Quad Cities

Clock Inc. wants stories from the community

By , Publisher/blogger |

ROCK ISLAND — The Clock Inc. LGBTQ community center is calling for people to share their story on a special night. From the Facebook event:
Please join us for our “Share your story” night! Individuals have the opportunity to share their “coming out” story in a safe place without fear of isolation or discrimination. This process can be very healing and may increase self-confidence and self-esteem. Self-expression allows others to see their spirit and true character while displaying individualism.

Quad Cities

Clock Inc. officially opens in Rock Island

By , Publisher/blogger |

ROCK ISLAND — The Clock, Inc. LGBT+ Community Center opened this week in Rock Island. The staff of the community center were joined by Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms to cut the ribbon for the facility. The Clock will serve as a major community center for the Quad Cities area. “I just want to express how thankful we are for all of our supporters and helping make a difference in our community!” said center founder Chase Norris.

Quad Cities

Quad Cities Pride delayed because of flooding

By , Publisher/blogger |

ROCK ISLAND — The flooding that has been affecting the Quad Cities has now pushed back the cities’ Pride celebrations. 

The Rock Island Dispatch-Argus reported Thursday that weeklong celebration had been scheduled for the first week of June and is now the last week of June. Quad-Cities Unity Pride President Tee LeShoure told the newspaper that the flooding had “washed out” some sponsors and participants. “We thought it would be best to give everyone time to kind of re-establish themselves and get everything cleaned up,” LeShoure said, saying some of the sponsors and businesses were backing out. “So we thought it would be fair just to make it later so that everybody could be able to participate at the same level.” 

You can still follow preparations for the event on the Facebook event or the Quad-Cities Unity Pride website.

Quad Cities

Gonorrhea outbreak in Rock Island

By , Publisher/blogger |

ROCK ISLAND — Public health officials in Rock Island have declared a public health emergency because of higher than normal cases of gonorrhea. The Rock Island Dispatch-Argus reported that forty-four gonorrhea cases have been reported in the first three months of 2019, compared with 27 cases in 2018. Rock Island County Department of Heath Chief Operating Officer Janet Hill told the newspaper that one of the thresholds for declaring an outbreak is at least a five-case increase per month. The department is encouraging anyone who thinks they could be at risk to get tested. “Our rates have been going up just like they are all across the country.