Among the many terrible and oppressive executive orders signed by the Trump regime was one that eliminated guidance put in place by former President Obama last year that instructed schools to permit transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender. This move is an example of how Trump—a.k.a. President Evil, Cheetochet or Agent Orange—continues to single out and put at risk people who are already disproporionately affected by violence, bullying, negative health outcomes and exploitation.
It is as important as ever to support and celebrate LGBTQI folks in our activism, networks of resources, events and art that are created from a place of truth and love. Pulling from the Gozamos Events Calendar, we are highlighting a few events happening this week that center the work, art, activism and joy of LGBTQI folks in the Chicago area.
***Please note that some of these events are specifically meant to be safe spaces for LGBTQI folks. If you are an ally and attend an event that is open to allies of our community, be sure to come correct and ready to learn. This also goes for those within the acronym, e.g. cis people in spaces centering and led by trans people.***
Drop-in Center for LGBTQ Youth Ages 12-17
Tuesday, February 28 @3-6pm. 2703 W Division Street (El Rescate Basic Center).
At El Rescate Basic Center launching a new resource for LGBTQ youth who are experiencign homelessness, have run away or are couch surfing. This identity-affirmidg space will provide snacks and refreshements and provide youth with free and confidential services, including case management, computers, homework help, lockers for storage (limited) and free HIV/STI testing.
Queeriosity
Wednesday, March 1 @6:30-9:30 PM. 1104 S Wabash Avenue.
Queeriosity is a literary and performance event that creates a safe space for LGBTQ artists to speak their truths to a supportive audience. This event will feature poets and performances from the broader YCA and LTAB community. Rated R for mature content.
Chicago Premiere of BRUJOS
Wednesday, March 1 @6-8pm. 78 E Washington Street (Chicago Cultural Center, Sean Cassidy Theater).
“BRUJOS is a queer-of-color web series that follows four gay Latino grad students that are also witches as they try and survive the school semester and a witch hunt led by the wealthy, white, male and heteronormative descendants of the first New World colonizers. BRUJOS isn’t just about superficial representation, it’s an attempt at revolutionary entertainment that is sorely needed in this political moment.”
This show was written by Ricardo Gamboa, directed by Gamboa and Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke, and produced in collaboration with Cinema Libertad and distributed by Open TV – beta (also known for distribution of “Brown Girls”). See event link for accessibility and other information.
Movie Night in Humboldt Park: Kiki
Thursday, March 2 @5:30-8pm. 2620 W Division Street.
“KIKI is a documentary glimpse into the NYC Kiki Scene, a ‘society within a society’ created and governed by LGBTQ youth. It dives back into the fierce world of voguing battles in the Kiki scene of New York City, where competition between Houses demands leadership, painstaking practice, and performances on point.
This film offers a riveting and complex insight into a safe space created and governed by LGBTQ youth of color, who are demanding happiness and political power. An exciting coming of age story about agency, resilience and the transformative artform that is voguing.
Join other queer youth as we explore the history of vogue, the ballroom scene, and how a new generation of artists are keeping this culture alive!”
Trans Liberation Protest Chicago
Friday, March 3 @6-9pm. Wacker and Wabash.
Led by trans organizers in Chicago, the Trans Liberation Protest is being held to center the truths of trans people broadly, and especially in response to the overtuned federal school protections for trans students and the murders of trans womxn of color, most notably Keke Collier who was killed in Chicago last week; and to call out mainstream LGBTQ organzations and organizers that appropriate trans struggles and divert resources away from trans-led organizations and people.
Stay informed about TGNC events, protests and programs by signing up here.
Dapper Ball presented by AMFM, Slo ‘Mo and Boi Society
Saturday, March 4 @8pm-12am. 2800 N Milwaukee Avenue (Hairpin Arts Center).
“DAPPER BALL is a celebration of androgynous swag, butch realness and queer culture. Prepare for an evening celebrating the king or queen within you as we roll out the red carpet for community to get your shine (and swag) on….As spaces for queer/lesbian/bi women shutter across the country, DAPPER BALL is a moment to celebrate our culture and self-expression through style, performance, dance and community connection. DAPPER BALL aims to be a welcoming space and invites all people who value or identify with the LGBTQ community to join the party. We believe swag is personal so how you express your style at the party is up to you!
Partial proceeds will benefit Trans Lifeline, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to the well being of transgender people. Trans Lifeline runs a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people and are in need more than ever of our support. Consider giving to them at translifeline.org”