Sidetrack Chicago

3349 N. HALSTED • CHICAGO

Outspoken

OUTspoken!
LGBTQ+ Storytelling at Sidetrack

Join us for OUTspoken LGBTQ+ Stories, our monthly storytelling event celebrating uniquely personal stories from a cross-section of the LGBTQ+ community. OUTspoken is usually held on the first Tuesday of each month at Sidetrack. This October it will be the second Tuesday of the month (October 8) to accommodate our Vice Presidential Debate Viewing Party on Tuesday, October 1.

Doors to MainBar open at 6pm
Stories begin at 7pm

Typically there will be 6 storytellers and one intermission.

Sidetrack is open daily: Weekdays 3pm-2am, Saturday 1pm-3am & Sunday 1pm-2am. No cover. 21+

IF YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING OUTSPOKEN AND REQUIRE SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, PLEASE EMAIL
INFO@OUTSPOKENCHICAGO.COM

Rave Reviews for OUTspoken!

“The room was abuzz after.
People introduced themselves to the storytellers,
hugged them, and thanked the emcees…
It was truly great to be a part of it,
even just as an audience member.”

-Parker Stockman Chicago Literati

“Consistently great stories…and it’s ground-breaking.”

–WBEZ Afternoon Shift

OUTspoken is now a Podcast – ON THE MIC: OUTSPOKEN LGBTQ+ STORYTELLING at Sidetrack! Since its inception, we have recorded all audio from the stories each month and have created a podcast around these stories.

Check out all our episodes of ON THE MIC: OUTSPOKEN LGBTQ+ STORYTELLING at Sidetrack available on:

PODBEAN:
Click here

SPOTIFY:
Click here

STITCHER:
Click here

Everyone has a story. Interested in telling yours?

Contact our Curator Archy Jamjun at
info@outspokenchicago.com

Storytellers

Shandee Ewert
October storyteller Shandee Ewert is a Minnesota native, a fast walker, and a nacho aficionado. Recently, she made a new acquaintance laugh, which surprised them because, “People who work in Human Resources aren’t usually funny.” Between explaining HSAs and surprising people by possessing a sense of humor, Shandee enjoys playing in queer sports leagues, trying to learn Spanish, picking up new hobbies only to abandon them a month later, and hanging out with the love of her life, a mini goldendoodle named Lemon Basil Butter Noodle. Hear Shandee’s story Tuesday, October 8, at OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Zach Benak
October storyteller Zach Benak has lived in Chicago for the last nine years. His personal essays have been published in Gasher Journal, Reckon Review, 45th Parallel, Sweeter Voices Still: An LGBTQ Anthology from Middle America, and elsewhere. When he’s not writing, he can be found getting coffee in Ravenswood, practicing yoga in Andersonville, or laying in the sun by Lake Michigan. Hear Zach’s story Tuesday, October 8, at OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Jackie Kaplan-Perkins
October storyteller Jackie Kaplan-Perkins is the daughter of immigrants and grew up on the Northside of Chicago in the late 70s and early 80s watching the Cubs, listening to Styx, and reading socialist Cuban newspapers with her Papi. This self described “funny-faced kid from Rogers Park” is humbled to be considered a leader in her community – one who has had the honor of spending every day of the past three decades working alongside her heroes to raise money and awareness for justice and equity. Jackie still lives on the northside – only now with her wife of 26...
Jordan Francisco
October storyteller Jordan Francisco is a first-generation Filipino-American and a native of the Chicagoland area. He is the marketing officer for Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles’ board of directors and a member at-large for the Jon Sims Endowment Fund’s board of directors. Jordan is also pursuing his maters in Public Administration at Claremont Lincoln University. When not volunteering and working for LGBTQ+ non-profits, Jordan enjoys crocheting, social activism, and making educational material on social media. Hear Jordan’s story Tuesday, October 8, at OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Delilah Orizaba
October storyteller Delilah Orizaba is a full-time therapist and a part-time comic. She’s performed at The Future of Comedy Festival and You’re Being Ridiculous at the Steppenwolf Theater. She’s a Scorpio Sun and Capricorn Moon and Rising. Hear Delilah’s story Tuesday, October 8, at OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Sho
October storyteller Sho is 23 and studying biology. He was born & raised in India and is into fashion and dance. Hear Sho’s story Tuesday, October 8, at OUTspoken! LGBTQ+ Storytelling at Sidetrack....