Hello, distinguished reader, it is I, Amélia, and I am back to give you another GayDo312 newsletter! This past week, I wrote last week’s newsletter remote from NYC, as I competed in (and won) Brookyln’s Ultimate Diva Pageant! It was a blast, but I missed home! Happy to say that I made it back just in time for the beginning of Pride. This week, we’ve got a lot for you! For instance Forest Park Pride is tomorrow, and Pride In The Park kicks off next week with The White Sox and The Braves! So, buckle up! Things are about to get gay.

DoStuff is helping you win a brag-worthy trip to LadyLand Festival in NYC Pride Weekend, June 27th! Experience performances from Kim Petras, Romy, CupcakKe, and MORE! Enter for your chance to score VIP tickets + two exclusive swag bags, a stay at Arlo Williamsburg, and $600 in travel credit.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Lollapalooza is in full effect with the announcement of Lolla Aftershows! This is a sickening time to be with us at GayDo312, because you’ll have giveaways for aftershows with Boots, Trixie Mattel, Zara Larsson, Adéla, and MORE!

• High heels, higher energy! Kinky Boots is bringing fierce drag, big vocals, and a whole lot of heart to Chicago next week. Don’t miss this iconic, feel-good musical. We’re giving away tickets for opening night, June 9th!*

• Brokeback Mountain is showing at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater until June 28th. This iconic gay tale tells the story of two men, Ennis and Jack, and the ups and downs of their irresistible and hidden love that spans two decades. Don’t miss out on the love story of all time and enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets!

• The GTTO DVSN Pride Funktion is happening next Saturday, June 13th for the first time ever! Taking place at Indgō MRKTŌ, the event will feature music, drag, art, and culture! Get your tickets right now.*

• The 60th Annual Andersonville Midsommarfest 2026 is here! Rooted in Swedish tradition, Andersonville Midsommarfest is a three-day celebration of music, food, art, shopping, and community. Enter our giveaway for a pair of “3-day Halla Summer” tickets!*

MELI’S PRIDE PICKS

Pride is here! This is such a special time for our community in Chicago! As things like Pridefest and the parade approach, I wanted to continue our new tradition of a monthly list designated to the places I will be, and most importantly, the places you should be too! Wanna know where your Gay Culture Editor is gonna be tipping around to this month? Well, keep reading!

• FRI 06.05 - DJ FEATURE: PLATFORMANGEL at DOROTHY

• FRI 06.12 - BUMP. GOES TO WONDERLAND at BOURBON ON DIVISION

• SUN 06.14 - COMEDIANS THAT ARE GAY at THE LINCOLN LODGE

• SAT 06.20 - SUN 06.21 - PRIDE FEST on HALSTED

• SAT 06.27 - HORSE MEAT DISCO: PRIDE at METRO

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Neutral Gena’s Perfect Pride Party is coming to the Color Club and available to audiences 18+! With a lineup like no other of over 40 Chicago drag stars, you’ll want to get your singles and a ticket!

• Chicago drag queen and musician, Finn, has announced that her first ever album, PARTY GIRL! And it is coming out tonight at 11PM on Spotify and Apple Music! Written and produced by her, she paints a beautiful picture of Chicago’s club scene and community. You can see the track list and more on her IG.

• The first Queen! of Pride season is this Sunday, June 7th, and Miss Continental Plus 2026, Alexandrea Diamond, is in the house! So, go ahead and buy a ticket! It’s time to “Queen!” out.

• Queer Women’s Pride Social is kicking off the Pride season with a fabulous celebration on the west side! You can read more about it and get your tickets by clicking here!

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