Central Illinois

B’N Trans – Community changes name to Trans Ascension

By , Publisher/blogger |

BLOOMINGTON — B’N Trans – Community, a group representing transgender people in the Bloomington/Normal area, has changed it’s name to Trans Ascension: A Gender Evolved Community. The group announced its new name and logo in a Facebook post on Monday. 

From the post:
Our new logo and name is finally here. I am glad to welcome all of you to Trans Ascension! Mr. DeLong, of Osborn & DeLong, approached me recently about the branding of B’N Trans – Community. He offered his services as penance for how he had previously treated a trans colleague many years prior.

Central Illinois

The Bistro Pridefest on July 27

By , Publisher/blogger |

BLOOMINGTON — The Bistro in Bloomington will be holding its Pridefest on Saturday, July 27. From the Facebook event:
The Bistro is proud to bring you the 2nd annual Pridefest Block Party in downtown Bloomington! We’re blocking off the street again to celebrate 26 years of pride at the Bistro, and to bring you the best outdoor drag event you’ve ever experienced (in central Illinois). This year we will be joined by Healthy in a Hurry and Dead Wood Barbecue for your convenient party food needs. We will be serving cocktails in the bar, and beer on the street!

Central Illinois
Illinois Prairie Community Foundation

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation seeking philanthropist nominees

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BLOOMINGTON — Illinois Prairie Community Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2019 Philanthropist(s) of the Year. An individual, couple or family will be honored at the Community Foundation’s Celebrating Local Philanthropy Luncheon at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center in Normal on Nov. 14, 2019. Nominees must reside in McLean, DeWitt, Livingston or Logan counties. 

The criteria are outstanding civic responsibility as demonstrated by contributions of financial resources and voluntary commitment of time, willingness to serve in leadership roles, and providing vision and the ability to involve others in philanthropic activity. Nominations should describe in 250 words or less why the nominee deserves this recognition.

Central Illinois

Stonewall Democrats of McLean County change to Stonewall Democrats of Illinois

By , Publisher/blogger |

BLOOMINGTON — The Stonewall Democrats of McLean County have changed their name to Stonewall Democrats of Illinois to reflect their statewide efforts. The Stonewall Democrats are an organization of LGBTQ activists within the Democrat Party. The group made the announcement in a Facebook post on Thursday:
Stonewall Democrats of McLean County is…….transitioning! This page is now called Stonewall Democrats of Illinois! We are joining forces with LGBT Democrats from across Illinois to build a statewide Stonewall Democrats!

Central Illinois

Pride kickoff in Bloomington remembers Stonewall, Pulse

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BLOOMINGTON — Pride month in Bloomington kicked off with a rally celebrating the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. The Stonewall Democrats of McLean County organized the rally at the McLean County Museum of History on Saturday, June 1. 

While celebrating the advances since Stonewall in 1969, it also protested recent attacks by the Trump administration against the transgender community and remembered the attack on Orlando’s Pulse nightclub. Speakers included local clergy, activists and out LGBTQ politicians. All photos courtesy of Stonewall Democrats of McLean County