To kick off Pride this year, we are joining the Seven Days in June campaign – a national call to elevate health as a governing priority. Last year, Congress passed $1 trillion in healthcare cuts with the most severe human and economic impact happening later this year. The Trump administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget would dismantle our public health systems and social safety net, increase the number of new HIV diagnoses and homelessness, and devastate our communities.
We refuse to let power, bigotry, and hatred reverse decades of progress. Our voices are stronger together, and now is the time to fight back. Throughout June, join events and workshops hosted by local organizations.
AFC is proud to partner with the Morten Group for the June 5th Candlelight Vigil at the Chicago AIDS Garden next to the Keith Haring statue.
Check out the events and RSVP below:
Monday, June 1:
- What: Musical Monday celebrating the 30th anniversary of the world-changing musical RENT and commemorating 45 years of AIDS in America. We will be joined by original RENT cast member Anthony Rapp as he shares his experience with RENT and what it has meant for him over three decades later.
- Where: Sidetrack the Video Bar; 3349 N Halsted St
- When: June 1, 8:00 pm
- RSVP: Theatrical Event/Poetry Reading/Social Gathering — 3349 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657, United States of America – Seven Days in June
- What: Queer Health Resource Discussion: Scout Bratt, Chicago Women’s Health Center’s Executive Director for a discussion on queer-inclusive, gender-expansive health care. This workshop will explore how to identify affirming care providers and steps for self-advocacy in the health care setting. Bring your questions and experiences to this collaborative conversation!
- When: 6 – 7:00 pm
- Where: Chicago Public Library Bucktown-Wicker Park branch; 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave
- RSVP: Where to Go For Queer Health Resources | Events | Chicago Public Library
Tuesday, June 2:
- What: OUTspoken LGBTQ+ Stories: Speakers will share their experiences around healthcare and HIV/AIDS and how it has impacted their lives. Former State Majority Leader of Illinois House, Rep. Greg Harris, is scheduled to appear.
- When: June 2, 6:00– 9:00 pm (Stories begin at 7:00 pm)
- Where: Sidetrack the Video Bar; 3349 N Halsted St
- RSVP: Theatrical Event/Poetry Reading/Social Gathering — 3349 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657, United States of America – Seven Days in June
- What: Black Women’s Voices: Our Bodies, Ourselves, an evening of health, healing, and hope, featuring an incredible lineup of storytellers sharing their truth. Jacqueline Boyd, CEO of The Care Plan, will provide context on the state of women’s health and what we can do to make our voices heard about Black women’s health needs. Presented by Morten Group, LLC.
- Where: Sisters in Cinema; 2310 E. 75th Street
- When: 6:30 – 9:00 pm
- RSVP: Black Women’s Voices: Our Bodies, Ourselves — RSVP
- What: Workshop on Binding: Led by pelvic health physical therapist, Dr. Laura Ross, this interactive workshop will help you choose the right binder and learn safer binding and tucking practices with confidence while caring for your body along the way.
- When: June 2, 6:45 – 8:00 pm
- Where: Center on Halsted; 3653 N Halsted St
- RSVP: Workshop or training — 3656 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60613, United States of America – Seven Days in June
Wednesday, June 3:
- What: 30 Under 30 Awards, hosted by Windy City Times, AIDS Foundation Chicago, and Pride Action Tank. This annual event honors outstanding young individuals who are making meaningful contributions across Chicagoland.
- When: June 3, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
- Where: Chicago History Museum; 1601 N Clark St
- RSVP: Town hall or community forum — 1601 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, United States of America – Seven Days in June
Thursday, June 4:
- What: Community Town Hall & Celebration hosted by Vivant Health + TPAN: Join community members, advocates, public health professionals, elected officials, etc. to reflect, share, and stand up for healthcare. Enjoy live music, food, networking, and raffle. AFC’s Sr. Director of Policy & Advocacy Timothy Jackson will be participating on the panel.
- When: June 4, 5:00 – 7:30 pm
- Where: 5537 N Broadway
- RSVP: Seven Days in June: Community Town Hall Tickets, Thursday, June 4 • 5 PM – 7:30 PM | Eventbrite
Friday, June 5:
- What: Candlelight Vigil to honor lives already lost from healthcare cuts, and to stand for the millions more at risk if funding isn’t restored. This is a nonpartisan community gathering for all who are concerned about the impact of these cuts on our neighbors, families, and loved ones.
- When: June 5, 7:30 – 8:30 PM
- Where: Chicago AIDS Garden at the Keith Haring Statue; Lakefront at Belmont Avenue
- RSVP: June 5th – Candlelight Vigil — Lakefront Trail, Chicago, IL 60657, United States of America – Seven Days in June
Saturday, June 6:
- What: Gay Games Chicago ~ 20-Year Reunion! Revisit great memories and celebrate our 20-year reunion. This event will pay tribute to Gay Games Founder & Olympian, Dr. Tom Waddell and so many who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS and other issues over the years.
- When: June 6, 3:00 – 6:00 pm
- Where: Whiskey Girl Tavern; 6318 N Clark St
- RSVP: Evite: Online Invitations, Greeting Cards & Party Ideas
Wednesday, June 10:
- What: Panel Discussion after performance of Brokeback Mountain: Marking the 45th anniversary of the first known case of what became HIV/AIDS, the panel will be moderated by journalist and community leader Tracy Baim, co-founder of Windy City Times and executive director of Press Forward Chicago. Panelists will be HIV/AIDS advocate Jeff Berry, executive director and co-founder of The Reunion Project; Keith R. Green, executive director of the Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus; and Kim L. Hunt, executive director of Pride Action Tank, a project of AIDS Foundation Chicago, where she also serves as the vice president of special projects and innovation.
- When: June 10, after the 1 p.m. performance of Brokeback Mountain
- Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater; 800 East Grand Ave
- RSVP: “Seven Days in June” Panel – Chicago Shakespeare Theater
- Use promo code 7DAYS for 20% off tickets to Brokeback Mountain on Wednesday, June 10 at 1pm.
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