MONDAY, June 18
WHAT: Bi Mix UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Monday, June 18, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
The Bi Mix UP group is an ongoing adult support/social group for members of the community who identify as bisexual or bi-questioning. Topics include dating, navigating relationships as bisexuals, coming out, and bi-phobia.
For more information, please contact Matt.
WHAT: Nekromancy
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Monday, June 18, 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+
*CANCELED*
Rainbow Lemonade Stand 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!
This week’s Rainbow Lemonade Stand has been canceled.
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TUESDAY, June 19
WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Tuesday, June 19, 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, June 19, 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.
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WEDNESDAY, June 20
WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Wednesday, June 20, 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 Rage.
WHAT: Tran UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Wednesday, June 20, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Tran 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 contact Leah.
WHAT: Boys Night Out
WHERE: Boltini Lounge
WHEN: Wednesday, June 20, 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.
WHAT: God-Des & She Concert
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Wednesday, June 20, 10:00 p.m.
God-Des & She return to Champaign-Urbana. If you missed them the last time they came through, do yourself a favor and get to Emerald City on Wednesday. This band is amazing, and I can personally attest that they put on a fantastic, high-energy, fun, and sexy show.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
To learn more about God-Des & She, check out their website and Smile Politely’s feature on them from last October.
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THURSDAY, June 21
WHAT: Talk It UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Thursday, June 21, 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: Open Mic Night
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Thursday, Month day, 8:00–11:00 p.m.
Join us for Mike Solomon‘s One Night Stand at Emerald City! Michael hosts Open Mic Night every Thursday. Stop in early for half price appetizers and drink specials until 7:00 p.m.
If you’re interested in performing on open mic night, call Emerald City at (217) 398-8661.
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SATURDAY, June 23
WHAT: Families Group
WHERE: Hessel Park
WHEN: Saturday, June 23, 11:00–1:00
The UP Center’s Families Group focuses on the specific needs of LGBTQA parents and children. This group provides separate programming opportunities for children of LGBTQA parents, their parents, and the family.
This Saturday, bring your family and join the Families Group at Hessel Park for a picnic, the chance to play in the fountains, and lots of fun with other LGBTQ families.
The UP Center will provide drinks, but please bring lunches if you would like, and join us for a start-of-summer picnic.
The fountains will be on, so feel free to bring bathing suits, towels, and anything else your family might want for water play.
For more information, please contact Maggie.
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SUNDAY, June 24
WHAT: Sunday Night Drag Shows
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Sunday, June 24, 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
Volunteers Needed
The UP Center is in need of volunteers to help staff a Pride Booth (serving beer) at Blues, Brews, and BBQ Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 (4:00 p.m. to midnight both days). If you are able and willing to help out, please use this spreadsheet to sign up or contact Kevin at (217) 550-4248 for more details. Thanks!
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Entertainers Needed for Pride Fest 2012
We are accepting interested musicians, singers, spoken word artists, and other performers who are interested in performing at this year’s Pride Fest to be held on September 8, 2012. Interested parties should email Kris with name, contact info, and type of act. Depending on space and availability, we do have some restrictions and may not be able to accommodate everyone, but we will do our best. The deadline to apply is June 29, 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.