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Jake Wittich

@jakewittich.bsky.social
2.3K followers 710 following 490 posts

🌈 Managing Editor and LGBTQ+ news reporter for @windycitytimes.com 📧 Sign up for our newsletters! windycitytimes.com/newsletters 📍: Chicago

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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
I was so honored to moderate this book talk with author Timothy Schraeder Rodriguez, who released "Conversion Therapy Dropout" this week. Thanks to City Lit Books for having us, and to photographer Autumn Lynnette for capturing the evening!
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Look who stopped by to chat with my LGBTQ+ Journalism students yesterday: the incredible Tracy Baim! We had a thoughtful conversation about the her career path, the evolution of queer media, and why LGBTQ+ news outlets are still so vital today. So grateful for her time, honesty and perspective!
Jake Wittich and Tracy Baim pose with the LGBTQ+ Journalism students at Northwestern University.Tracy Baim poses with the LGBTQ+ Journalism students at Northwestern University.
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Assigned Media @assignedmedia.org · 28/04/2026
Is the New York Times more biased than other major US news organizations that cover the trans community? Early data from our 2026 news tracker suggests they are. Of the 10 outlets we've been tracking, NYT had the fewest stories that quoted a trans person of them all. More here:
assignedmedia.org
The New York Times Quotes Trans People Less Often Than Other Major News Outlets — Assigned
Our news tracker looked at coverage of trans issues in major US outlets and found one newsroom dominates the coverage while lagging behind peers in representing the perspectives of trans people themse...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Attorneys general in Minnesota and California have already issued public guidance pushing hospitals to resume gender-affirming care for youth. Will Illinois follow suit?
windycitytimes.com
Federal ruling lifts threat to gender-affirming care, but Illinois youth access remains stalled - Windy City Times
A federal judge overturned the Trump administration’s policy that threatened to cut Medicare and Medicaid funding to hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors—but advocates say health center...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Whole Foods is leaving the Center on Halsted for its new location. The grocery store has anchored the COH building since it opened in 2007. The partnership played a key role by reducing construction costs and making the property more attractive to banks that would finance the building's mortgage.
windycitytimes.com
Whole Foods to leave Center on Halsted building - Windy City Times
Whole Foods plans to leave its longtime location within the Center on Halsted.  The grocery store at 3640 N. Halsted St. will be relocated to 827 W. Belmont Ave., at the intersection of Clark Street a...
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Mark Britt @markbritt.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
This is a beautiful article @windycitytimes.com @jeymccreight.bsky.social @jakewittich.bsky.social #transquake
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Dr. Jey McCreight 🏳️‍⚧️🧬 @jeymccreight.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
The second after I finished posting that I looked up... And saw Jake, the reporter from @windycitytimes.com who interviewed me We had been standing on opposite street corners, on our phones, reposting the same article You can't make this stuff up 🤯 Chicago queer community come through!!!
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Dr. Jey McCreight 🏳️‍⚧️🧬 @jeymccreight.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
I teared up reading this. Jake really did my story justice and understood my message, when I could have been very easily treated as "just a joke" Let's do this, y'all Time to fight for trans rights with the powers of science and whimsy combined! 🏳️‍⚧️ 🧬 💖 @beyondxandy.bsky.social
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
The National Trans Visibility March is coming to Chicago next year. But first, organizers are bringing the movement to Puerto Rico this October. I caught up with some of the local folks involved on the significance of this year’s march and why Chicago makes for a great host for next year.
windycitytimes.com
Illinois organizers help lead National Trans Visibility March in Puerto Rico, with Chicago set to host in 2027 - Windy City Times
A national gathering of transgender advocates is heading to Puerto Rico this fall amid escalating attacks on trans rights—with several Illinois organizers helping lead the effort before it comes to Ch...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Look at all this news 🤩 windycitytimes.com
A screenshot of the Windy City Times homepage on April 22, 2026, features stories about transgender advocacy efforts, an LGBTQ+ youth summer camp, comedian DeWayne Perkins and the ALMA community group.
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Are you ready for the Transquake? 🫨🏳️‍⚧️
windycitytimes.com
Chicago scientist starting a ‘transquake’ to counter anti-trans misinformation - Windy City Times
A Chicago geneticist launches a satirical “transquake” experiment and new Beyond X&Y campaign to challenge anti-trans misinformation cloaked in science.
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Windy City Times @windycitytimes.com · 14/04/2026
We were proud to accept the Community Spirit Award at the Center on Halsted’s Human First Gala on Saturday. This recognition reflects the collective work of the Windy City Times team—and the community that makes this work possible every day. 💙
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Human Rights Campaign @hrc.org · 09/04/2026
CHANGE BEGINS WITH US. 🎧 HRC’s Tori Cooper unpacks HIV advocacy, trans visibility, and how our stories are changing hearts and minds on the @whatthetrans.com podcast: whatthetrans.com/ep152
85% of Americans believe trans people should have the same rights and protections as everyone else. That includes: 92% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans, 87% of Independents
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Orion Rummler @oriion.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
This is one of my articles that I'm most proud of — it's from 2023, so it's a treat to see @thebuckeyeflame.com give it some new life and new readership!
thebuckeyeflame.com
‘They’re erased’: When trans people are misgendered after death, the consequences extend beyond paper
The way people are accounted for and processed after death in regard to sex and gender remains ‘in the Dark Ages’ – often representing a loss of self that weighs heavily on the minds of trans people.
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Mike Quigley @quigley.house.gov · 06/04/2026
My LGBTQIA+ #townhall with the Center on Halsted is tomorrow at 5:30 pm! Register here to join: www.eventbrite.com/e/congressma...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Several hundred people marched through downtown Chicago today in support of transgender rights. The march followed a Rally for Trans Visibility, organized by Trans Up Front Illinois, a nonprofit that’s been on the frontlines of advocacy for trans youth. Story to come for @windycitytimes.com
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
I'm teaching LGBTQ+ Journalism this spring at @medillschool.bsky.social at Northwestern University! I'm SO excited to guide my students through this work that I care so deeply about. I hope you'll all keep an eye out for their stories—and say yes when they reach out for interviews!
Jake Wittich smiles in front of a purple sign reading "Northwestern"Jake Wittich smiles in front of Northwestern University's journalism building.
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 31/03/2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first — and apparently last — chief homelessness officer exits
chicagotribune.com
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first — and apparently last — chief homelessness officer exits
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Thousands gathered in Grant Park and marched through downtown Chicago for the latest No Kings protest, which featured LGBTQ+ voices at every level—from organizing and emceeing to speaking and showing up in the crowd. Read more at @windycitytimes.com
windycitytimes.com
Chicago’s No Kings protest weaves LGBTQ+ voices into a broader movement - Windy City Times
Longtime LGBTQ+ activist Gary Chichester has been showing up to protests for more than 50 years. On March 28, he was back in the crowd at Chicago’s No Kings rally, warning that hard-fought rights are ...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Chicago opened its HIV grant applications before the council responsible for setting funding priorities had finalized its annual process. Health officials said they moved early to avoid funding delays—but it created a mismatch between the applications submitted and the approved funding levels.
windycitytimes.com
Chicago reshuffling how $8M in HIV funding will be directed after grant process mismatch - Windy City Times
Chicago health officials are revising how roughly $8 million in federal HIV funding will be allocated after the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) released grant applications before a required...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
In Illinois’ Democratic primary, LGBTQ+ candidates found success in state and local races—but struggled to break through in federal contests.
windycitytimes.com
Illinois primary: LGBTQ+ candidates secure state and local wins, stumble in federal contests - Windy City Times
LGBTQ+ candidates in Illinois primary win several state and local races but fall short in key federal contests; multiple incumbents advance.
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Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 25/02/2026
Sean Lewis, a nearly two-decade veteran at WGN-TV who has anchored the weekend morning broadcast since 2010, was among several reporters and anchors laid off Monday
trib.al
WGN-TV lays off 8 on-air reporters and anchors Monday in massive downsizing
The ax is falling at WGN-Ch. 9, cutting a wide swath out of “Chicago’s Very Own” TV newsroom.
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Windy City Times @windycitytimes.com · 21/02/2026
From confronting AIDS stigma to building relationships with LGBTQ+ organizers, Jackson’s approach reflected a broader vision of the Rainbow Coalition that included communities often left out of political power. Read more: windycitytimes.com/2026/02/20/j... ✍️: @jakewittich.bsky.social
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
@columbiachi.bsky.social laid the foundation for my career by giving me real-life journalism experience and so many industry connections I still lean on today. It's a full-circle moment to now teach @windycitytimes.com's community journalism cohort back at my alma mater.
colum.edu
Alum Brings Hands-On Community Journalism Seminar to Campus
Journalists Jake Wittich ‘17, managing editor of “Windy City Times,” Anna DeShawn, founder of E3 Radio, and guest speakers share their expertise in a six-week program on community journalism at Columb...
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Christopher Wiggins @cwnewser.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
SCOOP: Ammar Campa-Najjar’s campaign circulated a memo that Democrats say was a dog whistle against the electability of LGBTQ+ candidates running for Congress in California. www.advocate.com/politics/amm...
advocate.com
Democrat under fire over campaign memo implying LGBTQ+ candidates aren’t electable in key California race
Ammar Campa-Najjar’s campaign implied that LGBTQ+ candidates can’t win in a newly drawn congressional district.
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The Gaily Show @thegailyshow.org · 12/02/2026
@jakewittich.bsky.social on Chicago's new LGBTQ Director: Antonio King. Watch full interview here: youtube.com/live/fWqw1Q7... @windycitytimes.com youtube.com/shorts/N2FSG...
youtube.com
New Chicago LGBTQ+ Director: Antonio King
YouTube video by The Gaily Show
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Pikachu sighting 🥹
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Dana Piccoli @danapiccoli.com · 11/02/2026
Wrote my first op-ed on a subject that is dear to me. The Pride flag at Stonewall is more than just a symbol. Its removal is an astounding move to erase our history. newsisout.com/2026/02/the-...
newsisout.com
The Pride flag was removed from Stonewall. That matters. - News Is Out
When the Pride flag comes down at Stonewall, it sends a message. A journalist reflects on why that loss of visibility matters.
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson surprised the Chicago LGBTQ+ Advisory Council during its quarterly meeting tonight to thank outgoing chair Jin-Soo Huh for his service.
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
Mayor Brandon Johnson surprised the Chicago LGBTQ+ Advisory Council during its quarterly meeting tonight to thank outgoing chair Jin-Soo Huh for his service.
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Tamara Leigh of @blaqueoutmagazine.bsky.social explains why journalists need to be embedded in the communities they cover. This convo is part of The Map of Us pod, a series from @newsisout.bsky.social bringing the LGBTQ+ Media Mapping Project to life. 🎧 Listen: newsisout.com/the-map-of-us-podcast
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WBEZ @wbez.org · 09/02/2026
Giancarlo Guerrero, artistic director and principal conductor of the Grant Park Music Festival, in what he called a “beautiful surprise,” had nine days notice to join the top-secret musical lineup of the Super Bowl halftime show, which featured powerhouse vocalists Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin.
wbez.org
Bad Bunny taps Chicago conductor to lead surprise orchestra in Super Bowl halftime show
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
The second that people are getting sick of you, that’s when you have to go 👏 even 👏 harder 👏
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Let's go!!!! I'm so thrilled to embark on this journey! We'll teach key community journalism practices, including non-extractive interviewing, building trust and other best-practices when covering underserved communities. Join me in congratulating this year's cohort members!
windycitytimes.com
Meet the class of Windy City Times’ 2026 community journalism cohort - Windy City Times
Six early-career and journalism-curious storytellers will learn the ins and outs of reporting on underserved communities this spring in Windy City Times and E3 Radio’s second-annual Our Stories, Our P...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
I was out sick for a week and a half in January and my email inbox still never recovered 😭
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Windy City Times @windycitytimes.com · 02/02/2026
Equality Illinois CEO Channyn Lynne Parker set the tone at the organization’s 2026 gala, calling the night “a sanctuary." She praised @govpritzker.illinois.gov and @mayorofchicago.bsky.social for affirming that “dignity is not conditional,” and drawing cheers with a forceful call to “abolish ICE.”
windycitytimes.com
Equality Illinois leader at 2026 gala: Organization “built to face” political challenges - Windy City Times
Equality Illinois’s new CEO, Channyn Lynne Parker, gave the keynote at the rights-advocacy’s 2026 annual gala the evening of Jan. 31, where she asserted that the event, which according to estimates ho...
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Windy City Times @windycitytimes.com · 01/02/2026
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, and we're honoring Black LGBTQ+ history through the Windy City Times archives. From 1996–2004, BLACKlines was a Black queer community newspaper documenting Chicago’s Black LGBTQ+ life, leadership, and organizing.
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
At last night’s Equality Illinois Gala, Gov. JB Pritzker (@govpritzker.illinois.gov) compared MAGA Republicans’ attacks on trans people, immigrants and people of color to tactics used in Nazi Germany. “We’ve seen it before in Germany in the early ‘30s, and now they’re invading American cities.”
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
and when Lady Gaga performs LoveDrug at the Grammys then what
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Dan Mihalopoulos @dmihalopoulos.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
They’re not ending anytime soon. They will fail in court. They’re cool with that. Because it’s not about winning a conviction. This is about intimidating us with the high potential pain for doing journalism
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Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Georgia Fort, an independent journalist and vice president of the Minnesota NABJ chapter, was also arrested by federal agents this morning I was sent this video of agents at her door:
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Alex V. Hernandez @avhndz.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Members of Chicago’s small business community are joining Friday’s nationwide general strike to protest the violent federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota and beyond. blockclubchicago.org/2026/01/30/g... via @blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org
General Strike Friday In Chicago: Here's How Small Businesses Are Supporting Action
Millions are expected to skip work, school and shopping as part of a national shutdown protesting violent federal immigration enforcement tactics.
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
What an honor to be in conversation with Tammye Nash from @dallasvoice.bsky.social about this important topic.
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Windy City Times @windycitytimes.com · 30/01/2026
Check out our managing editor, @jakewittich.bsky.social, on today's episode of @citycastchicago.bsky.social, where he discusses Chicago’s new LGBTQ+ Affairs Director, the legacy of Lorraine Sade Baskerville, and this weekend’s Equality Illinois Gala. Listen here: chicago.citycast.fm/podcasts/bov...
chicago.citycast.fm
Bovino Out, Chi’s LGBTQ+ Affairs Director, and Benny’s New Number - City Cast Chicago
Chicagoans have been calling on the mayor’s office to better protect, prioritize, and coordinate resources and outreach for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ commun...
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
I’m on today’s episode of @citycastchicago.bsky.social with Justin Laurence from Crain’s Chicago. Our conversation spanned from Chicago’s new Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs to the news around Greg Bovino’s ousting as Border Patrol chief. Listen here: chicago.citycast.fm/podcasts/bov...
chicago.citycast.fm
Bovino Out, Chi’s LGBTQ+ Affairs Director, and Benny’s New Number - City Cast Chicago
Chicagoans have been calling on the mayor’s office to better protect, prioritize, and coordinate resources and outreach for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ commun...
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The TRiiBE @thetriibe.com · 27/01/2026
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...
thetriibe.com
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.
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Jon Seidel @jonseidel.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
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...
chicago.suntimes.com
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
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Rahm Emanuel one of the "champions of the LGBTQ+ community"? 🤔
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Jake Wittich @jakewittich.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
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.
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