For those interested, I apologize that it’s taken me so long to post an update on Chris Jones’ trial. I was under the impression that they had called for a continuance to October 4th. But that wasn’t the case. On September 20, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery (a Class 3 Felony). Two other counts were dropped. His sentencing is as follows:
- Time served (79 days)
- 1 year probation
- 100 hours of community service
- “No Contact” order with victims
It turns out that some of what was initially reported wasn’t true. Jones didn’t pull up in a car, get out, and attack the two victims. A security camera shows that he was leaving KAM’s and saw them arguing with some guys in a car, and that was when he approached them and hit them.
Jones’ attorney made it so that his probation can be transferred to his resident county, which perhaps means that he’ll be moving back to Florida. Currently, he’s staying with some friends.
So hopefully this is over, and the victims can now get on with their lives (if they haven’t already).
THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL EVENTS (please see below for year-round weekly events, announcements, and selected regional events)
WHAT: Gal UP
WHERE: UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Gal UP is a social/support group for women of any sexual orientation to meet and discuss aspects of our daily lives, such as coming out, being an ally, creating friendships, networking in our community, job-related issues, spiritual/religious concerns, and other topics that members want to talk about. The group is a relaxed, safe environment where women can socialize and steer the direction as interests present themselves.
Feel free to invite any woman you think might be interested.
For more information, contact Evelyne.
WHAT: Talk It UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Talk It UP is a peer-run LGBTQ support group for middle and high school youth. LGBTQ youth can expect an atmosphere of acceptance, support, and confidentiality while meeting other LGBTQ youth. The group is co-facilitated by two UP Center board members (one teacher, one social worker); however the group is led by the youth participants.
Topics for the youth group are decided by the youth present.
For more information, please contact Peggy.
WHAT: Film Screening: For My Wife
WHERE: Illini Union, LGBT Resource Center (Room 323)
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 30, 2:00 p.m.
For My Wife chronicles the making of an activist for Marriage Equality. Charlene Strong was thrust into the spotlight after the tragic death of her wife, Kate. After facing this loss and the heartless discrimination of hospital and funeral home staff, Charlene decided to take a stand.
Official Trailer:
WHAT: The Trip, Andy Moreillon
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Friday, Sept 30, 9:00 p.m.
Stop in for The Trip, on Stage at Emerald City Lounge!
Cost: Free
WHAT: GAYrage Sale
WHERE: True-Funk House
1404 E. Fairlawn Dr.
Urbana, IL
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 1, 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
It’s time for the annual GAYrage Sale! Proceeds will benefit the UP Center’s Youth and Families Programs.
For more information go here, or contact Keri.
WHAT: Quench! Coming Out Bipolar: The Ups & Downs
WHERE: Illini Union, LGBT Resource Center (Room 314A)
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 3, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Speaker: Bethany Socie, LGBT Resource Center
WHAT: Look UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 3, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
This is an awesome discussion group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals where we provide a safe environment to meet people, hang out, and discuss sexuality and spirituality and how they can and do coexist. We talk about shared-experiences and have the freedom to explore these subjects in a respectful, peer-mediated setting.
For more information, please contact Mada.
YEAR-ROUND, WEEKLY EVENTS
Rainbow Coffeehouse offers a welcoming, open environment to LGBT and Ally communities to socialize. Whether you’re here for a meeting, with friends or to study, we welcome all!
WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Mpowerment is a local social and HIV prevention group for young gay/bisexual men. Meetings are open to all young gay and bisexual men interested in becoming involved.
For more information, please contact Carrie Keenan.
WHAT: Man UP: Men’s Support Group
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
A movie will be shown, with discussion to follow. For adult men, 18+.
For more information go here, or contact Kevin.
WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
B II B is a social group for young men of color who have sexual or loving relationships with other men. The goal is to create a strong positive and healthy community for men of color in Champaign-Urbana.
For more information, please email.
WHAT: Illinois Bi Pride Meeting
WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Illinois Bi Pride is a registered organization at the University of Illinois dedicated to supporting bisexual, pansexual, queer people, and our allies.
For more information, please email.
WHAT: Coming Out Support Group
WHERE: Illini Union (Room 317)
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Coming Out Support Group is a safe, informal space for U of I students to listen, discuss, and learn about aspects of identity and coming out. It is open to all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning students, and those who do not choose to label themselves.
This is a confidential space; we always respect your privacy.
For more information, please email.
WHAT: Boys Night Out
WHERE: Boltini Lounge
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 28, 9:00 p.m.
Every Wednesday is Boys Night Out at Boltini Lounge.
- DJ Randall Ellison at the decks
- FREE candy and condoms
- Half price food specials (4:00–6:30 p.m. only)
WHAT: Among Women: Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, and Questioning Support Group
WHERE: Asian American Cultural Center
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 29, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
We are an informal support group made up of lesbian, bisexual and queer women students; a place to meet other women who share your concerns and to form or broaden your social support network; an opportunity to decrease the alienation and isolation of being a lesbian or bisexual woman in a majority heterosexual environment; and a great chance to exchange ideas, experiences, and opinions. We are open to all University of Illinois students, both graduate and undergraduate.
For more information, please contact Alexandra.
WHAT: Building Bridges
WHERE: Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 29, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Building Bridges exists to provide an open, accepting, safe space space for U of I students who identify as LGBTQ and Allies and are drawn to Christianity.
We aim to foster personal growth in ourselves, our spiritual health, and our community through honest spiritual discussions, sharing of personal experiences, and promoting social interaction. We respect the diversity of members’ spiritual backgrounds and are committed to breaking down stereotypes and to building an understanding between diverse groups.
This Thursday we will shuttle (or walk) to someplace to get frozen deliciousness. We will vote on whether to go to Coco Mero for froyo, Jarling’s for custard, or Courier for milkshakes. This will be a great way to get to know people and make new friends. Hope to see you there!
For more information, please email.
WHAT: Pride Meeting
WHERE: U of I Quad
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 3, 8:00 p.m.
Pride is the largest student organization for LGBT persons and their allies at the University of Illinois. We offer resources and social activities for LGBT students, including support with coming out, scavenger hunts, bar crawls, and an annual camping trip, an more.
This week we’re playing capture the flag on the quad. Given the brisk weather we are sure to experience, wear a jacket and meet us at 8:00 p.m. on the quad for some exercise and fun!
For more information, please email Kyle.
WHAT: Nekromancy
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Monday–Tuesday, Oct. 3–4, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
SorceryKid Presents:
NEKROMANCY: REVOLUTION ZERO 2011
We’re proud to announce our fourth annual Revolution Zero concert and dance party at Chester Street with an awesome talent lineup and great drink specials that are bound to keep your body moving all night long.
The show officially kicks off at 11pm with an invigorating live performance from Chicago’s very own JILT, including a nonstop mix of industrial club cuts before and after the show from special guests Peter Propaganda, DJ Alpha Omega, and DJ Lolly Gagger.
Doors: 9:00 p.m.
Show: 11:00 p.m.
Cover: $5.00
Age: 19+
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The UP Center is seeking donations of gently used furniture, clothing, household good, electronics, etc. for their annual Garage Sale. If you would like to drop off items for the sale, you can bring them to the sale location on:
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
If you need to make drop off arrangements other than by this schedule, please email Kerri or Arie.
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Coming Out in Faith
The United Church of Christ Campus Ministry is looking for folks that identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender to take part in a video project concerning the LGBT community and religion, spirituality, and/or faith in order to better our service (resources, support, etc.) to the LGBT community.
Informational meetings about the project will take place at the Community United Church of Christ on:
Thursday, Sept. 29, 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 2, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
All meetings will take place in the office of Karen Bush.
Official filming for the project will be held November 11, 12, 13, February 22, and March 31st.
Interested parties should contact Willie Morris.
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Acorn Equality Fund Scholarships Available
The Acorn Equality Fund is a grassroots organization that provides academic scholarships for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) persons and their children in Illinois’ downstate counties.
Application deadline: Friday, September 30, 2011
For more information, please email.
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Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of all LGBTQ events in our community. Please always feel free to email me or post other events/updates/corrections in the comments.
Except on rare occasions, all language is taken directly from event pages and websites, and only minimally edited. If I attempted to write this myself, I’d never get it done.