WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

Illinois lawmakers say they're 'within striking distance' of getting legislative approval for gay marriage.

Chicago lost a one-of-a-kind gay activist this summer when Ifti Nasim died at the age of 64. He left his native Pakistan more than 30 years ago to live an openly gay life. In Chicago, Ifti became an advocate for South Asia's gay community, which faces intense internal stigma.

The trip on public transportation from Auburn Gresham on the South Side to North Side Boystown can be long and tedious. But as Terrence Chappell rides from 79th Street to Belmont and back home again, he uses the time to think.Chappell is a nightlife and society columnist for ChicagoPride.com.

October marked many occasions, including LGBT History Month.

WBEZ's Out of the Shadows series looked to identify some factors that could exacerbate mental illness in teens--among them, sexuality. Straight or gay, coming to terms with one's sexuality is one of the biggest hurdles a teenager crosses.

Chicagoans might need to wake up a little earlier for the Gay Pride Parade next summer; parade organizers plan to start the festivities at 10 a.m. instead of noon. Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said he hopes the move will make the crowds more manageable and decrease outside alcohol consumption."

 An additional box was added to student applications to Elmhurst College. Applicants can opt to answer whether they consider themselves to be a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender community.