Windy City Times celebrated Pride Month by reviving its annual 30 Under 30 Awards.
The ceremony took place June 6 at LinkedIn’s Chicago headquarters at 525 W. Monroe St. Event sponsors included AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC), Pride Action Tank, Windy City Times, LinkedIn, Monarq Advisors, Geof and Joshua Brown, Center on Halsted, Equality Illinois, Chicago History Museum/OUT at CHM and Fifth Third Bank.
AFC Vice President of Special Projects & Innovation, Policy and Advocacy Kim Hunt (who is also executive director of Pride Action Tank) and LGBTQ+-rights activist Jose “Che-Che” Wilson co-hosted the ceremony.
The award recipients were honored for making substantial contributions to the Chicagoland LGBT community in the fields of entertainment, politics, health, activism, academics, sports or other areas. Hundreds of people have been honored by the paper in the more than 10 years since the awards were established.
Honorees included:
Ami Abdullahi (they/them) is a community health worker and an artist. Ami has a passion to work on initiatives and programs that are centered on the wellbeing and liberation of folks with multiple intersectionalities and has been working in the community health field for the past six years. Ami works to empower clients who are living with HIV/AIDS to achieve their career goals at Chicago House & Social Service Agency’s HOPWA Innovations Housing Program. Ami is enthusiastic about servicing and empowering our Chicago community through professional development and education.
And did you know? Ami speaks three languages and is working on learning a fourth.
Emily Jade Aguilar (she/her) is a 24-year-old trans woman from the Northwest Side of Chicago. At 14, Emily spearheaded know-your-rights training for the undocumented community. She shifted her focus more toward youth investment, leaving an indelible mark by championing initiatives such as the passage of SB100 and contributing to the abolition of school police officers, effectively dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline.
Transitioning from youth work to now working in HIV prevention, Emily’s dedication knows no bounds as she swiftly obtained certifications as an HIV tester and phlebotomist within a year. For the past two years, Emily has been the driving force behind Trans Giving, an iconic event spanning more than two decades, celebrating the vibrant diversity of the trans community.
And did you know? Beyond her activism, you can find Emily turning up to the tunes of Beyoncé. Emily remains a beacon of hope, fueled by the belief that her contributions will pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Preston Max Allen (he/him) is a transgender playwright, composer and lyricist whose work has been featured at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Lincoln Center, Signature Theatre, and more.
Preston’s musicals include his 2019 Off-Broadway debut We Are the Tigers (album streaming); The Rage: Carrie 2, An Unauthorized Musical Parody (Jeff Nominee, Best New Musical); Agent 355 (co-book/dramaturgy by Jessica Kahkoska); Krisis Kids Wilderness Adventure Camp (Village Theatre Kidstage Commission); and Never Better (production upcoming at Theo Ubique).
Preston’s plays include Modern Gentleman (New York Stage and Film 2022 workshop); Caroline (production upcoming); and Storytime (Lucille Lortel Theatre micro commission). Preston is a member of the Writers Guild of America East, Ars Nova Play Group (2019-21), and 2023 Jonathan Larson Grant Honorable Mention recipient.
And did you know? Preston is proudest of caring for his beloved calico cat, Hero.
Iana Amiscaray (she/her) is a manager of special projects with Pride Action Tank and AFC’s Policy and Advocacy team. She assists with the management and implementation of major initiatives and programs. Her primary responsibility is to the Connection to Care Learning Collaborative—an initiative to increase the capacity of federally qualified health centers to provide culturally responsive, LGBTQ+-centered HIV treatment and prevention services. Iana also leads and assists in the coordination and development of Pride Action Tank policy implementation initiatives such as OUTAging, the Community Restroom Access Project (CRAP), and SOGI Data collection. She is also a member of Equality Illinois’s LGBTQ+ Community Advisory Board.
While still growing in her leadership, Iana is deeply committed to social justice, whole-person approaches, healing as a key part of leadership, and transformative education that leads to liberation. She strives to incorporate these values in all the spaces she engages in, and especially in progressing Pride Action Tank’s mission to improve the health, safety and progress of individuals and groups within the LGBTQ+ community.
And did you know? Iana is a plant mom and crystal lover, and currently learning to be a fashion designer.
Livvie Avrick (she/they) creates dynamic and safe community spaces for the LGBTQ+ community both on and offline. In their work as digital communications manager for AIDS Foundation Chicago, they command highly visible platforms that promote health care access, ending homelessness, harm reduction and racial justice. Livvie engages the community through interviews, hosting panel discussions and creating content to amplify the voices of others.
On the weekends, Livvie teaches a theater program for high schoolers at Piven Theatre Workshop, where she herself took classes growing up. Livvie helps create a safe and inclusive environment, and directs and devises a short performance.
And did you know? Livvie’s favorite hobby is going for bike rides.
Southern-bred, Chicago-fed! Jordon Baker (he/him) is a community engagement and education manager who has dedicated more than 10 years in spreading awareness around people who are living with HIV or vulnerable to HIV. With a passion for advocacy and a heart full of empathy, Jordon has fearlessly tackled issues that affect the Black LGBTQ+ community, advocating for social justice, healthcare access and equal rights. His tireless efforts have not only made a lasting impact but have also inspired others to join the fight for equality.
And did you know? Outside of pursuing his professional passion, you can find Jordon running a 5K or living out his Arthur Ashe dream on a tennis court near YOU. Let him know if you ever want to hit!
Shawn Banks (he/they) is comedian and drag performer who has performed all over the Midwest for the past three years. Shawn has both performed and hosted many shows at Chicago’s most established clubs, such as The Comedy Bar, Zanies Comedy Club, The Lincoln Lodge and The Laugh Factory.
He is also a co-producer at one of the longest-running shows at the Laugh Factory Chicago, “Lowkey Funny.” Shawn is the first person to host said show in drag (that being the Juneteenth show in 2023), and also hosted the World Comedy Expo in 2022.
In 2022, Shawn also co-produced the first ever “Comedy & Climb” event showcase at one of Chicago’s premiere climbing gyms, Brooklyn Boulders. In addition, he is the co-host of a weekly comedy and drag showcase at My Buddy’s titled “My Buddy’s Live.”
And did you know? Shawn met notable fashion designers Zac Posen and Diane Von Furstenberg at a college convention, but says one of the best moments in his life was when he met and got a picture with the one-and-only Anna Wintour.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Darius Caffey (he/him) is a thought leader who focuses on empowering underrepresented communities, collaborating with stakeholders and addressing systemic challenges. He continues to show up as an adept social justice-oriented entrepreneur with 10+ years of demonstrated experience in business development, portfolio management, community relations and creative arts. Caffey has also acted as an author, producer, strategy consultant, adviser, facilitator and educator for AmeriCorps, United Way, Chicago Public Schools, SoHo House, RUSH and CAN-TV.
He obtained his education in the social sciences from the University of Missouri, where he learned to thrive as a leader, research scholar and mentor. Currently, Caffey is the founder/ CEO of The Closet Unlocked, a social impact design and media company; and director of institutional partnerships for the arts- and-wellness nonprofit Black Alphabet, where he leads their fundraising efforts.
And did you know? Darius played flag football in high school.
Carter Agapito Cavazos (no pronouns) is an activist, social- justice advocate and equity-focused trainer. As a queer, transgender, Afro-Mexican individual, Carter is passionate about racial justice and queer liberation. Carter consistently works to support, uplift and reduce barriers to care within marginalized communities.
Carter has developed, designed and presented training on racial justice, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, police and prison abolition, and more for organizations here in Chicago and across the country. Carter’s training module—“Uprising, Uprooting and Uplifting: A Conversation about the Black Lives Matter Movement and the Evolution of Social Justice Movements”—has also been presented nationwide.
Carter currently is the director of community partnerships at E3 Radio, creating a platform to elevate Black and queer voices. Carter believes learning and growing together are essential to community care, and is thrilled to join this year’s 30 Under 30 community to learn, teach and build with this year’s recipients.
And did you know? Carter loves to play games. Whether it’s a board game, card game or video game, Carter is always looking for competition!
Xitlali Celesté (she/her) is a trans, queer, Mexican-American writer, performer, director and teaching artist who’s based in Chicago. She aims to use theater and her drag practice to explore themes of gender, sexuality, self-love, divinity and world-building.
She is a teaching artist at Free Street Theater, where she has co-directed numerous youth ensemble shows centered around Chicago issues. She is also a co-founder, producer and ensemble member for The Front Porch Oracles, a multidisciplinary performance collective exploring the ever- expansive ideas of divinity, religion, spirituality and complicated relationships with the church. Lastly, she can be found around Chicago performing as the drag oracle Cindy Nero. Cindy Nero is a drag mother and cultural producer. She aims to teach, mentor and empower individuals through storytelling and drag via her drag incubator, Drag Me To Life.
And did you know? She is a double Virgo who overworks herself all the time. You can thank Beyonce for that. The Pisces moon is her saving grace.
Maria T. Collado Sierra (she/her) is the director of grants at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, playing a crucial role in advancing the center’s mission through strategic funding initiatives. Committed to community empowerment, Maria works closely with the Lisa Isadora Cruz Trans Empowerment Center, advocating for the transgender community.
Previously, Maria accumulated extensive experience in contract negotiation and non-profit management. She holds an MBA from Ana G. Mendez University and is a graduate of the DePaul University College of Law, equipping her with vital skills for impactful community development and organizational leadership.
And did you know? Maria is a Gemini and has two dogs, Nola and Rogier.
Calvin Cottrell (he/him) is constituent services director for Chicago Ald. Lamont Robinson; in this position, Calvin oversees all constituent help requests for one of the most vibrant Black-majority wards in the city. He is also the youngest board member of the Center on Halsted, the largest and most comprehensive LGBTQ+ community center in the Midwest. Most recently Calvin graduated from Black Bench Chicago program, which seeks to train the next generation of Black civic leaders. He will have lived in the city for a decade this June, when he moved to the city to attend the University of Chicago.
And did you know? Calvin loves to travel. He has been to India several times and is currently practicing his French before going to Paris next year.
Alex DeLakis (he/him) is a behavioral health supervisor at Ascension Illinois Saint’s Mary and Elizabeth Outpatient Behavioral Health. A licensed clinical social worker, Alex works with clients of all ages towards mental wellness while providing clinical supervision and coordinating an intensive outpatient program. Alex is deeply passionate about improving the well- being of LGBTQ+ people and continues his commitment by facilitating a psychotherapy group for LGBTQ+ adults.
Alex has held positions at AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Bolton Refuge House, a domestic-violence shelter. While getting his undergraduate degree, Alex worked with community members to create his hometown’s first resource guide of LGBTQ+-friendly providers.
And did you know? After one of Lady Gaga’s concerts in Las Vegas, Alex met Gaga’s hairstylist, who complimented Alex’s eccentric outfit, saying, “You’re giving ARTPOP 2014.” It’s the best compliment that Alex has received to this day.
Yasmine “Yazzie” Dukan (she/her) is an Afro-Egyptian Black Arab trans woman, poet, organizer and meme lover based in Chicago. She has organized and co-created programming in different QTBIPOC and SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa) at UIC and Chicago over the past four years.
She has a Bachelor’s in Women’s and Gender Studies from Sonoma State University and a Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is interested in QTBIPOC in relation to the built environment and how we can connect oral histories and systems that center our communities. In her free time, she loves sitting by a body of water, writing, hanging and sharing memes with friends.
And did you know? Her favorite TV show is The Inbetweeners.
Hannah Edgar (they/them) is a culture reporter, critic and radio producer. They write about the artists who make Chicago work for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader, and WBEZ, with a special focus on classical, jazz and experimental musicians. Outside of Chicago, they have contributed to ARTnews, Art Newspaper and New York Times, and have written program materials for the New York Philharmonic and Cincinnati Symphony.
Hannah is a graduate of the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign’s iSchool (School of Informational Sciences), both with honors. When not on deadline, they’re an amateur violinist, playing in the Lakeview Orchestra and in chamber groups with friends. Hannah lives in Lincoln Square with their fiancée and very chatty cat.
And did you know? Hannah started a class newspaper in second grade, complete with a news section, funnies and dueling op-ed pages. (Foretelling the misfortunes of print media everywhere, it folded after two issues.)
Val Gerard Garcia Jr. (any/all) is a Chicago-based actor, artist and professional wrestler. Under the wrestling name Mateo Valentine, Val has been making ways in the Chicago/Chicagoland wrestling scene being the queer icon they are. For the past four years, Val has been champion in promotions such as Chicago Style Wrestling and Honor Among Wrestling, produced his own queer wrestling show with POWW Entertainment, and has been part of the top 200 LGBTQ+ wrestlers in the world for the past three years.
And did you know? Val loves all-you-can- eat hotpot and Korean BBQ. He loves to eat alone while watching the latest episode of Dimension 20 or any true-crime podcast. He also enjoys mechanical keyboards and fountain pens. L’s up.
Angelíca Grace (she/her) is a Chicago-based trans Filipina actress, dancer and performer. She is a resident cast member of the weekly drag show Friday Night Lights at Roscoe’s Tavern and a resident dancer of the monthly queer dance party Slo ‘Mo at Sleeping Village. She has performed all over Northalsted and Chicago, in general. Notable stages include Lollapalooza, The Fly Honey Show at Thalia Hall, The Chicago Bulls Pride Night halftime show at The United Center, Metro, Pitchfork Music Festival and Millenium Park (opening for Big Freedia). Angelíca has been performing in Chicago for 10 years, having entered the theater scene as a teenager and worked heavily with About Face Theatre for seven years. She has also performed for organizations such as Chicago Reader, Illinois Humanities and Chicago Humanities. She strives to create space for and to uplift, support, and protect trans women of color. She has immense love and gratitude for her community.
And did you know? Angelíca is in a music video for The Black Keys for the band’s song “Beautiful People (Stay High).” She also currently plays Nastasia in the world premiere of PRO-AM at First Floor Theater, running till June 15 at The Den Theatre.
Nora Huppert (she/any) is a staff attorney at Lambda Legal’s Chicago office. As an attorney at Lambda Legal, she has litigated important cases involving the rights of LGBTQ+ people and, in particular, the right of transgender people to access gender- affirming medical care.
Most recently, she represented plaintiffs in Southampton Community Healthcare v. Bailey, which successfully challenged the Missouri attorney general’s emergency rule-making that sought to place extreme restrictions on gender-affirming care for broad categories of transgender people of all ages; and Noe v. Parson, which challenges a state law in Missouri banning gender-affirming medical care.
And did you know? Nora shares a home office with her cat, Scrim, who was born on her half- birthday.
Ankit Khadgi (he/they) is a Nepal-born, Chicago-based queer writer, journalist
and upcoming art administrator. A recent graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a Master’s in visual and critical studies, Ankit led the school’s student newspaper, F Newsmagazine, from 2022 to 2024.
Ankit is currently researching the South Asian LGBTQ+ history of Chicago. This archival project is the first of its kind and will tell the rich story of several South Asian LGBTQ+ artists, activists and organizers who have made this city their home but have not received the recognition they deserve.
And did you know? Ankit makes the best biryani in the world (or so he likes to think).
Yamari Lewis (she/her) is the coordinator of a young adult drop-in center. She has dedicated her professional, academic and personal lives to the health promotion of racial, sexual and gender minorities.
Yamari promotes sexual and reproductive health while providing basic needs and care to prevent the transmission of HIV. As an undergraduate student, Yamari received scholarships for her efforts, including the Rae Arlene Moses Leadership Award, and was the keynote speaker for Northwestern University’s Lavender Graduation in 2018. Personally, as a proud LGBT+ member, she creates a holistic and safe space which promotes, protects and celebrates several communities simultaneously.
And did you know? Before being a keynote speaker, Yamari received the Northwestern University Gay and Lesbian Alumni Award and Scholarship in 2017.
Angelicia Maria Marquez (she/her) is a proud transgender Latina descendant of Mexican and Puerto Rican background. She is a businesswoman managing, producing and hosting events all throughout the Chicagoland area. She is one of the Midwest’s premier Selena illusionists and burlesque entertainers.
Her work ethic is a testament to the LGBTQIA and Latinx communities that no matter where you come from, it will never define where you’re going, as long as you believe in yourself and work hard.
Angelicia is a pageant queen and is the current reigning Midwest Battle of the Divas Champion, representing Illinois. She is an active partner collaborating with The National Museum of Mexican Art twice a year for their outstanding Selena events at Millennium Park. She is the producer of body-inclusive productions The Tease Tease, Once Upon a Time and Boombox.
Angelicia strives to represent Latinos in the most positive light intertwining heritage, professionalism, truth, and visibility in her acts and every stage she graces.
And did you know? Angelicia is a pescatarian, she once performed in front of 11,000 people and she is a huge Disney fan!
Juan Martinez (he/him) is a bilingual linkage coordinator at CALOR. Juan is a DACA recipient who was born in Puebla, Mexico but was raised in the Brighton Park neighborhood. Juan has been in advocacy for more than five years, providing services around HIV Care and PrEP Navigation services.
Throughout Juan’s career, he has become an HIV tester to assist Latinx folks. Juan has linked many of the LGBT+ migrants that have recently arrived to Chicago. Juan was featured in the Cook County PrEParate Campaign as an ambassador. Through this campaign, he was able to highlight Latinx communities in accessing PrEP. The campaign was featured on buses, trains. Juan was also a project coordinator for a campaign by CALOR & AIDS Healthcare Foundation. He led the “Spread Love, Not the Virus,” campaign that focused on LGBTQ+ health, including HIV, PrEP and mpox. One of the highlights of this campaign was increasing the visibility for trans folks and immigrant communities through local billboards, online advertisements and public transit.
And did you know? Juan is a very creative person and loves to build LEGO sets. His favorite show is an animated series called Soul Eater and his favorite fruit is mangoes with Chamoy and Tajin. He loves his Mexican culture.
Nam Nguyen (he/him) is a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community from Vietnam. Despite facing bullying and discrimination, he excelled and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Washington State University and a master’s degree in ed-tech from Johns Hopkins University. He became the first student in WSU’s 127-year history to study abroad on all seven continents.
Nam also created the first study abroad program for LGBTQ+ students. His professional experiences include internships at BP, NASA, the U.S. Department of State and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Now working at BP in Chicago, he actively supports the Pride BRG and volunteers with Howard Brown Health, Center on Halsted and the Human Rights Campaign. He’s been awarded the prestigious Diana Award, Starbucks Community Champion Award and the President’s Volunteer Service Award from three consecutive U.S. presidents.
And did you know? The number of countries Nam has traveled to is higher than his age.
Devin Nicolai (he/him) is a senior supportive service and mental health coordinator at University of Chicago’s Center for HIV Elimination.
He has been working in HIV prevention since arriving at Hyde Park in 2018, with the goal of continuing his career at the intersection of HIV prevention and mental health.
Devin performed career, college and HIV-test counseling before getting his master’s in clinical social work in 2022 from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Work. His current work takes place on Chicago’s South Side and includes providing linkage to public benefits, providing free therapy and linkage to third-party providers, and conducting research interventions with the goal of increasing social support for people living with HIV.
And did you know? Devin is a Theta Chi. Also, he dislikes grocery shopping and his favorite musician is Devin Morrison.
Carter Oselett (he/him) is a research and evaluation specialist at AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC). Primarily working in homelessness services and HIV prevention, Carter has made substantial contributions to the LGBTQ+ community in the areas of health and activism. He has presented research on AFC- led projects at various conferences, including the US Conference on HIV/AIDS.
Through his work, Carter seeks to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to take charge of their health. As a Youth Fellow with the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) for two consecutive years, Carter organized an innovative public health bike ride with the queer biking club Cruise, during which he distributed over 50 at-home HIV testing kits and harm reduction materials such as Narcan and fentanyl testing strips, significantly raising awareness and promoting sexual health and overdose prevention within the community.
And did you know? Carter is a proud uncle to Jack (7), Oliver (6), Hazel (4), Ella (4) and baby Iris (9 months).
Saul Brand Padilla (he/him) is a formerly undocumented, openly gay male from Mexico City. For the past six years, Saul has been working at Beyond Legal Aid, a non-profit organization that unites lawyers and activists in a collaborative pursuit for justice by leveraging legal services to benefit the most marginalized communities and individuals.
In 2022, Saul was promoted to community empowerment supervisor; in that capacity, he collaborates with Beyond’s community partners and community members, returning advocacy back to its roots—out of the hands of a select few and back into the hands of those most impacted. In his free time, Saul can be found spending time with his loving husband, Kyle, and two pets, Cruella and Ursula.
And did you know? Saul is not a coffee or chocolate fanatic, but enjoys sour/ spicy candies. He is also a Drag Race superfan.
Kirsten Peterson (she/they), who identifies as gender-fluid and bisexual, is the legislative director for Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison. Previously, she served as a James Dunn Fellow in Gov. JB Pritzker’s Constituent Affairs Office during the height of COVID, the director of government relations for the University of Illinois Student Government, and the legislative director for the Association of The Big Ten Schools.
Her most significant legislative accomplishments to date include: measures protecting bodily autonomy and gender-affirming care within the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance, hearings on systemic barriers and violence against transgender residents, ordinance amendments modernizing definitions on gender and sexuality, a resolution condemning LGBTQ+ book bans throughout the country, an ordinance amendment securing ballot access for 12 language groups, and resolutions honoring LGBTQ+ holidays.
And did you know? Kirsten is an avid writer of poetry and short stories.
Nia Robinson (she/her) is a writer and creative strategist born and raised in Chicago. Over her career, she’s worked with musicians, brands, and nonprofits on live events, digital marketing, and strategic planning.
In addition to being a peer lead for Affinity’s 20s group, she produced a film festival that explored Chicago’s history through Black queer communities. She looks forward to continuing to create programming that connects groups across the LGBTQIA+ community.
And did you know? Nia’s go-to truths for two truths and a lie are: She performed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in sixth grade and she gave a TEDx talk in college.
Justin Ian Sia (he/him) is an attorney with extensive experience in nonprofit corporate law and voting rights. As a son of Filipino immigrants who built successful professional medical careers, Justin’s parents instilled in him the importance of serving those with less opportunity.
In 2019, Justin drafted and advocated for a groundbreaking bill, signed into law in 2023, to allow for gender-inclusive multi-stall restrooms, uplifting the voices of Illinois’ TGNCI community. Today, Justin co-chairs the Chicago Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ Committee, preparing attorneys to provide more competent legal services to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Justin also serves on the Victory Campaign Board of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, advancing LGBTQ+ rights by funding LGBTQ+ candidates across the nation. Justin was recently elected to the Inter-American Magnet School’s Local School Council.
And did you know? Justin has officiated three wedding ceremonies. Now, for his own wedding, he’s looking for the right officiant …and the right husband!
Quinn Simmons (they/them) is a Chicago-based Filipino-American musical theater performer and choreographer. In 2022, Quinn graduated from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts with a BFA in musical theater. They began working in Chicago’s storefront theater scene and quickly became passionate about fostering relationships within the local artistic community that could create a safer and more accessible professional landscape for new generations of performers.
Whether involved as a choreographer, assistant, associate or dance captain, Quinn believes some of the most important work in the creative process is the work of curating a truly inclusive space. Throughout their professional career, Quinn has been cast across the gender spectrum and hopes to continue to push for the increased visibility of queer bodies in such a historically traditionalist medium. Quinn’s ultimate goal as a community leader is ensuring all body types are seen, heard, respected, and kept safe.
And did you know? When Quinn isn’t dancing, they’re baking anything from cakes to pies to muffins. They find it to be a great meditation and a very rewarding endeavor.
Eve Estrella Stiles (she/her), 25, was born in Mexico but was raised in Chicago. Eve is a proud undocumented transgender woman of color. She has dedicated more than a decade of her life to community activism/organizing.
Her passion has led her to speak on topics like Immigration, race and LGBTQIA+ issues. She’s had the opportunity to speak at institutions like DePaul University along with media outlets like Univision, Chicago Sun-Times, Windy City Times, Ripple of Change magazine and CDC campaigns. She has recently emerged as a TikTok influencer, spreading awareness and visibility for the LGBTQIA+, Latinx and undocumented communities. Her passion for helping others like herself has led her to become a powerful public speaker who brings awareness to mental health and visibility to the transgender and undocumented communities.
And did you know? Eve’s favorite animal is a dinosaur—a Spinosaurus, to be exact.
Kujichagulia Juniper (K.J.) Whitehead (she/ her) is Chicago’s “Queen of Radical Comedy.” With a career spanning more than a decade, she’s become known for your humorous stories and observations on race, gender, mental health and more.
She’s been seen at the Laugh Riot Grrrl Comedy Festival (LA), Midsommarfest (Chicago), Sixth City Comedy Festival (Cleveland), Northwest Black Comedy Festival (Portland) and many other festivals in the country. Ms. Whitehead has also opened for Ron Funches and Marsha Warfield. You can find her live comedy albums, The Haggard Unicorn and KHAOS, on Spotify. You can also find K.J. on Netflix’s OUTSTANDING: A Comedy Revolution, premiering June 18. When she is not on stage, K.J. works with the Chicago Therapy Collective, based in Andersonville.
And did you know? K.J.’s favorite superhero is Spider- Man. When she watched No Way Home for the first time, she cried.
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