Jake Wittich
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jakewittich.bsky.social
Jake Wittich
@jakewittich.bsky.social
🌈 Managing Editor and LGBTQ+ news reporter for @windycitytimes.com
📧 Sign up for our newsletters! https://windycitytimes.com/newsletters/

📍: Chicago
The big week is finally here, and I'm SO excited to accept the Journalist of the Year award this Friday at the Chicago Journalists Association awards!

If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are making a comeback—now reflecting the Progress Pride design.

Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
November 7, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Wow! I’m so honored to be named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years of growth and hard work, and this recognition means a lot.

Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
October 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM
LGBTQ+ people and our allies really represented at today's No Kings / Hands Off Chicago protest.

Stay tuned for my story for @windycitytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 11:43 PM
My team so far
October 16, 2025 at 11:51 PM
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Local Media Association's Lab for Journalism Funding cohort on behalf of @windycitytimes.com.

Over several months I joined 10 other Illinois newsrooms in learning how to make the case for supporting local news.
October 7, 2025 at 6:21 PM
I bought a new cozy game that’s been keeping me sane the last few days.

Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge sees you developing your own wetlands into a refuge for endangered frogs.

It mixes decorating with collecting, farming and breeding mechanics—and the art style is adorable, too!
October 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
CHICAGO JOURNALISTS: Join @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social for a free digital safety training with @penamerica.bsky.social.

Learn how to protect yourself from hacking, doxing and other online harassment.

📅 Thurs., Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT (virtual)

RSVP: tinyurl.com/nlgjaDigitalSafety
September 30, 2025 at 5:42 PM
I'm still smiling from Windy City Times' 40th anniversary party last week! I'm so grateful to be part of this team and community, and thankful to all who helped celebrate this milestone. 🌈📰

📸: Kathleen Hinkel
September 28, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Today at Chicago City Council: two resolutions honoring @windycitytimes.com’s 40th anniversary 🎉

Then tonight is our big party at Sidetrack! 💃🏻🌈
September 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I got to gush about the incredible legacy of @windycitytimes.com today on the @thegailyshow.org!

We're celebrating WCT's 40th anniversary this week, and reflecting on this publication's history has me so proud to help carry it into the future.

Full episode here: www.youtube.com/live/_I4O7sV...
September 24, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Harry also contributed to BLACKlines as a writer and photographer during its original run in the '90s. I went through the archives last night and found this interview he did with the legendary Frankie Knuckles in 1999.
September 24, 2025 at 12:54 PM
I also loved how the Gerber/Hart team curated displays about the history of lesbian bars in Chicago, bringing its archives out into the wild
September 23, 2025 at 2:38 AM
I just had the pleasure of previewing episode 1, on the lesbian history of the Music Box Lounge, before it drops tomorrow. We’re in for a treat this season!
September 23, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Mayhem Ball ✔️

Lady Gaga killed it night 1 of Chicago! This show is peak Gaga
September 16, 2025 at 4:49 PM
A bisexual pride flag was raised in Logan Square today to kick off Bisexual Visibility Week.

Mikey Oboza, who cofounded the Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago, donated the flag in honor of the late bi activist Ed Negron.

Story to come for @windycitytimes.com.
September 14, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Today’s highlight: Befriending this kitten at Experimental Station while coworking with my friends from @invisible.institute.
September 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
This report has some really cool (and urgent!) findings about the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S.

I heard @danapiccoli.com share insights from it last week at @nlgjaofficial.bsky.social's conference, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the report and follow every outlet listed in its appendix!
September 8, 2025 at 3:15 PM
I'm feeling so inspired from this year's NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists conference in Atlanta!

I'm now back home and brimming with ideas for my own news coverage, @windycitytimes.com's operations and our local NLGJA chapter, @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social. Stay tuned for what's to come!
September 8, 2025 at 3:10 PM
CHICAGO: I'm back from vacay in Tacoma last week. What stories did I miss? 👀

(Pictured: The view from my rental.)
August 25, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The Chicago Journalism Unity Picnic is back next Thursday, Aug. 28 at Promontory Point!

This is one of our favorite collaborations and a powerful showing of what makes Chicago journalism so special: the diverse community behind it.

RSVP: bit.ly/4mLqhjt
August 18, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Hundreds of people rallied in Chicago to defend transgender youth after four major hospitals halted care for patients under 19.

Protesters also urged restoring the LGBTQ+ option on the 988 crisis line and boosting housing funds for trans youth.

Story to come from @windycitytimes.com
August 10, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Want to bring journalism trainings to your community?

Join me & Anna DeShawn on July 29 at 11:30 a.m. CST for a convo hosted by @innovationrji.bsky.social on the community journalism course we led this spring in Chicago.

RSVP: bit.ly/WindyCityCourses
July 24, 2025 at 1:08 PM
I will be guest hosting @thegailyshow.org today from 2-3 p.m. CT!

I'm bringing some exciting guests from Chicago to discuss the latest LGBTQ+ headlines and some arts/culture.

Watch and listen here: www.youtube.com/@thegailyshow
July 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
📍: Saugatuck, MI
July 3, 2025 at 10:17 PM