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

APPLE PODCASTS:
Click here

Everyone has a story. Interested in telling yours?

Contact our Curator Archy Jamjun at
info@outspokenchicago.com

Storytellers

R.C. Riley
June storyteller R.C. Riley is a dynamic creative and activist who began writing as a means of healing after a sexual assault. As a queer, non-binary writer, performer, and warrior for change, R.C.’s work boldly explores the intersections of race, sexuality, and faith – always with a focus on justice, liberation and amplifying the voices of those most marginalized by society. R.C. will be performing their most recent solo show, Sex, Race & Jesus at the famous Steppenwolf Theatre as part of the LookOut Series, July 11th and 12th. Hear R.C.’s story Tuesday, June 3, at OUTspoken Storytelling at...
Rich Havard
A displaced Southerner, June storyteller Rich Havard grew up in rural Mississippi, but he has called Chicago home for nearly 11 years. Formed by grandfathers who loved to share tall tales, he enjoys telling stories about life in the South, being an ordained gay Christian pastor, and finding the sacred in mundane moments. Rich spends his days working in philanthropy at the intersection of spirituality, wellness, and justice; convincing Midwesterners to use “y’all”; and taking improv classes at Second City. Hear Rich’s story Tuesday, June 3, at OUTspoken Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Lizzie M.
June storyteller Lizzie M. is a lifelong resident of the city. Two fundamental truths were deeply woven into her life: she always knew she was an artist, and she always knew she was a girl—even though she wasn’t identified as one at birth. She has since become the person she was meant to be—a human being who lives authentically and unapologetically. Hear Lizzie’s story Tuesday, June 3, at OUTspoken Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Edward Kelsey Moore
June storyteller Edward Kelsey Moore is an award-winning author whose works include the New York Times and international bestselling novel THE SUPREMES AT EARL’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT, the film adaptation of which was released by Searchlight Pictures in 2024. His short fiction and essays have appeared in numerous literary journals and been featured on Chicago Public Radio. In addition to his writing, Edward maintains a career as a professional cellist and co-hosts the Who the Hell Are We? podcast. Hear Edward’s story Tuesday, June 3, at OUTspoken Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Briana Grace Hammerstrom
June storyteller Briana Grace Hammerstrom is a tidal wave in the world of poetry. With titles like Haiku Deathmatch Champion underneath her belt alongside a plethora of accolades (All Arizona State Poetry Slam Finalist), trophies (2nd Place at Grand Junctions Slamming Bricks), and publications (Rock & Sling, Red Orge, and others), she is ecstatic to share some of the mythos she has collected about the other side of The Mississippi with Chicagoland and beyond. Hear Briana’s story Tuesday, June 3, at OUTspoken Storytelling at Sidetrack....
Ben McClymont
June storyteller Ben McClymont is a performer currently living in Chicago. Prior to moving here, he lived abroad performing as a clown in Asia. His favorite color is Atomic Orange. Hear Ben’s story Tuesday, June 3, at OUTspoken Storytelling at Sidetrack....