Hey, Block Clubbers,
I’m Jake Cox, Block Club’s newsletter intern for the summer. This week, I am spotlighting a story I’ve been working on: Windy City Times, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ newspaper, is turning 40.
I took a deep dive into the Windy City Times — from its beginnings in a Sheridan Road walk-up to publishing more than 100,000 stories documenting LGBTQ+ life. Now digital-first, the paper is figuring out how to carry that legacy forward in a volatile media landscape.
I also visited an exhibit honoring the paper at Gerber/Hart Library and Archives. Seeing archival editions, Tracy Baim’s Rolodex and other artifacts brought the story to life. Hearing from Baim — who’s led the paper through decades of change — offered a glimpse into an era that shaped the city I love.
The Windy City Times’ legacy is a reminder that Pride doesn’t stop at Northalsted. Chicago’s LGBTQ+ communities are everywhere — if you know where to look.
Happy Pride,
Jake Cox
Newsletter Intern
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The Windy City Times Told LGBTQ+ Stories When Many Wouldn't. 40 Years Later, They’re Still At It |
Born during the AIDS crisis, the LGBTQ+ newspaper became a lifeline, a watchdog and a record of a community overlooked. Read more here. |
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The event remained mostly peaceful, though police arrested one protester for shoving a supporter. |
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TaskForce will make history as the first community group to lead the parade, highlighting its LGBTQ+ youth and Vogue School efforts. |
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At 15, Arja Sarkar is making space for LGBTQ+ Indian women like herself in a debate scene still largely white and wealthy. |
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As one of City Hall’s few openly gay Latinos, Quezada brings lived experience and progressive roots to the 35th Ward. |
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Mestiza Shop’s mission is to contribute to the Pilsen community and support local artisans in starting and growing their own brands. |
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About Proud City |
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Proud City is Block Club’s LGBTQ+ news hub, featuring stories and resources.
Newsletter by Jake Cox
Illustrations by artist Brian Rau
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Thanks for supporting Block Club Chicago, an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run
newsroom. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods. Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation. Subscribe here.
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