Project: Edie Fake
2026-03-29 10:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
Runs through March 29, 2026
For this iteration of the Atrium Project series, artist, author, and activist Edie Fake transforms the two-story lobby wall in the museum’s second floor atrium with his mural The Free Clinic for Gender Affirming Care (2024–25). An imagined facade of a clinic for free transgender healthcare, the mural offers a majestic counterview to the present reality in the United States, where transgender and nonbinary people are under constant threat of political repression, restriction, and scapegoating. The mural, with its layered architectural motifs and undulating prismatic colors, invites visitors into Fake’s utopian vision of access and open expression.
Following his earlier Memory Palace series—examples of which are included in the exhibition City in a Garden: Queer Art and Activism in Chicago, on view at the MCA from July 5, 2025, through May 31, 2026—wherein Fake reimagined the facades of historic queer and feminist establishments in Chicago, this work underscores the artist’s shift in focus from the past to the future, from what was to what could still be.
Atrium Project: Edie Fake is organized by Jack Schneider, Assistant Curator.

Margaret Cho: Choligarchy
2026-03-28 19:30 - 22:30 | The Vic Theater, 3145 North Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States
The Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL
Ages: All Ages
Advisory: For Mature Audiences

South Side + Friends chef series with Dominique Leach
2026-03-28 19:30 - 22:00 | House of GAZ, 3265 S. Archer Ave., Chicago, IL, United States
Chicago is, and always has been, one of the greatest culinary cities in the world. Yet, while the North Side often capture the spotlight, the South Side rarely gets the love it deserves. That’s exactly why nationally acclaimed pitmaster and South Side icon Chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse (Food Network’s 2023 BBQ Brawl Champion, Food Network Canada’s FIRE MASTERS, Good Morning America’s “Best Barbecue in Chicago”) located in Chicago’s historic Pullman neighborhood, is launching a bold new culinary collaboration series: the “South Side + Friends” Guest Chef Series, hosted inside the intimate, loft-style House of Gaz in Bridgeport.
This ongoing series will spotlight the city’s most exciting culinary talents from the South Side (and a few special guests along the way), creating more awareness and visibility to showcase how the South Side is a more than worthy destination for food lovers with a platform that champions the community. Each dinner is a chance to experience these chefs in an entirely new way, featuring one-night-only elevated menus, coursed out meals, cocktails parties and more, all with the incredible hospitality Chef Dominique is known for. The series will be kicking off with James Sanders of Sanders BBQ Supply Co, Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies, and Kendra Anderson of Caviar Dream Co.
“For me, this is about visibility and pride,” says Chef Dominique Leach. “It can be hard to get people to pay attention to the South Side, even though it’s where so many culture-shaping chefs are doing the work. There is so much talent and heart here, and I wanted to create something that brings those voices together in one intimate space. This series is about rallying people to the South Side, celebrating incredible chefs from this area (plus a few from beyond!), and showing that this community isn’t just special, it’s essential to the city’s story.”
The series kicks off with a powerhouse lineup including:
Saturday, January 31 — James Sanders of Sanders BBQ Supply Co (Beverly)
Chef James Sanders has created Sanders BBQ Supply Co. as a BBQ destination in the Beverly neighborhood, which has gaining acclaim from local and national publications, including a spot on the 2025 New York Times Top 50 Restaurants List and Eater Chicago dubbing them the “new kings of BBQ.” Opened in partnership with Texas BBQ aficionado Pitmaster Nick Kleutsch, Sanders BBQ Supply Co. has earned praise for its Central Texas-inspired smoked brisket, ribs, house-made sausages, and peach tea wings.
Wednesday, February 25 — Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies (Avalon Park)
Maya-Camille Broussard is the chef and owner of Justice of the Pies, an Avalon Park bakery specializing in sweet and savory pies, quiches, and tarts, and operating with a strong social mission centered on fairness, equality, and food justice. She starred on Netflix’s Bake Squad, where she was handpicked by Milk Bar’s Christina Tosi and dubbed the show’s “Flavor Maven,” and was a finalist for Outstanding Baker at the 2022 James Beard Awards. Since opening her flagship storefront in September 2023, Justice of the Pies has earned national acclaim, including Esquire’s 2023 Best New Restaurant honor and Pastry Chef of the Year for Broussard.
Saturday, March 28 — Kendra Anderson of Caviar Dream Co. (West Loop)
A professional chef, advanced sommelier, serial entrepreneur, and overall hospitality maven, Kendra launched Caviar Dream in 2024 to share her love of this unique delicacy with the world, and with a specific mission to transform the world of luxury caviar by making it more inclusive and empowering. Caviar Dream is the first Black- and female-owned nationally distributed caviar business in the United States, providing representation, access, and experiences that inspire and encourage communities to indulge to live well.

Cheek to Cheek: A Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Event
2026-03-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL, United States
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re bringing the community together for an evening of education, conversation, and connection.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected early. Through awareness, screening, and access to care, we can save lives and reduce health disparities in our communities.
Join us for Cheek to Cheek: A Community Conversation on Colorectal & Anal Health.”
This engaging evening will include trusted medical experts, community advocates, resources, and a welcoming space to ask questions and learn more about prevention and screening.
What to Expect
• Practical health education
• Fun activities in the resource area
• Open forum with medical experts
• Community resources and care navigation
• Free champagne toast, signature cocktails, and food
• Connections to screening and primary care at Howard Brown Health
We’ll close the evening with a Butts & Bubbles Toast, celebrating community, learning, and our shared commitment to improving access to care.

Spring Break Bar Crawl with Stonewall Sports Chicago
2026-03-28 14:00 - 19:00 | Northalsted neighborhood
Join Stonewall Sports Chicago for a high-energy afternoon bar crawl as we kick off the spring season and activate our sponsor bars across the neighborhood.
Participants will receive a Stonewall Bar Passport and travel between themed destination bars, collecting stamps along the way. The more destinations you visit, the more chances you have to win prizes.
Whether you make it to a few stops or complete the full tour, it’s a great way to spend the afternoon with teammates, friends, and the Stonewall community!
How It Works
-Check in at Hydrate starting at 2 PM to receive your Bar Passport and wristband (*A limited welcome beverage will be available at Hydrate while supplies last to kick off the crawl, courtesy of Stonewall Sports Chicago and served at the discretion of the venue)
-Visit the destination bars and collect stamps at each stop
-Earn raffle entries based on the number of destinations you visit
-Return your completed passport to Roscoe’s by 7 PM for a chance to win prizes and swag

Violet Surprise Theatre Presents: The Revolutionists
2026-03-28 14:00 - 16:30 | Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Road, Deerfield, IL, 60015, United States
Violet Surprise Theatre, whose mission is to vibrantly validate the voices of women, presents a traveling production of The Revolutionists, a historical and hysterical play that invites audiences to experience the French Revolution from a woman’s perspective. So don’t pardon our French. Pardon our Frenchwomen and their très merciless treatment during the Reign of Terror.

NO KINGS Chicago
2026-03-28 13:30 - 16:30 | Butler Field at Grant Park, East Jackson Drive & South Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL, United States
On March 28th, we will rise up, take to the streets, and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings–Hands off Chicago and hands off our democracy. We’re not watching history happen—we’re making it.
As the atrocities from the Trump regime have grown, so has our resistance in Chicago and across the country. Help us show the nation and the world that Chicago is united in opposing the illegal, cruel, and destructive attacks against our neighbors, our communities and our democracy.
Join us in Grant Park March 28.
This event is being organized by the Hands Off Chicago Coalition (Chicago Federation of Labor, Equality Illinois, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, Indivisible Chicago Alliance, Personal PAC, Sierra Club Illinois); ACLU of Illinois; and a growing number of partner organizations.
A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

AC2: An Intimate Evening With Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen
2026-03-27 20:00 - 23:00 | The Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St., Chicago, IL, 60601, United States
Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper are taking their legendary friendship on tour.
The two A.C.s and New Year’s Eve Live hosts are packing their long-lasting antics for the road.

Trans Family Fireside Chat: Navigating family dynamics, friendship
2026-03-27 18:00 - 20:00 | University Church Chicago, 5655 S. University Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
This event is for family members, intimate partners, friends and siblings of individuals of trans experience.
Join us for a meaningful discussion focused on navigating family dynamics, friendships and intimate partner relationships.
Facilitators:

Azhara Bassett, CEO of Life is Work
Antonio King, Chicago Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs

TDOV Legal Advocacy with Chicago Therapy Collective
2026-03-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Kimball Arts Center, 1757 N. Kimball Ave., 2F, Chicago, IL, United States
Along with our associates at the Chicago Commission on Human Relations , we invite trans, non-binary and gender expansive folks to learn about their rights in housing and employment and ways to file discrimination claims with the professional support of our joint teams. 🏳️‍⚧️

Tech & Business Networking Chicago
2026-03-26 19:00 - 22:00 | Midwest Coast Brewing Company, 2137 West Walnut Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
Hi there!
​🚀 Dear Participants! Join our event in Chicago!
​Meet and network with Founders and Investors. Pitch to the audience with your Startup and seize your chance to dive into the world of business, technology, and venture capital.
​
​💡 Why You Can’t Miss This Event:
​Engage with leading experts and founders in Tech & Business, as well as top investors, to gain deep insights and valuable networking.
​This event is essential for those looking to gain ideas, experience, and valuable connections.
​
​📈 Present Your Startup in Tech & Business:
​Showcase your startup in the Tech & Business fields! Send your pitch deck to contact.us@startupvalley.club and seize the opportunity to impress both the audience and investors!
​Also, you need to fill out the application to participate as a pitcher/speaker at the event.
​Apply now!
​
​💼 We Welcome New Investors:
​We invite investors to our event to expand their network, get acquainted with new startups, evaluate them, provide feedback, participate in discussions, and gain access to a database of fresh startups from around the world.
If you’d like access to a database of promising startup projects and additional benefits from Startup Valley, please fill out this application, and our team will contact you.
​Who you will meet at the event:
​Founders
​Investors or VC companies
​Marketers, Salespeople, Business Advisers
​Industry Disruptors
​AI Experts
​Entrepreneurs from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom
​
​Requirements for attendees:
​21+ years old
​Neat appearance
​Good mood
​1 drink bought at the bar (non-alcohol works too)
​🤝 The venue, where we host our events, is our partner. To continue hosting events at this location, please consider purchasing 1-2 drinks at the bar. Thank you.
​
​Time:
​Event time: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
​Pitch time: 8:40 PM to 9:20 PM
​
​🎟 Join our event and secure your ticket today! ✨
​Sincerely,The Startup Valley Team
​

So, You Want To Start A Business?
2026-03-26 18:30 - 21:00 | TechNexus Venture Collaborative, 20 North Wacker Drive #12th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606, United States
In a climate defined by layoffs and career pivots, we’re shifting the narrative, from surviving to building.
Join Queer Connections: Men of Color + Allies x TechNexus for an elevated evening of insight, strategy, and connection as we tap into the venture capital and startup expertise of the TechNexus network. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, freelancer, creative, or future CEO, this experience is designed to help you take ownership of your professional destiny.
What to Expect:
Actionable startup insights
Venture capital perspectives
Real talk about launching in today’s economy
High-impact networking
Free Drinks provided (21+)
This isn’t just a panel, It’s a pivot!
Secure your spot via Link. Build boldly.

Trans. Be Seen! A Trans Day of Visibility Celebration
2026-03-26 13:00 - 17:00 | Life is Work, 600 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL, 60644, United States
We’re honoring Trans Day of Visibility with a community gathering centered on empowerment and representation. Come get a free professional headshot—perfect for resumes, portfolios, social media, or anywhere you want to show up as your full self. You’ll also have the chance to be featured in our Trans Visibility Campaign, uplifting trans voices and faces across Chicago. Music, resources, light refreshments, and community included.

Sasha Rosser at Zanies Old Town
2026-03-24 19:00 - 20:30 | Zanies
Join us for a raucous night of a stand-up mixed with live jazz piano at Zanies Old Town! Featuring performances by Quinn James, Bryan Leconte, Hunter Hirsh, and headliner Sasha Rosser.
Wisconsin’s Sasha Rosser is a former scientist-turned comedian who covers everything from motherhood to RoboCop in her darkly lovable stand-up act. Her provocative style earned her the 2025 title of Grand Prize Winner at Comedy on State’s statewide competition and she was voted “Best Comedian” in Madison Magazine’s “Best of Madison”. Sasha has been a selected performer at the Limestone, 10k Laughs, Milwaukee, Midwest Queer, and Sno Jam comedy festivals, and has opened for headliners Matteo Lane, Dana Gould, Gianmarco Soresi, Shane Torres, Robby Hoffman, Colin Jost, and Dave Attell. Her debut comedy album, “Dirty Nerd”, shot to #1 on iTunes shortly after its release in August of 2024.
—–
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
6PM Doors, 7PM Show
ZANIES Comedy Night Club
1548 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 337-4027
—–
21 and over with valid photo ID
Two item minimum purchase per person
Seating is first come first served
No Coupons or discounts accepted
No Backpacks

Q Salon: Common Threads & What We Want
2026-03-24 18:00 - 20:30 | Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
We are excited to announce our March Q Salon will be Tuesday, March 24! This month we will be picking up where we left off with a discussion around the common threads that bring us together under the Democratic coalition and what exactly it is that we want out of our politics.
Why are we talking about this? It’s simple. If we can’t articulate what we want, we can’t work to make it happen. And, if anyone should decide what the Democratic party and progressive politics should stand for, it should be us, the people, not anyone else.
For this month’s salon, we’ll gather at the Center On Halsted (3656 N. Halsted). Doors will open at 6pm and we’ll get started at 6:30pm.
Bring your friends and see you there!

Queer Swing Dance w/ Guest Instructor Miguel Pino Garcia
2026-03-22 18:00 - 21:30 | Traffic Jam Swing, 4043 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Come join us for another inclusive and fun installment of the Queer Swing Chicago dance! Take the beginner lesson and then dance the night away to The Rusty Gates, co-lead by the dance’s organizer, Vic Celania!
We’re excited to have guest instructor and amazing bal/collegiate shag teacher Miguel Pino Garcia from Spain visiting and teaching you a beginner lesson! Joining him will be local shag dancer and instructor Mandy-lynn Kruse!
No experience, no partner? No problem! Come take a beginner lesson!
Details:
Beginner Class 6:00-7:00 PM
Live Band Dance with the Rusty Gates – 7:00PM-9:30PM
Price: Suggested $20
***Pay What You Can***
We want everyone who wants to come to be able to, so we have a “No one turned away” policy. Simply let us know what you can pay at the door and do so!
*** Location of Event***
The door for Traffic Jam is in the rear alley on Belle Plaine.
Tell your friends and let’s continue to make this event a success 🙂
*** 3 Door people needed! Help us out and get free entry! Send me a message :)***

Affinity's Burning Bowl 2026: Waves of Resistance & Resilience
2026-03-22 13:00 - 16:00 | UIC Student Center West, 828 South Wolcott Avenue #Suite 242, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States
Let’s gather for Burning Bowl 2026 to reflect, reset, connect, and recognize the contributions of community members. All are welcome!

Join us for Burning Bowl 2026: Waves of Resistance & Resilience, on Sunday, March 22, from 1-4pm at UIC Student Center West, 828 S Wolcott Avenue, Ste 242, Chicago, IL.
Lots has happened since last year’s Burning Bowl Ceremony, and we have much to celebrate and look forward to at this year’s gathering. Bring your intentions, open minds and hearts, dancing shoes, and appetite. We look forward to another joyful gathering with our beloved community. And please invite others!
Burning Bowl is a long-honored Affinity tradition of centering reflection and renewal that helps us clarify our intentions, release old habits that get in our way, and set goals for our next chapter. We recognize outstanding individuals for their service within the Black LGBTQ Community with the Barbara “Robbie” Smith Award of Excellence, and community members share their aspirations and ideas for future Affinity programs and initiatives.
RSVPs required by Thursday, March 19, at 5pm CST for headcount and catering capacity.

Trans Up Front IL's Light the Way Soirée
2026-03-21 19:00 - 22:00 | Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618, United States
Join us on Saturday March 21, 2026!
Light the Way Soiree: Illuminating a brighter future for trans youth​
Join us as Trans Up Front Illinois celebrates our first birthday at the Light the Way Soiree—an evening dedicated to community, reflection, and hope. This special celebration brings us together to honor what we have built in our first year, uplift the incredible community that made it possible, and look ahead to a bright future. Doors open at 7pm for an night of community, celebration, performances and more!
As we mark this milestone, we’ll celebrate the impact we’ve made and share our vision for continuing to support and advocate for transgender and gender-diverse youth across the state of Illinois. We can’t wait to gather with you, reflect on how far we’ve come, and light the way forward—together.

1/2 Way Soiree Fundraiser
2026-03-21 18:30 - 21:30 | 18th Street Casa de Cultura, 2057 W. 18th St., Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Join us at a fun women’s dance, following in the footsteps of the halfway to Michfest parties that Chicago was known for. While you’re there, learn about the wonderful RISE/WPI festivals on the Land.
The event will include poetry readings, a silent auction*, speed friending, and a musical performance by Laurie Jarski. Delicious food for purchase.
Tickets are $15-75 sliding scale. Purchase through Goldenrod: https://goldenrod.com/…/rise-wpi-1-2-way-soiree…/
If you live out of town, invite your Chicago friends — or purchase a ticket to help out the fundraiser.
Money raised will help cover the cost of the RISE/WPI festivals. For more about the festivals, join the groups:
RISE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/6812097702213363
WPI: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wpifestivalontheland
* Do you have items to donate for the auction? We welcome items such as event tickets, artwork, CDs, getaway weekends, etc. We love The Land and would like to support as many sisters as possible to get back to The Land, and attend RISE/WPI for the very first time. Your donation will help us fund sisters to The Land! Reach out to the event co-hosts if you do!
Performers
Laurie Jarski
Laurie is a composer, cellist, singer/songwriter, guitarist, multi-string instrumentalist, owner/director of Broughton Music Center, Northville Center for Music & Art, & producer of the WPI Festival On the Land Music Camp for Women & Girls.
Donna Rose
Donna is a cultural and political activist, poet, and longtime Chicagoan.
Kimberly Gasca
Kimberly is a 28 year old first generation Mexican American from Grand Rapids, MI, as a bisexual she values women-only spaces as an escape from “societal norms.” In her free time, she attends women’s events, practices hand drumming, sings in two Lansing choruses and crafts to relieve stress.
DJ Catz https://facebook.com/ catmarie.howard

Hydrate Hussies & Manhole's Turnabout Show
2026-03-21 18:00 - 22:00 | Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL, United States
The Hydrate Manholes (softball) and Hydrate Hussies (flag football) sports teams are coming together for the Turnabout Show at Hydrate Nightclub, which raises money for the Howard Brown Health Dental Cinic.

Event Details
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Show Starts: 7:00 PM
Suggested Donation: $25 at the door (includes 2 drink tickets)
100% of proceeds benefit the Howard Brown Dental Clinic
After Party
Join us from 9 PM – 11 PM for photos with the cast, dancing, drink specials, and more celebration!
Can’t make it to the show? No problem! Scan the QR code in the flyer to make a donation and support Howard Brown Dental Clinic from afar.
Venue: Hydrate Nightclub, 3458 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL

Explosion of Curves in Full Bloom: Fashion Show 2026
2026-03-21 15:00 - 19:00 | 2226 E. 71st Street, Chicago IL, 2226 E. 71st Street, Chicago, 60649, United States
Get ready for the most anticipated fashion event of the season: An Explosion of Curves in Full Bloom. This isn’t just a fashion show; it’s a high-octane celebration of confidence, style, and power. We are reuniting the OGs of the Curvy and Plus Size Movement, aka Project Curve Appeal—the trailblazers who started it all—to show the world exactly how it’s done.
Why You Can’t Miss This:
The Hottest Models: Watch Chicago’s baddest curvy and plus-size models command the runway with unmatched fire and grace.
Elite Fashion: Experience cutting-edge looks from the city’s dopest designers, boutiques, and trendsetting fashionistas.
Legacy & Impact: We’re bringing back the legendary energy of our 2012 debut, celebrating over a decade of redefining beauty standards.
Fashion with a Purpose: All proceeds support Curve Appeal Chicago, Inc. (a 501c3 nonprofit), dedicated to educating, engaging, and empowering the lives of women and girls to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. Curve Appeal Chicago, inc. formerly Project Curve Appeal, was incorporated in 2020. Check’em out at curveappealchicaago.org.
Come mix, mingle, network, and enjoy an explosion of Curves! Doors OPEN at 3 pm for a Cash Bar Cocktail Hour. The show starts at 4 pm.
Join us for an afternoon of glamour, sisterhood, fun, and “the fire” that only Project Curve Appeal can deliver.

James Baldwin's Another Country [x] Harsh Readers Circle
2026-03-21 14:00 - 16:00 | IL
Set in the “bohemian” milieux of late 1950s New York (Harlem and Greenwich Village) and France, James Baldwin’s Another Country is underpinned by themes of 20th-century Black American life, music, sexuality, gender, and freedom in expatriation. This 1962 novel, perhaps not as well known as his other writing, deals with the way race and sexuality impact a cadre of “artistic” men and women, their intimate relationships, growth as people, success, and artistic lives. (There will be cute snacks at this gathering.)
The Harsh Readers Circle meets the third Saturday of every month except December. For more information, contact the Harsh Collection at harshcollection@chipublib.org.

This event is in-person and online.
Address:
9525 S. Halsted Street
Chicago IL 60628

Lakeside Pride Wilde Cabaret's "March Madness"
2026-03-21 13:30 - 15:30 | Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL, United States
It’s bracket season and we’re joining in! Our March Madness show is a four-in-one, super-awesome, musical explosion. We’ll be putting four themes up in our brackets, and our performers will choose any of the brackets to fill out. Our first half puts Madness and Reality head-to-head with Truth vs Lies after halftime. Which bracket will win? One thing’s certain, you’ll already be a winner just by showing up!
We’ll see you on March 21 at Sidetrack. Grab a drink at 1 in Glass Bar, then join us for the show at 1:30 in Main Bar.
And even after all that – there’s more! Our next monthly show – Fools Rush In – will be on April 19 right here at Sidetrack.

ChiPride Volunteering + Greater Chicago Food Depository
2026-03-21 13:00 - 15:30 | IL
Join LGBTQ+ and Ally Volunteers as we partner with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Volunteers will be packing food at the Chicago Food Depository! Come join us as we repack bulk products into family-sized portions, sort and categorize donated food items, glean fresh produce items and bread. This food will be distributed to food bank, soup kitchens and shelters across Cook County.

Womxn's History Month Celebration Brunch
2026-03-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Center on Halsted invites you to our Womxn’s History Month Brunch! Join us in celebrating the power of community and the legacy and impact of queer womxn of Chicago.

Chicago Drag Melts ICE
2026-03-20 20:00 - 22:00 | Metro/Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Lucy Stoole & Metro Present…
Chicago Drag Melts Ice
Benefiting ICIRR, Midwest Immigration Bond Fund, Stand With Minnesota, National Immigrant Justice Center
featuring: Jay Kay • Utica • Aurora Gozmic • Laila McQueen
Also Appearing: Dear Jaime • Lady Cummeal • Khloe Park • Serena Fiierce • Honey Bee Rose • Cléo La Muñeca • Jerika Thique-Diamond • Shutt Up • Alex Jenny • Valentine Addams • Tila Von Twirl • Anita Horchata • Bang Bang • Sativa Diamond • Fantasy Banks • Bambi Banks • Essence • Abhijeet • Alexandrea Diamond • Persephone Brooklyn LaRue • Neutral Gena • Sindy Vicious • Milani Varela • The Dommm • Vanda La Rose • Koda Pendants • Valeria Mendez • Stephanie • Tiki Vonté • Nico • Rachel Slurrz • Luv Ami • Helvetikah Blak • Ari Gato • Kerosene
DJ: Miss Toto

Violet Surprise Theatre Presents: The Revolutionists
2026-03-20 19:00 - 21:30 | James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030, Illinois, 60030, United States

Resurrection & Renewal: Black Queer Futures in Chicago
2026-03-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, 2930 South Michigan Avenue Suite 103B, Chicago, IL, United States
Join us for an in-person discussion exploring how the idea of resurrection connects to personal transformation, community healing, and the future of LGBTQ+ leadership in our city.
Together, we will reflect, share stories, and celebrate the resilience and brilliance of Black queer experiences.

Illinois Primary Elections
2026-03-17 06:00 - 19:00 | IL
A slew of offices are on the primary ballot, from U.S. Senate to Illinois governor to Cook County Board President.

Virginia Ramey Mollenkott Award Reception and Presentation
2026-03-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Chicago Temple/First United Methodist Church, 77 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL, 60602, United States
The LGBTQ Religious Archives Network is hosting a reception to honor Heather Rachelle White, PhD, this year’s recipient of its annual Virginia Ramey Mollenkott Award. White is being honored for her paper exploring the importance of the church parish hall—a space where the sacred and secular overlap—in facilitating the early LGBTQ rights movement. The Mollenkott Award is the only one of its kind that honors outstanding research and scholarship in LGBTQ religious history, and this event coincides with the 25th anniversary of the LGBTQ Religious Archives Network. Enjoy food, drinks and mingling at our reception followed by an interview and Q&A with White. This event is co-sponsored by Gerber Hart Library & Archives. Learn more about the Mollenkott Award, our awardee and guest speakers at this event at https://lgbtqreligiousarchives.org/vrm2026.
