Northern Illinois

Galesburg holds its second Pride Picnic

By , Publisher/blogger |

GALESBURG — This small city in northwestern Illinois hosted its second Pride Picnic this past weekend. The picnic was hosted by Safe Space, a non-denominational group for people ages 18-30’s. This group has been formed to give people of this age group who have typically felt judged or ostracized by the church a safe place to hang-out with others of their age from all walks of life and talk about current events and/or topics of spirituality. It was at Lake Storey Park. The Galesburg Register-Mail reported that the event included food, karaoke, face painting, touch-a-truck, and Drag Queen Story Hour.

Northern Illinois

Pushback on Rockford’s Drag Queen Story Hour

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ROCKFORD — The Rockford Public Library is hosting its first Drag Queen Story Hour as part of the city’s Pride celebrations, but some are objecting. The Rockford Register-Star reported that local residents objected to the event, and may have been unclear on the concept. From the Rockford Register-Star:
“A big, hairy man scantily dressed as a woman promoting homosexuality and gender confusion … is inappropriate for this age group,” Sandi Ware of Rockford — parent of two preschoolers — said about the Drag Queen Story Hour that’s for children ages 3 to 8. “Most lead bizarre lives as sex entertainers.”

Amy Newburn of South Beloit, a teacher and ballet instructor who has preteen and teenage children, has similar concerns.

Northern Illinois

Rockford declares June as Pride month

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ROCKFORD — Rockford is declaring June as Pride month. 

The announcement was made Tuesday night at the city council meeting. A similar announcement was made at the Rockford Park District’s monthly meeting. “Tonight at City Council, I was proud to proclaim next month Pride Month for the first time in our city’s great history,” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said in a Facebook post. “This proclamation for June, presented to members of PFLAG Rockford Chapter, celebrates the accomplishments of our LGBTQ+ community and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the gay rights movements across the US.” The city of Rockford said in its own post that the designation was made by a coalition of groups and agencies including the local PFLAG chapter, the City of Rockford, the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Rockford Park District and local business.

Northern Illinois

2nd Annual Pride Picnic in Galesburg

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GALESBURG — Safe Space in Galesburg is hosting its second Pride Picnic on Sunday, June 9. From the Facebook event:
Safe Space is excited to announce our 2nd Annual Pride Picnic! The organization will provide meat to be grilled and a Vegetarian meat option. There will be water and kool aid provided. Please bring a dish share.

Northern Illinois

Queer Prom 2019 in Rockford on June 8

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ROCKFORD — DiversCity Youth Group in Rockford is holding a Queer Prom on Saturday, June 8. From the Facebook event:
Enjoy a night of dancing, drag performances, refreshments and fun! Come alone, with friends, or bring a companion of your choice. This event is free but don’t forget to RSVP! Register at this Google Form:
https://forms.gle/TtvLimTwb48LrPU38

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
– In Youth We Trust Grant
– PFLAG Rockford
– Rockford Public Library
– DJ Krysta
The party starts at 6 p.m.

Northern Illinois

LGBTQ center hosting Equality Prom in Racine

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RACINE, Wisc. — The LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin is hosting an Equality Prom in April, a local newspaper reported. From the Racine Journal Times:

It’s like a traditional promenade — dancing, music, friends, etc. — but the Equality Prom is exclusively for teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning and/or queer, as well as their allies. It’s scheduled for 6 p.m. April 6 at the Delta Hotel by Marriot, 7111 Washington Ave.