June is Pride month! This month we celebrate who we are and where we have come from. We celebrate our history, honoring trailblazers such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. We hold each other up in the face of danger and remember those who we've lost, such as in the massacre at Pulse. We take this month to truly join hands and support one another as a community. Now is the time to go out and support as many queer owned businesses as possible! I've compiled a list of some of my favorites for you to check out before pride month runs out.
1. The Amazing Kale Burger
The Amazing Kale Burger started as a concoction in owner/operator Brandon Byxbe's kitchen. After making its rounds at farmers markets, Brandon decided that the kale burger deserved a permanent home. Brandon, along with support from his community, built the AKB vegan lunch counter from the ground up. Doors opened in March of 2015, and they haven't stopped growing since. Brandon, a trans man, has worked to make the space especially inviting to people in the LGBTQ+ community. From the "Any/all/no gender" restrooms to the walls covered in art from local queer creators, this restaurant is truly a safe haven for people of all identities to come enjoy some healthy vegan cuisine. Go find them at 741 Howard St. open Fri & Sat 11am-10pm and Sun 11am-8pm.
2. Gerber/Hart Library
Gerber/Hart library was founded in 1981 as a depository for the records of the LGBTQ+ community. As it currently stands, Gerber/Hart is the largest collection of queer archives in the midwest. The library hosts over 14,000 volumes, 800 periodical titles, and 100 archival collections. The library hosts many events for organizations and groups working to fight homophobia with knowledge. The library's mission is not only to preserve the history of the queer community, but to also be a conduit for change. The library always has special displays for June and provides a welcoming and nonjudgemental space. The walls are adorned with old magazines and photos, along with definitions for each letter in the LGBT acronym. The archives have everything from old queer newsletters to costumes from former drag queens. The library is located just above Howard Brown Health Center at 6500 n. Sheridan, open until 9pm weekdays and 4pm on weekends.
3. Leather 64Ten
In 2001, owner Eric Kugelman participated in the International Man of Leather competition. After participating, he felt that he had found his true passion, providing leather and it's history to the larger community. Starting off as small retail spots and kiosk locations, Eric wished to expose Chicago to the quality of Australian leather. Connected to "the hole" at Jackhammer, Leather 64Ten puts their products to good use and educates customers on how to use their brand safely. This is the perfect place to grab all of your leather needs before Pride Parade! They are housed at 6410 n Clark st. open everyday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 a.m.
4. Big Chicks
Big Chicks opened its doors on December 11th, 1986 by owner Michelle Fire who was a woman proud of her sizable stature. Big Chicks has colorful and elaborate decorations celebrating the vivacity of life. Tweet, the establishment next door and also owned by Michelle "Big Chick" Fire, serves fresh and organic food (such as the Amazing Kale Burger!). So, you can enjoy a fresh burger at Tweet and then shimmy the night away on Big Chick's dance floor. This bar offers irresistible deals on food and drinks every day of the week and is a sure fire way to celebrate pride with a bang! You can stop by Big Chicks at 5024 n Sheridan.
5. The Annoyance Theatre and Bar
The Annoyance Theatre was founded in in 1987 by comedian and actor Mick Napier. Since it's conception, The Annoyance has existed in 6 different locations, has created over 250 shows, and an ensemble of strong artists. Mick Napier runs Skinprov every Saturday at midnight. The show works with people all along the queer spectrum, including Napier himself, performing improv scenes that involve stripping down different pieces of clothing. Napier, who hosts the show, offers chances for the audience to win shots bought by him. The whole show is a riot and is sure to fulfill your comedy needs. Get to know Mick as he is a walking archive and hilarious human. The Annoyance Theatre is right off the Belmont Red Line stop at 851 w. Belmont Ave.
