Smile Politely

The Rainbow Connection: May 7–13

MONDAY, May 7

WHAT: Gothic Prom V: The Brass Ball

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Monday, May 7, 9:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Thou art cordially invited to our fifth annual goth prom, The Brass Ball, to be held at the Chester Street dance hall, in the Old Towne district of Champaign, cometh the seventh day of May.

Guest musicians are Scary Lady Sarah and William Faith as The Pirate Twins. And the honourable master of ceremonies, Gregory Kveberg, shall crown the annual duke and duchess before our royal court upon the stroke of midnight.

As this is a grand steampunk themed affair, guests are encouraged to don their suits and gowns of prized distinction. This event is sponsored by C-U Midnight Assembly and IDG Productions.

For more information go here, and read our interview with DJ Randall Ellison here.

Cover: $5
Ages: 19+

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TUESDAY, May 8

WHAT: Mpowerment Meeting

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

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8, 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 Social Group

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8, 7:00–9:00 p.m.

This group is for adult men, ages 26 and up. A movie is shown, followed by discussion.

For more information go here, or contact Kevin.

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WEDNESDAY, May 9

WHAT: Brother II Brother Meeting

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

WHEN: Wednesday, May 9, 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: Boys Night Out

WHERE: Boltini Lounge

WHEN: Wednesday, May 9, 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, May 10

WHAT: Among Women: Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer, and Questioning Support Group

WHERE: Asian American Cultural Center

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 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: Talk It UP

WHERE: The UP Center of Champaign County

WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 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, May 10, 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.

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SATURDAY, May 12

WHAT: Amasong Family Concert

WHERE: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

A kid-sized preview of Amasong’s spring concert. Hear songs from around the world, with drumming and plenty of room for dancing. Free to children under 12 and accompanying adults.

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SUNDAY, May 13

WHAT: Sunday Night Drag Shows

WHERE: Chester Street Bar

WHEN: Sunday, May 13, 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, IL (GLAD)

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

WHEN: Saturday, May 12, 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.

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.

 

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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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