Jake Wittich
@jakewittich.bsky.social
🌈 Managing Editor and LGBTQ+ news reporter for @windycitytimes.com
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📍: Chicago
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📍: Chicago
Pinned
Jake Wittich
@jakewittich.bsky.social
· Nov 17
I'm still on cloud nine after being honored this weekend with the Journalist of the Year award from the Chicago Journalists Association.
It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
NEW FROM OUR PUBLISHER: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s "Abolish Trump's ICE" language is a “bad apples” argument dressed in a trenchcoat.
Read more of this analysis in our RESHAPE newsletter ⬇️
thetriibe.com/reshape/lang...
Read more of this analysis in our RESHAPE newsletter ⬇️
thetriibe.com/reshape/lang...
Language matters: Abolish ICE vs. Abolish “Trump’s ICE” • The TRiiBE
Gov. JB Pritzker’s language is a “bad apples” argument dressed in a trenchcoat.
thetriibe.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:04 PM
NEW FROM OUR PUBLISHER: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s "Abolish Trump's ICE" language is a “bad apples” argument dressed in a trenchcoat.
Read more of this analysis in our RESHAPE newsletter ⬇️
thetriibe.com/reshape/lang...
Read more of this analysis in our RESHAPE newsletter ⬇️
thetriibe.com/reshape/lang...
Reposted by Jake Wittich
The @chicago.suntimes.com has now posted a public tracker of federal criminal cases tied to Operation Midway Blitz, with a small update: We've now tied 32 defendants to the campaign.
The bottom line remains: 15 cleared and no one convicted, so far: chicago.suntimes.com/2026/tracker...
The bottom line remains: 15 cleared and no one convicted, so far: chicago.suntimes.com/2026/tracker...
Tracking every known federal prosecution in Chicago tied to Trump’s immigration blitz
Every known federal prosecution in Chicago tied to Trump’s immigration blitz
chicago.suntimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:01 PM
The @chicago.suntimes.com has now posted a public tracker of federal criminal cases tied to Operation Midway Blitz, with a small update: We've now tied 32 defendants to the campaign.
The bottom line remains: 15 cleared and no one convicted, so far: chicago.suntimes.com/2026/tracker...
The bottom line remains: 15 cleared and no one convicted, so far: chicago.suntimes.com/2026/tracker...
Rahm Emanuel one of the "champions of the LGBTQ+ community"? 🤔
January 23, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Rahm Emanuel one of the "champions of the LGBTQ+ community"? 🤔
Chicago just hired its first Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, making it the largest U.S. city with an executive-level position dedicated to LGBTQ+ equality.
January 22, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Chicago just hired its first Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs, making it the largest U.S. city with an executive-level position dedicated to LGBTQ+ equality.
BREAKING: Antonio King has been named Chicago’s first Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs—making Chicago the largest U.S. city with an executive-level role dedicated to LGBTQ+ equality.
It also marks the culmination of a years-long effort to create and fill this position.
More on @windycitytimes.com
It also marks the culmination of a years-long effort to create and fill this position.
More on @windycitytimes.com
Antonio King named Chicago’s Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs - Windy City Times
Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed Antonio King as Chicago’s Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs. King is a longtime city employee and LGBTQ+ health advocate who previously served as the LGBTQ+ Health and Out...
windycitytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:18 PM
BREAKING: Antonio King has been named Chicago’s first Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs—making Chicago the largest U.S. city with an executive-level role dedicated to LGBTQ+ equality.
It also marks the culmination of a years-long effort to create and fill this position.
More on @windycitytimes.com
It also marks the culmination of a years-long effort to create and fill this position.
More on @windycitytimes.com
Reposted by Jake Wittich
The IL Dept. of Human Rights is investigating the building's owner/managers after reports feds were called to intimidate residents.
In 2024, they filed 25 evictions — more than the 20 filed in the previous four years combined. Most owed $900-1,050 in rent, per @sophiesherry.bsky.social's reporting.
In 2024, they filed 25 evictions — more than the 20 filed in the previous four years combined. Most owed $900-1,050 in rent, per @sophiesherry.bsky.social's reporting.
Illinois investigating whether landlord tipped off immigration raid at South Shore apartment building
The Illinois Department of Human Rights is looking into claims the landlords let federal agents know of the Venezuelan immigrants living in the building as part of an attempt to “intimidate and coerce...
chicago.suntimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:59 PM
The IL Dept. of Human Rights is investigating the building's owner/managers after reports feds were called to intimidate residents.
In 2024, they filed 25 evictions — more than the 20 filed in the previous four years combined. Most owed $900-1,050 in rent, per @sophiesherry.bsky.social's reporting.
In 2024, they filed 25 evictions — more than the 20 filed in the previous four years combined. Most owed $900-1,050 in rent, per @sophiesherry.bsky.social's reporting.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
PASSAGES Saundra Johnson
HIV/AIDS activist Saundra DeAnné Johnson died Jan. 21 due to complications from chronic congestive heart failure and kidney failure illnesses. She was 65. Saundra Johnson in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2021. Photo by Becca Olsen Johnson, an out queer woman, was born Oct. 13,…
HIV/AIDS activist Saundra DeAnné Johnson died Jan. 21 due to complications from chronic congestive heart failure and kidney failure illnesses. She was 65. Saundra Johnson in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2021. Photo by Becca Olsen Johnson, an out queer woman, was born Oct. 13,…
PASSAGES Saundra Johnson
HIV/AIDS activist Saundra DeAnné Johnson died Jan. 21 due to complications from chronic congestive heart failure and kidney failure illnesses. She was 65. Saundra Johnson in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2021. Photo by Becca Olsen Johnson, an out queer woman, was born Oct. 13, 1960, and grew up in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. She graduated from Hyde Park Academy High School. One of the things she did while in high school was work as a candy striper for a program where students could get credits towards graduation.
windycitytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:39 PM
PASSAGES Saundra Johnson
HIV/AIDS activist Saundra DeAnné Johnson died Jan. 21 due to complications from chronic congestive heart failure and kidney failure illnesses. She was 65. Saundra Johnson in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2021. Photo by Becca Olsen Johnson, an out queer woman, was born Oct. 13,…
HIV/AIDS activist Saundra DeAnné Johnson died Jan. 21 due to complications from chronic congestive heart failure and kidney failure illnesses. She was 65. Saundra Johnson in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2021. Photo by Becca Olsen Johnson, an out queer woman, was born Oct. 13,…
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Between Chicagoans and groups like Pilsen Arts & Community House, 150,000+ whistles have been shipped to cities in at least 10 states.
“We’re responding to the immediate need. ... And the way we’re showing up for other cities, I think we can trust them to show up for us when the time comes.”
“We’re responding to the immediate need. ... And the way we’re showing up for other cities, I think we can trust them to show up for us when the time comes.”
Chicagoans send 150,000 whistles to cities besieged by federal immigration agents
On Friday, Emily Hilleren and Lauren Vega ferried a care package containing whistles and instructional zines to Minneapolis, the focus of the latest federal immigration action.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Between Chicagoans and groups like Pilsen Arts & Community House, 150,000+ whistles have been shipped to cities in at least 10 states.
“We’re responding to the immediate need. ... And the way we’re showing up for other cities, I think we can trust them to show up for us when the time comes.”
“We’re responding to the immediate need. ... And the way we’re showing up for other cities, I think we can trust them to show up for us when the time comes.”
Reposted by Jake Wittich
The LGBTQ+ Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees today at the Center on Halsted, while also revealing that the induction ceremony will return to Chicago in 2027.
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:12 AM
The LGBTQ+ Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees today at the Center on Halsted, while also revealing that the induction ceremony will return to Chicago in 2027.
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
The LGBTQ+ Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees today at the Center on Halsted, while also revealing that the induction ceremony will return to Chicago in 2027.
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:12 AM
The LGBTQ+ Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees today at the Center on Halsted, while also revealing that the induction ceremony will return to Chicago in 2027.
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
In the midst of uncertainty at the U.S. Supreme Court, LGBTQ+ people in Chicago came together for a shared meal, a panel discussion and a reminder: together we win.
Trans youth sports participation cases at the U.S. Supreme Court focus of Chicago panel discussion - Windy City Times
The ACLU, Center on Halsted, Chicago Therapy Collective, Lambda Legal and Trans Up Front Illinois held a Together We Win: Fight for the T in Team Panel and Community Dinner Jan. 13 at Center on Halste...
windycitytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:39 PM
In the midst of uncertainty at the U.S. Supreme Court, LGBTQ+ people in Chicago came together for a shared meal, a panel discussion and a reminder: together we win.
I went into the @windycitytimes.com archives and found this powerful 3-part interview with longtime gay activist Rick Garcia, who died earlier this week.
Published in 1997, the interviews capture Garcia speaking candidly about strategy, movement-building, queer Latino identity.
Published in 1997, the interviews capture Garcia speaking candidly about strategy, movement-building, queer Latino identity.
Out the Archives: A 3-part interview with Rick Garcia in 1997 - Windy City Times
Out the Archives is a recurring feature diving into the Windy City Times collection, offering a look back at the rich history of LGBTQ+ Chicago. In this edition, we look back at the July, August and ...
windycitytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:02 PM
I went into the @windycitytimes.com archives and found this powerful 3-part interview with longtime gay activist Rick Garcia, who died earlier this week.
Published in 1997, the interviews capture Garcia speaking candidly about strategy, movement-building, queer Latino identity.
Published in 1997, the interviews capture Garcia speaking candidly about strategy, movement-building, queer Latino identity.
Alfredo Flores Loera has spent nearly a decade advancing HIV advocacy in Chicago and was recently promoted to associate director of operations at CALOR.
Alfredo Flores Loera on HIV/AIDS advocacy, supporting Chicago’s queer undocumented community - Windy City Times
To Alfredo Flores Loera, CALOR—Comprensión y Apoyo a Latinos en Oposición at Retrovirus—is more than just an organization. It’s a group that changed his life. After being involved with CALOR—a Chicago...
windycitytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Alfredo Flores Loera has spent nearly a decade advancing HIV advocacy in Chicago and was recently promoted to associate director of operations at CALOR.
Rick Garcia, a longtime Chicago LGBTQ+ activist and political organizer, died Jan. 12, close friends confirmed with @windycitytimes.com.
Garcia played a central role in decades of LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy in Chicago and Illinois, including as founding executive director of Equality Illinois.
Garcia played a central role in decades of LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy in Chicago and Illinois, including as founding executive director of Equality Illinois.
BREAKING Rick Garcia, key figure in Chicago LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, dies - Windy City Times
Rick Garcia, a longtime Chicago LGBTQ+ activist and political organizer, died Jan. 12, close friends confirmed with Windy City Times. Garcia was a central figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy across Chicago and ...
windycitytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Rick Garcia, a longtime Chicago LGBTQ+ activist and political organizer, died Jan. 12, close friends confirmed with @windycitytimes.com.
Garcia played a central role in decades of LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy in Chicago and Illinois, including as founding executive director of Equality Illinois.
Garcia played a central role in decades of LGBTQ+ civil rights advocacy in Chicago and Illinois, including as founding executive director of Equality Illinois.
Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community held a vigil yesterday for Renée Nicole Good.
“We wanted to send a message to her wife, Rebecca, that we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and we’re here with you—united as a community,” said Dawn Valenti, an LGBTQ+ and crime victim advocate who organized the vigil
“We wanted to send a message to her wife, Rebecca, that we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and we’re here with you—united as a community,” said Dawn Valenti, an LGBTQ+ and crime victim advocate who organized the vigil
Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community holds vigil honoring Renée Nicole Good - Windy City Times
Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community gathered for a vigil honoring Renée Nicole Good, who was killed Jan. 7 by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. A few dozen LGBTQ+ leaders, longtime activists, elected officials and ...
windycitytimes.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community held a vigil yesterday for Renée Nicole Good.
“We wanted to send a message to her wife, Rebecca, that we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and we’re here with you—united as a community,” said Dawn Valenti, an LGBTQ+ and crime victim advocate who organized the vigil
“We wanted to send a message to her wife, Rebecca, that we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and we’re here with you—united as a community,” said Dawn Valenti, an LGBTQ+ and crime victim advocate who organized the vigil
Reposted by Jake Wittich
The GailyShow 1.9.2026
Joan Jett Black The Drag Leader of Frredom
#TheGailyShow #QueerNews #QueerNewsDaily #LGBTQNews #QueerMediaMatters #Pride #CelebrateQueerVoices #LGBTQ #QueerRights #EqualityForAll #TransRights #TransVisibility @thegailyshow.org
Joan Jett Black The Drag Leader of Frredom
#TheGailyShow #QueerNews #QueerNewsDaily #LGBTQNews #QueerMediaMatters #Pride #CelebrateQueerVoices #LGBTQ #QueerRights #EqualityForAll #TransRights #TransVisibility @thegailyshow.org
January 9, 2026 at 11:00 PM
The GailyShow 1.9.2026
Joan Jett Black The Drag Leader of Frredom
#TheGailyShow #QueerNews #QueerNewsDaily #LGBTQNews #QueerMediaMatters #Pride #CelebrateQueerVoices #LGBTQ #QueerRights #EqualityForAll #TransRights #TransVisibility @thegailyshow.org
Joan Jett Black The Drag Leader of Frredom
#TheGailyShow #QueerNews #QueerNewsDaily #LGBTQNews #QueerMediaMatters #Pride #CelebrateQueerVoices #LGBTQ #QueerRights #EqualityForAll #TransRights #TransVisibility @thegailyshow.org
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Today, CEC Chair @repmarktakano.bsky.social & Co-Chair @mcbride.house.gov honored the retirement of several trans servicemembers who were forced to retire because of Trump's trans troop ban.
Our members will never stop fighting for the rights & dignity of trans servicemembers & veterans.
Our members will never stop fighting for the rights & dignity of trans servicemembers & veterans.
January 8, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Today, CEC Chair @repmarktakano.bsky.social & Co-Chair @mcbride.house.gov honored the retirement of several trans servicemembers who were forced to retire because of Trump's trans troop ban.
Our members will never stop fighting for the rights & dignity of trans servicemembers & veterans.
Our members will never stop fighting for the rights & dignity of trans servicemembers & veterans.
Too late. I'm happy on Deezer now
Spotify Stopped Running ICE Ads at the End of 2025
Spotify confirmed it stopped running ICE recruitment ads at the end of 2025 after a multi-platform campaign, a spokesperson told Rolling Stone.
www.rollingstone.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Too late. I'm happy on Deezer now
Reposted by Jake Wittich
The Impact of Immigration: A Night of Storytelling in Little Village
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6 p.m.
📍 Apollo's 2000 Theater, 2875 W Cermak Rd
💰Free
Join us as reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez moderates a panel featuring speakers who have been affected by ICE raids.
Tickets: blockclubchi.co/3Ys7sHZ
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6 p.m.
📍 Apollo's 2000 Theater, 2875 W Cermak Rd
💰Free
Join us as reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez moderates a panel featuring speakers who have been affected by ICE raids.
Tickets: blockclubchi.co/3Ys7sHZ
January 8, 2026 at 10:18 PM
The Impact of Immigration: A Night of Storytelling in Little Village
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6 p.m.
📍 Apollo's 2000 Theater, 2875 W Cermak Rd
💰Free
Join us as reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez moderates a panel featuring speakers who have been affected by ICE raids.
Tickets: blockclubchi.co/3Ys7sHZ
📅 Tuesday, Jan. 20 @ 6 p.m.
📍 Apollo's 2000 Theater, 2875 W Cermak Rd
💰Free
Join us as reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez moderates a panel featuring speakers who have been affected by ICE raids.
Tickets: blockclubchi.co/3Ys7sHZ
Reposted by Jake Wittich
I was first unsettled, then increasingly furious at the New York Times' coverage of the death of Lia Smith. Here's a thread sharing some trily despicable choices made by @julietmacur.bsky.social in writing about this young woman's suicide.
The New York Times described a harrassment campaign that helped drive a young trans woman to suicide as "online criticisms."
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
Today on Assigned, @evanurquhart.bsky.social responds with contained fury to New York Times piece on the suicide of Lia Smith.
www.assignedmedia.org/breaking-new...
NYT Chronicles a Death Their Moral Panic Caused — Assigned
The New York Times published a story covering the death of trans athlete, Lia Smith, but takes no responsibility for the ways their coverage of trans issues has fed the moral panic that caused it.
www.assignedmedia.org
January 8, 2026 at 3:53 PM
I was first unsettled, then increasingly furious at the New York Times' coverage of the death of Lia Smith. Here's a thread sharing some trily despicable choices made by @julietmacur.bsky.social in writing about this young woman's suicide.
A transgender Cubs employee alleges she was subjected to ongoing harassment by coworkers because of her gender identity, including repeated use of derogatory slurs, misgendering and hostile treatment.
More on @windycitytimes.com
More on @windycitytimes.com
Transgender employee sues Cubs alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation - Windy City Times
A transgender employee has filed a federal lawsuit against the Chicago Cubs, alleging sex- and gender-based discrimination, harassment and retaliation during her employment with the organization. The ...
windycitytimes.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:03 PM
A transgender Cubs employee alleges she was subjected to ongoing harassment by coworkers because of her gender identity, including repeated use of derogatory slurs, misgendering and hostile treatment.
More on @windycitytimes.com
More on @windycitytimes.com
Reposted by Jake Wittich
I appreciate the @glaad.bsky.social nomination for this story, which is part of my larger series on detransition
Detransition is rare, but it’s driving anti-trans policy anyway
Many people who detransition are still gender non-conforming — and their experiences are more complex than gender-affirming care bans suggest.
19thnews.org
January 7, 2026 at 5:47 PM
I appreciate the @glaad.bsky.social nomination for this story, which is part of my larger series on detransition
January 7, 2026 at 4:25 PM
For your weekend listening: I filled in as guest host on @thegailyshow.org and dug deep into how transgender people are covered in the news.
I was joined by @petrinkae.bsky.social of the @transjournalists.org Association for a thoughtful, data-driven conversation about trends in trans coverage.
I was joined by @petrinkae.bsky.social of the @transjournalists.org Association for a thoughtful, data-driven conversation about trends in trans coverage.
New Tool Tracks Media Coverage of the Transgender Community
YouTube video by The Gaily Show
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 7:12 PM
For your weekend listening: I filled in as guest host on @thegailyshow.org and dug deep into how transgender people are covered in the news.
I was joined by @petrinkae.bsky.social of the @transjournalists.org Association for a thoughtful, data-driven conversation about trends in trans coverage.
I was joined by @petrinkae.bsky.social of the @transjournalists.org Association for a thoughtful, data-driven conversation about trends in trans coverage.
it's disheartening to have seen so many of my friends and colleagues take buyouts all while the ex-CEO was making $900,000 in a year.
Ex-CEO of Chicago Public Media saw $900,000 payout in 2024, IRS filings show
Compensation for Matt Moog rose as the company slashed jobs at the Chicago Sun-Times and at WBEZ.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:18 PM
it's disheartening to have seen so many of my friends and colleagues take buyouts all while the ex-CEO was making $900,000 in a year.