Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: July 15–21

MONDAY, July 15

WHAT: Youth Time

WHERE: UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 3:00–6:00 p.m.

Youth Time is open time for youth in the UP Center meeting space. During this time, the UP Center meeting space will be open for youth in middle school and high school (13–17) to use to socialize, do homework, relax, or just spend time together. There will be an adult staff member in the space, but otherwise this time is reserved for youth only.

Youth groups Play It UP and Talk It UP will continue from 6:00–7:00, but the UP Center will now be open to youth before group from 3–6 p.m. Please join us!

For more information, please contact Maggie.

WHAT: Nekromancy

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Monday, July 15, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Every Monday, DJs SorceryKid and Hivemind, craft a continuous audio-visual mixshow of the latest and the greatest in dark alternative and underground dance music.

Doors: 9:00 p.m.
Cover: $2.00
Age: 19+

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TUESDAY, July 16

WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign

WHEN: Tuesday, July 16, 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, July 16, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Man UP is geared towards adult men, ages 26 and up. We meet in a peer support setting with focused discussions on topics such as the coming out process, developing friendships within the community, dating, and more.

For more information go here, or contact Kevin Bowersox-Johnson.

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WEDNESDAY, July 17

WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting

WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign

WHEN: Wednesday, July 17, 7:00–8:00 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 Rage.

WHAT: Trans UP

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Wednesday, July 17, 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Trans UP is a group for members of the transgender community to come together in a safe space to discuss our lives and socialize.

Topics for discussion can relate to the coming out process, transitioning, becoming comfortable with ourselves, and living as a trans person in general society, dating, and more — all while developing friendships and networking within the community.

A private changing room is available adjacent to meeting space. Privacy and confidentiality are respected and appreciated.

For more information, please email.

WHAT: Karaoke Party!

WHERE: Emerald City Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, July 17, 9:00–11:00 p.m.

Emerald City hosts Karaoke every Wednesday. Doors open at 5:00. Order some great food, enjoy the drink specials, and at 9:00 p.m. join in on the fun and show everyone what you’ve got!

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FRIDAY, July 19

WHAT: Talk It UP

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Friday, July 19, 6:00–7:00 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 Weyer.

WHAT: In the Mix

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Friday, July 19, 9:00 p.m.

Come out and celebrate life with the hottest music, videos, and plenty of gay club anthems mixed in for good measure. DJ Randall Ellison is on the decks spinning dance, pop, electro house, Euro house, and hip hop.

Age: 19+
Cover: $3

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SATURDAY, July 20

WHAT: Drag King Show

WHERE: Emerald City Lounge

WHEN: Saturday, July 20, 11:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

This is a night for the ladies. Drink specials, prizes and the best Kings that C-U has to offer.

Call (217) 398-8661 or email for information regarding the featured headliner and reservations.

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SUNDAY, July 21

WHAT: Sunday Night Drag Shows

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Sunday, July 21, 11:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

C-Street hosts drag shows every Sunday, with different performers every week. The first Sunday of every month is Open Talent Night, hosted by Ceduxion Carrington, so anyone who wants to sing, dance, or give drag a try can compete for a cash prize.

 

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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.

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