The Latest Breaking News from Tracy Baim

Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community ‘visible, vibrant’ — but concerned for transgender members’ ability to ‘live your life freely.’

As Pride Month comes to a close, the Sun-Times spoke to advocates, service providers and members of the LGBTQ+ community about the key issues affecting them — and what more needs to be done.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 27, 2023

Tracy Baim: Finding my niche early in the gay press

By 1984, after graduating with a journalism degree — and being a very out lesbian — I knew mainstream newsrooms were not for me. I was not going back into the closet for my career.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 16, 2023

How Chicago LGBTQ+ and straight media trailblazers paved the way for this column

A journalist’s coming-out story in the 1970s. Straight reporters taking on the gay beat. Where are we now?

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 16, 2023

Chicago Reader completes transition to nonprofit following months of turmoil

The Chicago Reader completed its transition to a nonprofit organization Monday, starting a new chapter for the iconic 51-year-old alternative newspaper.

Chicago Tribune · May 18, 2022

Fight’s over, sale closes and the Chicago Reader lives

The free biweekly, published since 1971, has completed a move from for-profit to nonprofit ownership.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 17, 2022

Chicago alt-weekly survives column clash, going nonprofit

Chicago's famed alt-weekly is expected to become a nonprofit this month after the sale was nearly derailed over a co-owner’s column opposing COVID-19 vaccine requirements for children

The Independent UK · May 15, 2022

Chicago Reader co-owner gives up scrap over column, agrees to nonprofit transfer

Co-owner Leonard Goodman had accused the publication of trying to censor a piece he wrote about COVID-19 vaccinations.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 26, 2022

Ald. Ray Lopez’s bid for mayor could energize LGBTQ activists, voters

If elected mayor, Ald. Ray Lopez would make history — as Lightfoot did. Lopez would be the first openly gay and Latino person to serve as mayor.

Chicago Sun-Times · Apr 9, 2022

Chicago business relocation pitch targets ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation with full-page ads in Florida, Texas and Arizona

In the war for the hearts, minds and corporate relocations of businesses, Chicago has fired another shot across the bow at three Sun Belt rivals over recent legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community, such as the Florida education law critics have dubbed “Don’t Say Gay.”

Chicago Tribune · Apr 7, 2022

Some free advice to rescue the Chicago Reader

Let’s not make this current dispute personal. The Reader is an important voice, especially for journalists of color and other often-marginalized groups.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 14, 2022