Lynzo the Hearthrob Photo: Courtesy of Lynzo the Hearthrob

Chicago’s sex workers were particularly devastated when clubs and theaters closed and face-to-face contact became verboten. Most had no income and no safety net, since many don’t report earnings and thus can’t apply for unemployment. During the height of the protests, Chicago burlesque performer and exotic dancer Lynzo the Heartthrob started a relief fund for Black and brown transgender and nonbinary sex workers, many of whom were on the front lines of the demonstrations. So far, the fund has raised $30,000, and proceeds are given to individuals to use as needed.