Jake Wittich
@jakewittich.bsky.social
🌈 Managing Editor and LGBTQ+ news reporter for @windycitytimes.com
📧 Sign up for our newsletters! https://windycitytimes.com/newsletters/
📍: Chicago
📧 Sign up for our newsletters! https://windycitytimes.com/newsletters/
📍: Chicago
With battery-powered candles illuminating their faces, more than a dozen people walked through Northalsted last night to honor the lives of transgender people who have died.
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:57 PM
With battery-powered candles illuminating their faces, more than a dozen people walked through Northalsted last night to honor the lives of transgender people who have died.
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and there are several events happening across Chicago to honor the memory of trans lives lost.
I've rounded up several of these events in today's Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter from @windycitytimes.com
Read here: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/7531...
I've rounded up several of these events in today's Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter from @windycitytimes.com
Read here: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/7531...
November 20, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and there are several events happening across Chicago to honor the memory of trans lives lost.
I've rounded up several of these events in today's Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter from @windycitytimes.com
Read here: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/7531...
I've rounded up several of these events in today's Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter from @windycitytimes.com
Read here: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/7531...
I'm also so thankful to have been surrounded with my closest friends and family at the awards. I'm forever grateful to them—and everyone else who's been part of this journalism journey.
November 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I'm also so thankful to have been surrounded with my closest friends and family at the awards. I'm forever grateful to them—and everyone else who's been part of this journalism journey.
I spent weeks preparing for my acceptance speech, which served as a reflection on community journalism, my work this past year and the role others played in getting me here.
November 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I spent weeks preparing for my acceptance speech, which served as a reflection on community journalism, my work this past year and the role others played in getting me here.
I'm still on cloud nine after being honored this weekend with the Journalist of the Year award from the Chicago Journalists Association.
It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
November 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I'm still on cloud nine after being honored this weekend with the Journalist of the Year award from the Chicago Journalists Association.
It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
I am so filled with gratitude after tonight. ❤️ I’ll share more pics and reflection after I’m done celebrating this weekend. But for now I just want to say THANK YOU to the Chicago Journalists Association and everyone who’s been part of this journey 😭
November 15, 2025 at 5:12 AM
I am so filled with gratitude after tonight. ❤️ I’ll share more pics and reflection after I’m done celebrating this weekend. But for now I just want to say THANK YOU to the Chicago Journalists Association and everyone who’s been part of this journey 😭
The big week is finally here, and I'm SO excited to accept the Journalist of the Year award this Friday at the Chicago Journalists Association awards!
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The big week is finally here, and I'm SO excited to accept the Journalist of the Year award this Friday at the Chicago Journalists Association awards!
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are making a comeback—now reflecting the Progress Pride design.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
November 7, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are making a comeback—now reflecting the Progress Pride design.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
Stay tuned for more from @windycitytimes.com.
Wow! I’m so honored to be named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years of growth and hard work, and this recognition means a lot.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
October 20, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Wow! I’m so honored to be named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association. It’s been a whirlwind couple of years of growth and hard work, and this recognition means a lot.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
Huge thanks to the entire @windycitytimes.com team. I don't do this work alone, so this award is ours.
LGBTQ+ people and our allies really represented at today's No Kings / Hands Off Chicago protest.
Stay tuned for my story for @windycitytimes.com
Stay tuned for my story for @windycitytimes.com
October 18, 2025 at 11:43 PM
LGBTQ+ people and our allies really represented at today's No Kings / Hands Off Chicago protest.
Stay tuned for my story for @windycitytimes.com
Stay tuned for my story for @windycitytimes.com
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Local Media Association's Lab for Journalism Funding cohort on behalf of @windycitytimes.com.
Over several months I joined 10 other Illinois newsrooms in learning how to make the case for supporting local news.
Over several months I joined 10 other Illinois newsrooms in learning how to make the case for supporting local news.
October 7, 2025 at 6:21 PM
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Local Media Association's Lab for Journalism Funding cohort on behalf of @windycitytimes.com.
Over several months I joined 10 other Illinois newsrooms in learning how to make the case for supporting local news.
Over several months I joined 10 other Illinois newsrooms in learning how to make the case for supporting local news.
I bought a new cozy game that’s been keeping me sane the last few days.
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge sees you developing your own wetlands into a refuge for endangered frogs.
It mixes decorating with collecting, farming and breeding mechanics—and the art style is adorable, too!
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge sees you developing your own wetlands into a refuge for endangered frogs.
It mixes decorating with collecting, farming and breeding mechanics—and the art style is adorable, too!
October 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
I bought a new cozy game that’s been keeping me sane the last few days.
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge sees you developing your own wetlands into a refuge for endangered frogs.
It mixes decorating with collecting, farming and breeding mechanics—and the art style is adorable, too!
Kamaeru: A Frog Refuge sees you developing your own wetlands into a refuge for endangered frogs.
It mixes decorating with collecting, farming and breeding mechanics—and the art style is adorable, too!
CHICAGO JOURNALISTS: Join @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social for a free digital safety training with @penamerica.bsky.social.
Learn how to protect yourself from hacking, doxing and other online harassment.
📅 Thurs., Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT (virtual)
RSVP: tinyurl.com/nlgjaDigitalSafety
Learn how to protect yourself from hacking, doxing and other online harassment.
📅 Thurs., Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT (virtual)
RSVP: tinyurl.com/nlgjaDigitalSafety
September 30, 2025 at 5:42 PM
CHICAGO JOURNALISTS: Join @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social for a free digital safety training with @penamerica.bsky.social.
Learn how to protect yourself from hacking, doxing and other online harassment.
📅 Thurs., Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT (virtual)
RSVP: tinyurl.com/nlgjaDigitalSafety
Learn how to protect yourself from hacking, doxing and other online harassment.
📅 Thurs., Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT (virtual)
RSVP: tinyurl.com/nlgjaDigitalSafety
I'm still smiling from Windy City Times' 40th anniversary party last week! I'm so grateful to be part of this team and community, and thankful to all who helped celebrate this milestone. 🌈📰
📸: Kathleen Hinkel
📸: Kathleen Hinkel
September 28, 2025 at 3:22 PM
I'm still smiling from Windy City Times' 40th anniversary party last week! I'm so grateful to be part of this team and community, and thankful to all who helped celebrate this milestone. 🌈📰
📸: Kathleen Hinkel
📸: Kathleen Hinkel
Today at Chicago City Council: two resolutions honoring @windycitytimes.com’s 40th anniversary 🎉
Then tonight is our big party at Sidetrack! 💃🏻🌈
Then tonight is our big party at Sidetrack! 💃🏻🌈
September 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Today at Chicago City Council: two resolutions honoring @windycitytimes.com’s 40th anniversary 🎉
Then tonight is our big party at Sidetrack! 💃🏻🌈
Then tonight is our big party at Sidetrack! 💃🏻🌈
I got to gush about the incredible legacy of @windycitytimes.com today on the @thegailyshow.org!
We're celebrating WCT's 40th anniversary this week, and reflecting on this publication's history has me so proud to help carry it into the future.
Full episode here: www.youtube.com/live/_I4O7sV...
We're celebrating WCT's 40th anniversary this week, and reflecting on this publication's history has me so proud to help carry it into the future.
Full episode here: www.youtube.com/live/_I4O7sV...
September 24, 2025 at 9:17 PM
I got to gush about the incredible legacy of @windycitytimes.com today on the @thegailyshow.org!
We're celebrating WCT's 40th anniversary this week, and reflecting on this publication's history has me so proud to help carry it into the future.
Full episode here: www.youtube.com/live/_I4O7sV...
We're celebrating WCT's 40th anniversary this week, and reflecting on this publication's history has me so proud to help carry it into the future.
Full episode here: www.youtube.com/live/_I4O7sV...
Harry also contributed to BLACKlines as a writer and photographer during its original run in the '90s. I went through the archives last night and found this interview he did with the legendary Frankie Knuckles in 1999.
September 24, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Harry also contributed to BLACKlines as a writer and photographer during its original run in the '90s. I went through the archives last night and found this interview he did with the legendary Frankie Knuckles in 1999.
I also loved how the Gerber/Hart team curated displays about the history of lesbian bars in Chicago, bringing its archives out into the wild
September 23, 2025 at 2:38 AM
I also loved how the Gerber/Hart team curated displays about the history of lesbian bars in Chicago, bringing its archives out into the wild
I just had the pleasure of previewing episode 1, on the lesbian history of the Music Box Lounge, before it drops tomorrow. We’re in for a treat this season!
September 23, 2025 at 2:38 AM
I just had the pleasure of previewing episode 1, on the lesbian history of the Music Box Lounge, before it drops tomorrow. We’re in for a treat this season!
Mayhem Ball ✔️
Lady Gaga killed it night 1 of Chicago! This show is peak Gaga
Lady Gaga killed it night 1 of Chicago! This show is peak Gaga
September 16, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Mayhem Ball ✔️
Lady Gaga killed it night 1 of Chicago! This show is peak Gaga
Lady Gaga killed it night 1 of Chicago! This show is peak Gaga
A bisexual pride flag was raised in Logan Square today to kick off Bisexual Visibility Week.
Mikey Oboza, who cofounded the Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago, donated the flag in honor of the late bi activist Ed Negron.
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com.
Mikey Oboza, who cofounded the Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago, donated the flag in honor of the late bi activist Ed Negron.
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com.
September 14, 2025 at 3:53 PM
A bisexual pride flag was raised in Logan Square today to kick off Bisexual Visibility Week.
Mikey Oboza, who cofounded the Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago, donated the flag in honor of the late bi activist Ed Negron.
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com.
Mikey Oboza, who cofounded the Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago, donated the flag in honor of the late bi activist Ed Negron.
Story to come for @windycitytimes.com.
Today’s highlight: Befriending this kitten at Experimental Station while coworking with my friends from @invisible.institute.
September 10, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Today’s highlight: Befriending this kitten at Experimental Station while coworking with my friends from @invisible.institute.
This report has some really cool (and urgent!) findings about the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S.
I heard @danapiccoli.com share insights from it last week at @nlgjaofficial.bsky.social's conference, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the report and follow every outlet listed in its appendix!
I heard @danapiccoli.com share insights from it last week at @nlgjaofficial.bsky.social's conference, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the report and follow every outlet listed in its appendix!
September 8, 2025 at 3:15 PM
This report has some really cool (and urgent!) findings about the state of LGBTQ+ media in the U.S.
I heard @danapiccoli.com share insights from it last week at @nlgjaofficial.bsky.social's conference, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the report and follow every outlet listed in its appendix!
I heard @danapiccoli.com share insights from it last week at @nlgjaofficial.bsky.social's conference, and I can't wait to dive deeper into the report and follow every outlet listed in its appendix!
I'm feeling so inspired from this year's NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists conference in Atlanta!
I'm now back home and brimming with ideas for my own news coverage, @windycitytimes.com's operations and our local NLGJA chapter, @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social. Stay tuned for what's to come!
I'm now back home and brimming with ideas for my own news coverage, @windycitytimes.com's operations and our local NLGJA chapter, @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social. Stay tuned for what's to come!
September 8, 2025 at 3:10 PM
I'm feeling so inspired from this year's NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists conference in Atlanta!
I'm now back home and brimming with ideas for my own news coverage, @windycitytimes.com's operations and our local NLGJA chapter, @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social. Stay tuned for what's to come!
I'm now back home and brimming with ideas for my own news coverage, @windycitytimes.com's operations and our local NLGJA chapter, @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social. Stay tuned for what's to come!