MONDAY, March 5
WHAT: Queer and Ally Meeting
WHERE: Parkland Community College (Room X150)
WHEN: Monday, Mar. 5, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Queer and Alley 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 Queer and Ally, or contact Kelsey.
WHAT: Quench! Islam & LGBT Identity
WHERE: Illini Union (Room A)
WHEN: Monday, Mar. 5, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
Speaker: Faisal Alam.
WHAT: Gay & Bisexual Men’s Group
WHERE: UIUC Counseling Center
WHEN: Monday, Mar. 5, 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, Mar. 5, 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: Hidden Voices: The Lives of LGBT Muslims
WHERE: Illini Union (Room 210)
WHEN: Monday, Mar. 5, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Using his own life experience and by exploring the complex history of the Islamic world, Faisal Alam’s “Hidden Voices” strives to bring new light onto the lives of an often invisible and silent community: Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, & questioning.
WHAT: Illinois Pride Meeting
WHERE: Illini Union Rec Room
WHEN: Monday, Mar. 5, 8:00–9:00 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 we’re going bowling. Come out with us for bowling and pool, and it’s totally free!
For more information, please email Kyle or Josh.
WHAT: Nekromancy
WHERE: Chester Street Bar
WHEN: Monday, Mar. 5, 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, March 6
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, Mar. 6, 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, Mar. 6, 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, March 7
WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting
WHERE: Green Street Center
24 E. Green St., Suite 14
Champaign
WHEN: Wednesday, Mar. 7, 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: LGBT/Christian Open Campus Dialogue
WHERE: Illini Union (Room 404)
WHEN: Wednesday, Mar. 7, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Gay Christian Network (GCN) Executive Director, Justin Lee, will be visiting to facilitate an open dialogue about LGBT issues in relation to Christianity. This is our chance to listen to each other about our beliefs, our experiences, and how different identities interact in our world.
Information about the event:
- This is a place for dialogue, not debate.
- This is not a conversion session.
- This event is open to people of all faiths, sexualities, gender identities, and to anyone no matter their stance on LGBT and Christian issues.
For more information, please email Building Bridges.
WHAT: Boys Night Out
WHERE: Boltini Lounge
WHEN: Wednesday, Mar. 7, 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)
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THURSDAY, March 8
WHAT: Among Women: Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, and Questioning Support Group
WHERE: Asian American Cultural Center
WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 8, 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: Play It UP
WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County
WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 8, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Play It UP is a social group for LGBTQA middle and high school youth. Play it UP is peer-led, adult-supported, and an official program of The UP Center. The facilitators of the group include two board members and the youth seat on the Board of Directors.
Youth involved in Play it UP organize monthly social events for LGBTQA youth to engage in, including movie nights, putt-putt, bowling, etc.
Information shared at Play it UP is strictly confidential, including youths’ presence at the group.
For more information, please contact Peggy.
WHAT: A Visit from the Gay Christian Network
WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 8, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Building Bridges hosts this event. Gay Christian Network (GCN) Executive Director, Justin Lee, will discuss how to talk to Christians about LGBT issues.
This discussion is intended for people of all different beliefs. It is intended for those who believe in a god, those who believe in several gods, those who believe in no god, those who believe in a divine force, those who don’t know or don’t care, and everyone in between.
WHAT: Open Mic Night
WHERE: Emerald City Lounge
WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 8, 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: Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM)
WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Thursday, Mar. 8, 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 oSTEM.
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FRIDAY, March 9
WHAT: The Aggressives: Film Screening & Discussion
WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Friday, Mar. 9, 2:00 p.m.
This documentary explores the lives of six New York City women who define themselves as “aggressives” through masculine roles, behavior, and dress. The Aggressives offers insight into a little-known subculture and its impact on gender identity in our modern society.
Trailer:
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SATURDAY, March 10
WHAT: Out on Campus: LGBT and Ally Youth Campus Tour
WHERE: Meet at Pennsylvania Ave. Residence Hall
WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 10, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Come see what college is like for LGBTQA students on the University of Illinois campus. All high school students are welcome to attend. Free t-shirts to those who attend and refreshments to follow the day’s events.
For more information go here, or please contact Katy Weseman or Nina Gortowski.
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SUNDAY, March 11
WHAT: Women of Pride
WHERE: LGBT Resource Center, Illini Union (Room 323)
WHEN: Sunday, Mar. 11, 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, Month day, 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.
PRIDE AROUND THE REGION
WHAT: Gay and Lesbian Association of Decatur (GLAD)
WHERE: Peerless Training Facility
1304 N. 20th Street
Decatur
WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 10, 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 of all ages-both men and women.
We are pleased to announce that we will have Congressional candidate Dr. David Gill as our featured speaker for the March GLAD Social.
The social starts at 6:30 p.m., with potluck dinner at 7:00. Please bring a dish to share. A $5.00 suggested donation is appreciated.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Opportunity to participate in a research study on community involvement
Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or queer
- Willingness to be interviewed
- Being currently or formally involved in LGBTQ-related groups is not a requirement for participation. All identifying information remains strictly confidential.
Contact the interviewer: Megan Paceley, PhD Student, School of Social Work by email, or call (217) 316-4789.
(email and phone number are confidential and accessible only by Megan.)
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Do you know an Awesome Ally?
Do you know anyone whose support for the LGBTQ community deserves recognition? If so, nominate that person for The UP Center’s third annual Awesome Ally Award!
For the past two years, the UP Center has given an Awesome Ally Award to local individuals who have gone above and beyond with their dedication to the LGBTQ community. Although the past recipients have been chosen by the UP Center’s Board of Directors, this year we want YOU to help us recognize the efforts of an Awesome Ally. Individuals, as well as businesses or organizations, are eligible to win. Winners will receive an Awesome Ally badge and/or framed certificate and be formally recognized at Turn It UP (Friday, Apr. 13th).
Nominations for this year’s Awesome Ally Award will be accepted through March 9th, 2012. All nominations will be reviewed by the UP Center. Both the nominator and nominee will receive complimentary tickets to Turn It UP.
If you would like to nominate someone for the Awesome Ally Award, please send a paragraph or two explaining how the nominee has demonstrated his or her commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community. Please indicate whether your nomination is an individual or business. Send all nominations to Tom Miebach.
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Calling all performers! It’s time to Turn It UP!
The UP Center is preparing for its third annual Turn It UP! fundraising event. Turn It UP! 2012 will take place on Friday, Apr. 13, from 7:00–11:00 p.m., at 88 Broadway.
We are now seeking a diverse group of performers for this year’s event: musicians, spoken word artists, comedians, dance troupes, etc. This year we plan to devote the first portion of the event to youth acts.
We have limited time and space, so we are asking all potential performers to contact us no later than March 12. If you are interested in performing, please email Tom Miebach.
Please include the following information:
- Contact name
- Group name (if any)
- Contact phone number
- Contact email
- Type of performance
- Ages of performers
- Equipment (if any) needed for performanceIs performance content family friendly or adults only? (this is important for scheduling)
- Any information you wish to share about your performance or your group
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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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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.