MONDAY, April 16
WHAT: Parkland Pride
WHERE: Parkland Community College (Room X150)
WHEN: Monday, Apr. 16, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Parkland Pride is Parkland Community College’s LGBTA Student Organization that promotes social connections and campus awareness. Campus visibility and fun are our goals. Join us if you support LGBT Rights and LGBT Issues!
For more information, please email, or contact Kelsey.
WHAT: Quench! Developing a Long-lasting Ally Identity
WHERE: Illini Union (Colonial Room)
WHEN: Monday, Apr. 16, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Speaker: Michael Parrish, Division of General Studies
WHAT: Gay & Bisexual Men’s Group
WHERE: UIUC Counseling Center
WHEN: Monday, Apr. 16, 5:10–6:40 p.m.
Co-leaders: Rene Monteagudo, Ph.D. & Mark Patishnock, MA
This process-oriented therapy group focuses on issues relevant to gay and bi men, such as coming out, developing friendships, STDs/HIV, being gay or bisexual at UIUC, deciding whether or not to be politically active, dating, online/smartphone relationships, romantic relationships, and exploration of one’s identity as a gay or bisexual man. Finally, this group is open to other topics (e.g. depression, anxiety, etc.) not related to one’s sexual orientation.
WHAT: Look UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Monday, Apr. 16, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
Look UP is a group for LGBTQ and ally individuals to discuss the intersections between LGBTQ identity and Christianity in a safe, supportive environment. Discussion topics include: gay bible studies, responding to hate/discrimination, finding LGBTQ-affirming congregations, and other topics important to those in attendance.
For more information, please contact Mada.
WHAT: Illinois Pride Meeting
WHERE: Asian American Cultural Center
WHEN: Monday, Apr. 16, 6:00 p.m.
Illinois 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, Pride will attend a Queer-Asian Ally training at the Asian American Cultural Center.
For more information, please email Kyle or Josh.
WHAT: Nekromancy
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Monday, Apr. 16, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.
Every Monday, DJ SorceryKid, crafts 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, April 17
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, Apr. 17, 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, Apr. 17, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
This group 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.
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WEDNESDAY, April 18
WHAT: Beyond Gay and Straight: Exploring Multisexual Identities
WHERE: Illini Union (Room 406)
WHEN: Wednesday, Apr. 18, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
In this workshop, participants will explore the spectrum of sexual identities outside of the gay-straight binary. The workshop will cover terminology, myths, and misconceptions about multisexuality, and ways to be respectful of multisexual identities. All are welcome!
WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Wednesday, Apr. 18, 6:30–9:00 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: Boys Night Out
WHERE: Boltini Lounge
WHEN: Wednesday, Apr. 18, 9:00 p.m.
Every Wednesday is Boys Night Out at Boltini Lounge. DJ Randall Ellison is at the decks spinning Hi-NRG, dance pop, disco house, and oldskool, gay club anthems.
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THURSDAY, April 19
WHAT: The Rainbow Bookbag: LGBT Issues at School
WHERE: Education Building (Room 28)
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 19, Noon–1:00 p.m. or 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- Gain practical tools for addressing LGBT topics in the classroom.
- Learn about working with LGBT students and families.
- Hear the perspectives of current teachers.
WHAT: Among Women: Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, and Questioning Support Group
WHERE: Asian American Cultural Center
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 19, 5:00–6:00 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: eCISSA Meeting
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
The goal of East Central Illinois Safe School Alliance is to eliminate all bullying of LGBTQ students and to create a school environment where youth feel nurtured and safe to be themselves, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. All middle and high school youth are invited to attend. Youth participation is kept strictly confidential.
For more information, please contact Megan.
WHAT: Building Bridges
WHERE: Illini Union (Room 211)
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 19, 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.
For more information, please contact Harrison.
WHAT: Open Mic Night
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 19, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Every Thursday is Open Mic Night at Emerald City Lounge. Stop in early for half price appetizers and drink specials until 7:00 p.m.
If interested in performing on open mic night, call Emerald City at (217) 398-8661.
WHAT: Stranger at the Gate: To be Gay and Christian in America
WHERE: Community United Church of Christ
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 19, 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Rev. Dr. Mel White
WHAT: Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM)
WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 19, 8:00 p.m.
oSTEM is a student group open to and oriented towards LGBT students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Allies and those not in Science also welcome!
General Body Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. The 2nd and 4th Thursdays are hangout/homework sessions. Feel free to come any Thursday.
For more information, please email.
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FRIDAY, April 20
WHAT: LGBT Day of Silence
WHERE: Everywhere
WHEN: Friday, Apr. 20
On April 20, hundreds of people from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign community will join thousands of others across the world in a Day of Silence to protest the hatred, oppression, and prejudice which lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people face every day. Those who are silent on this day believe that institutions and attitudes should be inclusive of every sexual orientation and gender identity. Your silence on April 20 will encourage others to think about the voices they are not hearing.
If you’re interested in the history of this annual day of protest, there will be information tables on the campus’ main quad from 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Noon: Rally at Anniversary Plaza (Main Quad) with Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Mel White
4:00 p.m.: Die-In on the corner of Green St. & Wright St.
5:00 p.m.: Breaking the Silence Rally at the Alma Mater with Keynote Speaker Rev. Dr. Mel White
8:00–10:00 p.m.: Green St. Hug-In prep at the LGBT Resource Center (323 Illini Union)
10:00 p.m.: Green St. Hug-In on Green St.
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SATURDAY, April 21
WHAT: Bowl-A-Thon
WHERE: Old Orchard Lanes and Links
WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 21, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
The families group at the UP Center is hosting a Bowl-A-Thon.
Tickets: $5 per game per adult, $4 per game per persons under the age of 18, shoe rental is free.
For more information about this event contact either Melissa Reiman or Kerri True-Funk.
WHAT: Lesbian Attack the *Pajama Jam*
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Saturday, Apr. 21, 10:30 p.m.
It’s time again for Lesbian Attack Pajama Jam. Amy Myers will be your host for the evening. Play Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle, and take part in the Pajama Contest at Midnight!
Enjoy drink specials, Lollie Pop shots, dance music, and games with prizes.
Cover: $2, starting at 10:00
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SUNDAY, April 22
WHAT: Women of Pride
WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Women of Pride is a student group made for women, by women, as a safe place to gather. We educate the campus community of cultural, political, and other social issues related to lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender people. One of our goals is to foster a sense of community among queer women and our allies. We do this by meeting weekly for discussions, workshops, and events on or off campus.
For more information, please contact Heather.
WHAT: Sunday Night Drag Shows
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Sunday, Apr. 22, 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.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nominations Needed for 2012 LGBTA Awards
The LGBTA Awards, sponsored by the LGBT Resource Center, were created to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTA campus community at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. All students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to nominate their peers, students, colleagues, and co-workers for one of the awards.
Nominations must be submitted via this link. The deadline for nominations is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012.
Recipients selected for an award by the LGBTA Awards Committee will be honored with a Certificate of Recognition at the Lavender Graduation & Awards Ceremony on May 2, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
We are accepting nominations for the following awards:
- Distinguished Service Award
- Faculty/Staff Leadership Award
- Emerging Leader Award
- Ally Award
- Unsung Advocate Award
- Student Organization Award
- Outstanding Student Research Award
- Bridge Building Award
- Catalyst Award
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Are you an LGBTQA student graduating this year?
If you are interested in participating in Lavender Graduation on May 2, 2012 at 5:30 p.m., please send your full preferred name, degree title, and major to Katy Weseman. She must receive your information by April 16, 2012 in order for your name to appear in the program.
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Attention! Non-heterosexual and/or gender nonconforming people of color needed for a research project!
I am a PhD student in Social Work studying involvement in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and same-gender loving groups, centers, and/or organizations. I am interested in learning about motivations for involvement in these types of groups, as well as understanding potential barriers to involvement.
I am hoping to interview at least 20 adults about these topics. If you are 18 years of age or older, identify as non-heterosexual and/or gender nonconforming, and are interested in participating, please email Megan or call 217-316-4789. Being currently or formally involved in these groups is not a requirement for participation.
All communication will remain completely confidential, including your participation in the study. This study was approved by the UIUC IRB office on 1/20/2012.
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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.