As the second Trump administration rolls back LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, some of his early decisions could prove to be an indirect hit to already marginalized members of the community. The federal government recently terminated millions of dollars in grants towards HIV-related research. The Trump administration is also considering eliminating the CDC’s HIV prevention division, […]
Author Archives: Lu Calzada
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
LGBTQ+ Business Bootcamp aims to uplift and guide queer entrepreneurs
With the Trump administration’s harsh rhetoric and policies coming into effect, it’s a difficult year to be queer or a business owner. Kristina Wynne hopes to alleviate some of that. Now entering its sixth year, the Illinois LGBT Chamber of Commerce LGBTQ+ Biz Bootcamp aims to lift up and prepare LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs for a successful […]
Posted inNews
Generative AI in journalism: Preventing harm and enhancing news consumption
As AI seemingly seeps into every area of consumers’ lives, especially media, it’s now vital to find proper ways to engage with it. AI-generated media content can often further stereotypes or only push user-frequented content about marginalized communities. However, experts say a few tools can be used in order to benefit consumers and increase their news consumption. […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Queer Chicana artist Jaqui Almaguer uses traditional styles to highlight immigrant experiences
For many children, an introduction to art comes from museums or kindergarten art classes. For Jaqui Almaguer, it was Little Village graffiti. Almaguer, a 42-year-old self-taught Chicago-based artist, had a lifetime of experiences before committing to an art career full-time. Now, she’s putting her Chicana heritage and spiritual beliefs into her vibrant traditionally inspired painted […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Choreographer Jenn Freeman creates space for Black feminist empowerment through movement
Jenn Freeman was “bouncing around the house” as a child, so they have their ADHD to thank for the start of their dance journey. “The thing that my mom didn’t tell me until two years ago was that I was actually diagnosed with ADHD or whatever,” they said. “The doctors prescribed me Ritalin, and instead […]
Posted inTop Stories
Chicago queer artist Andy Bellomo highlights underrepresented queer experiences in her work
Andy Bellomo’s art practice sparked from a place often filled with controversy in the queer community—Christian church. Bellomo’s love of art blossomed while observing stained glass windows in churches she attended with a friend growing up in Boston. Now an educator and artist in Chicago, she focuses much of her creative work on queer people […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Eli Tea Bar continues to grow as a Chicago non-alcoholic queer haven
When people talk about non-alcoholic queer spaces in Chicago, one of the first places mentioned is often Eli Tea Bar. And although owner Eli Majid didn’t initially open the store with that vision in mind, he’s glad it’s grown into its community role. Eli Tea Bar opened nearly three years ago in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Activist Riki Wilchins tackles New York Times’s controversial coverage of trans issues
The New York Times’ trans coverage has been the subject of strong controversy for the last few years, with the newspaper itself making headlines for how its stories platformed anti-trans groups instead of real trans individuals. Author and trans activist Riki Wilchins set out to chronicle that phenomenon. In Wilchins’s new book, Bad Ink: How The […]
Posted inArts and Entertainment
Ambitious arts initiative uncovers ‘treasures’ created by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Chicagoans
Chicago has no shortage of cultural events—with 77 neighborhood areas and an innumerable amount of cultural communities, there’s something for everyone. Financial assistance from Chicago Cultural Treasures, now in the final year of its four-year initiative, has focused on funding BIPOC groups—including LGBTQ+-centered organizations—so they can continue as part of the city’s cultural tapestry. El […]
Posted inCommunity
Dragging voters to the polls: Drag PAC’s creation represents a larger culture shift
The 2024 election is gearing up to be a tense and difficult battle, drawing out activist groups who want to inspire folks to go to the polls. One of those groups is drag queens. As states around the country ban drag-related events and mount increasing attacks on transgender Americans, the creation of the Drag PAC—starring […]
Posted inNews
Trans start-up founder seeking to improve lives of wheelchair users
Although Wave Therapeutics’ work combines many of Jessica Bussert’s interests, a chance encounter in adult life provided the spark she needed to start her business. From growing up with an interest in technology to moving into the business and healthcare spheres, Jessica has had a long road—often dealing with rampant transphobia since her transition in the […]
Posted inCommunity
Fad2Fresh vintage shop provides space for LGBTQ+ community connections
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal. Fad2Fresh is more than a vintage store—it’s a community third space. Alex Jones (pictured) and Abigail Millner have been part of the vintage community for years. Photo courtesy of […]
Posted inDigital Equity Lab
“It was a do or die situation;” Queer Chicagoan creates skincare line as part of mental health recovery
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal. This story contains discussion of mental health issues such as suicidal ideation and attempts. When speaking to Tyris Manney, there are a few noticeable attributes— his brilliant smile, […]