where all the cool queers will be in may.
Here are your west suburban Chicago queer events for Pride Month Jr.
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OK folks, it sure seems like we’ve finally gotten through the multiple false springs that the Midwest is famous for and we can finally enjoy some of that weather we wait all winter for. With the month of May almost here, that also means that it’s just about time for Pride Month as well.
As we all gear up for 31 days of legally required nonstop queerness in June, there’s also plenty of good ole gay times to enjoy in May as well. Below I’ve compiled 15 queer events happening in or near the western Chicago suburbs, and I’m almost positive that I’ve missed some. Among the new offerings this month are a new book club launching from the Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board, as well as a queer hiking meetup taking place in Elgin. If you’re looking for a city adventure, there’s a new museum exhibit opening in the Lakeview neighborhood to take in.
If I’m missing anything below—or if you’re the organizer behind any of these events and you’d prefer that they not appear here for whatever reason—please reach out by emailing me at queeringtheburbszine@gmail.com or using the button below. You’re also welcome to get in touch with your June events for next month’s calendar, since I know it’s going to be a busy one and the time to prepare is right now.
Friday, May 2 (7 p.m.): Rainbow Roundup
This casual (18+) monthly get-together for young (ages 18-30) LGBTQ+ adults and allies is hosted by Belong: Fox Valley.
Coffee Haus, 406 S. Randall Rd., South Elgin
Monday, May 5 (6 p.m.): GAYme Night
This is a low-key space for gaming enthusiasts to play board games and meet some fellow queer folks and allies. This event takes place each first Monday of the month. Admission costs $5.
Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Dr. #L, Shorewood
Monday, May 5 (6:30 p.m.): Cheers, Queers!
Belong: Fox Valley’s popular monthly meetup for queer adults and allies is celebrating its Cinco de Mayo edition, with a Tamales+ food truck on site until 7:30 p.m.
Brother Chimp Brewing, 1059 W. Orchard Rd., North Aurora
Tuesday, May 6 (6 p.m.): DeKalb Pop-Up Gay Bar
This informal queer meetup launched in February and is now back for its May edition.
Class VI, 214 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb
Saturday, May 10 (7 p.m.): Call Me Mother: A Mother’s Day Drag Show
Martini Room in downtown Elgin’s monthly drag show returns with a Mother’s Day showcase hosted by Miss Moscato. This month’s lineup includes Danielle Attme, Talon, and Synthetic. Tickets are available for $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago St., Elgin
Tuesday, May 13 (6:30 p.m.): Book Queeries
Sycamore Library’s LGBTQ+ book club for adults will be discussing the iconic Fun Home by Alison Bechdel this month.
Sycamore Library, 103 E. State St., Sycamore
Wednesday, May 14 (6:30 p.m.): From Allies to Action
We Can Lead Change, PFLAG-Geneva/Tri Cities, Belong: Fox Valley, and Dr. Diane McFarlin are hosting this educational forum outlining specific ways that allies can support and lift up the LGBTQ+ community right now. The event is free, but RSVPs are required to reserve your space.
Location shared upon RSVP
Saturday, May 17 (11 a.m.): Coffee Meetup
This informal meetup for queer folks and allies in the far western suburbs takes place the third Saturday of every month.
The Greenhouse, 265 W. Peace Rd., Suite 108, Sycamore
Saturday, May 17 (11 a.m.): Drag Me to Brunch: Pop Princess
El Jefe’s latest edition of its iconic Drag Me to Brunch event pays tribute to the pop divas of today. Think names like Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter. Tickets for the brunch cost $25 and a two-drink minimum purchase is required.
El Jefe - Lena y Mar, 1271 N. Lake St., Aurora
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18 (12-6 p.m.): Tarot with Annie Hex
Annie Hex will be popping up for tarot readings this weekend at the queer-owned Hoof + Horn in Aurora. The shop is also hosting a number of classes and other events in May including Witch Gardening (May 9), Bewitching Bath & Beauty (May 10), a May Full Moon Crystal Bowl Recharge (May 12), and Intro to the Baneful Garden (May 16).
Hoof + Horn, 14 W. Downer Pl. #6, Aurora
Saturday, May 17 (1 p.m): Coffee & CommuniTEA
The Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board is hosting its regular casual meetup at the vibe-y downtown Aurora hotspot in honor of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia & Transphobia.
Society 57, 100 S. River St., Aurora
Sunday, May 18 (12 p.m.): Queer Mountaineers Hiking Meetup
Elgin Pride is co-hosting this chill meetup for queer outdoors lovers. Meet up at the forest preserve’s west parking lot, off Coombs Road.
Burnidge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin
Saturday, May 24 (1 p.m.): A Book Club
The Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board is kicking off a new monthly book club meeting at Yellow Bird Books in downtown Aurora in May. This first edition of the club is discussing Travis Baldree’s fantasy novel Legends & Lattes.
Yellow Bird Books, 34 S. Stolp Ave., Aurora
Monday, May 26 (6 p.m.): Fabulous Bingo
The fourth Monday of every month is a drag bingo event at this venue, and this event is hosted by Jolene Jett. Admission costs $10 per bingo board and half the proceeds go to charity—the other half goes to prizes. Cafe purchases required.
Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Dr. #L, Shorewood
Thursday, May 29 (7 p.m.): Let’s Talk About It: The Difficult Conversations
The Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board is hosting this meeting of PRISM, the Peers Respecting Individuality, Sexuality, and Mentality LGBTQ+ adult peer group.
Santori Aurora Public Library (Room S332), 101 S. River St., Aurora
Looking for queer events in/near Chicago? Check out the Chicago Social Butterflies calendar. Highlights in May include:
Drag extraterrestrial Juno Birch’s show at the Den Theatre (May 1)
The exhibit The First Homosexuals: The Birth of a New Identity, 1869-1939 is coming to Wrightwood 659 (opens May 2 and runs through July 26)
Slo ‘Mo’s Old Gold gathering for 30+ queers at Three Top Lounge at Salt Shed Chicago (May 4)
Out queer musicians Allison Russell (May 8 at Vic Theatre) and Nick Shoulders (May 24 at Lincoln Hall)
Also, I know this is a sensitive topic, but Cats is now playing at Paramount Theatre in Aurora. Did you know that the Jellicle Ball was reportedly inspired by ballroom culture and the whole thing could arguably be a queer allegory? Plus… cat butts.
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SONG OF THE RIGHT-NOW
In case you’re wondering who Nick Shoulders is, he’s a heavily tattooed Arkansas-born singer-songwriter who started out his musical career in the punk genre but now leans heavily into the y’allternative end of country music. While you’re perfecting your western looks for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour this month, don’t forget that there are plenty of queer country artists you can enjoy as well. The song “Won’t Fence Us In” is off Shoulders’s new album All Bad.
I just don't see any glory in industrial cattle
And truckers' bodies twist from a life in the saddle
Is it freedom ringing in your ear or just a death rattle?
You won't fence us in
What’s amazing is though I haven’t been to the Paramount since the nineties, one of those times was to see a number from Cats.