How The Outspoken Storytelling Show At Sidetrack Became A Sanctuary For LGBTQ Chicagoans

Outspoken, a monthly LGBTQ+-centered storytelling series at Sidetrack, has become a crucial sanctuary for the community since its launch in 2014. Co-founder David Fink recalls how the series emerged from a conversation about a compelling activist story regarding a non-discrimination bill. The event consistently attracts a diverse audience, with many attendees arriving an hour early for a chance to participate. Fink aims to include various voices within the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing that sharing personal narratives can foster empathy and understanding. Audience members, including Fink's mother, have reported transformative experiences, highlighting the series' ability to challenge preconceived notions.

The storytelling platform allows individuals to connect deeply with experiences that differ from their own. As Fink notes, “there's no us versus them, there’s only us,” underscoring the series' mission of unity. Outspoken continues to thrive, reflecting the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago.