Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: Aug. 9–15

WHAT: Same Sex Sunday Podcast

WHERE: Right here! And also here!

WHEN: Every Sunday

On this week’s Same Sex Sunday, Joe Mirabella starts off the episode with an interview of Congressmen Jim McDermott (D-WA). They discuss the hold up of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the House, Citizens United, how to end the war in Afghanistan, and much more.

Phil Reese and Joe Mirabella interview David Fleischer about his new study that “changed everything we know about Proposition 8.”

The American Foundation for Equal Rights is funding Perry v. Schwarzenegger for the Plaintiffs. Spokesperson Yusef Robb shares an exclusive update about the case, after last week’s historic Federal Court ruling overturning Proposition 8.

And finally, the Same Sex Sunday round table returns, and Courage Campaign‘s Rick Jacob, journalist and blogger at LGBT POV Karen Ocamb, California grassroots activist Sara Beth Brooks, Metro Weekly Senior Political Writer Chris Geidner, and GayPatriot.net blogger Bruce Carroll debate and analyze the historic week.

Check it out.

WHAT: eQuality C-U meeting

WHERE: Espresso Royale at Goodwin and Oregon

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, 7:00–8:00 p.m.

eQuality C-U is an LGBTQ activist group for students and community members. If you’re interested in helping in the struggle for LGBT liberation and equal rights for all, then this is a group for you!

For more information, please contact: John Kenealy.

WHAT: eCISSA Meeting

WHERE: Universal-Unitarian Church of Urbana-Champaign (basement)

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 11, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

The goal of eCISSA 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. This is the East Central Illinois chapter of the Safe Schools Alliance.

For more information, please contact Mitali Purkayastha.

WHAT: M Spot Drop In Hours

WHERE: The M Spot (Above The Blind Pig)

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 11, 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Come hang out with the men of Mpowerment. Play games, watch TV or movies, enjoy some snacks or just hang out. Bring a friend or meet new ones. Mpowerment is a social and HIV Prevention Group for young gay/bisexual men. For more information, please contact Carrie Keenan.

WHAT: Boys’ Night Out

WHERE: Boltini Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 11, 9:00 p.m.

Every Wednesday is Boys’ Night Out at Boltini Lounge. DJ Randall Ellison at the decks. FREE candy and condoms! $4.00 X-Boyfriend & Well Hung martinis; $9 carafe Long Island Iced Tea; $1.50 Miller High Life bottles; $5.00 Classic & Baby Mama Bellinis; and half price food specials (4–6:30 p.m. only).

WHAT: GAYrage Sale

WHERE: 2706 Willowpark Dr., Champaign

WHEN: Saturday, August 14th, 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

How would you like to help the UP Center and get rid of your clutter at the same time? Well you can!

The UP Center will be hosting a GAYrage Sale to help rid our members of all of those unwanted items they have around their home. All money made will be used go to benefit the UP Center, and help to make our dream of having a home for the LGBT community of Champaign County a reality.

For more information, please contact Carrie or Megan.

WHAT: Speak UP

WHERE: Email for location

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 15, 3:00–5:00 p.m.

Speak UP is a spoken word and poetry group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, allied, and feminist individuals. The group meets once a month to write, discuss, share, and grow in a safe, supportive, like-minded environment. The location of the meetings is kept private, as the meetings take place at a group member’s home, and to ensure the privacy of those attending.

The meetings are potluck-style, and attendees are encouraged to bring something to snack on. However it is not a requirement. Whether you are an accomplished writer or you’ve never written or performed spoken word, please join us!

For more information, please contact Megan or Peggy.

WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

WHERE: The M Spot (Above The Blind Pig)

WHEN: Sunday, Aug. 15, 4:00–6:00 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.

PRIDE AROUND THE REGION

WHAT: Gay and Lesbian Association of Decatur, IL (GLAD)

WHERE: Peerless Training Facility, 1304 N. 20th Street, Decatur

WHEN: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 6:30 p.m.

On the second Saturday of each month, GLAD has its social meeting and potluck dinner. The socials average between 25 and 30 people, including people of all ages—both men and women.

This month’s social welcomes guest speaker, Gary Sawyer, Editor of the Herald & Review.

The social starts at 6:30, with a potluck dinner at 7:00 p.m.

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Disclaimer: It would be impossible for me to compile 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.

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